The Dolphins have been pretty active this off-season. With the retirement of Jordan Cameron, Miami had a hole to fill at the tight end position. That need was addressed with the signing of veteran and former Dolphin Anthony Fasano and a trade for Julius Thomas from Jacksonville.
The Dolphins have also addressed needs at safety (Nate Allen, T.J. McDonald) and linebacker (Lawrence Timmons). Defensive end was also addressed with a trade for William Hayes but there’s still some needs to be filled in the Draft. Below are the top three positional needs the Fins must address.
Miami Dolphins 2017 NFL Draft: Top 3 Needs
Offensive Guard
With the departure of Branden Albert, the Dolphins are expected to move Laremy Tunsil to the left tackle position. What would’ve been a need at tackle has become one for guard. Ryan Tannehill, coming off of a poor 2016 season, is going to need a strong offensive line to protect him if he wants to have a comeback season in 2017.
Miami has a solid rushing attack with Jay Ajayi and a solid receiving corps with Jarvis Landry, DeVante Parker, and Kenny Stills. With the 22nd pick, the Dolphins need to go ahead and address the need for a left guard.
Cam Robinson from Alabama could be a perfect fit here. Robinson played tackle at Alabama but could find success moving to the guard position. Robinson is big and powerful and can help protect against the interior pass rush, as well as collapse the defensive line on run plays.
If Robinson doesn’t make it to 22, the Dolphins could take Forrest Lamp instead. Lamp is another left tackle but has the ability to also play guard or center. His agility and quick reaction could be a great fit at Miami’s left guard slot.
Defensive Tackle
As most fans will remember, unless you’ve already blocked it out of your memories, Miami was gashed up the middle by Le’Veon Bell in their loss to the Steelers in the playoffs. Ndamukong Suh is a force at the tackle position but he can’t do it on his own.
If he makes it to the second round, Chris Wormley could be a good fit. Wormley is big and aggressive, a perfect compliment to Suh. He uses his speed and power to bull rush through blockers and it led to back-to-back seasons with six sacks at Michigan.
Larry Ogunjobi would be another good fit for Miami. If Wormley gets picked before Miami, then they can focus on a corner in the second round and pick up Ogunjobi in the third. Ogunjbi is explosive off the line and good with his hands. Like Wormley, Ogunjobi has the speed and power to bull rush blockers and penetrate the pocket to make a play.
Linebacker
Miami has Kiko Alonso on one side and former Steeler Lawrence Timmons in the middle. The Dolphins will need to bring in a player to occupy the other outside linebacker position to strengthen that corps.
Reuben Foster would be a great fit if he makes it to the Dolphins in the first round. Foster is a vicious, hard-hitting outside linebacker who can drop back in coverage. Having to face Rob Gronkowski twice a year, a player like Foster could really come in handy.
Another option for Miami would be Alex Anzalone in the third round. Injuries are an issue with Anzalone which is why he should be available so late in the draft. If he can stay healthy, Anzalone could be a steal for Miami. He has the size and strength to challenge blockers when rushing the passer and has the speed to get downhill fast and make a play on the ball. His speed and agility also allow him to match up well with running backs and tight ends in the passing game.
