Doing a mock draft is more than a bit tricky. What the person doing a mock draft sees as a need the Miami Dolphins might believe they can pick up a free agent to fill the hole. The team might have different priorities altogether or lose or gain draft picks in a trade.
On top of that Miami’s hiring of a new head coach and coaching staff and their evaluation of the roster matters as well. The Dolphins still could drop from the twenty-sixth pick in the first round. San Francisco is still in the playoffs, and depending on whether or not they lose, the Dolphins could drop all the way to last pick of the first round. With all those things in mind here is the Miami Dolphins 2022 seven round mock draft.
Trevor Penning, OT Northern Iowa First Round #26
If there can be any consensus when drafting this low in the first round then Trevor Penning could be it. Keep in mind that this pick could drop. Assuming that Miami stays at number 26 Penning makes sense. He is considered a better run blocker than pass protector. Scouts consider his strength and attitude his greatest assests. Playing defensive line and tight end in high school probably helped his agility. His long arms are a plus in pass protection.
Despite playing at an FCS school, and the need to improve his pass protection technique, Penning fills a huge need. Miami has struggled to draft offensive linemen the past few years, and they could try to solve the issue through free agency. They could do far worse than Penning who scouts believe starts for Miami from day one.
Pick 50, Round 2, Finally Drafting a Running Back Early
Kenneth Walker III is a running back who many analysts believe fits well with Miami. He is considered a second or third round pick, meaning he has a good chance to be available to the Dolphins at number 50. His strength, speed, and vision are all considered pluses. The major drawbacks to taking Walker involve the passing game, receiving and blocking. How much lack of experience plays a role in his receiving and blocking issues and how much Michigan State’s offense played a role has to be asked.
The other issue taking Walker is the Miami has not taken a running back early in the last few drafts. Myles Gaskin stands out as the only failrly consistent contributor from post-tank drafts. His skills as a receiver have proven greater than as a runner. Do the Dolphins finally change their approach and draft a running back early?
Rounds 3-4: Filling Defensive Holes
The Dolphins next pick at 100 in the third round. After that they have 117 and 121 in the fourth round. They need help at edge rusher and linebacker. Zachary Carter, if he is still available, makes sense for Miami. His size, 6’4″ 285, suggests him playing defensive tackle. He does have the agility to be a defensive end as well. He needs to improve his timing as a past rusher, and diagnosing of plays, but his versatility could help Miami’s depth, particularly at defensive tackle.
Quay Walker makes sense for Miami at 117. He has the potential to help cover tight ends and in defending the run. If he can unlock the explosiveness scouts believe he has the potential to be an even greater assest against the pass, covering receivers downfield and rushing the quarterback.
Sterling Weatherford is considered a later round pick. He has the size 6’4″ 221, to play the run and pass. He has good ball skills. Coming out of Miami (OH) the biggest question scouts ask is in regards to the competition he faced. He did pick off Cincinnati’s Desmond Ritter and had two pass break ups against Minnesota. Given his size, versatility, and athleticism mid fourth round, 121, seems like a good spot for Miami to take him.
Looking for Depth in Rounds 5-7
Players chosen on day three are often seen as adding depth or playing special teams in the NFL. Considering the Dolphins will not retain Will Fuller IV and Devante Parker’s injury issues, drafting a receiver at 156 makes sense. Wake Forest’s Jaquarii Roberson could help the Dolphins as a deep threat. He does have a slight 6’1″ 182 frame, but if the Dolphins use him to stretch the field a fifth round selection would not be much of a reach.
Picks 200 and 221 in rounds six and seven Miami will look to add depth to offensive and defensive lines. Wisconsin’s Logan Bruss is strong and quick enough to add depth at guard for the Dolphins. His balance is a problem against pass rushers, but Badgers offensive linemen have often been better run blockers than pass blockers, given Wisconsin’s offense.
At 221, in the seventh round, Ohio State’s Tyreke Smith would not be a reach. The defensive end needs to add more strength. He has good play recognition and is a solid run defender, which on its own might put him in Miami’s defensive line rotation.
Buy New & Used Team Jerseys, Sports Apparel, Footwear, & Hats at SidelineSwap.com!
We have an awesome Shop, so stop by to take a peek!