Miami Dolphins 2008 NFL Draft Needs
Written March 28, 2008 by Jack Jones
The Dolphins were not much to watch last year as the team started out the season 0-13, before getting their only victory of the year against Baltimore, and would up finishing the season at 1-15. The team is in need of change and a lot of it. The Dolphins have had a very busy off-season so far as they have seen 14 guys leave the team, and 12 new faces join the team. The team got rid of both backup quarterbacks and look to be giving John Beck the starting job as of now. The team parted ways with long time LB Zach Thomas, but has brought in players such as LB Reggie Torbor from the Champion New York Giants. So with a complete new look expected in 2008 we are not sure what to expect out of this team. With the #1 pick in the draft the Dolphins get first choice and need to land a stud. Here are our glaring needs for the Dolphins in this year’s draft and who they could possibly take with the first pick in the draft.
1. Quarterback
While the team looks as though it is going to give Beck another shot after a very poor 2007, the Dolphins will surely look for another quarterback in this year’s draft. The team signed Josh McCown for a solid backup option if Beck can’t get the job done. Look for the Dolphins to go after a quarterback later in the draft such as Michigan’s Chad Henne, or Louisville’s Brian Brohm, but we wouldn’t be surprised if they pull the trigger on Matt Ryan with the #1 pick.
2. Offensive Tackle
After cutting many of the line from last year, they were able to sign Justin Smiley to play RG, but are still weak overall as a unit. The team could really make a splash with the first pick in Michigan’s Jake Long, who should be a pro bowl starter for many years to come. The team could also wait till later in the draft as the draft is loaded with talent at this position. If they decide to wait they have two second round picks and they should be able to land a solid tackle and guard such as USC’s T Sam Baker and Oregon State’s G Ray Schuening.
3. Defensive End
If the team decides to bring back DE Jason Taylor they will be ready to start the season at this position, with both Taylor and Matt Roth. But the team could really upgrade here if they decide to go after Virginia’s Chris Long here, as he is the best DE in the draft hands down. He could allow Taylor to play some more linebacker in the 3-4 defense, or possibly Long could see some time there. This will be a tough guy to pass up on, but there are just so many needs the team needs that it might not have a choice.
4. Wide Receiver
The team traded away Chris Chambers last season, and has already seen Marty Booker leave via free agency. The team did bring in Enest Wilford from Jacksonville, but are still in great need of some help here. Ted Ginn Jr. showed some glimpses of what he could potentially become, but he is not ready to take over the No. 1 spot just yet. The team could land a solid receiver in the 2nd round. If Michigan’s Mario Manningham is still there they should grab him, but could wait and try and land a guy like Kansas State’s Jordy Nelson later in the draft.
5. Tight End
The team really thought it was bringing in a future star when they signed Green Bay’s David Martin last season, but he was far from being that, as he won’t likely play a big role on this year’s team. So the Dolphins will likely look to the draft or free agency to bring in a valuable target and blocker here. If they go to the draft, expect a late round pick on guys like Notre Dames John Carlson or Texas A&M Martellus Bennett.
Be sure to continue to check back as we will continue to be bringing you team-by-team draft articles. Also, be sure to check out our first round Mock Draft. Feel free to leave any comments you might have on the draft and each team’s draft needs in our comment box.