Miami Dolphins 1st Round Options: 2013 NFL Draft

Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Dolphins haven’t had a true franchise QB since Dan Marino retired. Their front office finally thinks they have one in Ryan Tannehill. While they let Reggie Bush go to the Lions this offseason and Jake Long to the Rams, they got him some weapons in deep ball threat Mike Wallace and Brandon Gibson, along with resigning Brian Hartline. On defense they replaced Kevin Burnett and Karlos Dansby with Philip Wheeler and Dannell Ellerbe. They also lost their starting CB Sean Smith to the Chiefs. The Dolphins went 7-9 last year and 5-3 at home. The road wins should come with more experience for Tannehill along with him getting some weapons on the outside.

Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl south squad offensive lineman Lane Johnson of Oklahoma (69) against the Senior Bowl north squad during the first half of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Lane Johnson – The Dolphins selected an OT last year in the draft in Jonathan Martin, however they still had Jake Long to pair with him last year. Long has since moved on to the Rams and the Dolphins have a hole at OT. Martin played well when he filled in for Long at LT so they can either move him there or if they feel more comfortable with him at RT they can instantly plug Johnson in at LT. Johnson is the most athletic OT that will be taken in the first round and would be an instant starter on the Dolphins. This will help keep Tannehill upright long enough to hit Wallace on those deep throws.

Sept 22, 2012; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Xavier Rhodes (27) during the game against the Clemson Tigers at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

Xavier Rhodes – Last year the Dolphins traded off their best corner in Vontae Davis. Well this year they again let their best corner go, this time Sean Smith signed with the Chiefs in free agency. They still have Richard Marshall coming back, but he just isn’t that good. Rhodes can come in and from day one compete physically. He already has a NFL body and is as physical as any CB in this draft. He likes to press and keep his hands on the WR all the way down the field. He fights for position and the ball very well. He can be a little over aggressive at times which can cause him to get pass interference and illegal contact penalties.