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Miami Dolphins 2009 NFL Draft Needs

Written by Jimmy Boyd on April 3, 2009

dolphins-draft-4309 We all know Bill Parcells has a track record of working wonders, but his ability to turn teams around quickly has come as a coach. In his first year as Vice President of Football Operations for the Miami Dolphins, Parcells was able to work perhaps the biggest wonder on his career. He took a team which went 1-15 in 2007 and helped pull off the biggest single season turnaround in NFL history as the Dolphins went 11-5 and won the AFC East.

Biggest Draft Needs – Miami could use some help in the secondary where it is not very deep. This team will also not likely be opposed to going after another pass rushing linebacker with Joey Porter beginning to show his age. The Phins could use a play-making wide receiver and Parcells is never opposed to adding depth to the offensive line.

Likely Day 1 Targets – If the Phins choose to address the defensive backfield early, Illinois cornerback Vontae Davis or Utah cornerback Sean Smith would make sense. Davis is a shutdown corner with the best size/speed combo in the draft. While he is physically gifted, there are some questions about his mental makeup. Sean Smith is a rare big corner at 6′3” who will be able to matchup with the game’s taller wideouts. He comes into the NFL as a corner, but has the look of a solid free safety down the road.

Miami’s defense is pretty solid so I’m in favor of the Phins going after a receiver. North Carolina’s Hakeem Nicks could be a solid option. Many experts consider Nicks to have the best hands in the draft and he has the makeup of a guy Parcells would like because of his high football IQ. At 6′2”, 215 pounds, he is a strong guy who can be a possession receiver in the NFL for a lot of years. His only downfall is that he doesn’t have the top end speed that you’re going to see from Missouri’s Jeremy Maclin or Texas Tech’s Michael Crabtree.

If Parcells wants to go offensive line early, like he did in 2008, Baylor offensive tackle Jason Smith or Arizona offensive tackle Even Britton look like nice options. Smith is a converted tight end so scouts really like his athletic ability. Britton has played both right and left tackle and that versatility should keep him in the league for a lot of years.

Recent Draft Track Record - Bill Parcells and general manager Jeff Ireland pulled off an excellent draft in their first one working together. Jake Long proved to be a quality tackle, but not No. 1 overall spectacular yet. I expect him to get there. Both Phillip Merling and Kendall Langford contributed at defensive end, combining for 58 tackles and 4 sacks. Guard Donald Thomas won a starting job in training camp before breaking his foot in week one. Chad Henne is a big, strong pro style QB who is in place for the future. Undrafted free agent wide receiver Davone Best may have been the best signing of them all, playing well as a third receiver.

Bet on the NFL with the help of Jimmy Boyd’s NFL expert picks for the most winners against the football lines this season.

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