The Miami Dolphins must invest in the offensive line… unless…
Coach Mike McDaniel was loud and clear at the NFL Combine — the Miami Dolphins will rebuild the offensive line through free agency and the draft. With mock draft season in full swing, should pick 13 be included in the o-line overhaul?
NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks released his second mock draft Thursday, with Alabama lineman Tyler Booker going to the Dolphins in the first round.
“Upgrading the offensive line should be Mike McDaniel’s top task as he attempts to reshape the Dolphins into a more physical squad,” Brooks wrote. “Booker fits the bill as a rough-and-rugged blocker at the point of attack.”
There’s a debate to be had to which offensive linemen would be best at pick No. 13, but with three linemen already selected before Miami’s pick, premier players at other positions begin to slide down the board.
One pick after Miami, Brooks sends Penn State tight end Tyler Warren to the Indianapolis Colts. Michigan’s Will Johnson — who some say is the draft’s best cornerback — goes at 15 to the Atlanta Falcons.
Booker brings power to the guard position but lacks long-term upside at tackle, which can be said about Will Campbell, Kelvin Banks Jr., and Armand Membou — three of the mock’s first 12 picks.
“I think we have a tangible opportunity to improve that starts in free agency with a couple of guys that we have targeted that you think you can get a deal done with them, and that continues into the draft,” McDaniel said on Tuesday. “I think it’s a very good time to have some need.”
The Dolphins will pursue help at guard once free agency begins, and McDaniel has emphasized that others will be added through the draft. If the board falls how Brooks predicts, Miami could be in a great spot, but it’s hard to see them passing on the playmaking upside of Johnson or Warren, especially with the value of a pure guard not being sky-high.
