For the second consecutive year, the Dolphins don’t have a first-round pick in the NFL draft. But that doesn’t mean they can’t acquire a quality player with their first two picks, which are in the second and third rounds.
Here’s a glance, in no particular order, at 10 players who could be available and make an impact for the Dolphins in the second round when they make their selection, No. 51, on Friday night.
Steve Avila, G-C, TCU
This would be a selection for skill and attitude as Avila (6 foot 3, 332 pounds) is heavy-handed, aggressive and a skilled pass blocker. He made 15 starts at left guard last season, but also has 17 starts at center in his career. Avila’s long arms should benefit him on the interior. With the Dolphins, he’d likely challenge Liam Eichenberg and Robert Jones to start at left guard as a rookie.
Jamhyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
Gibbs, a Georgia Tech transfer, led Alabama in all-purpose yards (1,624) while rushing for 926 yards and averaging 6.1 yards per carry. Gibbs (5-9, 199) wouldn’t give the Dolphins the hammering workhorse they might want for short-yardage situations. But he packs lots of speed and had a team-leading 44 receptions last season, averaging 10.1 yards per reception. With the Dolphins, Gibbs, who doesn’t project as a clear No. 1, would fit in among Raheem Mostert, also a speedster, and Jeff Wilson Jr., a slasher.
Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
LaPorta (6-3, 245), perhaps the best combination of in-line blocking and receiving from a tight end in the draft, is the most recent product from Iowa, which has become a tight end factory of sorts with players such as George Kittle (San Francisco), Noah Fant (Seattle) and T.J. Hockenson (Minnesota). LaPorta had 68 receptions for 657 yards and one touchdown last season and set the school record for receptions by a tight end (153). He’d fit with the Dolphins as a complement to starter Durham Smythe and, likely, ahead of recently-acquired Eric Saubert.
Cody Mauch, G-T-C, North Dakota State
Versatility would be the buzzword here as Mauch (6-5, 302), a left tackle the past two seasons, might be qualified to play tackle, guard and center. Mauch is physical, agile and athletic. Beyond that, you’ve got to love an offensive linemen missing his two front teeth. Mauch could get an initial look at starting right tackle with the Dolphins, then settle in as a backup left tackle with an eye toward starting somewhere by next season, or perhaps even starting at left guard as a rookie.
Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
According to many mock drafts this would be a second-round reach. Musgrave (6-6, 253) only played two games due to a knee injury, but he had 11 receptions for 169 yards and one touchdown. He separates himself from other tight ends with his smooth route-running and good hands, which he combines with his height to go up and get passes. With the Dolphins, he’d be a Mike Gesicki-type, which probably doesn’t bode well for his chances.
Matthew Bergeron, T-G, Syracuse
Bergeron, a Canadian, has position versatility at tackle, having played on the right side and left side, and there’s a thought he could play guard in the NFL. Bergeron (6-5, 318) has good quickness and aggression and plays with good technique. With the Dolphins, he’d likely be a backup left tackle, a position of need, with enough versatility to be a swing tackle and perhaps be groomed as a backup guard. That’s a lot of value.
Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin
Tippmann checks all the boxes for a stereotypical Wisconsin offensive lineman, meaning he’s big (6-6, 313), strong and skilled. He’s strong enough to dominate interior defensive lineman and fleet enough to pull. With the Dolphins, he’d likely be trained at backup guard with the idea of ultimately taking over at center, probably not an ideal plan for a second-round pick but workable.
Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan
Schoonmaker (6-5, 251) has good size and, something that might appeal to the Dolphins — he’s a skilled in-line blocker. He had 35 receptions for 418 yards and three touchdowns, demonstrating an ability to catch the ball, but his strength is his blocking. The thought is his receiving is workable. With the Dolphins, Schoonmaker would fit alongside Smythe with Schoonmaker being more the receiver.
Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
Washington (6-7, 264) might not be around when the Dolphins pick, but if so, he’s a tempting selection. He’s a massive man who is a skilled in-line blocker. He had 28 receptions for 454 yards and two touchdowns last season, meaning he has the ability to catch the ball. But his strength is moving people. The Dolphins likely want someone with better receiving skills, but Washington’s role would be playing alongside Smythe and being groomed for a bigger role.
Will McDonald IV, Edge, Iowa State
McDonald (6-4, 239) would be somewhat of an unexpected selection considering the Dolphins seem set at edge rusher, but sometimes unexpected things happen. McDonald had 36 tackles and 5.0 sacks last season. He has pass rushing skills and the ability to set the edge against the run, two valuable traits. Don’t discount the run-game skills. With the Dolphins, McDonald would be a second-teamer behind starters Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, giving the Dolphins young, fresh legs as part of a pass-rushing rotation.
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