2011 NFL Draft Needs: Miami Dolphins

by Matthew Fairburn on Feb 25, 2011 7:29 PM EST in Mocking the AFC East

Entering the 2010 season, the Miami Dolphins were a young ascending team with aspirations of winning the AFC East. Another year and another losing season later the Dolphins are caught in limbo. Miami has been building a strong roster, but they have a big question mark under center in Chad Henne. In addition, Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are both free agents this offseason.

The Dolphins also have issues with their secondary. Chris Clemons is a liability in coverage and Miami also lacks a reliable nickel corner. They could also use a solid rush linebacker to add to their front seven as well.

1. Quarterback - Chad Henne has all of the upside in the world, but he has underperformed throughout his career in Miami. He is running out of chances to prove his worth. If a potential franchise quarterback is on the board with the 15th overall pick, the Dolphins will have a hard time passing on the opportunity to secure their future. Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert will likely be off the board by the time Miami is on the clock. Jake Locker and Ryan Mallett would be considered reaches in the middle of the first round, so a second round option like Christian Ponder could be the better option.

2. Running Back - Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are both free agents. The Dolphins won't be able to retain both of them. They will need to add some young talent in the backfield to replace on or both of their running backs. Mark Ingram is a popular pick for the Dolphins at number 16. He would be an instant impact player for Miami.

3. Safety - As previously mentioned, Chris Clemons is a major liability in coverage for the Miami Dolphins. He is easily the weakest link on Miami's defense and needs to be replaced. In addition to improving the pass rush, the secondary needs to be fixed if the Dolphins want to take down Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

Poll

What is the Dolphins biggest offseason need?

Quarterback

178 votes

Running Back

138 votes

Safety

25 votes

Other (Explain in Comments)

28 votes

369 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Safety?

I understand your concern; Clemons was definitely up and down, and isn’t the playmaker we all want (need). But FS definitely isn’t our top priority either, obviously. I think Reshad could be the guy at FS or groomed to play SS when Bell runs out of gas. I agree that someone else should be brought in to compete, but its a little early to give up on Clemons/Jones. As much as i hated the thought of it before, our best bet would be to get Vince Young and pick up Ingram. I HATED the idea of drafting Ingram at 15 when we can get others later, but he’s such a class act and workhorse, i dont see the FO passing. I like the idea of Casey matthews in the 3rd round (as i think he’ll climb out of the current 5th round projection) IF (big IF) we can shore up the OL somewhere else.

by Fintastic4andMore on Feb 25, 2011 8:37 PM EST reply actions

I think we need to take Ingram #15.

Casey Matthews seems overrated to me. It seems like his stock has been rising the last month becuase of his last name rather than whats actually important. I do believe Casey can be a solid NFL contributor, but I dont know if he’s a future leader on the front 7. I wouldnt be dissapointed if Ireland took him 3rd round but I guarantee there will be better players on the board.

I gots to put the team on my back, doo.

by BlackPack-fan on Feb 25, 2011 9:31 PM EST up reply actions

I see what you mean

Matthews isn’t very fast, which i didn’t realize until recently, so i understand where you are coming from. he’s just a player who gets “it” but i would want him to replace Crowder. sad thing is, the only reason i want Crowder out is because of his lack of speed…so it doesn’t really pan out. Still think he’ll be one heck of a football player, name aside.

by Fintastic4andMore on Feb 26, 2011 2:41 AM EST up reply actions