Top 10 Players for Miami Dolphins in Round 2 of NFL Draft
The last time the Dolphins had only four picks in an NFL Draft was, well, last year.
Linebacker Channing Tindall and wide receiver Erik Ezukanma were selected in Rounds 3 and 4 and, well, they are developmental prospects.
Tindall played nine total defensive snaps.
Ezukanma played 10 total offensive snaps.
The biggest rookie contributors for Miami were actually 7th-round quarterback Skylar Thompson, who started a playoff game at Buffalo, and undrafted cornerback Kader Kohou, a talented gem.
Miami has shipped away recent first- and second-round picks for accomplished players like Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb, an indication of how they've shifted from rebuild to win-now mode.
This year, Miami has picks only in Rounds 2, 3, 6 and 7.
The Dolphins really need more than a developmental pick with Round 2, Pick 51 overall.
Miami needs an expected contributor, ideally a starter this season.
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Tight end is the position most likely to generate a second-round starter, based on Miami's need and the excellent draft depth at the position.
It was only five years ago that general manager Chris Grier hit on Penn State tight end Mike Gesicki in the secound round, Pick 42 overall.
Gesicki doesn't fit Mike McDaniel's offense, but a few tight ends in this draft definitely would.
Other spots where Miami may draft a projected or possible starter in Round 2 are offensive tackle and guard.
While the Dolphins might prefer to add a cornerback or running back in Round 2, would they pass on a player they feel could beat out Liam Eichenberg or Austin Jackson and also provide insurance for Terron Armstead and/or Robert Hunt?
Perhaps not.
Here are 10 players we think the Dolphins should really dig deeply on in anticipation of the second day of the NFL Draft, which will be Friday, April 28.
TE Sam LaPorta, Iowa
Why him? LaPorta admires former Hawkeye George Kittle, once coached by Mike McDaniel. Iowa tight ends are reliable, hard-working and trustworthy route-runners and blockers.
Did you know? LaPorta has played wide receiver and defensive back and basketball and baseball and was a track standout in long jump, hurdles and shotput.
RT Dawand Jones, Ohio State
Why him? Jones is a massive, massive man, at 6-foot-8, 374 pounds, with a Senior Bowl-record 7-foot-6 wingspan. Jones moves well enough and could make a powerful, mashing impact at right tackle in the run game.
Did you know? Jones grew up in Indiana and was an excellent basketball player.
G/C Steve Avila, TCU
Why him? Avila could compete with Liam Eichenberg at left guard and also potentially back up Connor Williams at center. Avila packs a powerful punch and anchors with power.
Did you know? Avila played left tackle in high school and every position except left tackle at TCU. Last year he allowed zero sacks in more than 1,000 snaps.
OT/G Cody Mauch, North Dakota State
Why him? Mauch has tremendous upside and has played tackle, guard and center. He is a mean mauler with no plans to replace two missing front teeth, but also has the athleticism of a former tight end/defensive end.
Did you know? Mauch grew up in North Dakota bailing hay and helping grow corn, soybeans, beans and sugar beets.
TE Luke Musgrave, Oregon State
Why him? Musgrave has Gesicki-type athleticism, but some more potential as a blocker. Fast. Flexible. Explosive.
Did you know? Musgrave has had success at lacrosse, skiing, sprinting, shotput and javelin and comes from a family with extensive football playing and coaching experience, including in the NFL.
RB Zach Charbonnet, UCLA
Why him? The Dolphins might also take a look at smaller Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs if he slides to 51. Charbonnet, a Michigan transfer who went on to play for Chip Kelly, seems an ideal fit for McDaniel's outside zone scheme, due to his combination of patience, speed and tackle-breaking skill set.
Did you know? Zach's mother was born in Paris. Zach played primarily baseball and basketball in the Los Angeles area as a youngster.
OT Matthew Bergeron, Syracuse
Why him? Bergeron can make an impact in the run game and grow into an above-average pass blocker on either side of the line. Ideal size and solid technique.
Did you know? Bergeron is a native of Montreal, where he played hockey. His first language is French.
TE Brenton Strange, Penn State
Why him? Solid blocker and pass-catcher would complement Durham Smythe. Strange has good hands, was underutilzed as a receiver in college, and can actually break a tackle.
Did you know? Strange was the only tight end at the NFL Scouting Combine with a sub-76-inch wingspan. This is a safe selection. If Miami wants to roll the dice on a freaky-athletic tight end with a high ceiling but room to refine and mature, Darnell Washington of Georgia is worth consideration, if he slides.
CB Cam Smith, South Carolina
Why him? At some point Miami is going to draft a cornerback to push Noah Igbinoghene off the roster and to eventually succeed one of the current starting corners. Smith is reliable, versatile, quick, fluid and tough.
Did you know? Smith can play inside or out and is a natural fit for Vic Fangio's zone coverages.
TE Tucker Kraft, South Dakota State
Why him? He's tough and quick and is a very good pass-catcher with competitive effort as a blocker. Kraft was a no-star recruit who turned down an NIL offer to transfer to Alabama.
Did you know? Kraft is from a small farming town in South Dakota and was a quarterback and running back on a 9-man high school football team.
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and Twitter @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins NFL Draft Round 2 Draft Options
