The NFL Draft may not be until May 8-10, but mock draft season is definitely moving towards a fever pitch. Teams are well into their draft process, evaluating hundreds of college football players in hopes of finding a few to help make a difference on their rosters. A lot has changed around the league after the 2014 NFL Scouting Combine, so it’s time to take a look at the latest mock drafts around the football world, and see who the experts believe the Miami Dolphins will take with the 19th overall selection.
Without accounting for potential trades, here’s a collection of opinions from around sports media on who the Dolphins will draft in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft:
Todd McShay, ESPN.com: Zack Martin, OL, Notre Dame
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com: Zack Martin, OL, Notre Dame
Miami must address the offensive line during the offseason and Martin is one of the more consistent players in this draft class.
Charles Davis, NFL.com: Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama
Did not test as well in Indy as desired, but he’s talented and would fill a crying need for the Dolphins.
Mike Florio, ProFootballTalk.com: Xavier Su’a Filo, OG, UCLA
Jonathan Martin likely gets replaced by Branden Albert. And Richie Incognito could be replaced by the rookie from UCLA.
Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame
With both Randy Starks and Paul Soliai expected to hit free agency on March 11, the Dolphins will be looking at replacing the two older tackles via the draft.
Louis Nix didn’t have the best combine you’ll ever see for a defensive tackle, but this is a man who shows up on film. Nix is an anchor against the run and has shown the quickness to split blockers and pressure the quarterback. That’s exactly what Miami needs as it rebuilds its defensive line.
Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com: Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh
They need help on the offensive line, but the value isn’t here. So they opt for a defensive lineman who can take over inside for Randy Starks if he leaves.
Pat Kirwan, CBSSports.com: Zack Martin, OL, Notre Dame
Miami needs offensive linemen, and maybe this time they get the right “Martin” on the left side.
Peter Schrager, FOX Sports: Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama
Kouandjio didn’€™t participate in all of the physical drills at the Combine due to medical reasons, but that shouldn’€™t keep him from going in the first round. Solid pickup at 19 for Miami.
Rob Rang, NFLdraftscout.com: Zack Martin, OL, Notre Dame
While perhaps lacking the body type scouts prefer at tackle, Martin slides well laterally and controls opponents with fierce hand usage.
To see our previous Mock Draft Roundup, click here.
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