MOBILE, Ala. — It’s tough to predict what positions the Dolphins will pursue in free agency and the draft because it’s tough to say which direction they’ll go in on a number of important matters.
The Dolphins, who have six picks in the draft, including Nos. 21 (first round) and 55 (second round), scouted several top prospects at Senior Bowl practices this week in Mobile, Ala. The week of scouting concludes Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Senior Bowl game at the University of South Alabama (NFL Network).
Identifying the players the Dolphins will prioritize in the draft requires answers to several key questions.
For example, they need a defensive coordinator, and what style he employs will affect what type of defensive players the Dolphins pursue.
We don’t yet know whether the Dolphins will retain cornerback Xavien Howard ($25.9 million salary cap charge) or defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, who is a potential free agent and would require a new contract or a franchise tag.
We don’t yet know whether left tackle Terron Armstead will retire, which would make left tackle a top priority.
We also don’t yet know whether the Dolphins will make a philosophical change and pursue a receiving tight end.
Aside from the first- and second-round picks, the Dolphins have a fifth-round pick, two sixth-round picks and a seventh-round pick.
With all of that in mind, here are 10 players that stood out during the Senior Bowl practices that could fit the Dolphins’ needs in the first few rounds of the draft in April.
CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo: Mitchell (6-foot-3, 195 pounds) is a tall cornerback who had a strong showing during Senior Bowl practices. He’s ranked No. 19 among draft prospects by NFL.com draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah. Mitchell could be an immediate starter if the Dolphins don’t bring back Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard.
Edge Laiatu Latu, UCLA: Latu (6-4, 261) has amazing speed and moves, and put them on display at the Senior Bowl practices, where no one could block him 1-on-1 or 11-on-11. He’s ranked as the No. 21 draft prospect by Jeremiah. The Dolphins could need an edge rusher with Bradley Chubb (knee) and Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) recovering from injuries. Latu, who could be taken before the Dolphins’ first-round pick, said he’s a big fan of Phillips.
WR Ladd McConkey, Georgia: McConkey (5-11, 187) might have been the best route-runner at the Senior Bowl. He got open against almost everyone and can play in the slot. He’s rated as the No. 44 prospect by Jeremiah. If the Dolphins don’t re-sign slot receiver Braxton Berrios, McConkey could be an option. The problem is that at this point, the No. 21 pick is too high and the No. 55 pick is too low.
LT Patrick Paul, Houston: Paul (6-7, 333) uses his length and footwork as well as any offensive tackle. Paul said he spoke with the Dolphins during the Senior Bowl. If Pro Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead retires, Paul, who is very athletic, would be a first-round option.
Edge Chris Braswell, Alabama: Braswell (6-3, 257) has been a strong pass rusher during Senior Bowl practices and although they don’t tackle, he seems to set the edge well against the run. Braswell would be a second-round option and the Dolphins could need a pass rusher.
S Kamren Kinchens, Miami: Kinchens (5-11, 206) is an aggressive, ball-hawking player who had a strong showing at Senior Bowl practices. He’d be a first-round option for the Dolphins to start alongside Jevon Holland if they don’t bring back DeShon Elliott, who is a potential free agent.
LT Jordan Morgan, Arizona State: Morgan (6-4, 312) was a strong tactician in drills and 11-on-11 play during Senior Bowl practices, seeming to rarely make mistakes. He’d be a first-round option for the Dolphins.
C Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon: Powers-Johnson (6-3, 334) has been one of the most impressive players at the Senior Bowl regardless of position. He’d fit with the Dolphins if they don’t re-sign center Connor Williams, a potential free agent, or if they’d like to return Williams to left guard, his natural position. Powers-Johnson left practice with an injury during the week and it’s unclear whether he’ll play Saturday.
DT T’Vondre Sweat, Texas: Sweat (6-4, 362) is a big, wide body who eats up blockers in a big way. He was dominant at Senior Bowl practices. Sweat could be a second-round option if the Dolphins don’t bring back defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, a potential free agent.
CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr., Louisville: Brownlee (5-10, 183), the Carol City product, had a strong week, showing off aggression and athleticism. Brownlee is a strong nickel-slot defender, and at this point he might qualify as a Day 3 steal.
NOTE: Penn State CB Kalen King, rated No. 9 at his position by ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr., and someone generally regarded as a low first-round pick, is regarded as someone who could fit the Dolphins’ needs but he didn’t have a good week of practice at the Senior Bowl.
