Miami Dolphins Mock Draft 2.0 - A balanced mix of offense and defense

Several weeks ago, I published my first mock draft of the offseason with some additional input from Matthew Cannata, the Executive Director of Content and Production here at PhinManiacs.com. 

With the first one out of the way, it's now time to move forward and continue with them until the actual draft. For the remaining mock drafts, there will be no additional input since you'll be seeing other mock drafts pop up around this site once free agency gets underway. With that in mind, I present to you the second edition of the Miami Dolphins mock draft. 

Round 1: NT Jordan Phillips, Oklahoma
Click here for a video breakdown of Phillips
The Dolphins will likely lose Randy Starks as a free agent cap casualty, and there is still uncertainty surrounding free agent Jared Odrick’s future with the team.  Somehow, the Dolphins will need to fill this gaping hole in the middle of their defense. How’s 6’6 335 sound?  Phillips is a massive body with tremendous athleticism.  He’s been seen doing standing backflips at Oklahoma practices in full pads.  Yeah,  that’s the kind of potential that teams dream of come draft time.  His massive frame will force teams to double up on him with their blocking schemes, freeing up the Dolphins edge rushers. If the Dolphins bring Odrick back with a new contract, this position could be found later on in the draft, but a guy like Phillips has the skill set, and size to plug the hole in the middle of the defense right away.  

Round 2: ILB Eric Kendricks, UCLA
Click here for a video breakdown of Kendricks
Another way the Dolphins can sure up the middle of the defense is the bring in a run stuffing inside linebacker.  Kendricks, 6’1 230, was a tackling machine in his time at UCLA, becoming the Bruins all time leading tackler (481 tackles).  He has great instincts, and does a great job shooting the gaps on the defensive line, something the Dolphins linebacking corps failed to do last year.  Kendricks would be an instant upgrade at the position and would allow current middle linebacker Koa Misi to move back outside to his ideal position.

Round 3: WR Justin Hardy, East Carolina
Click here for a video breakdown of Hardy 
When evaluating WR’s, a player’s production is often an indicator of their impact at the next level.  Statistically, Justin Hardy is the most productive D-I WR in history.  Hardy finished his career at ECU with an amazing 387 receptions, 4,541 yards and 35 touchdowns.  His 387 receptions is the most all time by a D-I WR.  Hardy has the hands to bring in all the throws, and a possesses a great route tree that will give the Dolphins the option to move him around in multiple formations.  Ideally, Hardy will take on Brian Hartline’s role, while Jarvis Landry, Charles Clay and Mike Wallace remain as the other productive members of the receiving corps.

Round 4: OL Ali Marpet, Hobart College
Click here for a video breakdown of Marpet
Marpet has always been a man playing among the boys in his young football career.  Watch as Marpet obliterates defensive lineman while in high school in rural New York state.  Mainly due to the lack of recognition New York state players get from D-I schools, Marpet was limited to playing at D-III Hobart College, where he continued to dominate.  Luckily, he was recognized for his production at Hobart and earned a trip to the Senior Bowl.  At 6’3 307 and strong as an ox, Marpet proved to coaches and scouts at the Senior Bowl that he has the build, and skill set to be a good NFL player.  If the Dolphins can’t land one of the top three Guards in free agency (Iupati, Franklin, Boling), I would expect them to choose a lineman that fits here in the fourth round.

Round 5: CB Steven Nelson, Oregon State
Click here for a video breakdown of Nelson
Nelson would bring a level of physicality to the Dolphins cornerback position.  His high energy, and high effort will make him a contender to contribute from day one.  With question marks still surrounding Jamar Taylor and Will Davis’ future and Brent Grimes eventual decline, the Dolphins will need to address this position in the draft or in free agency.  I think Nelson has tremendous value if he falls to the Dolphins with the fifth pick.  

Round 6: RB Zach Zenner, South Dakota State
Click here for a video breakdown of Zenner
Zenner isn’t an every down back, but he would provide the Dolphins a great compliment to Lamar Miller.  Zenner is described as a workhorse who will be able to fight off arm tackles at the next level and provide the Dolphins with some much needed yards after contact.  The thing I like most about Zenner at the next level is his ability to always fall forward when being tackled.  His feet are constantly moving, making him tough to stop in short yardage situations.  Zenner could use some more work as a pass protector, but can be coached up in that area in time for next season.  

Round 7: QB Chris Bonner, CSU-Pueblo
Click here for a video breakdown of Bonner
Bonner isn’t a name that you’ll hear very often leading up to the draft, and it’s very likely that you won’t hear his name called at all.  But once you see his physical tools, he’s hard to ignore.  At 6’7 and a cannon for an arm, Bonnor looks the part of an NFL quarterback.  Very Joe Flacco-esque in the pocket.  But very, very raw.  Playing at a D-II school will do that to you.  Last season Bonner showed his potential by throwing for 3413 yards and 33 TD’s with only 9 INTs.  He is the definition of a ‘developmental player’ at the moment, but with proper grooming and some exposure to a faster paced style of player could bring out the best in this big armed QB.  

Another name to look for as a developmental QB to backup Ryan Tannehill is Nevada QB Cody Fajardo.  Fajardo was used as a dual threat QB and could provide the Dolphins with a player that has a similar playing style to Tannehill.  

This column was written by Jeff Hyde. Follow him on Twitter: @Jeff__Hyde

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