In the coming weeks before the 2010 NFL draft the Miami Dolphins have made a few attempts to fill the holes on the roster. The addition of Karlos Dansby improves the linebacking corps tremendously. He is arguably one of the most underrated middle linebackers in the game. The team attempted to improve to the missing piece at free safety but both Antrel Rolle and Ryan Clark declined amd signed elsewhere.
Bill Parcels, Jeff Ireland and Tony Sparano find themselves looking to fill the voids at nose tackle, outside linebacker, wide receiver, and at safety. Based on previous drafts conducted by the team the possibility that they draft a wide receiver in the first round is slim. The needs at nose tackle or outside linebacker will probably be addressed first.Should they look to improve the front seven the Dolphins have alot of options.
At nose tackle the Dolphins could select Tennessee's Dan Williams who has experience playing in Monte Kiffin's pro scheme. Williams would fill the need left from Jason Ferguson's recent 8 game suspension and Paul Soliai's inconsistency. He looks to be the most pro ready tackle needed to anchor the middle of the 3-4 defense. His arrival would help free up inside linebackers Karlos Danby and Channing Crowder to chase the running backs and make plays behind the line of scrimmage.
The release of the declining Joey Porter and uncertainty surrounding Jason Taylor leaves a void at outside linebacker. Cameron Wake, Charlie Anderson, and Quentin Moses all possess the potential to contribute but Defensive Coordinator, Mike Nolan needs more of an arsenal to execute his aggressive schemes.
Should Miami select a linebacker, first round options are Michigan's Brandon Graham, who lit up the senior bowl for 2 sacks and a forced fumble. He was a consistent force for the Wolverines. Texas' Sergio Kindle has more experience standing upright and shifting into coverage while providing the speed, and aggressive skill set to harass quarterbacks on Sunday. Some Mock Drafts have the Dolphins selecting Georgia Tech's Derrick Morgan who is a force off the edge but hasn't necessarily proved to be a fit in the 3-4 scheme. Michigan's Graham provides the best option due to his consistent motor, high effort style that more than makes up for his size limitations. Plus, Dolphins QB Chad Henne and OT Jake Long provide an inside view on a highly regarded college teammate.
The needs at wide receiver and free safety will likely be addressed in the third and fourth rounds. If available the Dolphins should select Missouri's Danario Alexander who had over 1400 receiving yards while catching 14 touchdowns in 2009. He possess the speed and big play ability needed to help out the core group of Brian Hartline, Davone Bess and Greg Camarillo. At 6-5, 220 pounds he has the size to out jump defensive backs and break tackles. His knee is being rehabilitated and progressing well. Teams may stray from selecting the Missouri talent due to health concerns which could leave a opening for Miami.
In the fourth round, Miami could shore up the secondary by adding a young free safety to compete with the current group of defensive backs. Utah's Robert Johnson is a big presence at 6'2 206 and could compete for a starting spot while contributing on special teams. He flashed potential and has the size and speed to play the position and run with the premier tight ends in the league.
The days leading to the draft will lead to all sorts of predictions and mock drafts about who Miami will select. Hopefully some of the mentioned names will be called on draft day and help get the team on track to compete with the Patriots and Jets.
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