2018 NFL Draft: Miami Dolphins 7-round mock

2 of 5

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 01: UCF Knights defensive back Mike Hughes (19) returns a kick during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl football game of the UCF Knights v Auburn Tigers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. The UCF Knights won the game 34-27. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Round 2 – Pick 42

Mike Hughes, CB, UCF

Miami has issues on both sides of the ball but with this second round pick, taking a first round talent could shore up a young secondary. Mike Hughes of the “National Champion” UCF Knights has risen up draft boards all season and makes sense as a corner for the Dolphins.

After starting his career at North Carolina, Hughes left the Tarheels for junior college. He found a home at UCF and was one of the fastest risers in a deep corner class. At 5-foot-11 he hits the size threshold most teams want to see in the corners. On tape Hughes is a speedy and fluid athlete that should excel in multiple coverages at the next level.

With Hughes teams also get the added bonus of his dynamic return skills. Even if he struggles early on as a corner, that ability is special enough to warrant a Day 2 pick. If it were not for his past transgressions at UNC and some off the field concerns it is likely we are talking about Hughes in the same breath as Denzel Ward and Josh Jackson.

Miami spent a third-round pick out of Cordrea Tankersley and he played fine during his first season. Second-year corner Xavien Howard also showed promise at corner. The trio, if Hughes is added, gives Miami a solid group to head into 2018 with.

Home/NFL Mock Draft