Miami Dolphins: Complete 7-round mock draft

Round 1: Jaylon Smith, OLB (Notre Dame)

With the need to shore up things on the defensive end at the second level, the Dolphins have their pick of two linebackers who are more than capable of doing that. Though Myles Jack has the makings of a tremendous NFL player, the better bet for the Dolphins with their first round pick would be to select Notre Dame Fighting Irish outside linebacker Jaylon Smith.

Anything and everything that you could want from a game-changing linebacker can be found in Smith’s list of credentials. He has great size at 6-3, 240 pounds, but is also a freak athlete capable of showing off great range as a tackler and the ability to blow by offensive lineman on the edges in a pass-rushing capacity. Smith is also capable of dropping back into coverage and more than holding his own if he’s asked to do so. He’s a unique combination of both speed and power at the linebacker position that NFL teams would salivate over.

For a Miami team that desperately needs help around their impressive front-four, Smith is the type of player that they could slot into their defense immediately and see near instant results. He’s a special talent in this draft class and, for what the Dolphins need heading into next season, there’s not better first round option than Smith.

Next: Round 2