Perfect Picks: Miami Dolphins
With the NFL Draft approaching we will be looking at each team and evaluating where they need to improve. In this particular series we will run a seven round mock using the Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator and find the ‘Perfect Picks’ for each franchise.
We will highlight four players that could help each team. This will feature picks 1 and 2, a mid round gem and a late round sleeper.
Round 3 - Zachary Carter, DL, Florida
The Dolphins will need to make every pick count in this year’s draft. With that in mind, picking up a versatile defensive lineman would help provide depth at multiple spots. Carter has played off the edge and as an interior defender. That means he could step in and spell Emmanuel Ogbah and Jaelen Phillips and then stay on the field, kicking inside on third down. His success at getting to the QB is highlighted by his 7.5 sacks in 2021.
Round 4 - Braxton Jones, OT, Southern Utah
I have great belief that Braxton Jones can become a starting tackle in the NFL. He’s a solid 6’5, 310lbs and his movement skills are excellent for a guy of his size. Yes, he’s from a small school and technically a bit rough around the edges but he has all the physicality to develop into a really solid player. The Dolphins are still searching for answers on the right side of their line or perhaps Jones can be the eventual successor to newly acquired Terron Armstead.
Mid Round Gem - Shaun Jolly, CB, Appalachian State
It’s only really size that is going to be the major drawback for App State’s Shaun Jolly. So far in his career it hasn’t hindered him. He has been a standout outside corner for the Mountaineers even though his 5’9, 175lbs build likely consigns him to the nickel role in the pros. What he lacks in size he makes up for in temerity, a willing tackler and a smooth mover he won’t back down in a battle for the third corner role in Miami.
Late Round Sleeper - Jeremiah Gemmel, LB, North Carolina
We’re sticking with the theme of undersized guys with North Carolina’s Jeremiah Gemmel. He plays much bigger than his listed 6’1, 225lbs, patrolling the centre of the Tar Heels defense. He is a bundle of energy with a nose for the ball. He got into the backfield to tally 20.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks during his college career and possesses the speed to cover sideline-to-sideline. While he is limited he is the kind of guy that sticks to the back of your roster as a solid special teamer and capable backup.
Draft In Full:
102. Zachary Carter, DL, Florida
125. Braxton Jones, OT, Southern Utah
158. Shaun Jolly, CB, App State
224. Jeremiah Gemmel, LB, North Carolina
247. Chris Paul, OT, Tulsa
