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Miami Dolphins potential first round draft picks

robert molnar

Despite ending the season much sooner than anyone would have wanted, it is now time to turn our attention to most fans second most favorite time of year. The NFL Draft. For the Miami Dolphins, this will present a chance for the team to build on their playoff campaign from 2016.

Defense continues to be the biggest need for this team heading into the draft. With the unit expected to be improved upon through free agency and the draft, this makes Miami’s selections slightly more prevalent to change.

With the Draft now just over three months away, I know it may be a little early to be looking towards the draft. But with the college football season now over, all that remains in the evaluation process is the combine and senior bowl for certain players. After that, individual workouts and before you know it, draft day. So without further ado, we present the third edition of the “Miami Dolphins potential first round draft picks.”

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3. Taco Charlton — Defensive End — Michigan

While fellow Wolverine Jabrill Peppers has fallen off of this week’s list, Taco Charlton replaces him here. His placement here is a two fold reason, with the first being the obvious in owner Stephen Ross. A Michigan man, Ross will do whatever is necessary to end up with a Michigan player at the top of his draft board.

The second reason for this move is the age of Cameron Wake. With next year being the last year of his contract and Wake now in his mid-30’s, the Miami Dolphins need to find another quality defensive end. While Andre Branch provides an option to play opposite Wake, Miami needs to find a player that can replace him.

Maintaining his place on this list, I firmly believe that the Miami Dolphins will eventually zero in on this Michigan product. Whether it be as a future replacement for Cameron Wake or because of his Michigan roots, Charlton could soon be moving up this list.

2. T.J. Watt — Linebacker — Wisconsin

The younger brother of Houston’s star defensive end JJ Watt, TJ Watt has an excellent background to his credit. Playing for Wisconsin, the 6’5 linebacker is a pass rushing machine that the Miami Dolphins could use. Capable of playing either inside or outside linebacker, Watt’s selection will fill a major hole in the Dolphins defense.

With word that Kiko Alonso could move to outside linebacker, Watt would be allowed to play the better of his two positions. Add to this that the Dolphins could be in search of two starting linebackers this offseason and this type of move begins to make some sense.

One area that could derail this pick is Watt’s current status, as a second round pick. However, should he perform well at the combine and during individual workouts, his name alone could help his stock rise the closer we get to draft day.

1. Sidney Jones — Cornerback — Washington

Maintaining the number one spot this week, Sidney Jones looks to be the right cornerback for the right pick. With such depth at the position though, Miami could wait till the second round. However, given the talent of Jones, I firmly believe that if he is available, he will the pick of the Miami Dolphins.

Needing to pair a cornerback with Xavien Howard, Jones would be an improvement over both Byron Maxwell and Tony Lippett. With Maxwell possibly on his way out of Miami, the Dolphins would be smart to address this need in the first round.

Playing well against Alabama in the National Semi-Final, Sidney Jones is a player on the rise. However, thanks to the depth of this cornerback class, he may not rise as far as he normally would. This will again, be to the advantage of the Miami Dolphins. If I got the chance to bet, right now my money would be on the Dolphins selecting Jones with their first round pick.

READ MORE: Miami has tough decisions to make

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