Dolphins draft preview: Miami can add to a scary defense

By Ross Jones
Published

Twenty-one players from last year's Dolphins team are currently not on the roster. And it's just the second week of April.

Signing Ndamukong Suh to the richest defensive contract in NFL history stole the headlines this offseason, but the Dolphins made some other stealthy moves. Trading for stretch-the-field-threat Kenny Stills and signing tight end Jordan Cameron gives quarterback Ryan Tannehill two new targets beyond breakout star Jarvis Landry and Rishard Matthews.

In his third season, Tannehill posted career highs in completion percentage, yards and touchdowns, while throwing a career-low interceptions. While Tannehill absorbed 46 sacks, it was a significant drop from the year before thanks to better pass protection. Last offseason, the Dolphins signed offensive tackle Branden Albert and drafted Ja'Wuan James in the first round. Albert, though, sustained a season-ending knee injury last November, and it's unknown how quickly he'll recover. Additionally, look for Miami to address the offensive guard position as Dallas Thomas has yet to pan out.

The strength of the team should be the defense. By adding Suh, defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle will be able to draw up some creative blitz packages. Suh is an impact defender who stuffs the run and will allow sack-artist specialists Olivier Vernon and Cameron Wake free opportunities on the quarterback. It's a potentially scary scenario for opposing AFC East teams.

Where this team could stand to get better is in the secondary. Veteran Brent Grimes is coming off two Pro Bowl appearances, but the cornerback group could use some talented young depth.

Positions of need: CB, OG, WR

Three options to consider at No. 14

Trae Waynes, CB: Michigan State's Thorpe Award semifinalist has plenty of experience, playing in 36 games during three seasons in East Lansing. Waynes' 6-foot, 190-pound frame fits the mold of the lengthy cornerback and flourishes in man-to-man competition. Waynes ran the fastest 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine and displayed his ability to recover at the next level.

Marcus Peters, CB: Peters has the prototypical size teams covet at the cornerback position. The 6-foot, 197-pound cover corner might be the option with the most upside at his position in the draft. Despite that, Peters has character concerns and was dismissed from Washington last season.

DeVante Parker, WR: By getting Stills and having Landry, there isn't an egregious need at the wide receiver position, but Parker could be a special talent down the road. Parker, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound target, missed seven games during his senior season but was still able to rack up 855 yards and five touchdowns.