For the second consecutive year, the Dolphins you don’t have a first round pick in the NFL draft. But that doesn’t mean they can’t acquire a quality player with the first two picks, which are in the second and third rounds.
Here’s a look, in no particular order, at 10 players who could be available and could make an impact for the Dolphins in The second round when they make their choice, no. 51Friday night.
Steve Avila, GC, TCU
This would be a pick for skill and attitude, Avila (6-3, 332) is strong, aggressive and a skilled pass blocker. He made 15 starts at left guard last season, but also has 17 career starts at center. Avila’s long arms should benefit him on the interior. With the Dolphins, he would likely challenge Liam Eichenberg and Robert Jones to start at left guard as a rookie.
Jamhyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
Gibbs, a Georgia Tech transfer, led Alabama in all-purpose yards (1,624) while rushing for 926 yards and averaging 6.1 yards per carry. Gibbs (5-9, 199) wouldn’t give the Dolphins the workhorse they want in short-yardage situations. But he has plenty of speed and had a team-high 44 receptions last season, averaging 10.1 yards per reception. With the Dolphins, Gibbs, who doesn’t project as a No. 1 clear, he would fit between Raheem Mostert, also speedy, and Jeff Wilson Jr., a slasher.
Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
LaPorta (6-3, 245), perhaps the best line-blocking and receiving combination of a tight end in the draft, is the latest product from Iowa, which has become something of a factory with players like George. Kittle (San Francisco), Noah Fant (Seattle) and TJ Hockenson (Minnesota). LaPorta had 68 receptions for 657 yards and a touchdown last season and set the school record for receptions by a tight end (153). He would fit with the Dolphins as a complement to starter Durham Smythe and possibly ahead of recently acquired Eric Saubert.
Cody Mauch, GTC, North Dakota State
Versatility would be the buzzword here, as Mauch (6-5, 302), a left tackle the past two seasons, could be qualified to play tackle, guard and center. Mauch is physical, agile and athletic. Beyond that, you’ve got to love an offensive lineman who’s missing his two front teeth. Mauch could get an initial look at starting right tackle with the Dolphins, then settle in as a backup left tackle with an eye toward starting somewhere by next season, or maybe even start at left guard as a rookie.
Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
According to many mock drafts, this would be a second-round coverage. Musgrave (6-6, 253) played in just two games because of a knee injury, but had 11 receptions for 169 yards and a touchdown. He separates himself from other tight ends with his smooth running and good hands, which he combines with height to go up and catch passes. With the Dolphins, he’d be a Mike Gesicki type, which probably doesn’t bode well for his chances.
Matthew Bergeron, TG, Syracuse
Bergeron, a Canadian, has positional versatility at tackle, having played right and left tackle, and is believed to have the potential to play guard in the NFL. Bergeron (6-5, 318) has good speed and aggression and plays with good technique. With the Dolphins, he would likely be a backup left tackle, a position of need, with enough versatility to be a swing tackle and can be drafted as a backup guard. That’s a lot of value.
Joe Tippmann, C, Wis
Tippmann checks all the boxes for a stereotypical Wisconsin offensive lineman, meaning he’s big (6-6, 313), strong and skilled. He’s strong enough to dominate the inside defensive lineman and fleet enough to shoot. With the Dolphins, he’ll likely be coached as a backup guard with the idea of eventually taking over under center, probably not an ideal plan for a second-round pick, but viable.
Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan
Schoonmaker (6-5, 251) has good size and — something that could appeal to the Dolphins — is a skilled linebacker. He had 35 receptions for 418 yards and three touchdowns, showing an ability to catch the ball, but his strength is his blocking. The thought is that receiving it is functional. With the Dolphins, Schoonmaker would fit alongside Smythe, with Schoonmaker being more of a receiver.
Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
Washington (6-7, 264) might not be around when the Dolphins pick, but if he is, he’s a tantalizing selection. He is a massive man who is a skilled line blocker. He had 28 receptions for 454 yards and two touchdowns last season, which means he has the ability to catch the ball. But his power is in moving people. The Dolphins likely want someone with better receiving skills, but Washington’s role would be to play alongside Smythe and be ready for a bigger role.
Will McDonald IV, Edge, Iowa State
McDonald (6-4, 239) would be somewhat of an unexpected selection given that the Dolphins appear to be settled on speed, but sometimes the unexpected happens. McDonald had 36 tackles and 5.0 sacks last season. He has running ability and the ability to set the edge against the run, two valuable traits. Don’t discount your running skills. With the Dolphins, McDonald would be a second-stringer behind starters Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, giving the Dolphins young, fresh legs as part of a passing rotation.
()
