Chris Perkins: 10 players that make sense for Miami Dolphins in first round

For the first time in the coach Mike McDaniel era, the Miami Dolphins have a first-round draft pick.

What they do with it is anyone’s guess.

The Dolphins have six picks in this three-day, seven-round draft, which begins at 8 p.m. Thursday.

Miami has a first-round pick (No. 21), a second-round pick (No. 55), a fifth-round pick (No. 158), two sixth-round picks (Nos. 184 and 198) and a seventh-round pick (No. 241).

Ideally, the first- and second-round picks are immediate contributors as starters or rotational players.

The Dolphins’ top needs are edge rusher, offensive tackle, and guard/center, although general manager Chris Grier likes to say he drafts by BPA (Best Player Available) instead of need.

Regardless, here are 10 players, in no particular order, who fit the Dolphins’ needs and should be available at pick No. 21 in Thursday’s first round.

Laiatu Latu, edge rusher, UCLA

Latu is a dynamic, angular pass rusher who is regarded by some as the best pure pass rusher in the draft. He had 23.5 sacks in two years at UCLA, where he transferred after briefly quitting football due to neck problems at Washington. Latu would alleviate concerns about edge rushers Bradley Chubb (knee) and Jaelan Phillips (Achilles), and could eventually be part of a quality three-man rotation that could expand to four depending on newly-acquired Shaquil Barrett’s progress. 

Graham Barton, G/C, Duke

Barton can play center, guard and tackle, which gives him an amazing draft advantage and useful versatility for the Dolphins. Barton is considered better on the interior. He’d offer lots of possibilities for Miami, which could use him at center if Connor Williams (free agent/knee injury) doesn’t return and if they choose to play newly-signed Aaron Brewer at guard. Barton could also play guard and compete with Liam Eichenberg, Robert Jones and Lester Cotton, among others, to start. And Barton could serve as a backup tackle whether or not he plays on the interior.

Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

Murphy is an active defensive tackle who fits the mold of what today’s game demands — he can rush the passer from the middle, and stuff the run. Murphy would fit with the Dolphins alongside defensive lineman Zach Sieler and fill the spot vacated by Christian Wilkins. The Dolphins signed an assortment of defensive tackles in free agency but none is regarded as an answer as a starter, which could make that position a priority in the first round.

Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Mims (6-8, 340) has impressive size, and he has good enough fundamentals and athleticism to be effective on the left side or right side. He’d eventually be eyed as a replacement for left tackle Terron Armstead. But he could use some seasoning as he only has 20 starts. The Dolphins have time to develop Mims because they have Armstead and right tackle Austin Jackson returning. And Mims could get playing time because it’s unlikely Armstead makes all 17 starts. This could be a good fit from that standpoint.

Troy Fautanu, OT/G, Washington

Fautanu (6-4, 317) plays left tackle as well as guard, and one of his best assets is his aggressive temperament. He’s athletic enough to serve as an effective pulling guard or pass protector. Fautanu, such as a couple of other offensive linemen in this range, offers the Dolphins versatility. He’s another who would be an eventual replacement for Armstead who could play guard in the meantime.

Jared Verse, edge rusher, Florida State

Verse (6-4, 254), a transfer from Albany, would add muscle to the Dolphins’ pass rush. He’s got a great first step, which fuels a burst that makes his bull rush very effective. There’s a good chance Latu is gone when the Dolphins pick at No. 21, but that Verse (9.0 sacks) is available. He’d be hard to ignore. Miami doesn’t have a lot of muscle along its defensive front, especially on the outside

Darius Robinson, DT/DE, Missouri

Robinson (6-5, 285) can play inside or outside, which could add great value for the Dolphins because they need help in both areas. He had 8.5 sacks last season among his 14 TFL (Tackles For Loss). Robinson could be a prize for defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, who could devise pass rush packages with Phillips and Chubb on the outside and Robinson on the inside to give quarterbacks all kinds of trouble.

Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

Mitchell (6-2, 205) has size and speed, which is one thing the Dolphins need at wide receiver and one thing the Dolphins desire at the position. If the Dolphins truly select based on BPA, Mitchell would be a wise choice. And before you poo-poo this thought, remember the Dolphins, led by offensive-minded coach Mike McDaniel, still need a No. 3 receiver. They have candidates but no solid answer.

Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

Morgan would be the eventual successor to LT Terron Armstead, who is likely playing his final season. You could play him at guard as a rookie. But his strength is at left tackle and he’d probably serve an apprenticeship under Armstead, gleaning knowledge and being a fill-in starter. Some regard Morgan as a second-rounder but he could move up, especially if there’s an early run on offensive tackles, which is possible.

Jer’Zhan (Johnny) Newton, DT, Illinois

Newton (6-2, 304) is a bit of a lightweight for interior defensive line but he uses his football intelligence to be effective as a pass rusher (7.5 sacks) and run stopper. His feet might be his best asset. The Dolphins could certainly use Newton’s pass rush skills to replace Wilkins. Newton is another player who could stir up some creativity from defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver because Newton can disrupt in lots of ways along the defensive front and be used in creative packages.