NFL Draft

As we all know, the NFL Draft is quickly approaching us. I'm sure that all you avid bloggers have been researching about the possibilities of Miami drafting the player whose bandwagon you ride, but lets take a close look at what Miami really needs in the upcoming draft.

Coming into the offseason, prior to free agency, Miami's major needs were quite different than the ones they have now heading into the draft. The front office (whom I trust wholeheartedly) has addressed the offensive line with the re-signing of Vernon Carey and the signing of Jake Grove to a 5 year $29.5 million contract. They have also addressed the safety slots with the re-signing of Yeremiah Bell and the major splash signing of Gibril Wilson to a 5 year, $27.5 million deal.

In addition to these signings, they have brought in depth with the likes of CB Eric Green, formerly of the Arizona Cardinals, Cameron Wake, formerly of the CFL (and looks like he will be a stud player), Joe Berger, formerly of Dallas, and a few others.

Heading into the draft, Miami's major needs look like this:

CB, OLB, WR, NT, OL

Cornerback:
Miami has a huge hole at Corner, where the only true quality starter is Will Allen. As of now, it's going to be Jason Allen starting opposite him. Although this is a bloom or bust year for Allen, he defenitely is ready to cover the pass heavy offenses in the AFC, with the likes of Randy Moss and the newly arrived Terrell Owens. Our Nickel corner would be Joey Thomas, and to be quite honest, I don't even want him on the field. With that said, the secondary is by far Miami's most glaring hole, and one that needs to be heavily emphasized in the draft. I would assume that Miami will use their first and possibly another first day pick at this position.

Possibilities in the draft include the likes of Vontae Davis, Darius Butler, Sean Smith, Alphonso Smith and sleeper candidate Victor "Macho" Harris.

Outside Linebacker:
Miami's pass rush last year came from one side, from one man. Joey Porter. 17.5 sacks came from him and he was the only real threat to get to the QB. Defenses gameplanned, and managed to hold him up fairly well towards the latter part of the season. That said, Miami needs an OLB who can rush the passer, control the running game, and pass cover when the rush is from the other side. As of now, it's looking like Cameron Wake may get the chance to start opposite JP, but that's not a guarantee at success in the NFL.

It is likely that Miami won't draft a LB until their first pick of the 2nd round (44) since their major need is corner. Specially if Davis is available at 25. Regardless, I believe that the top OLB (Cushing, Curry, Maybin, Mathews) will be gone by the 25th pick.

Possibilities in the draft include Larry English, Clint Sintim, Connor Barwin, Cody Brown.

Wide Receiver:
Miami will almost certainly draft a wide receiver in the upcoming draft. The offense lacks a true wide receiver, as Teddy Ginn never developed into one, and looks as though he won't be doing so any time soon. Miami's WR group is not a bad one, but it none of the ones it has pose a real threat to any defense. As of now, it looks like Ginn is the #1 wideout, with Camarillo, Bess as the 2/3. Brandon London is a likely possibility to make the squad as the 5th wideout. (Not to mention I truly despise Ernest Wilford).

More than likely, Crabtree, Maclin, Heywerd-Bey, and Harvin will be off the board (Although Harvin's stock keeps falling due to the drug reports). That means that with the 44th or 56th pick, Miami may be able to grad someone like Hakeem Nicks, Kenny Britt, or Brian Robiskie (Ginn's former teammate).

Nose Tackle:
Miami is running the 3-4 for its second year under the new staff. Currently on the roster as the Miami NT is Jason Ferguson. He is great at it too, when he's healthy. That's a big IF though, and Miami needs to bring someone in to give Jason breathing time during games. Paul Soliai is huge, and can defenitely fill the space, but he's not the tree stump we need, as he gets pushed back alot and often.

The 3rd or 4th round might be ideal for Miami to pick up a NT in the draft. At that time, Miami may find someone like Ron Brace (May need to drop a little for Miami to get him in the 3rd), or Terrence Taylor. Outside of those, I wouldn't see Miami throwing a pick in the way of this position.

Offensive Line:
Depthis sorely needed amongst the Offensive Line. Donald Thomas is coming off an injury and so is Justin Smiley. Miami has 2 outstanding tackles in Long and Carey, and a promising center for their line scheme with Grove. Outside of that, nothing. Berger can be a decent back up for the Center position, and maybe the guards. Miami traded Satele who was an above average backup.
This position must be addressed late in the draft, possibly twice.

Who would you like to see Miami draft in day one??