2013 NFL Draft Big Board

The Miami Dolphins are still three rookie signings away from locking up their 2012 draft picks, but even that's not enough to curtail us from looking at the players who could be on the Dolphins' radar next spring. Now, bear in mind that my big board is still based on team need prior to this season--some of these players aren't going to make sense for Miami following the conclusion of the 2012 season. For right now, however, these players represent a major upgrade at several positions in Miami

We still don't know what new defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle will get out of Vontae Davis and Sean Smith, but David Amerson is a rare lockdown corner who has the size and speed to match-up effectively against NFL receivers.

2) Barkevious Mingo, DE LSU

Cameron Wake has a new pass-rush sidekick in Olivier Vernon, but Mingo is a virtual wrecking ball who does his best work with his hand on the ground. Arguably the most dynamite pass-rusher in this class.

3) Robert Woods, WR USC

The days of No. 1 wideouts in Miami are essentially over, but Robert Woods will become an NFL quarterback's best friend the moment he gets on the field.

4) Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB Georgia

A pass-rush powerhouse who can get to the quarterback regardless of defensive scheme. Will get plenty of Von Miller comparisons this season, and rightfully so.

5) Manti Te'o, ILB Notre Dame

The Dolphins' inside linebackers are far from spring chickens at this point, and a classic rough-and-tumble tackling machine like Manti Te'o could be a no-brainer addition to Miami's roster.

6) Barrett Jones, T/G/C Alabama

Provided that Jonathan Martin steps in and locks up the right tackle spot, the Dolphins' next goal in the offensive trenches should be to add a premier athletic guard. Jones can play any position on the offensive line, but projects best on the interior at the next level.

7) Eric Reid, S LSU

Safety remains the biggest hole on the Dolphins' defense, and Reid is a high-flying defensive back who can play centerfield or come up and smack the run.

8) Sam Montgomery, DE LSU

As far as I can tell, the big difference between Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo is that Montgomery is a little more of a classic defensive end--stout at the point of contact--while Mingo is more of a freak pass-rusher with outrageous upside. Doesn't mean Montgomery can't destroy quarterbacks (pardon the double negative), though. He's a beast in that department, as well.