2019 NFL Draft: Miami Dolphins 7 round mock draft
By Joe Romano
Round 5 – Pick 152
Preston Williams, WR, Colorado State
There are fans clamoring for the Dolphins to jump on this wide receiver class early. When four of the top 16 salaries on your team are wide receivers, that would not be a smart move. The team is likely going to let former first round pick Davante Parker go. That leaves Albert Wilson, Danny Amendola, and Kenny Stills in the receiver room. there is certainly a need, but it is a need that can be filled later in this deep class.
A wise investment for Flores and company would be Colorado State’s Preston Williams. Despite tearing his ACL, having been arrested and transferring schools, there are NFL teams that drool over Williams’ talent. Some even in the draft community have labeled him a first round talent without the off-the-field concerns. Those concerns are real but hopefully he’s ready to step up.
If he does reach his potential, Williams is a 6-foot-1 athletic playmaker that can win at every level. he needs to learn to beat press better but he’s sure-handed and a solid route runner. If he tests well this is likely his floor. Miami would be able to coach him up and let him develop chemistry with fellow rookie Daniel Jones.
Round 6 – Pick 190
Dax Raymond, TE, Utah State
Another potential weapon for Jones is underrated tight end prospect Dax Raymond. Coming from Utah State he does not have a lot of buzz. A solid week at the Senior Bowl opened some eyes though. Raymond is an exceptional athlete at 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds with a solid set of hands. He would come in and be a back-up to last year’s second round pick Mike Gesicki.
The two would offer Flores and O’Shea a pair of talented players that can line up all over the formation and create mismatches. Jones would have two middle of the field big bodies to throw to and help make his life easier. Outside of Gesicki Miami has little else at the position. Raymond would give them someone to develop and a potential steal this late in the draft.
Next: Best NFL player from each state
Round 7 – Pick 231
Justin Layne, CB, Michigan State
The Dolphins have a young secondary led by last year’s first round pick Minkah Fitzpatrick and stud corner Xavien Howard. Those two, combined with some other solid draft picks were the strength of this defense a year ago. Miami would likely look earlier in the draft to find a long-term partner for Howard at corner.
However, the board did not fall in their favor at all during this draft, that is just how it goes sometimes. Instead they wait until round seven and grab a player that has potential but is limited. Justin Layne of Michigan State is a former wide receiver who’s played three seasons for the Spartans. He is a long-body at 6-foot-3 and has plenty of fans around the NFL just given his size.
He was a productive player in college, typically asked to take the best receiver on the opposing offense. Layne may struggle in the NFL because despite being 6-foot-3 he only weighs 185 pounds. He needs to add some size, which may limit his already shaky transitions from back-pedal to sprint. The combine will be big for Layne, especially the change of direction drills. He offers Miami a pick loaded with potential with very little cost.