NY Jets –
Indianapolis Colts –
Cleveland Browns –
San Francisco 49ers –
Miami Dolphins
The 2018 Miami Dolphins will look like a completely different team from the one that took the field in 2017. Ryan Tannehill will be back from injury, taking back the job from Jay Cutler. Jay Ajayi is long gone, replaced by Kenyan Drake and also Frank Gore. Jarvis Landry was dealt to the Cleveland Browns, which leaves a ton of targets and catches to be handled by DeVante Parker and Kenny Stills.
This offense was hard to watch at times in 2017, as the inconsistencies between Cutler and the poor running game killed the momentum of this team each week. Until the emergence of Kenyan Drake late in the season, Jarvis Landry was the only bonafide Fantasy starter.
As we head into the NFL Draft, this team is at a crossroads and the pressure is starting to mount on head coach Adam Gase. Do they continue to count on Tannehill at QB, or do they invest in that position and build for the future? The receiving corps could use another impact player, while the defense suddenly has a few holes to fill as well.
Projected Top Three Picks
Team Needs: QB, TE, LB
First Round: Baker Mayfield, QB Oklahoma
Second Round: Hayden Hurst, TE Arkansas
Third Round: Uchenna Nwosu, LB, USC
If the board holds and no other team moves ahead to make the pick, the Dolphins could have Baker Mayfield fall right into their lap. I don’t think that there could be a more perfect marriage.
Mayfield’s skill set mirrors exactly what Gase is looking for in a quarterback. In almost every statistical category you can name at the college level, Mayfield was either at the top or among the leaders. He is tough, competitive, and has the leadership qualities you want from your signal caller. He has a quick progression on what is going on in a play and can improvise if need be. His accuracy in the short to intermediate area fits in perfectly with the Dolphins’ scheme.
Mayfield also has a very underrated arm, and he can get the ball downfield with ease when given ample time.
One negative is Mayfield’s footwork. He can get thrown off rhythm at times by blitz packages, often resulting errant throws. Also, at times he tends to hold onto the ball too long make a play, which often leads to too many sacks taken.
He is an above average prospect at the position and will have immediate value in redraft leagues in 2018 due to his playmaking ability. Mayfield will also be one of the early picks off the board in dynasty formats.
.@LanceZierlein‘s Mock Draft 3.0:
2. @Giants: @saquon
3. @nyjets: @josh3rosen
11. @MiamiDolphins: @bakermayfield
FULL: https://t.co/2yxnY3K7AJ (via @NFLDraft) pic.twitter.com/xkEvUqCmGi
— NFL (@NFL) March 31, 2018
Hayden Hurst often draws comparisons to Dallas Clark. He could be a big boost for a Miami offense that has been looking for production from the tight end position for quite some time. He has great size and speed for the position and above average hands to boot. Pass catching ability at all three levels can separate him from other prospects in his class. He gets in and out, breaks very well and his acceleration downfield can get him open for big gains.
He does tend to give away his routes too early at times, which can make him easily defendable. His blocking at the next level will need some improvement as well. He will have little value in redraft leagues in 2018, but his long-term value is something to watch for in dynasty formats.
Uchenna Nwosu will come in to be a rotational linebacker for the Dolphins in 2018. His athleticism is what will keep him on the field, but the lack of length and strength will hamper him. He is a heavy hitter with a good burst that will help him get across the field. He tends to get locked up by blockers and his inability to quickly disengage can take him out of plays. He has the skills to be a starter in the NFL, but he definitely has aspects of his game that will need work.
Kenyon Drake Photo Credit: AP Photo/Ed Zurga
