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2017 NFL Draft: Miami Dolphins Final Grade

By Parker Hurley

Sep 17, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive end Charles Harris (91) celebrates after a sack against the Georgia Bulldogs in the first half at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive end Charles Harris (91) celebrates after a sack against the Georgia Bulldogs in the first half at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Raekwon McMillan (5) following the game against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Raekwon McMillan (5) following the game against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Raekwon McMillan

Linebacker, Ohio State

The Dolphins continued to think defense and their front seven with Raekwon McMillan. The Dolphins went out and signed Lawrence Timmons from the Steelers, and while that is a good fit, Timmons is older. He is now 30, and when a team like the Steelers lets a long time player like that slip away, you have to look at it with the side eye.

McMillan may not step in and start right away, but he profiles very similarly to Timmons and can certainly learn from the old veteran as he prepares to take his role. McMillan was a team leader for a successful Ohio State defense and brings a leadership, smart game acumen and other defining locker room qualities.

On the field, he is a sound tackler who loves to step in and defend the run. He may not be a sideline to sideline player, but he does complement Kiko Alonso well, and the two can find a way to transition together in the nickel. It is a low floor pick, and a good situation for McMillan to eventually grow into a starter.

Even in losing defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, it appears that the team will continue to grow the defense and it may see another step forward as they move ahead with offensive-minded head coach Adam Gase.

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