A few months ago Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel was speaking at the NFL meetings and he referenced the draft and develop philosophy.
It was a curious reference because that’s totally counter to what the Dolphins have done in the previous three years of the McDaniel era. During that time they built through free agency and trades, selling the future to win immediately.
Apparently, that “win-now” strategy has changed.
The Dolphins have 10 selections in this week’s NFL draft, which begins Thursday.
Here are 10 players that make sense for the Dolphins in the first round whether it’s pick No. 13 or if they trade up or down.
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Johnson, who might not be available at No. 13, has injury concerns. He’s been hurt each of the past two seasons (knee and foot). But his 6-foot-2 frame, long arms and coverage skills make him a Day One starter and the best cornerback in the draft. And with All Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey seeking a trade and Kendall Fuller, last season’s other starting cornerback, being released, there’s a huge need at boundary cornerback.
Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Barron, who would be a good pick at No. 13, can play slot or boundary cornerback, but the Dolphins would need him (badly) on the boundary. He had five interceptions last season, so he’s a playmaker, which is something else the Dolphins need. In fact, slot/nickel cornerback Kader Kohou is the only returning starter in the secondary so the Dolphins have widespread needs there.
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Starks, who might be a stretch at No. 13, has position versatility. He can play deep, shallow and in the box. His stock has been falling slightly. But the two-time All America selection is regarded as a smart player, which in football terms means he can be trusted to get everyone lined up correctly. He could last until pick No. 20.
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Emmanwori is a hulking player (6-3, 220) who has good ball skills but might need to tighten up his focus. Selecting him at No. 13 would be a bit too early but Emmanwori is a versatile piece who can play the run and defend tight ends. Emmanwori’s stock has been rising since the NFL scouting combine. He could probably be selected as late as the early 20s.
Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
Banks was a left tackle in college but he projects as a guard in the NFL due to relatively short arms (33 1/2 inches; NFL preference is 34 inches). For Dolphins purposes, Banks, who would be drafted as a guard is a concern because he’s never played guard and because his pass protection needs work. Still, he’d be a good “swing” lineman, meaning he could play guard or tackle. There’s a chance he goes in the top 10.
Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
Harmon, who’d be over-drafted at No. 13, is a strong player who can control the line of scrimmage by shoving offensive linemen into the backfield. He’s a better run stopper than pass rusher but he had 5.0 sacks last season. Toughness is among his best assets, and something the Dolphins could use. He could be selected in the upper 20s of the first round, perhaps as late as pick No. 27 or 28.
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Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
This is largely a fantasy. There’s almost no way Warren, the do-it-all best player available, will be there for the Dolphins at No. 13. The Dolphins return Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith. Warren (104 receptions, 1,233 yards, 8 TDs) is a different breed, though. He can line up in the slot or in-line, he can get open against safeties or linebackers, he has great hands, great feet and is a near can’t-miss prospect. Still, he’d be a luxury, not a need.
Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Grant (6-4, 331) is a big-bodied run stuffer who could play nose tackle or defensive tackle, both of which are needs for the Dolphins. The Dolphins would be wise to trade down to acquire Grant, who could likely be selected in the mid 20s or upper 20s of the first round. Some say he fed off of playing alongside Mason Graham, but Grant is a legit first-round player.
Grey Zabel, G-T, North Dakota State
Zabel, who has position versatility, is a small-school prospect who will likely be selected in the mid to upper 20s of the first round. Zabel is known for his toughness, a trait the Dolphins lack. But his short arms (32”) almost require him to play inside. With the Dolphins, Zabel would be a starting guard and backup center.
Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi
Nolen (6-4, 296) is a space-eater who can beat man-to-man blocks and tie up double teams. Nolen has lots of athleticism, which is how he beats blocks. He’ll likely be selected in the lower 20s, possibly because his pass rush needs work, which is the case for his fundamentals.
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