The Phinisher's 2010 Seven Round Mock Draft... Just Kidding

I said it yesterday and I'll say it again here: This draft is near impossible to figure out. The lack of a second round pick, the limbo of the 12th overall selection being either too low or high and three very essential needs to fill.

So rather than do a mock draft I will instead point to certain moves that I feel will happen.

In Round One


Kindle is the most polished and NFL ready 3-4 outside linebacker in the draft.

The Dolphins may not trade back. I know the thought is that the Phins want to get a second rounder like nothing else. I think this is very possible but I also believe they may sit pat and secure a blue chip prospect at one of their need areas.

Let's say the Eagles want to come up to get Earl Thomas. Or the Cowboys desire Dez Bryant. Ok. So who would the Phins land at number 24 or 27? Dan Williams is the only foreseeable player who could drop to them there but really he is too versatile to pass by so many teams. OLB Sergio Kindle doesn't make it past the Pats, minimum. Earl Thomas will most likely be the reason for the trade so he too will be gone.

Then again the Phins may believe they can get Williams or a DE/OLB like Michigan's Brandon Graham or maybe even Earl Thomas hisself later on in the round.

That 12th pick is confounding. If they sit on it then expect to see Sergio Kindle a Dolphin. He's just too polished to pass up. Let alone the fact that he compliments Cameron Wake.

The Second Round


No doubt Cody is a load. It's just determining what kind of load that matters.

IF the Phins get into this round, whether with trades (Ronnie Brown, Justin Smiley) or draft picks or a combination thereof the will no doubt look to drafting the highest value of the three needed areas not selected in the first round. South Florida Safety Nate Allen or Alabama NT Terrence Cody. There will be plenty of OLB talent in this round, with Hughes, Graham et al probably ending up in the second.

The Third Round


A former UM basketball player, Graham had a successful one season as UM's tight end. He is a physical specimen and one of the more intriguing figures in the draft.

Alas, Cam Thomas. I really see this coming. The guy has a prototypical 3-4 nose build and Sparano (and Ferguson himself) will coach the kid up. If they brought in Terrence Cody in the previous round then look to Miami's Jimmy Graham (if still available) to come in and compete with Anthony Fasano at tight end.

The Fourth Round


Norwood fits the mold. 6'1" and 245 lbs, Norwood is a powerful defender who can rush the passer and play stout on the line. He'll also probably be gone by this pick.

Look for the Phins to double dip here and select another OLB. Koa Misi perhaps or South Carolina's Eric Norwood. Best available. With all the 3-4 teams out there these days that could mean neither of the above.

Fifth, Sixth & Seventh Rounds

Look for the Phins to use these picks in packages to move around the draft. With whatever they keep they will bring in the following: 1 to 2 guards, a running back and a linebacker. Micah Johnson anyone?

You get the picture though. I think the Phins will target only developmental lineman, tight ends and probably a running back on offense and go balls-to-the-wall on defense. Plan on seeing at least one NT, two OLB prospects, a safety or two and some competition for Channing Crowder.

Caveats

If the Dolphins select Earl Thomas, Dan Williams, Sergio Kindle or Derrick Morgan with the 12th selection and run a straight forward draft from there on out I will be happy.

Don't be shocked if the Phins do something crazy like draft Rolondo McClain or Brandon Spikes in the first or second (if they get a second) round. Either guy would be an improvement on Crowder and in the case of McClain it would create one of the best inside linebacker corps going into the season. Dansby and McClain... That's scary.

Tim Tebow. This will piss me off.

Go Phins!