Kiper-McShay Mock Draft 2017: Dueling 2-round mock from ESPN

ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Jr., and Todd McShay have released a 2017 NFL Mock Draft in which they both made selections for each team over the first two rounds. Calling it a “dueling two-round mock” each of the analysts made their picks independent of each other, and then added an explanation of the selection as well.

Jumping to the Miami Dolphins with the 22nd overall pick, Kiper gives Miami Western Kentucky Forrest Lamp. He writes of the selection, “Laremy Tunsil is moving outside to left tackle -- as he should -- which means a guard spot opens up, and Lamp is the draft's best guard. This one makes too much sense. Miami could also target a linebacker or defensive back.”

Lamp does make sense from a needs focus for the Dolphins, and he is definitely a possibility depending on how the draft actually unfolds, but the focus on defense that this draft should have for Miami makes this pick seem a little less likely. Like Kiper writes, Miami could also look linebacker or defensive back with this first round selection, and that does seem the more probable scenario.

McShay goes that route with Miami’s selection, choosing to have the team add a defensive back. McShay’s 22nd overall pick for the Dolphins is Ohio State cornerback Gareon Conley. He writes of the choice, “Conley has good tape, and his ball skills really stand out. His combine performance could vault him into the first round, after he ran a 4.44 40 at 6-foot and 195 pounds. Conley's length (33-inch arms) and experience (26 starts) will also be assets as he transitions to the NFL.”

Conley is not a name that has been linked to the Dolphins much in recent mock drafts, but he could be a perfect fit for the team. He has been compared to Aqib Talib, and Miami is said to be looking for cornerback upgrades this year, with head coach Adam Gase feeling like a team can never have enough quality cornerbacks. The Conley pick could be an interesting one for the Dolphins.

The Miami second-round pick is the 54th overall selection, with Kiper looking at Utah safety Marcus Williams. He writes, “Miami just signed free-agent safety T.J. McDonald, but he's suspended for the first eight games of the season. Williams was a ballhawk for the Utes -- he had 10 interceptions the past two seasons. His 43½-inch vertical was tied for second among prospects at the combine.”

Williams is a true, “centerfielder” type of free safety, which is what Miami needs to find to play next to strong safety Reshad Jones. It could prove to be a perfect fit for the Dolphins.

McShay, meanwhile, adds an offensive lineman for the Dolphins, selecting Temple guard Dion Dawkins. “Don't be surprised if the Dolphins continue their O-line rebuild in the early rounds a year after taking Laremy Tunsil at No. 13 overall,” he explains. “With 35-inch arms, Dawkins has the necessary length to potentially play tackle, but he lined up at guard during Senior Bowl practices, and that might end up being his best fit in the NFL.”

Like with Kiper’s selection of Lamp, the Dolphins pick up an offensive lineman to fill the hole made with Tunsil moving outside to replace Branden Albert. It is a solid addition for Miami, and it is a need. Dawkins does give Miami the guard they have to have this year, but could also have the flexibility to provide a backup option to Ja’Wuan James at right tackle as well.

What do you think of these drafts? Is one better?