The Dolphins' mock: Rounds 1 through 3

This Dolphins draft is as much about quantity as quality only in that the team has to find a way to stave off the Patriots with their legion of five picks in the first three round and the Bills, which have only three picks the first three rounds but are taking their turns at the top of those rounds.

The Dolphins have a first round pick (15th overall) and are not scheduled to pick again until the third round with the 79th overall selection. The Pats will have picked five times by then.

I gave this long consideration as I set out to do my Dolphins mock for the first three rounds.

Having thought about it, I decided the Dolphins must move heaven and Earth to get back that one of two second round picks they used in the trade for, ahem, Brandon Marshall. And that's why my mock includes a trade back for Miami.

I believe the Dolphins will have the opportunity to trade back and for my purposes today I am saying the trade back partner is New Orleans. The Saints, you see, are a team on the cusp of playing for another title. They are thisclose to getting back to Super Bowl caliber. And so they need quality, not quantity. They want to get higher in the draft to pick a more dynamic player, and likely a defender in this defender-rich draft.

So for our purposes I'm making a trade for Miami.

(Full disclosure: This is just done in fun and as speculation. This is not based on anything sources are saying has been discussed or will happen. Just want to let everyone know that because the Internet can be a freaky place.)

I envision the trade as follows: The Dolphins trade their first round pick (No. 15 overall) and their third round pick (No. 79 overall) to New Orleans. The Dolphins get the Saints' first round pick (No. 24 overall), their second-round pick (No. 56 overall) and one of their third round picks (No. 88 overall).

What does this accomplish. It gets the Saints nine spots higher in the first round ostensibly to pick a better player. It moves the Dolphins down to a place in the draft I believe the value for what they're looking for -- running back, offensive line, wide receiver -- is greater.

Yes, the Saints lose their second rounder. But they have two third-rounders anyway. Yes, the Dolphins have to drop back in their third round. That's the price of dropping in on the previously closed-to-them second round.

And so here we are, at No. 24 overall in the first round.

With the 24th overall selection in the 2011 NFL draft, the Miami Dolphins select: Mike Pouncey (Center) of the University of Florida. I hate the pick. And I love the pick. I hate it because Pouncey will never score touchdowns. But I love it because it is a value selection at No. 24 -- five spots lower than where his brother Markice went to Pittsburgh. I also love it because the Dolphins need a center to solidify their offensive line. The position has been unsettled since 2008. Joe Berger is nice but his best asset to the team is as a backup. Pouncey could be the starter for the next decade.

With the 56th overall selection in the 2011 NFL draft, the Miami Dolphins select: Daniel Thomas (Running back) Kansas State. Mark Ingram will be gone by this spot. So will Mikel Leshoure, whom I would think the Dolphins will consider in the first round but pass on because he's not a value at No. 15 nor No. 24 for that matter. So it's the next best guy on the board at Miami's greatest position of need. Ryan Williams is also a candidate here, but I just think Thomas is bigger, quicker and fumbles less. Don't hate.

With the 88th overall selection in the 2011 NFL draft, the Miami Dolphins select: Traiwan Jones (Running back) Eastern Washington. I'm more excited about this running back than the previous one, but this one is too risky to take in the second round. Jones is a bullet. He ran a 4.30 on the Miami scouts' stopwatches at his Pro Day two weeks ago. He is a home run waiting to happen and the Dolphins need some of those on offense and special teams. By the way, the Dolphins have doubled down on draft picks before, picking two cornerbacks in the 2009 draft. I hope Arkansas tight end D.J. Williams will be here when Miami picks but he probably won't be. I love that kid. He reminds me of Keith Jackson.

I know, I know, you're going to wonder why I didn't address the QB spot. Well, this doesn't mean I'm on board the Chad Henne bandwagon. If you read my columns, this blog and listen to my radio show, you know that already. But I wait to address it in free agency. I go get a veteran.

OK, that's a lot to chew on. And there is much work for you to do. It is your turn to give me your Dolphins mock for rounds 1 through 3. If you believe the Dolphins will trade, you have to use that scenario in your draft as I did.

We will do rounds 4-7 next week.

Go!

Comments

[dusty bottoms]

ben is 6'5

[DyingBreed]

oscar,

Another drive by uh? You should feels so proud of yourself. You're batting .1000. LOL...........

[oscar canosa]

And you better research your stuff , Dying Breed, before writing crap on Internet. Roethslisberger.

[DyingBreed]

I wonder why in life stupidity feels so fun until the rabbitt has the gun? LOL............

[DyingBreed]

Im just proud to feel Im important enough to have my own personal hater in here. LOL...........

[oscar canosa]

Most People don't lack talent, they are just lazy. Straight at you , Dying Breed.

[BT]

It all comes down to the trenches. NO Smiley, No Grove, no run game. R&R can't get yds when holes are closed up. We need two monsters, one at center, one at left g. Two monsters who can start day one. Then pick RB- RB- Safety. We need a real KR that can go the distance.Can Dobbins, Rivera or Spitler replace Crowder? I want hits,tackles, domination, not talk.

[DyingBreed]

Go fetch me some more bad news oscar wiener head! LOL...........

[DyingBreed]

Oscar's on my leash. Sickum boy! LOL..........

[DyingBreed]

Oscar,

I just dont think you're quite smart enough to learn to roll over and play dead. LOL...........

[dusty bottoms]

hope they release marshall.

[oscar canosa]

I think Dying Breed has to be either Omar Kelly or Armando Salguero. If so, why the hostility towards me? Because I speak the Truth and many times it happens to be right? No fault of mine. The only thing I can recommend for you is be reserved and thorough and precise in your work.

[oscar canosa]

Unfortunately for that analogy, Dying Breed, I was born with the Truth in my hand. However, some other People can do that task brilliantly. Yes?

[Darryl Dunphy]

Dying Breed..Question for you. Please put aside your personal thoughts about Mallet for this one. Do you think that Miami is going to draft Mallet?

I don't need reasons why, or why they may not. I know where you sit on him. But what are the honest odds Mallet is drafted to Miami.

If he is, I will pull for him 100 percent. I hope all the players we draft have significant contributions to the team. Nor will I say I told you so to anyone whos opinion is different then mine. Good or poor results.

[oscar canosa]

Well, going into another theme, Miami is on Fire at the moment and a BIG Headache for Homeland Security. Exodus in reverse.

[talberding]

If they pick pouncey, who can not snap out if the shotgun and is not first round talent screw this team!!

[Caribbeanfin]

Mando, Are you going to do the same mistake the dolphins did in 2008 when they took Long and missed on Matt Ryan? "Come on Man" You have to go for Mallet.

[dusty bottoms]

mallet is def not ryan. mallet has huge issues, throws off back foot, no mobility. choked in big games

[Cuban Menace]

Not Drafting Ingram or Mallet will be a HUGE dissapointment to The Menace(Though Iam used to dissappointment in RE: to the Mighty Phins)......

[Kris]

Dusty Bottoms...No QBs are perfect.....GOD doesn't make them that way....thats why we pay NFL coaches.....

and by CHOKE in big games,,,,were you refering to Mallett...or Matt Ryan..who is YET to win a Playoff game.....Even after a ridiculous Home record of like 20-2 or something like that....

[Oregon Dolphin fan]

Armando,

I like your trade down and 1st three picks. My only substitution would be a speed WR at #56 in Titus Young or J Jernigan. Solid G play, SPEED at WR and a V Green added at TE could really change what the Dolphins can do offensively.

I like the picks with the idea the Dolphins go after D Williams, V Young and a veteran G in FA.

Next year the Dolphins are going to have to find a RT.

[Frank G]

To dusty bottoms you hope they release Marshall you are a idiot. He was double and tripled teamed this year. One because of our running problems, Two because no speed receiver worth worrying other teams about, Three no tight end to stretch the middle and everyone knew who Henne was going to throw to.Some of the great players in the league get in trouble so what.If they release him which they will not it would ruin this franchise. I hope you are joking or drinking.

[dusty bottoms]

kris choking in college is alot diff than the nfl.

[greg z.]

it really doesnt matter if we get all the weapons we need in the draft. sparano is still the coach and cant figure out how to use them!! hw will keep it close and pray we can hit some 55 yard FG's!! we kept alot of bad teams in the game the past few years. i witnessed the past 2 games in buffalo;both were very embarassing to a fin fan.

[dusty bottoms]

yes im an idiot frank for wanting marshall gone. lets see first off he wont help us if hes not on the field. second hope u read the comments from fins players not to be named on what they said about him after this lastest incident. he is already a cancer

[Kris]

Dusty your right....Its way WORSE in the NFL......WAY WORSE!

PS.....

Peyton Manning was supposed to be a College Chocker too......

[Darryl Dunphy]

...Guys that are high on Julius Thomas. I think he is going to be a good player. With Thomas I think it will take some time, perhaps a year on the practice squad. Remember last year was his first real year of college football. He was an all BSC selection. But against the better competition in that conference he was totaly nuetralized. A non factor. He is no more then a 6th or seventh rounder at best. He needs a ton of developmental work before he is ready to make an impact on this stage.IMO

[greg z.]

actually marshall and dansby were two bright spots last year. dansby played at a high level on Defense. marshall couldnt overcome the ineptitude of henning/sparano and henne. the playcalling and offense were a joke. marshall spoke out;good for him. so did ricky;good for him. they said what the fans thought. other players either didnt care or were scared to speak out!

[kyphinfan]

agree with that greg; the dolphins knew about his past, and decided to take a chance, and regardless about the latest incident he did produce; also dansby was a much needed player in the middle of our defense.

[rye]

Kris,

Your love for Brandon is the truest example of love is blind.

Not only did the judge of the trial agree the bullets were meant for Brandon, but so did Brandon himself! Yet you are stuck on a police report which was taken at the beginning of the investigation, not the end. Marshall admits it too and you are still spouting about facts? Can't get more factual than that.

Also you can not get more factual than 12 incidents with the police in the 27 months after the shooting. 12 recorded instances! Does that sound normal to you? Those are facts your love is blinding you too.

I'm done on this issue, don't want to bother the other bloggers. Calling me a LIAR does not change the facts now matter how much you wish it would.

[DolFan Rick]

talberding, pouncey is very much a 1st rd talent. If they draft him, he won't have to worry about snapping because he'll be probably be playing guard...would you rather them draft another pat white or turner???

[Kris]

Rye......

From pages 2-3 and 4....

I have given you ample time to produce the Police Report stating that "the bullet was meant for Marshall".....

You HAVE NOT........

Lets close the case on this one......

You asked for an Apology when I called you a Liar....but you did lie....No such document exist.......

Now...they next time I see a post signed by RYE.....It should include and Apology to me.....in agreeance with earlier terms.....

Hope your Easter was enjoyable.....

[kyphinfan]

really rye; not to interject myself into your and kris's discussion, but are you really going back to that arguement you were having at 10 this morning? the rest of the blog has moved on just let it go man.

[MojoMark]

Mando,
Mando,

You've covered most of the criteria I have for this draft.
1. Trading down.
2. Addressing the interior line.
3. Acquiring speedy play-makers.

Any Dolphin draft that accomplishes that I'd be happy. However, since you've challenged all of us to step up to the plate and assuming your the trade-down scenario comes to pass, here are my first there picks:

1. Mike Pouncey (Left Guard). I want the musical chairs to stop within the interior line. This pick and top free agent signing could get this done.
2. Mikel LeShoure (RB). Russ Lande has the Dolphins drafting LeShoure in the 3rd round so perhaps you're both are wrong and we get a chance to draft him in the 2nd. Not the speed I'd prefer, but again we get a chance to double up if we sign Sproles in free agency.
3. Randle Cobb, Lance Kindricks or Edmond Gates, whoever is available. Speedy play-makers, whether that be RB, WR, TE, S, or even CBs. The Fins have got the beef, now we need explosiveness.

[DolFan Rick]

On the Marshall incident...Ray Lewis aint no saint but I would trade Crowder for him right now...and the guy is like 80 years old..lol.

[kyphinfan]

mojo i don't think randall cobb lasts much longer than early 2nd round, but i would love to have him if he did fall to us

[Kris]

Rye.....

The bottom line is you lied....

I would love to say otherwise....but facts are facts.....and the fact is....you made up and added information to bloster your argument....pertinet allegations....which if true should be easily found on the NET....

But they weren't true....and thats why they can't be found.....

If you post to me again.....it should be ONE OF TWO THINGS....

A POLICE REPORT....the one you so quickly quote......

Or an APOLOGY......

I won't acknolowdge anything else you have to say until I see one of those 2 things.....

[darrilo]

Everything I read about Mallett is about how great he is with the long ball. My concern is what about the rest? It appears his short to medium passes are not nearly as accurate, or that he isn't as accurate once out of the pocket. That makes up the bulk of the passing game, not the long ball. I'd rather see someone with some mobility, not necessarly like Vick or Newton mobility, but at least more ability to move around and make something happen on the broken play.

[dusty bottoms]

mallet isnt anything special

[Cuban Menace]

This just in: "Bryan Williams Of Nordic Trac Inc has just Named Channing Crowder the New Spokesman for there 5500 series Stationary Bike" I guess Ole Channing has decided to forget about football and concentrate on his first love, The stationary Bike.... Good for him..

[rye]

Kris,

When writing about the shooting, I was refering to the report on the case from memory. I have no way of producing the final police report, however when the Judge and the Brandon both agreed the bullets were meant for Brandon, I merely said police report, as in the investigation/case, thats what stuck in my mind. It is not anything made up as proven by the article I produced. Whether it was actually the police report or simply the Judge and Brandon corroborating, that was good enough for me to believe the bullets were meant for him. So its all semanatics, no lie at all. You however don't believe what even Marshall believes is true...so gee, that is beyond love, I guess that means you believe Marshall is lying too?

The whole point of this conversation was how Marshall can not be counted on to stay out of controversial issues that may jeopardize is playing time with the team, and the FO just may have to think twice about it.

Armando does a similar job of explianing the issue in todays article:
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/04/24/2182514/miami-dolphins-are-worried-about.html

To all, I'm really done with this one for good and out for now. I'm not a regular blogger here, I was just busy all day so didn't catch up again until now.

Happy Blogging........

[Dream draft]

Drop down a bit and pick up a second or third and maybe 4th and go

Mallet
Hankerson/Jernigan/Cobb/Gates Speed !
Taiwan Jones Speed !
Alan Bradford Big back sleeper!
Rob Housler skilled TE
Mana Silva 14 career picks, 4.4 time
Time barnes & Jake Kirkpatrick OL depth

Sign Deangelo

[JUSTIN CREDIBLE]

I KEEP HEARING THIS WORD VALUE WHAT DOES THAT MEAN.

IF YOUR TALKING ABOUT BRADY WITH THE 199th PICK.

DEVON BESS UNDRAFTED.

KURT WARNER PICKED UP IN THE GROCERY STORE.

WAKE FROM CANADA.

OK I CAN SEE VALUE IN THEM BUT I DON'T SEE WHAT YOU're TALKING ABOUT.

POUNCY WOULD BE BETTER VALUE AT THE 24th PICK.

NOT IF HE's PICKED UP BEFORE THAT.

IF YOU LIKE HIM THAT MUCH YOU GET HIM AT 15.

ARMANDO:

YOU SAIS SOMETHING I COMPLETELY AGREE WITH. DOLPHINS SEEM TO LIKE QUANTITY OVER QUALITY.

WITH THAT SAID WE WILL ALWAYS BE ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE PLAYOFFS LOOKING IN.

WILL YOU TRADE YOU VETTE FOR MY ACCORD COUP AND MY LADIES SUZUKI TRUCK.

HOW ABOUT A MILLION DOLLAR HOUSE FOR 2 TOWN HOUSES WORTH 250,000.

WELL THAT SEEM TO BE WHAT ALL OF YOU WHO WANT A TRADE BACK IS ASKING FOR.

ANYWAY

WITH THE 15th PICK THE DOLPHINS SELECT....

ROBERT QUINN FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF NC.

AT 6-4 265 POUNDS QUINN IS STRONG ANS FAST PLUS THE NEED OF ANOTHER PASS RUSING LB GIVES US FLEXIBLITY TO MOVE MISI INSIDE AND GET RID OF CROWDER.

I RATHER MOVE UP TO GET JULIO JONES BUT THAT'S ASKING TO MUCH FROM THE FINS.

BUT THIS MOVE WILL SURE UP OUR LB CORP TO BE ONE OF THE BEST IN THE LEAGUE.

WITH THE 15th PICK THE DOLPHINS SELECT....

D.J WILLIAMS FROM ARKANAS

AT 6-2 245 POUNDS WILLIAMS IS NOT A BIG GUY BUT HAS THE SPEED TO STRECH THE SEEM. THE BEST RECIEVING TE IN THE DRAFT. NOT THE BEST BLOCKER BUT HE DOES IT WELL ENOUGH. ALWAYS FIGHT FOR EXTRA YARDS.

WITH THE 3 PICK THE DOLPHINS SELECT....

TAIWAN JONES FROM EAST WASHINGTON

BEING THAT HE DIDN't GO TO A TOP PROGRAM I THINK HE WILL DROP. PROJECTED AS A 4-5 ROUNDER I DON't SEE THE "VALUE" GETTING HIM IN THE 3rd.(LOL).

[cocoajoe]

Thought I'd remind some of you about our QB situation.

We have only one* (1) QB under contract and his (Henne's) contract is up next year.

Ireland's going to have to roll the dice. Only question is, which QB(s)?

[dm1dolphan]

okay, here is my try at mocking miami's draft. i listed my picks previously on the 2nd page and now i will show how i arrived there.

miami trades the #15 to san diego and, in return, receives san diego's #18(1st rd) and #82(3rd rd). san diego has two in the third rd and gives one to miami to trade up 3 spots.

miami trades the #18(1st rd) to seattle for the #25(1st rd) the #102(4th rd) and #161(5th rd). seattle has two picks in the fourth and gives one to miami to move up 13 spots.

miami trades the #25(1st rd) and seattle's #102(4th rd) to green bay for the #32(1st rd) and the #64(2nd rd).

so, miami now has the #32 in the first rd, the #64 in the 2nd, the #79 and #82 in the third rd, #114 in the 4th rd, #151 and #161 in the 5th rd, #187 in the 6th and #217, 218 and 235 in the 7th rd.

rd 1 #32 justin housong, olb, georgia
rd 2 #64 danny watkins, og, baylor
rd 3 #79 ricky stanzi, qb, iowa
rd 3 #82 greg little, wr, north carolina
rd 4 #114 bilal powell, rb, louisville
rd 5 #151 dion lewis, rb, pitt
rd 5 #161 derek newton, ot, arkansas state
rd 6 #187 ricardo lockette, wr, fort valley st.
rd 7 #217 jonny white, rb, north carolina
rd 7 #218 keith darbut, olb, baldwin-wallace
rd 7 #235 ryan bartholomew, c, syracuse

with this draft we begin to rebuild the offensive line with three picks who will either impact immediately as starters or will give depth in case of injury. powell and dion lewis give us some much needed help in the backfield and i believe the fins will resign ronnie brown once a cba is in place. greg little is just too much to pass up at the wr position and ricardo lockette adds speed to the position with a 4.34 in the 40 and a 1.52 10 yd split. he also has a 39" vertical a 10' 7" broad jump and benches 225 lbs 22 times. finally, keith darbut, who played olb in college, is too small to play the position in the nfl but runs a 4.38 forty and a 1.46 10 yd split. he will be a definite upgrade on special teams and may be able to play safety and may be useful on blitz packages. he had 10.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss in 2010.

[JUSTIN CREDIBLE]

KRIS & RYE

F DA POLICE.....

[Home]

B-Marsh was def worth the trade and we even got back last years pick

Armando should stop slandering B-Marsh

He is a 2 time Pro Bowler and one of the best WRs in the NFL

Perhaps Armando should strap on a helmet and plat WR for the Miami Dolphins
or one of the other fat know it nothing out of shape hyenas on his radio show

Only a complete butt plug would think B-Marsh was not worth the trade
Ireland did a great job with this trade

Armandos ridiculous trading draft picks scenario w the Saints is equally ridiculous

No guarantees Pouncey will amount to anything more than a back up and wasted pick for the Miami Dolphins
Anyone w any football intelligence knows Pouncey is only fractionally as good as his brother on the Steelers

and another worthless & weak nobody RB we do not need

FA RB D. Williams is the intelligent pick for the Dolphins

Also still believe the QB that torched the Dolphins 2 seasons ago in our stadium w his deadly accurate cannon throwing arm & tough escape ability w his feet 27 yr old Vince Young is the best bet @ QB

Young could be ready to start against the Patriots Sept 12th if need be

Stick to reporting the news Armando
Your mock draft is a formula for dismal failure

have a HAARPy day :(
Prob have to rely on FA for offensive line

[Samdolphin]

DB: I can see your point about having Ryan Mallette’s strong arm throwing down field passes to our current receivers and any draftees from 2011. But can you imagine having QB Ryan Mallette on the same offensive team with Brandon Marshall? I can already see sparks flying same as with Ryan Leaf and his locker room. I don’t think two devias on the same team will work? I prefer Chris Ponder.

[Cuban Menace]

Home, Havent heard from you from you for some time, I guess you must be in "Pre Prodution" Of your Mega Hit " HAVE A HARRPY DAY" set to be releaced(Or Unleashed) This summer, How's the casting coming along, Who did you get to direct???, Who's Starring As "HOME"????, Who's starring as your "Love Intrest"???? Enquiring minds need to Know.....

[Samdolphin]

My Dolphin Mock Draft is as follows:

1st QB Christian Ponder trade dwn FSU
2nd C Rodney Hudson FSU
3rd TE D. J. Williams Arkansas
4th OG Stephen Schilling Michigan
5th RB Alex Green Hawawii 6th OT Derek Newton Ark. St
7a CB DeMarcus VanDyke UM
7b SS Jermale Hines OSU
7c WR Aldrick Robinson SMU
Or Best Player Available in the 7ths
Or use the 7a and 7b to trade up?

[Cuban Menace]

Thursday Perdiction:"With the 15th pick The Miami Dolphins pick....Kemar Scarlett From Morgan State"................. FIST PUMP CITY BABY..

[ALoco]

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL TODAY ..I WENT TO MY FATER IN LAW TO BE AND HE TREATED US TO WONDERFUL DINNER ..........

VIVA,,,, CRAB CAKES W/ARUGLA
SPRING LAMB 2 WAY WITH LAMB DEMI GLAZE .
RISOTTO W/SUMMER VEG
CREME BURLEE

[DyingBreed]

Samdolphin,

If we dont draft Ryan Mallet I prefer we wait until 4th rd to take a qb and draft Stanzi. The chances of a 1st rd qb being successful in the nfl seem to much better than the 2nd rd'er. Most of the hof qb's were 1st rd picks.

God knows I dont want to take chance of landing another Chad Henne. If we're going to strike out on qb. I much rather it be going for the fences using a 1st rd'er on him.

Drafting a qb 2nd rd basically means you had serious issues concerning him good enough to be a 1st rd'er. We havent taken a 1st rd qb since Marino. Thus we've yet to find Marino's replacement.

[ALoco]

I BET CUBEN AND BREAD AND THE OTHER UNEMPOLED ENJOYED JELLY SANWICH ON RYE.

[Troy]

Despite all the negative Henne talk, he passed for over 3,300 yards without a solid running game, with a poor offensive line, and without a down the field threat wide receiver and despite being benched multiple times. He easily could have passed 4,000 yards with better play calling and more support. He had some great games against quality opponents, ie NY Jets and New England Patriots. He may surprise everyone if given the chance. Just sayin'...

[ALoco]

BREED I MENT

[DyingBreed]

Since the post Marino era we've drafted 3 2nd rd qb's(Beck, Henne, White). Gave up a 2nd rd pick for that bust from the Eagles.

Add all of the damaged goods fa signings and you clearly see why we're still searching for Marino's replacement over a decade later.

Say no to 2nd rd qb's. We've gone that route 3 times(Beck, Henne, White)plus gave up a 2nd rd'er for AJ Feely(bust).

[ALoco]

FAKE ALoco @ 9;50 pm....just be ware there's a fake aloco .

[New World Order & their HAARP weather weapon]

Got Tornadoes?

[ALoco]

oscar and dyingbreed are fighting in easter ...WHO WON CUBAN ?