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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Running backs steal spotlight

By Brad Weiss

Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /
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October 1, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley (98) brings down Arizona Wildcats quarterback Khalil Tate (14) during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
October 1, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley (98) brings down Arizona Wildcats quarterback Khalil Tate (14) during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Takkarist McKinley

DE, UCLA

One of the bigger surprises of the NFL season was the play of the Miami Dolphins, who earned a Wild Card spot in the AFC Playoffs. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill had one of his best seasons as a pro, and he was missed during the team’s blowout loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round. Still, this franchise appears to be trending upward, and with a couple of solid pickups before next season, they should be a playoff contender once again.

On the defensive line, the Dolphins have some of the best players in the game. Cameron Wake and Ndamukong Suh are elite players at their position, but the team missed not having Olivier Vernon in the lineup this past season. Bringing in some more talent at defensive end has to be a priority next season, and this draft class is full of talent at that position.

Takkarist McKinley of UCLA is an underrated prospect, and could wind up being one of the better players in this draft. He is an explosive player off the ball, and gets the edge just as good as any player in this draft. The talented defensive end recently stated that he was going to post a 4.4 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, which would certainly make his draft stock shoot up. If he is available this late in the first round, the Dolphins could once again solidify their defensive line for the 2017 season.

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