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2019 NFL Draft: Miami Dolphins 7 round mock draft

By Joe Romano

TEMPE, AZ - JANUARY 30: Safeties coach Brian Flores gets the balls ready for drills during the New England Patriots Super Bowl XLIX Practice on January 30, 2015 at the Arizona Cardinals Practice Facility in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ - JANUARY 30: Safeties coach Brian Flores gets the balls ready for drills during the New England Patriots Super Bowl XLIX Practice on January 30, 2015 at the Arizona Cardinals Practice Facility in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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BUFFALO, NY – DECEMBER 30: Davon Godchaux #56 of the Miami Dolphins looks on from the sideline during NFL game action against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 30, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY – DECEMBER 30: Davon Godchaux #56 of the Miami Dolphins looks on from the sideline during NFL game action against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 30, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

Round 4 – Pick 116

Khalen Saunders, DT, Western Illinois

Miami is set to lose Sylvester Williams to free agency. The fact that his loss could be felt significantly shows the state of the Dolphins interior defensive line situation. Young pieces like Kendrick Norton, Davon Godchaux and Vincent Taylor are depth pieces at best. Miami lacks that one big body in the middle who can make things happen. A raw talent to keep an eye on is Khalen Saunders of Western Illinois.

Saunders made the viral rounds thanks to some acrobatic flips that landed him in Mobile for the Senior Bowl. That week he showed that he had what it takes to play at the next level despite coming from a small school.

At 6-foot-1 and 320 pounds, Saunders is a physical interior defensive tackle. He showed some pass rush juice in the Senior Bowl as well with quick feet and active hands. Saunders is still raw, but he has the long arms, stout frame and footwork to excel working inside for Flores’ defense.

He may start as just a space-eating run stuffer until his pass rush plan is developed. However, with the great coaching that this staff can bring, Saunders it the type of player who’s high ceiling may justify a higher draft slot. There are few players that can move like him at 320-plus. Saunders is an exceptional athlete that needs to put it together better on the field. Miami would be a great fit with him in their multiple fronts that can find him the best place to thrive.

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