With all 32 franchises in Indianapolis for the NFL Mix, draft preparation is nicely underway. Prospects are assembly with groups between measurements and drills, doubtlessly providing clues about their NFL readiness.
The Dolphins enter draft season with 10 alternatives, however with solely three projected within the prime 100, each alternative is essential for common supervisor Chris Grier and his workers. With the Mix wrapping up on Sunday, listed here are 5 prospects which have reportedly spoken with the Dolphins.
Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State
As a sophomore, Gordon earned Huge 12 Offensive Participant of the 12 months honors after dashing for 1,732 yards (6.1 YPC) and 21 touchdowns. Nevertheless, his manufacturing dipped final season, averaging simply 4.6 yards per carry for a struggling 3-9 Cowboys workforce.
Bleacher Report lists Gordon as a fourth-round prospect, which could possibly be proper in Miami’s wheelhouse with two fourth-round picks. The Dolphins invested Day 2 picks in De’Von Achane and Jaylen Wright, however extra is required on the place.
Contemplating Achane’s work as a receiver, Gordon may push Wright as Miami’s bodily “thunder” in comparison with Achane’s lightning pace.
Xavier Restrepo. Miami
The Miami Herald’s C. Isaiah Smalls II studies that Restrepo met with Miami’s particular groups coordinator and broad receiver coach, not Mike McDaniel. A high-volume goal for the Hurricanes, he’s caught 154 passes for two,219 yards and 17 touchdowns during the last two seasons.
At 5’10”, 209 kilos, Restrepo wouldn’t stand out in a room that includes Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. That mentioned, Miami did discover a technique to incorporate 5’8” Malik Washington as a rookie after drafting him within the sixth spherical out of Virginia.
Large receiver — particularly a slot — isn’t close to the highest of Miami’s wants this offseason, however McDaniel’s monitor file with the place makes this an fascinating choice if the celebs align on draft evening.
Tyler Baron, Miami
Baron transferred to Miami after 4 seasons at Tennessee and shortly established himself with the Hurricanes. An All-ACC Honorable Point out, he recorded 11 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks in 13 video games.
A disrupter on the sting, Baron had at the very least 6.5 tackles for a loss in every of his last three seasons at Tennessee. A four-star prospect out of highschool, Baron delivered top-ten performances within the 40-yard sprint, 10-yard cut up, broad soar, and vertical soar.
Regardless of utilizing a first-round decide on Chop Robinson, Miami should want further edge depth, given the damage histories of Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips.
Gray Zabel, North Dakota State
The Dolphins are doing loads of work on offensive linemen this offseason, and an Related Press First-Group All-American sort out looks as if a powerful alternative to take a position time in. Zabel ended his school profession with 36 consecutive begins and has expertise at each place outdoors of middle.
With Patrick Paul and Austin Jackson projected because the beginning tackles and Terron Armstead’s standing unsure, Miami may benefit from a flexible guard who gives each short-term depth and long-term upside.
Zabel surrendered 4 sacks and 6 quarterback hits over three seasons with the Bison. He’s been going round decide No. 32 within the Mock Draft Database and could possibly be a trade-up or trade-down candidate for Miami, relying on how the draft board falls.
Gunnar Helm, Texas
Jonnu Smith set franchise receiving information final season, however tight finish stays on the desk. Helm spent 4 seasons with the Longhorns however stole the highlight final yr with a team-high 60 receptions.
Helm doesn’t characteristic the top-end pace that has outlined McDaniel’s offense since he arrived in Miami, however his 6’5” body would grow to be one other factor opposing defenses should take into account. He’s projected as a second-to-sixth-round decide, a variety contemplating he had simply 19 receptions for 236 yards throughout his first three seasons earlier than breaking out in 2024.
Nonetheless, his 786 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns, mixed with regular blocking in his senior season, make him a powerful developmental prospect.
