Morning Draft News: Miami Herald Says Dolphins Taking a Running Back or Quarterback
The Miami Herald says that it’s likely the Dolphins take either a running back or quarterback with their first round pick, which happens to be smack in the middle of the draft at 15 overall. The Dolphins do not own a second round pick, so they could be looking to trade up or down to get the player they covet.
Right now, the most popular pick for the Dolphins that I have seen in mock drafts is Alabama running back Mark Ingram, who is certainly a likely possibility. Let’s examine some of the top players the Dolphins could target with the 15th pick keeping these two positions in mind.
1. Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
Ingram is our top back in the draft. He has drawn comparisons to the great Emmitt Smith, arguably the best back ever to play the game. Those are lofty comparisons, but Ingram has had a great college career against the top competition. He has a Heisman trophy, and has shown he can be a dominant force in a run-first offense.
2. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
Newton burst on to the scene as a junior for Auburn when he won a National Championship and a Heisman trophy. Personally, I think if the Dolphins want Newton, they are going to have to trade up to get him. He is going to be one of the hottest prospects out there after the Scouting Combine and his pro day. He’s a physical marvel and will be vastly over-drafted.
3. Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
Gabbert is a more realistic option for the Dolphins. If he doesn’t blow up offseason workouts, I could definitely see him falling to the 15th overall pick. The problem is, there are a limited amount of quarterbacks in this draft as far as quality goes, and if there is no new CBA, there can be no free agency or trades, so Gabbert could get picked higher than he really should.
4. Mikel LeShoure, RB, Illinois
I think LeShoure is vastly underrated. He would be a great replacement for either Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams at the running back position for the Dolphins. LeShoure is a rare combination of size and athleticism, and while he doesn’t have great breakaway speed, he will move the chains at the NFL level. He is a sleeper for the 15th pick.
Wildcard Pick
Jake Locker, QB, Washington
Due to the fact that the Dolphins do not have a 2nd round pick, they could definitely take a flyer on a guy like Locker, who was supposed to be a top five pick a year ago.