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Last week, I posted my position mock draft for the Miami Dolphins. If you missed it, you can click here to take a look. As we move closer to the draft, I'll be updating the mock draft each to include who I think the Dolphins will select in that round. As more information comes out, I may even change the position that I think the Dolphins will attack in a particular round. Today, I've added player names to rounds one and two and made a position change in round seven. Next week, I will put names in round three and four and possibly tweak rounds five, six and seven.
Round 1: C.J. Mosley - Linebacker
There is so much talk about the Dolphins selecting a right tackle in the first round. The problem is though that this draft is extremely deep and a solid right tackle can be found in a later round. At the end of the day, the right tackle isn't going to win the team any games in crunch time. In addition, a right tackle can be helped by a running back (Knowshown Moreno) and/or a good blocking tight end in pass protection. With a linebacker, you will get someone who can shut down the run in crunch time, make a huge sack in crunch time, and/or break up a pass in crunch time.
While I would love tight end Eric Ebron to fall to this spot, I don't see it happening so the Dolphins best bet would be to draft a linebacker. That linebacker is insider linebacker C.J. Mosley. It is being reported in several inner circles that the Dolphins are in love with Mosley and would love to add him to the team and for good reason. Mosley has great instincts and is very fluid on the field. He can break through blocks and get to the ball quickly. While his tackling isn't always consistent, his instincts more than make up for it as he rarely makes a mental mistake. Interesting enough, some have compared Mosley to Lavonte David of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who general manager Dennis Hickey had a role in drafting.
In 2012, Mosley had 107 tackles, which was the second-highest total by an Alabama linebacker in the past 25 years. He had eight tackles for a loss, four sacks, and two interceptions. Mosley can be an instant impact on the defense and will greatly improve the linebacker corps.
Round 2: Troy Niklas - Tight End
The Dolphins got their defensive playmaker in round one so now it's time to pick up an offensive playmaker. A dynamic tight end who can get vertical, make the tough catches and make the defense worry about him would be a huge help to this offense. That person would be Troy Niklas from Notre Dame. In my original position mock, I listed Jace Amaro from Texas Tech as the second best tight end behind Eric Ebron. After watching film, I am changing that to Niklas as Amaro still needs a lot of work on blocking and some fear he doesn't have the speed to separate from defenders in the NFL. While some say Austin Seferian-Jenkins from Washington is the second best tight end, I am afraid that his off-field issues will scare the Dolphins away.
The Dolphins may have to move up to get Niklas but I think that he might fall to them. He has long arms and is a great blocker. His height and strength allows him to get open against tight coverage and will be a physical force to be reckoned with on every play. Scouts say that he is still developing as a route runner but with some coaching, he should be able to transition quickly. Niklas is smart as he played defense his first two years at Notre Dame before transitioning to tight end in year three. On offense, he was used in many ways with - whether he was blocking, a receiver in the slot, or even as the H-back. He can do it all on offense and would be a perfect fit for the Dolphins.
Round 3: Offensive Tackle
The Dolphins can select a quality right tackle in the third round and expect him to play right away. As mentioned before, they can help out a right tackle in many different ways with the running back and tight end. Some names to consider at this spot are Antonio Richardson, Billy Turner and Seantrel Henderson.
Round 4: Offensive Guard
The Dolphins signed Shelley Smith in the offseason to start at one of the guard positions. They will have numerous guys competing for the other guard spot. These players are Dallas Thomas, Sam Brenner and Nate Garner. However, the Dolphins need insurance in case one of them doesn't work out. Some names to consider in round four are Jon Halapio, Marcus Martin, Brandon Linder and Anthony Steen.
Round 5: Offensive Tackle
Doubling down on a position is never a bad idea as it creates competition and you never know which player will turn out to be the better pick. The Dolphins should do with the right tackle position in this draft and select another prospect in round five. Some players to consider are Cameron Fleming, Michael Scofield and James Hurst.
Round 6: Wide Receiver
The Dolphins would like to add some depth and insurance at wide receiver just in case Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson don't fully recover from their injuries by the time the season starts. Even if they are ready to go by the time the season begins, they will still be rehabbing and working to come back during training camp so the Dolphins will need bodies and guys to compete and practice. Some names to keep in mind in round six at the wide receiver position are Jalen Saunders, Eric Ward, Robert Herron and TJ Jones.
Round 7: Running Back
In my original position mock draft, I had the Dolphins selecting a safety. However, after seeing how they are looking to add even more competition at the running back spot in addition to Knowshon Moreno, I'm changing this pick to a running back. Right now, it looks like the odd man out will be Daniel Thomas. If the Dolphins draft a running back, the next one out could be Marcus Thigpen. Some names to keep an eye on are Henry Josey, De'Anthony Thomas and Storm Johnson.
Matthew Cannata is a columnist for The Phinsider. Be sure to follow him on Twitter: @PhinManiacs