By: Jason Sarney There's about two weeks to go until the NFL draft kicks off live from Cleveland, Ohio. In the world of social media and Dolphins Twitter mock drafts, the speculation has been running rampant, and the same has been going on with fan bases across the Twitter-verse. Luckily, I was invited to participate in an awesome concept with an outstanding collection of fantasy football industry writers and experts in a live-streaming mock-draft, tracked on Twitter and YouTube. In representing the Dolphins, there is excitement to go through a live, human-based mock draft with representatives close to each fan base with intimate knowledge of what those teams "may be" thinking, hoping or insinuating through rumors and smoke signals. Getting settled in with my coffee Monday morning and opening up the live Google Doc, I had my pick on my yellow post-it note and took it out of my pocket and placed it on my desk. Kyle Pitts, the only "no-matter-what-pick" I have in my mind in this entire draft. Yet, unfortunately as someone once told me and something I will never ever forget is that “the NFL draft as a living, breathing Organism that changes each and every pick.” There was an immediate wrench thrown into my plan as Pitts was selected by Nick Penticoff in representation of his Atlanta Falcons. Nick has since been un-followed, blocked and I have reported him to Twitter. I digress. Three quarterbacks went right before Pitts leaving Taylor Cornell representing Cincinnati with the choice of the draft that will ultimately determine my pick, clearly. The Bengals called Ja’Mar Chase’s name, wide receiver from LSU to reunite him with collegiate QB teammate, Joe Burrow. This lead to me having to make a drastic decision of pass-catcher or pass-protector. The pick was Devonta Smith, wide receiver from Alabama over Penei Sewell of Oregon because there are a number of OL prospects on my board in the next several selections and even rounds I would be considering. Why Smith over Bama teammate, Jaylen Waddle you ask? Well, this is a Ferrari versus a Lamborghini scenario, and all about particular preference and need. A crisp route-runner like Smith is what Miami needs, & lacks. Smith can create the much-needed "separation" Miami pass-targets have not shown lately, and can be utilized in several areas of the field. Nothing against Jaylen Waddle at all, but Smith is coming off of a Heisman campaign, and statistically, one of the most impressive seasons in college football history in route to a National Championship. He finished his Senior year at Alabama with a ridiculous 117 receptions in 13 games for 1,856 yards and 23 scores. In 8 of his 13 2020 games, he produced multiple touchdowns, and in four occasions scored a hat-trick or more. For his career, he has 46 touchdowns and a four-year yards per catch mark of 16.9, ncluding his bowl games. Coupled with Waddle having a slight worry with coming off of an injury, mixed with the special talent Smith is, I am less concerned of Mr. Heisman’s body-frame than others may be. There is little doubt both of these 'Bama Boys succeed wherever they end up, however it is the correct "fit" that could provide which player will have a better potential-career outlook. After a few surprises as illustrated on the TOP 17 below: I had a number of direct messages inquire about the 18th pick, as QB Trey Lance was sitting there. Dave Kluge and Chicago came up with a 3rd rounder in addition to moving two spots back to 20, to let them select the North Dakota State signal-caller. There was a good number of players I liked at 18, and a large space in between pick #81 in the 3rd round for Miami until their next pick in the 5th which is selection #156. Chicago played a bit of hardball and asked for the #156 back as well to round the deal out, and that is no reason to pull the plug, so we pulled the trigger. In obtaining another 3rd rounder while sacrificing a 5th, Najee Harris was still on the board and a perfect selection for the Dolphins to give themselves a dynamic-duo of play-makers to help a familiar face in quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Miami now has picks #36, #50, #81 and now #83 to look forward to in this Mock scenario, however…the 1st round was still going and there was a major omission of edge-rushers, so the phone was utilized again and a trade was made with the Packers and Brennen Rupp (@Royal_Rupp). There was too much of an enticing need and want to jump up from #36, and land a top-end pass-rusher. Also – the fact of making this scenario would mean Miami would have two consecutive years with three 1st-rounders was too good to pass up. And I believe Chris Grier will trade down, up and/or vice versa while playing the way the board shapes up. The cost of the Mock-deal was Miami sending the #36 and the recently acquired #83 (CHI) from the earlier deal. Miami would jump up to #29, which was used to select Azeez Ojulari from Georgia. In return of giving up that #83 pick, Green Bay sends a pair of 4th-rounders with picks # 135 and #142 to Miami to round the deal out. Miami now has a pair of 4ths, and entered the draft with none. So, at the close of the 1st round Miami landed Devonta Smith, Najee Harris, Azeez Ojulari, and has picks #50, #81, #135, #142 and a 7th rounder as assets, as well as all their future year picks and a full roster of players as bargaining chips heading into Day 2. With the second round underway – more coverage will follow in this #FFTwitterMock. Miami's 1st round following MOCK TRADES with CHI and GB Pick #6 Pick # 20 Pick #29 Remaining Picks: Check out the Fantasy Experts Who are ALL Terrific Follows on Twitter! Names Link to their Accounts! Thanks to all participating, and ROUND 2 on way! Rich (@FFmiz1)
Benny Ricciardi (@BennyR11) Jeff Mueller (@JMThrivePT) Taylor Cornell (_TaylorCornell) Jeff Haseley (@JeffHaseley) Chris Robin (@DetroitBeastie) Nate Polvgot (@JeNateJackFF) Bo Knows (@Bo_McBigTime) Stephie Smalls (@stephiesmallls) Matt MacCoy (@MattMacCoyNFL) Jake From StateFarm (@JakeParry34) Dan Thury (@ThuryBFF) Davy Goodman (@Davy803) Jordan Love (@RumboyzJlove) Matt Donnelly (@MattDonnellyFF) Dave Kluge (@DaveKluge_FF) Karl Safchick (@KarlSafchick) Evan Kerr (@Evan_Kerr_) JakeDynastyFF (@Dynasty_Jake) Michael (@aNellytics) Christian Williams (@CWilliamsNFL) Thomas Tipple (@thomasTippleFF) Cal (@CalvinandHobby) Daniel Harms (@D_Harms19) Dynasty FF Physio (@JVerzosa2) Matt Nein (@mnein9) LaQuan Jones (@RealDealFantasy)
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