Everybody has released their final NFL mock drafts today for tonight's first round. While it's impossible to read too much into these, certain people's mock drafts always carry a little bit more weight than those mocks done by others.
That's why it's worth noting that four of the best in the business all agree on who the Miami Dolphins will draft with the 15th overall selection tonight. Rick Gosselin, Mike Mayock, Mel Kiper, and Todd McShay all have the Dolphins selecting Florida offensive lineman Mike Pouncey at 15. Of course, this is exactly what I highlighted earlier today as what I hope doesn't happen tonight. But it also might make the most sense considering this regime and the value Tony Sparano places on the offensive line.
That's also why I have the Dolphins picking Pouncey at 15 as well in my own mock draft. I never said I would agree with the decision. But I would understand it - and basically expect it if the team can't trade down.
Of course, when was the last time the Dolphins had a predictable first round (outside of '08, of course)?
That's why it's also worth noting that there are other respected writers who see the Dolphins deviating from what many expect. Jason La Canfora has the Dolphins selecting Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick with the 15th overall pick. While that may seem like a reach, many today are saying that Kaepernick is a hot name quickly rising as teams may be looking to move up to select the very talented but raw quarterback.
Meanwhile Michael Lombardi also has the Dolphins taking a quarterback with the 15th pick. But the guy he believes it will be is Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett, who has been a hot topic amongst Dolphin fans for months now. He's a kid with the best arm and is the best pure passer in this draft. But he has "other" concerns that are scaring some teams off.
It's also worth noting that draft analyst Al Fronczak, not as well known as others but among the very best at predicting the draft, has Mallett landing in Miami in the first round following a trade down by the Dolphins.
Tick, tock. Tick, tock. We're just hours away until we know for sure what the Dolphins do in the first round.