Houtz’s way too early 7-round mock draft

Prior to the combine and free agency, mock drafts are rather pointless. It’s essentially a guessing game, like trying to figure out how many pieces of candy fill a mason jar at your employee Christmas party. However, trying to play GM is fun, and the folks over at Fanspeak make it easy for everyone. In my first “mock draft” of the year, I fill several needs for the Dolphins, while leaving other positions untouched.

ENJOY!

Round 1, Pick 22

EDGE, Taco Charlton

I did a nice little write up on Taco Charlton last month, where I was enamored by his skill set as a 4-3 defensive end. Sure, he’s still developing, and could need time to translate to the NFL. However, he’s a menace as a pass rusher, and holds his own against the run. Pairing Taco opposite of Pro-Bowl defensive end, Cameron Wake, could spell trouble for opposing quarterbacks.

Round 2, Pick 22

Linebacker, Raekwon McMillan

McMillan is an ideal 4-3 MLB, and would transition seamlessly into the middle of the Dolphins’ linebacking core. Drafting McMillan would allow Kiko to move outside, upgrading two positions with one pick. Furthermore, McMillan possesses great instincts against the run, and remains an upgrade against the pass. With a good combine, McMillan could move into the first round.

Round 3, Pick 24

Center, Ethan Pocic

If the Dolphins don’t already know by now, relying on Mike Pouncey to finish a full 16-game season is extremely foolish. Pocic could play at center or guard, and help a Dolphins’ offensive line that ranked 30th in the NFL in 2016. Miami reached out to Pocic at the Senior Bowl, a player they will surely have on their radar come April.

Round 5, Pick 22

EDGE, Ejuan Price

Miami needs help on the defensive line, and do-it-all defensive lineman Ejuan Price would be the perfect fit in Matt Burke’s 4-3 defense. As one of the Panther’s top defensive players, Price proved to be one of college football’s elite pass rushers. Miami is in dire need of defensive line depth, and Ejuan Price could help the Dolphins immediately.

Round 5, Pick 32

WR, Trent Taylor

The Dolphins could lose wide receiver Kenny Stills in free agency, which would force the team to look elsewhere at wide receiver. Miami has shown interest in Louisiana Tech wide receiver Trent Taylor at the Senior Bowl, and his skill set could fit nicely in Adam Gase’s offense.

Round 5, Pick 40

CB, Damontae Kazee

In a league where it is more and more difficult to stop the pass, the Dolphins could use added depth at the cornerback position. Although he lacks ideal size, Kazee is a playmaker that could immediately compete for playing time in the team’s secondary. Bobby McCain has had his ups and downs, and Kazee could be an upgrade over the nickle cornerback.

Round 6, Pick 22

LB, Ben Boulware

Miami needs all the help they can get at linebacker, and Ben Boulware brings the toughness the team so desperately needs. Boulware was a nightmare in the national championship game, moving from sideline to sideline. He would be a perfect fit in the middle of the Dolphins’ defense, and added depth at a position the team so desperately needs.

Round 7, Pick 22

QB, Chad Kelly

Despite his off the field issues, Chad Kelly has the make up of an NFL quarterback. He’s still a bit raw, and coming off a significant knee injury. However, with questions surrounding Tannehill’s knee, Gase will certainly look for a young quarterback to develop behind the Dolphins’ franchise quarterback. Chad Kelly could be that guy.

Please don’t hesitate to tell me how much you love, hate, or despise this mock in the comments.