The Miami Dolphins are coming off a downtrodden 6-10 season, and after losing a lot of young talent in free agency, it is questionable if they are currently good enough to contend for a playoff spot.
Next month’s NFL draft will be huge for Miami as the team attempts to put together its first winning season since 2008. Most Dolphins fans are focused on the first round at No. 13 overall. But what about the second round?
Here are some updated options for Miami at No. 42 overall in the second round:
Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama: This pick is contingent upon what happens in the first round at No. 13 overall. The Dolphins and other teams in the top 20 have an eye on Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott, who is the most complete tailback in the draft and a good fit for Miami. I’m not as high on Henry as a player and fit for Miami. But I like the value here for the Dolphins at No. 42 if they fail to land Elliott in the first round.
Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech: Again, this pick depends on what happens in the first round. The Dolphins may target Florida cornerback Vernon Hargreaves in the first round. But Fuller also presents an intriguing second-round option with potential to provide an immediate impact on the perimeter or in the nickel. Last season’s knee injury could drop Fuller into the second round. He also doesn’t have blazing speed, but Fuller is a confident playmaker who could be a nice value as long as his health checks out fine.
Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State: This draft is deep with quality defensive linemen, and Ogbah is one of them. He has 26.5 sacks in his collegiate career. The Dolphins need depth behind aging, 30-plus starters Mario Williams and Cameron Wake. Ogbah is a young prospect who could learn from veterans while developing his game.
Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State: Some believe Bell is the best safety in the draft. The Dolphins signed veteran Isa Abdul-Quddus to pair with Pro Bowler Reshad Jones this season. But it is unknown if Abdul-Quddus is the long-term solution. Safety isn’t a position that goes very high in the draft unless you’re a special talent, and Bell isn’t in that category. But he’s a solid prospect who provides good value in the second round as a potential future starter.
The Dolphins need a lot of success in this draft to get the team over the hump. The second-round pick will be important.