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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 being improved during free agency, much of the team’s earlier picks will still focus on the unit as it continues to look for improvement over 2016.

With the Draft now just under a month away, we are closing in on the second best part of the NFL year. With the combine now over, the realtick towards the draft has begun. So without further ado, we present week eleven of the “Miami Dolphins potential first round draft picks.”

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3. David Njoku — Tight End — Miami

For the first time since the offseason began, I have two offensive players slotted in my weekly list of potential first round selections. While we will get to the second player right after we are done here, I believe the Miami Dolphins may not be done adding tight ends this offseason. One player they could add to pair with Julius Thomas is U of M tight end David Njoku.

Despite already adding Julius Thomas this offseason, the Dolphins lack a true number two or solid backup option for him. With Adam Gase loving to use the tight end in his offense, I think it would be a foolish proposition for the team to enter the season with only one true option at the position.

While the Dolphins do have much bigger fish to fry, I could see the Miami Dolphins solidifying their offense with their first round pick. Though other options exist in the later rounds, the Miami Dolphins would get a homegrown kid in Njoku that would immediatly boost their tight end position to within the top five in the NFL.

2. Forrest Lamp — Offensive Tackle/Guard — Western Kentucky

Despite re-signing Jermon Bushrod, the Miami Dolphins could still use some help along the interior of the offensive line. While Bushrod and free agent signing Ted Larsen are both expected to start, the two players are likely to be below average as far as starters go. Adding some youth and depth to this position is a must for Miami, potentially leading them to selecting Forrest Lamp.

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Given his lack of overall length, Lamp is almost certainly going to be a guard in the NFL. That said, he does have four years worth of college starting experience at tackle, making him versatile. With Miami’s offensive line being pretty thin last season, Lamp would give the Dolphins a player that can shift positions based on overall need.

Right now, the Miami Dolphins need both youth and depth to improve their offensive line. Adding someone like Forrest Lamp would give this team a day one starter moving forward and would also allow the team to use it’s current crop of guards as depth and rotation options going forward.

1. T.J. Watt — EDGE — 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 at both the outside linebacker and defensive end positions, Watt will address at least one need for the Miami Dolphins

As a linebacker, Watt would partner up with Kiko Alonso and Lawrence Timmons. In need of one more starting outside linebacker for next season, Watt could be playing with an extremely talented starting base. Given his talent and ability to get to the quarterback, Watt would complete the Dolphins improvement at the linebacker position.

Watt could also become a defensive end for the Miami Dolphins. Given the lack of depth and youth at the position, Watt could be drafted as the future replacement for Cameron Wake once he retires. With the potential to play either position, Miami will have a talented player no matter where they decide he fits in.

READ MORE: Miami cornerback draft prospect Chidobe Awuzie

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