The NFL Draft is fast approaching, which means players are making last ditch efforts to try and rise up the draft board and get selected on the first day of the draft. One of those ‘draft risers’ is Alabama offensive tackle D.J. Fluker, who according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen is one of the hottest draft risers at the moment and could end up going as high as 12th overall to the Miami Dolphins.

Alabama RT D..J. Fluker is one of true rising players in draft; remember, most teams just began draft meetings in earnest last week @espnnfl — Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) April 8, 2013 Close sources tell me DJ Fluker/T/Alabama is a real possibility for the Miami Dolphins with the 12th pick…more later.. — Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) April 8, 2013

The last things Dolphins fans want to hear is news about the team potentially talking about taking a tackle with their first pick in the draft. But the need is there and taking a tackle is a defendable decision, but the question is would taking Fluker that high be a reach or a solid selection. Fluker is widely regarded as a first round talent, but most mocks have him in the latter half of the first-round rather than somewhere in the top 15.

Replacing Jake Long’s presence on the offensive line is something that fits the mindset the Phins are in at the moment. They are hot off of spending over $100 million on new offensive weapons, a plan that falls flat on it’s face if quarterback Ryan Tannehill doesn’t have enough protection in front of him.

Miami is looking at all their options, including trading down, but right now it’s looking like Fluker could rise in the draft even if he’s selected by someone other than the Dolphins.