There has been a lot of time and energy spent lamenting whether or not the Dolphins will have a chance to draft Drew Lock or Dwayne Haskins at #13 overall in this year’s NFL Draft. But the odds are looking more and more likely that Miami will land neither one and instead target other positions. The latest mock draft from ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper subscribes to this theory as well, giving the Dolphins two defenders with their first two picks.
Kiper’s selections for Miami: Michigan defensive lineman Rashan Gary, Florida safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham.
Gary has been a household name since last year, he’s known for his freakish athleticism for his size. And considering Gary ran a 4.58 second 40-yard dash at 277 pounds, it is hard to argue his mobility is rare. But Gary would test this coaching staff’s developmental philosophy, as he isn’t advanced as a pass rusher yet and will face a learning curve in the pros.
Kiper’s selection of Gardner-Johnson is surprising, considering the Dolphins already have a versatile flex safety in Minkah Fitzpatrick. Gardner-Johnson is a good football player and Miami needs defensive backs, but this pick would need to come with zero offensive linemen available.
Auburn’s Stidham fits the profile for Miami — as a back-up option going forward. The Dolphins need young passers to step in and compete, so targeting Stidham is commendable. But his ceiling is low as a player and he’s unlikely to be a difference maker in the pros.
What say you? Would you be happy with this haul for Miami through the first three rounds of the 2019 NFL Draft?
