Oregon CB Jairus Byrd

schraggyj with the pick...

Miami’s three biggest areas of need are wide receiver, linebacker, and cornerback.  After drafting Brian Cushing in the first round and Kenny Britt in the second, Miami will likely turn to cornerback.  However, defensive line remains a possibility.  But as the Phinsider says:  “If the Dolphins do decide to pass on taking a cornerback on round one, then that will mean they will almost definitely take one in round two.” 

Looking at cornerback three picks all projected to go late first or early second are off the board (Darius Butler/Sean Smith/Alphonso Smith/Macho Harris) leaving Jairus Byrd from Oregon as the Dolphins pick at #56.  In all likelihood, there will be more high rated corners available for Miami to choose and I would not be surprised if Miami picks one.

Jairus Byrd seems like a Parcell’s kind of guy.  He is physical cornerback who does a good job at the line of scrimmage jamming and rerouting wide receivers.  With an aging T.O. in the division, physical play at the corner becomes all the more important.  While the lacks top-end speed, Parcell’s defenses are generally built in terms of a strong front seven that attacks the quarterback reducing the need for long periods of coverage by the secondary.  While the Dolphins would have loved to see Alphonso Smith or even Macho Harris sitting here, they are happy to draft a physical corner.

Round 1 is here.

Previous pick: CB Victor Harris

Read more: Scouting Report Mocking the Draft)

On the clock: Baltimore Ravens (Ben S)

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