Deep class at D-line provides Dolphins options
Miami Dolphins beat writer Omar Kelly ends his look at the top prospects in the NFL draft with a look at the defensive linemen.
— Payne is an immediate starter who will upgrade a defense’s ability to shut down the run because of his impressive blend of size (6-2, 311 pounds) and athleticism. Payne can squat 635 pounds and bench press 545 pounds, which are eye-opening numbers.
— Vea’s size (6-4, 347 pounds), thick hips and powerful upper body makes him an ideal nose tackle for a 3-4 team, but his pass-rushing skills show that he can play in a 4-3 scheme as well. The biggest concern is his stamina, which might limit him to 25 plays a game if he doesn’t get himself in better shape.
— Bryan has the ability to become a disruptive, highly productive 3-4 end, or 4-3 defensive tackle because he’s strong (30 reps of 225 pounds) and explosive. There are some concerns about his lack of awareness and technique, which indicates that the former Gator will spend his rookie season learning.
— Hurst is an up-field, three-technique who gets out off blocks quickly. He’ll make his money on third down because he’s hard to block one-on-one and can collapse the pocket. Hurst should be a first-round selection, but he could slide into Day 2 because of a heart condition that was discovered at the NFL Scouting Combine. Each team’s medical staff will determine where he sits on their draft board.
— Phillips is a thick, burly player who uses his size (6-4, 307 pounds) well. The former high school wrestler is active, and diagnoses plays quickly, which explains why he registered 149 tackles, 14 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries the past two seasons at Stanford. It’s unlikely that he’ll be a Pro Bowler in the NFL, but he might put together a 10-year career if he can stay healthy.
Best of the rest: Virginia Tech’s Tim Settle, Alabama’s DaShawn Hand, Florida State’s Derrick Nnadi, Miami’s R.J. McIntosh, NC State’s B.J. Hill all have the talent to contribute right away as starters, or serve as a role player in a defensive tackle platoon. Fort Hayes State’s Nathan Shephard, South Florida’s Deadrin Senat, Miami’s Kendrick Norton, NC State’s Justin Jones, Virginia’s Andrew Brown, Kansas State’s Will Geary and Duke’s Mike Ramsay might all need some developmental time, but have upside as pros.
Class grade: B+
The 2018 class of defensive linemen is talented, deep and diverse, which is exactly what team’s dream of from a position in the draft. While there isn’t a dominant player like Aaron Donald or Ndamukong Suh in this class, there are plenty of viable starters for teams that run a 4-3, and a 3-4 scheme. That means every team that needs a 3-technique, a nose tackle, or a 5-technique defensive lineman should take one in the first three rounds.
Teams in need: The Buccaneers, Bears, Dolphins, Giants, Redskins, Chargers, Cowboys, Lions, Chiefs, Bengals, Falcons, Vikings would all benefit from selecting a defensive tackle. And considering team usually use a three- or four-tackle rotation for the entire season, don’t be surprised if a dozen other teams select a defensive tackle in this watered-down draft because of how deep the position is.
Dolphins’ focus: Even though Miami plans to move defensive end Williams Hayes inside, having him play tackle on obvious passing downs, the interior of the defensive line needs re-reinforcements. Jordan Phillips, Davon Godchaux and Vincent Taylor are the only experienced contributors, and that will likely be an issue since Miami allowed 110.5 rushing yards per game last season with Suh commanding constant double-teams. Phillips, a 2015 second-round pick who is entering the final year of his rookie deal, needs to contribute more than the 20 tackles a season he’s averaged the last three years. Godchaux and Taylor can’t afford to play like rookies in Year 2.