2015 NFL Draft: Intriguing Options for Miami Dolphins on Day Three

On day three of the 2015 NFL Draft, need will go out of the window.  The Miami Dolphins now need to identify the best players available. If they fill a need, great.  If they don't, either select them and don't look back or trade down.  Either way, this is a very deep draft and the Dolphins should find players that, while won't necessarily become starters from day 1, will provide important depth and competition at certain positions.  Lets check out some of the best prospects available for the Dolphins.

Top Priority

Running Back

1. Jay Ajayi, RB, Boise State

2. David Cobb, RB, Minnesota

3. Mike Davis, RB, South Carolina

4. Jeremy Langford, RB, Michigan State

5. Javorious Allen, RB, Southern California

Recap: The draft still has some exciting players available at running back.  Top of the list is Jay Ajayi, but will his injury concerns and fumbling issues limit his shelf life in the NFL?  David Cobb, Mike Davis, Jeremy Langford and Javorious Allen could all provide the Dolphins with a physical back that can move the chains, but which one fits best?

Verdict: Ball security issues are huge in the NFL.  Mike Davis, Javorious Allen and Jay Ajayi all have those issues.  David Cobb and Jeremy Langford could be the best fits for the Dolphins.  I give the edge to Jeremy Langford, who has better speed.

Linebacker

1. Kwon Alexander, OLB, LSU

2. Zack Hodges, OLB, Harvard

3. Ben Heeney, ILB, Kansas

4. Hayes Pullard, ILB, Southern California

5. Jake Ryan, ILB/OLB, Michigan

Recap: Kwon Alexander and Zack Hodges are more of a pass rushing threat from the linebacker position.  This puts Ben Heeney, Hayes Pullard and Jake Ryan in the mix for the Dolphins.  Heeney and Ryan may lack the athleticism, but both have the smarts and instincts to thrive in the NFL. Hayes Pullard is excellent in coverage.  All three have the potential to play inside linebacker, and could provide quality competition.

Verdict: Heeney, Pullard and Ryan would all be nice options for the Dolphins.  I'm betting Stephen Ross pushes for fellow Michigan alumni Ryan on draft day, who may be available in the fifth round.  However, Ben Heeney is my favorite player here.

Offensive Line

1. La'el Collins, OT, LSU

2. Tre Jackson, OG, Florida State

3. Josue Matias, OG, Florida State

4. Daryl Williams, OT, Oklahoma

5. Arie Kouandjio, OG, Alabama

Recap: La'el Collins should have been a first round pick if it weren't for the recent shooting investigation.  Will Collins live up to his word and refuse to sign a contract if picked here, and declare for the 2016 NFL Draft?  Tre Jackson is polished, but needs to hit the weight room, and it would be nice to add at least one Florida State prospect in Josue Matias or Tre Jackson.  Daryl Williams and Arie Kouandjio round off the position.

Verdict: Josue Matias is quality in pass protection, but needs work in the running game.  He's a perfect fit for the Dolphins zone blocking scheme.  Tre Jackson would be a nice pickup too.

Best player available?

Defensive Line

1. Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio State

2. Grady Jarrett, DT, Clemson

3. Trey Flowers, DE, Arkansas

4. Joey Mbu, DT, Houston

5. Marcus Hardison, DT, Arizona State

Recap: Trey Flowers is the only defensive end candidate here, and projects more as a run stopper instead of pass rusher.  This defensive tackle group are very strong for day three picks and provide great value.

Verdict: It's unlikely Miami will draft here with the pickup of Jordan Phillips in round two, and the amount of depth the Dolphins have at the position.

Secondary

1. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon

2. Kevin White, CB, TCU

3. Josh Shaw, CB/S, Southern California

4. Gerod Holliman, S, Louisville

5. Charles Gaines, CB, Louisville

Recap: From a talent standpoint, Ifo Ekpre-Olomu stands above the crowd, but may need to be redshirted in his first season. Kevin White is a great prospect, but projects more as a nickel corner. Charles Gaines has good speed and ball skills for the position, but lacks physicality. Gerod Holliman is a true ballhawk, but needs to work on his tackling. Josh Shaw is listed as a cornerback prospect, but could project better as a safety.

Verdict: Josh Shaw is a player that really intrigues me.  He can sit behind Louis Delmas and learn the position for a year.

Tight End

1. Jesse James, TE, Penn State

2. Mycole Pruitt, TE, Southern Illinois

3. Wes Saxton, TE, South Alabama

4. E.J. Bibbs, TE, Iowa State

5. Nick O'Leary, TE, Florida State

Recap: The tight end draft class lacked top talent, but does provide solid depth. Nick O'Leary has had a productive season with the Seminoles, but had a slow 40-yard dash time at the combine. Jesse James projects as a run blocking tight end, while E.J. Bibbs and Mycole Pruitt look like H-back prospects. Wes Saxton has the athleticism needed in the passing game, but injuries have limited him.

Verdict: I have Mycole Pruitt higher up my board than most. He looks like the second coming of Charles Clay, and could be a real force in the passing game.

Wide Receiver

1. Justin Hardy, WR, East Carolina

2. Rashad Greene, WR, Florida State

3. Tre McBride, WR, William and Mary

4. Josh Harper, WR, Fresno State

5. Vince Mayle, WR, Washington State

Recap: Justin Hardy and Rashad Greene are two polished wide receivers who would work well in the west coast offense. Both should go early on day 3. Tre McBride has the size, but may need some seasoning.  Josh Harper and Vince Mayle round out the top five.

Verdict: Wide receiver still looks like the deepest position in the draft, but do the Dolphins need another prospect? Justin Hardy and Rashad Greene would be perfect fits in this offense, but I just don't see the Dolphins selecting them in the fourth round.

Quarterback

1. Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA

2. Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor

3. Brandon Bridge, QB, South Alabama

Recap: Only three quarterbacks have been listed here in what is a weak quarterback class. Lets move on from here.

Verdict: If the Dolphins want to add a developmental prospect and Brett Hundley falls to the fifth round, I wouldn't have a problem with that.

Which are your favorite players left on the board?  Which players should the Dolphins target?  Lets hear your views!

Alex Parish is an Associate Editor at The Phinsider. Be sure to follow me on Twitter@AlexParish89.