Dolphins Mock Draft: What can Miami do to put roster over the top?

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Round 3 — Dolphins Forfeit Mock Draft Pick

Round 5, No. 156: Jaylan Ford, LB, Texas

The rest of the mock draft will go toward adding athletes and competition on the defense. Jaylan Ford, a pseudo-linebacker-safety, is the choice at No. 156 overall. The Texas alum is a chess piece of sorts for the unit.

Ford can play in the box and hold his own as a run defender, and with his block-shedding ability, there’s even a chance he could be a fun blitzer on occasion. His previous experience at safety allowed Ford to develop immense range in pass coverage and as a tackler at the second level.

The Dolphins need a defender in the middle of the unit that plays with the fire and vigor Ford consistently displays on tape. The “tweener” label is often viewed as a knock on prospects, but that is the selling point for the Longhorn standout.

A ball of clay at safety arrives to South Beach with untapped potential

Round 6, No. 185 (via CHI): LaMiles Brooks, SAF, Georgia Tech

Continuing the trend, the Dolphins add another athletic marvel to the defensive side. LaMiles Brooks, a rangy safety from Georgia Tech, has starting-caliber traits on Sundays. He just needs some time to marinate.

Brooks has a knack for reading passing lanes before they develop, using this trait to disrupt sure completions downfield. Furthermore, Brooks is a fiery competitor who thrives in open-field scenarios. Rarely, if ever, does he allow a ball carrier to shake him out of his cleats.

Miami wouldn’t be forced into starting Brooks immediately, but by season’s end, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio could have some fun packages designed around the Yellow Jacket star.

Round 6, No. 201: Nehemiah Pritchett, CB, Auburn

Nehemiah Pritchett checks the boxes physically, and he has a long track record of starter reps at Auburn. This experience is invaluable, especially for a Miami defense that could use reinforcements behind the starting secondary.

Pritchett runs well, has fluid hips, and thrives in zone coverage concepts. He is a willing tackler, even if the form is sometimes lacking. Additionally, the crafty cornerback has ball skills, as is evident by his 22 career pass breakups.

He is a worthwhile dart throw near the end of this mock draft. Who knows, perhaps Pritchett can continue the trend of Day 3 cornerbacks carving out roles in Year 1. The talent is there to do so; he just has to put it all together.

Frank Gore Jr. heads home to cap off seven-round Dolphins mock draft

Round 7, No. 240: Frank Gore Jr., RB, Southern Mississippi

Okay, so maybe the entire Day 3 haul isn’t entirely comprised of defensive talent. Although Mostert and rookie De’Von Achane held the fort down at running back in 2023, the former is nearing age 32, and the latter dealt with multiple injuries throughout his first season.

A premium pick won’t be used on the position, but why not swing for the fences to cap off this mock draft? The son of a former Miami Hurricane legend, Frank Gore Jr. would get a chance to go back home if this selection came to fruition.

Gore Jr. is more than just a legacy player, too. The Southern Miss alum is a physical runner with a low center of gravity, potentially serving as the thunder to Achane’s lightning going forward. The younger Gore also flexes untapped potential as a pass catcher, giving McDaniel yet another weapon to deploy on offense.