Dolphins evaluating strong batch of defensive linemen
The Dolphins, picking 13th in April’s draft, badly need quality defensive ends and tackles after a season in which Miami finished 31st against the run and 29th in sacks with just 31. The good news: This draft has a bunch of them.
With Ohio State end Nick Bosa and Alabama tackle Quinnen Williams considered likely top-four picks, here’s a look at the defensive linemen projected to go anywhere from No. 5 to the second round:
Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver. ESPN’s Todd McShay has him ninth, ESPN’s Mel Kiper 14th. He had three sacks and 14 tackles for loss this past season. But he missed four games with a knee injury and had a verbal altercation with coach Major Applewhite on the sideline. “He’s still a potential top-five pick, but he hasn’t developed consistent pass-rush moves,” Kiper said.
Michigan defensive tackle Rashan Gary. Kiper has him going seventh, McShay sixth, and NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah second. The Dolphins need defensive tackles and have an affinity for Michigan players, but he could be gone by 13.
“He dominates when he’s at his best; he just manhandles offensive linemen,” Kiper said. But “the former No. 1 overall recruit disappears too often for my liking.” Gary launched a sports agency this week and yes, he’s a client.
Mississippi State defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Jeremiah has him seventh overall, noting “teams are buzzing about his talent. Has Pro Bowl potential.” Kiper has him 17th and said “Simmons will have to answer to NFL teams about his 2016 arrest on a charge of simple assault.”
Clemson defensive end Clelin Ferrell. One of three potential Clemson defensive linemen who could go by the early 20s. Kiper has him 12th, McShay seventh. McShay believes he could play outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense or defensive end in a 4-3. Miami plans to use both schemes, and he would figure to be in any Dolphins discussion at No. 13. Jeremiah has him going 12th, a pick before Miami, noting “Ferrell lacks elite athleticism, but I love his combination of size, effort and production.”
Clemson defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. McShay has him rated 13th, but Kiper 26th and Jeremiah 32nd. The value here is that he can play on third down. But he was suspended for the national championship game after he tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug, ostarine. “Lawrence has shown that he is more than a plugger — he had nine sacks in his first two seasons,” Kiper said.
Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. He had 5 sacks this season and 14 for loss. McShay has him 16th, Kiper falling to 28th. McShay said Ferrell and Lawrence have more upside but “he has a great motor.”
FSU defensive end Brian Burns. Kiper has him 16th and he could play outside linebacker in a 3-4. He had 10 sacks this season. But Jeremiah ranks Burns 43rd in his top 50: “as a run defender, he lacks the girth and strength to consistently hold the point of attack.”
Mississippi State defense end Montez Sweat. McShay has him going 15th after a 12-sack season.
Others to watch if they fall to the second round (Miami should pick 48th) or a first-round trade down: Old Dominion defensive end Oshane Ximines (Kiper has him 21st); Notre Dame defensive tackle Jerry Tillery (18th by McShay); Ohio State defensive tackle Dre’Mont Jones (20th by McShay); Boston College defensive end Zach Allen (22nd by McShay); Louisiana Tech defensive end Jaylon Ferguson (17.5 sacks this season, Jeremiah has him 24th).
Coming next week: Miami’s first-round options on offense, cornerback and linebacker. CHATTER
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