/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54523979/usa_today_9780294.0.jpg)
The second round of the 2017 NFL Draft is underway, and the Miami Dolphins have made their selection. Using the 22nd pick in the round, the 54th overall selection, Miami has added Ohio State linebacker Raekwon McMillan.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein writes of McMillan:
McMillan has too many issues standing his ground and leveraging his gap as an interior run defender and could end up outside in the pros. He might have benefited from playing alongside a slew of NFL talent, but he's active and plays the game with good instincts. He has the potential to become an average starter in the league.
He adds McMillan’s strengths as:
Downhill movement after the snap is his norm. Understands angles. Can outpace pulling guards to the spot with his play quickness...Plays with good anticipation of lane choice by the runner...Good zone-cover ability. Reads quarterback's eyes and slides into passing lanes.
He stresses some of McMillan’s weaknesses as:
Struggles to leverage his gap as a take-on linebacker...Gets trapped on the wrong side of the block...Tight in his lower half. Missing the quick, reactive change of direction to consistently secure shifty runners...Has some limitations in man coverage.
Miami has to be considering McMillan as the team’s outside linebacker opposite Kiko Alonso and next to Lawrence Timmons. The Dolphins did fill a need here and should be upgrading the defense with the selection.
Dolphins Draft Picks
Round 1 - Pick 22 - Charles Harris, DE, Missouri
Round 2 - Pick 22 (Overall 54) - Raekwon McMillan, LB, Ohio State
Remaining Miami Dolphins picks
Round 3 - Pick 33 (Overall 97 - Compensatory)
Round 5 - Pick 22 (Overall 166)
Round 5 - Pick 35 (Overall 178 - Compensatory)
Round 5 - Pick 41 (Overall 184 - Compensatory)
Round 7 - Pick 5 (Overall 223 - from Los Angeles Rams)
Dolphins needs
Linebacker- Guard
- Cornerback
Defensive end- Defensive tackle
- Safety
Other links
Chris Grier explains that Dolphins deliberately avoided Harris
Prospects who visited with Dolphins
2017 NFL Mock Draft (2-rounds via SB Nation bloggers)
2017 NFL Draft Schedule
2nd/3rd Rounds - Friday, April 28 - 7pm ET
4th-7th Rounds - Saturday, April 29 - 12pm ET
TV channels: ESPN/ESPN2 and NFL Network
Poll
How do you grade the Miami Dolphins selection of Raekwon McMillan?
This poll is closed
-
19%
A
-
42%
B
-
27%
C
-
7%
D
-
3%
F