The NFL draft is finally here!
After months of projections, trades and mock drafts, the real thing starts Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. The Miami Dolphins hold the No. 13 overall pick.
Here are some final thoughts as we enter this year’s draft:
I’m told the Dolphins have done plenty of last-minute homework on UCLA linebacker Myles Jack. He recently had a medical recheck in Indianapolis for his knee, which turned out fine. But teams are debating what Jack’s chances are for re-injury. There is speculation that Jack could fall out of the top 10, and Miami has been on top of it lately by crossing off every “T” and dotting every “I” with Jack. I don’t see the Dolphins passing on Jack if he falls into their lap at No. 13.
The Dolphins are aware that their guard position isn’t very good. So much is the case that the team could consider drafting Michigan State’s Jack Conklin at No. 13. Why would Miami consider a projected offensive tackle? Because the team believes Conklin is versatile enough to play inside at guard at the next level early in his career and upgrade the offensive line. Also, if there’s an injury to offensive tackles Branden Albert or Ja’Wuan James, which happened in both cases last year, Conklin could easily move outside and solve that problem. Albert also doesn’t have a lot of years left in Miami, and Conklin could be long-term replacement in the next year or two.
On Tuesday I selected Florida cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III for the Dolphins in the NFL Nation mock draft. However, I need to offer a clarification. Although Hargreaves was the top player remaining on my board, I do not believe Miami will pick him for two reasons. First, I don’t expect Hargreaves to make it to No. 13. Second, Miami is into prototypes right now and would prefer bigger, longer corners such as Houston’s William Jackson and Ohio State’s Eli Apple.
Everyone likes to talk about the first and second round, but the middle rounds also are important. Keep an eye on the Boise State duo of guard Rees Odhiambo and safety Darian Thompson as possible targets for the Dolphins in Rounds 3-5. They've shown a solid amount of pre-draft interest in both prospects.
Enjoy the NFL draft, Dolphins fans, and remember to check out this page for the latest updates.