With the 13th pick in the 2016 Arrowhead Pride mock draft, Dolphins GM nizolekz selects...
When new head coach Adam Gase took over an underachieving Miami Dolphins team, he had some big decisions to make right out of the gates. With free agency looming, Miami had a number of players about to enter the free agent market looming including DE Olivier Vernon, RB Lamar Miller and WR Rishard Mathews. With limited cap space and bloated contracts handed out, Miami was forced to let this talented young nucleus walk out the door. With the 2016 NFL Draft around the corner, the Dolphins’ goal is to replace some of the talent that left with draft picks that fit the newly implemented systems of Coach Gase.
The Dolphins had a few different ways to go about this pick, given the talent left on the board.
Offensive Line - When he was first introduced to the media, one of the first goals he put forth was to improve the offensive line play and allow Ryan Tannehill more time to throw. An injection of talent at the swing tackle and/or guard position would be a welcome addition.
Cornerback - As we all know by now, a team needs at least two (ideally three) good cornerbacks to be successful. In a division with the likes of Tom Brady, Sammy Watkins, Brandon Marshall and Rob Gronkowski, the AFC East is no different. DC Vance Joseph is implementing a press coverage system that puts an onus on size and physicality so holdovers Brent Grimes (since released) and Jamar Taylor don’t make sense.
Defensive End - Homegrown talent Olivier Vernon ended up getting grossly overpaid, veteran Cam Wake is coming off a season ending achilles injury and former top pick Dion Jordan hasn’t been able to keep his nose clean since entering the year. A position of strength all of a sudden has several question marks.
When evaluating the remaining talent left on the board, the Miami Dolphins end up selecting ....
Ohio State CB Eli Apple
At an imposing 6’1 and 200 pounds, Apple has the size, strength and tenacity to challenge wide receivers at the line. With still viable talent on the offensive and defensive lines, ultimately, the rationale comes down to Bill Parcells’ "Planet Theory." There are only so many guys Apple’s size that can move and play the way he does. As Chiefs fans, I’m sure we can all attest to the importance of having a cornerback with size and length with the agility of a much smaller back.
1. Titans - OT Laremy Tunsil
2. Browns - OT Ronnie Stanley
3. Chargers - CB Jalen Ramsey
4. Cowboys - DE Joey Bosa
5. Jaguars - LB Myles Jack
6. Ravens - DL DeForest Buckner
7. 49ers - QB Carson Wentz
8. Eagles - QB Jared Goff
9. Bucs - WR Laquon Treadwell
10. Giants - RB Ezekiel Elliott
11. Bears - CB Vernon Hargreaves
12. Saints - LB Jaylon Smith
13. Dolphins - CB Eli Apple
14. Raiders -