SB Nation Writers Mock Draft: Round 1, Pick #25

No. 25

MIAMI DOLPHINS Pick by The Phinsider Darius Butler Cornerback Connecticut

In our pick re-do, arguably no team got the shaft like Miami. First the team had a top-flight cornerback in Vontae Davis. Now, it's a decent consolation prize.

There are three ways the Dolphins are going to go with their first round pick.  They could take a pass-rushing OLB – but with Robert Ayers, Connor Barwin, and Michael Johnson as the three top guys left at that position, I’ll pass.  They could take a wide receiver here, too – especially with Kenny Britt and Hakeem Nicks still on the board.  But I just don’t see that as a pressing need – especially when one of my favorite prospects in the entire draft remains on the board at a position of huge need.

The Dolphins must come out of day one of the draft with a cornerback – a player who could push to start opposite Will Allen right from the moment he walks through those doors.  And UConn’s Darius Butler fits that criteria.  He ran the fastest 40 among all corners at the Combine (4.46) and then improved his time to a 4.38 at his pro day, according to Mike Mayock.  Butler possesses the best footwork among all corners in the draft and he probably has the most fluid hips – allowing him to change directions and to turn and run effortlessly.  Combine all that with his natural instincts and ball skills (and his ridiculous 43 inch vertical leap), and it’s easy to see why the Dolphins would be hard pressed to pass on this kid.

MTD thoughts: While he is no Vontae Davis, Butler is a very good cornerback who will fit nicely in Miami's scheme. He fits the mold of a Bill Parcells cornerback and could become a very good player.

Mocking the Draft's Top Five Remaining Prospects - RB Chris Wells, QB Mark Sanchez, DE Michael Johnson, RB LeSean McCoy, OT Phil Loadholt

Note: This is an updated pick following the Jay Cutler trade.