Despite ending the season much sooner than anyone would have wanted, it is now time to turn our attention to most fans second most favorite time of year. The NFL Draft. For the Miami Dolphins, this will present a chance for the team to build on their playoff campaign from 2016.

Defense continues to be the biggest need for this team heading into the draft. With the unit expected to be improved upon through free agency and the draft, this makes Miami’s selections slightly more prevalent to change.

With the Draft now three and a half months away, I know it may be a little early to be looking towards the draft. But with the college football season now over, all that remains in the evaluation process is the combine and senior bowl for certain players. After that, individual workouts and before you know it, draft day. So without further ado, we present the second edition of the “Miami Dolphins potential first round draft picks.”

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3. Taco Charlton — Defensive End — Michigan

While fellow Wolverine Jabrill Peppers has fallen off of this week’s list, Taco Charlton replaces him here. His placement here is a two fold reason, with the first being the obvious in owner Stephen Ross. A Michigan man, Ross will do whatever is necessary to end up with a Michigan player at the top of his draft board.

The second reason for this move is the age of Cameron Wake. With next year being the last year of his contract and Wake now in his mid-30’s, the Miami Dolphins need to find another quality defensive end. While Andre Branch provides an option to play opposite Wake, Miami needs to find a player that can replace him.

With Dion Jordan out of the picture, Taco Charlton could be that guy. Coming in this year would allow him to play behind Wake, learning from the sack master. While Charlton should also get on the field, sitting behind Wake as a starter is not a bad idea. Drafting Charlton would kill two birds with one stone and cannot be ruled out at this stage.

2. Zach Cunningham — Inside Linebacker — Vanderbilt

With Kiko Alonso possibly being moved to outside linebacker for next season, the Miami Dolphins will need to address the new opening at middle linebacker. A player that has been rumored to Miami for quite some time now is in fact a middle linebacker in Vanderbilt’s Zach Cunningham.

Despite playing in the SEC, Cunningham has been flying under the radar for some time. While the buzz around appears to be growing as draft day closes, Cunningham looks to right in Miami’s wheelhouse as things stand in the present. Given his stats from last season though, I do see Cunningham rising by the time we get to draft day.

One area that could prevent this pick is if Miami signs a quality outside linebacker in free agency. Such a move could shift Alonso back to the middle linebacker role, eliminating the need for Cunningham. If such a move were to happen, look for a return of Charles Harris to this spot.

1. Sidney Jones — Cornerback — Washington

Maintaining the number one spot this week, Sidney Jones looks to be the right cornerback for the right pick. With such depth at the position though, Miami could wait till the second round. However, given the talent of Jones, I firmly believe that if he is available, he will the pick of the Miami Dolphins.

Needing to pair a cornerback with Xavien Howard, Jones would be an improvement over both Byron Maxwell and Tony Lippett. With Maxwell possibly on his way out of Miami, the Dolphins would be smart to address this need in the first round.

Playing well against Alabama in the National Semi-Final, Sidney Jones is a player on the rise. However, thanks to the depth of this cornerback class, he may not rise as far as he normally would. This will again, be to the advantage of the Miami Dolphins. If I got the chance to bet, right now my money would be on the Dolphins selecting Jones with their first round pick.

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