The Dolphins will make their first picks of the draft – selection No. 51 in the second round, and selection No. 84 in the third round – Friday night. Numerous quality players are available at a number of positions. Here are the top 20 players, some in the second round, some in the third round, the Dolphins could choose among based on talent, projected availability, and need.
Steve Avila, G-C, TCU
Avila (6-3, 332), who would be a second-round pick, could challenge Liam Eichenberg, Robert Jones and perhaps Dan Feeney to start at left guard. Avila is skilled, physical and feisty.
Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
Jones, a right tackle who’d be a second-round pick, would challenge starting right tackle Austin Jackson. Jones (6-8, 374) is fairly athletic but it’s not known if he’s versatile enough to serve as a backup to left tackle Terron Armstead.
Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
LaPorta (6-3, 245), who figures to go in the second round, offers receiving and in-line blocking, a combination the Dolphins desire. LaPorta would likely be a rotational player alongside starter Durham Smythe, who is a better in-line blocker.
Cody Mauch, T-G-C, North Dakota State
Mauch (6-5, 302), projected as a second-round selection, is a left tackle but it’s thought he could play any position. With the Dolphins he could get a shot at starting right tackle, starting left guard or backup left tackle.
Keion White, Edge, Georgia Tech
It’s doubtful the Dolphins take an edge rusher in the second round but White (6-5, 285) is a high-motor guy who has a load of pass-rush moves and is strong against the run. He’d be a rotational pass rusher with the Dolphins behind Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips.
Matthew Bergeron, G-T, Syracuse
Bergeron (6-5, 318), a likely second-round selection, would give the Dolphins a backup left tackle as well as a candidate to start at right tackle and enough versatility to play inside.
Joe Tippmann, C-G, Wisconsin
Tippmann (6-6, 313), who is likely to be selected in the second round, is mostly a center but it’s believed he has the skill set to play guard. As a consideration for how Tippmann could fit in, Dolphins center Connor Williams is a former left guard and in the final year of his contract.
Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
Washington (6-7, 264) would be a second-round selection and it’d be a small surprise if he’s available because he generally gets a low first-round grade. He’s an adept in-line blocker but it’s thought that the Dolphins want someone with more receiving skills.
Trenton Simpson, ILB, Clemson
Simpson (6-2, 235) is a second-round talent who doesn’t seem to fit what the Dolphins immediately desire. But he’s smart, fast and has inside-outside versatility.
Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
Musgrave (6-6, 253), an athletic sort who excels at receiving and route-running, would be a surprise selection in the second or third round for the Dolphins. Going at No. 51 in the second round might be a stretch for Musgrave and it’s doubtful he’ll be available in the third round. But you never know.
Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan
Schoonmaker (6-5, 251) could be a second- or third-round pick. Eric Galko, director of football operations and player personnel for the East-West Shrine Bowl, said Schoonmaker would be a “perfect fit” for the Dolphins alongside starter Durham Smythe.
Chandler Zavala, G-C, North Carolina State
Zavala (6-3, 322) is a third-round candidate who had a good week at the Shrine Bowl. He’s strong, but not overly athletic, however he can play left or right guard.
Blake Freeland, OT, BYU
Freeland (6-8, 302) is a likely third-round prospect who would provide versatility for both sides. He might not be ready to start immediately but could learn his craft while serving as a backup left tackle for Terron Armstead.
Tyler Steen, G-T, Alabama
Steen (6-6, 321) is a probable third-round candidate who offers versatility as a swing tackle, which the Dolphins could desire. Steen might project as a guard.
Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA
Charbonnet (6-0, 214) is a third-round projection. He’s a tough runner who would provide the Dolphins an element they don’t have on their roster.
Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M
Achane (5-8, 188) would be a third-round selection whose value is in his speed and elusiveness as a slot receiver, returnman or out of the backfield. The Dolphins don’t really need his skill set but he could qualify as a BPA (Best Player Available).
Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin
Benton (6-4, 309) is projected to possibly go in the third round and he’d be a small surprise for the Dolphins because they have other needs. But Benton is a rock and would be good for depth.
Jaelyn Duncan, T-G, Maryland
Duncan (6-6, 306) is a left tackle who would be a third-round selection and could provide help as a backup tackle or guard. Duncan, however, was almost exclusively a left tackle in college.
Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
Kraft (6-5, 254) is a third-round candidate who has good hand and blocking skills. Although he missed six games with an ankle injury, he projects as a good candidate for two-tight end sets such as the Dolphins employ.
Kendre Miller, RB, TCU
Miller (5-11, 215) might be a bit of a third-round reach but he’s a hard-running back who could be in a rotation with Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr.
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