First Round: Dion Jordan, Defensive End, Oregon
The Miami Dolphins shocked most experts by trading up with the Oakland Raiders to select Dion Jordan instead of left tackle Lane Johnson. This is not a slight on Jordan. The former Oregon standout is a freakish athlete, however many experts felt the Dolphins had a bigger need at left tackle after the departure of former first overall pick Jake Long.
The Dolphins had a different opinion. The selection of Jordan gives them an immediate impact player on defense and will take much of the pressure off of Cameron Wake in passing situations.
Second Round: Jamar Taylor, Cornerback, Boise State
The Dolphins had trouble stopping the pass last season. The departure of starting corner back Sean Smith had the Dolphins desperate to find a replacement. The Dolphins signed free agent Brent Grimes away from the Atlanta Falcons to help fill the void left by Smith. The Dolphins drafted Jamar Taylor in the second round to compete for the other starting cornerback position.
Taylor was a playmaker at Boise State and the Dolphins are hoping he can bring some of that aggressive play to South Florida. Taylor’s speed and quickness should make him an immediate contributor on defense. Taylor will be competing with incumbent Richard Marshall for the other starting spot opposite Grimes.
Third Round: Dallas Thomas, Offensive Tackle, Tennessee
Miami may have passed on Johnson with the third overall pick but they didn’t pass on adding another offensive lineman in the third round. Miami selected the versatile Dallas Thomas out of Tennessee. Thomas is seen as more of a guard than a tackle but he can fill in at tackle if needed in a pinch. Thomas has good feet and strength and will likely backup starter Richie Incognito at left guard.
Third Round: Will Davis, Cornerback, Utah State
In the third round the Dolphins added another corner by picking up Utah State standout Will Davis. Davis excels in man cover skills and brings a bit of physicality to the position. Davis will compete with Nolan Caroll for the nickel corner back spot. The Dolphins are clearly attempting to shore up the abysmal pass defense from last season. The additions of Taylor and Davis are a step in the right direction.
Fourth Round: Jelani Jenkins, Linebacker, Florida
The Dolphins are trying to close the gap on the New England Patriots and in order to accomplish this they need linebackers that can cover. This is precisely the reason the Dolphins drafted Jelani Jenkins. The ex-Florida Gator has the talent to drop in coverage and eventually can become a starter for the Dolphins. Jenkins will be a special teams maven for Miami and will likely backup one of the interior line backer spots.
Fourth Round: Dion Sims, Tight End, Michigan State
With the departure of Anthony Fasano to the Kansas City Chiefs the Dolphins were looking to find a run blocking tight end to play opposite of newly signed Dustin Keller. The Dolphins believe they may have found their man. Miami drafted Dion Sims a former basketball player turned tight end out of Michigan State. The Dolphins love Sims’ athleticism for a man of his size. Sims will be an instant upgrade in the running game and can develop into a solid contributor. The Dolphins hope Sims can play in their double tight ends sets alongside of Keller.
Fifth Round: Mike Gillislee, Running Back, Florida
The second of three Florida players drafted by the Dolphins, Mike Gillislee brings good size and ability to the Dolphins backfield. Gillislee is a one-year starter in college but has plenty of experience. The Dolphins are hoping Gillislee can come in and compete with Daniel Thomas for the backup running back position. The Florida stand out needs to improve his blocking to become a legitimate NFL running back but he’s shown the Dolphins that he has what it takes to make it in the NFL.
Fifth Round: Caleb Sturgis, Kicker, Florida
Missed field goals by current Dolphins kicker Dan Carpenter cost the team at least two games last season. The lack of clutch field goals has the Dolphins worried. This is precisely why the Dolphins drafted Caleb Sturgis in the fifth round. Sturgis has a strong leg and has shown the ability to drive the ball in field goals over 40 yards. Sturgis was a finalist for the Lou Groza Award and the Dolphins are counting on Sturgis to beat out Carpenter for the starting place kicker position.
Seventh Round: Don Jones, Safety, Arkansas State
Jones has good speed but will need to contribute on special teams in order to make the 53-man cut. The Dophins are looking to use him a corner even though he played safety at Arkansas State.
Overall: B+
For the most part the Dolphins came away with another solid draft by general manager Jeff Ireland. The grade could have been higher but the Dolphins failed to address the left tackle position. Miami seems to be content with second year man Jonathan Martin moving over to the left side. The Dolphins signed veteran Tyson Clabo on Sunday, Clabo will take over the starting right tackle position for the Dolphins.