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2018 NFL Draft: Miami Dolphins 7-round mock draft in October

By Chris Spooner

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 01: The Miami Dolphins players run out onto the pitch before the NFL game between the Miami Dolphins and the New Orleans Saints at Wembley Stadium on October 1, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 01: The Miami Dolphins players run out onto the pitch before the NFL game between the Miami Dolphins and the New Orleans Saints at Wembley Stadium on October 1, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images) /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 09: Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates after a fumble recovery by a teammate in the fourth quarter of a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on September 9, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Georgia won 20-19. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 09: Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates after a fumble recovery by a teammate in the fourth quarter of a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on September 9, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Georgia won 20-19. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Round 2 – Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia

Coming into the 2017 season, there was a lot of optimism surrounding the Dolphins revamped linebacker group. The team had invested in both the NFL Draft and NFL free agency to improve what was one of the worst units in football the previous season. Out were guys like Jelani Jenkins. In there was to be second-round pick Raekwon McMillan and free agent signee Lawrence Timmons.

Those hopes were dashed early and often, as McMillan suffered a season-ending knee injury in his very first pre-season game. They were dashed a second time when the season started and Timmons was curiously absent from the team. Thankfully, Timmons has returned to the team and has been a significant contributor to the Dolphins defensive turnaround. A turnaround that has been further helped by the signing of former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga. So why spend such a high selection on a position of strength?

Insurance. Timmons will be 32 by this time next season. While he still looks to be in great physical shape and hasn’t slowed down on the field, age is always a concern in the NFL after 30. When game goes, it goes quickly. The same can be said for Maualuga, who is going to be 31 by this time next season and has had some struggles with injury in the past. It would serve the Dolphins well to get an influx of youth at the position. Getting McMillan back will help. So would Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith.

For my money, Smith is one of the two best linebackers available in this draft. He is a prototypical linebacker and has both the size and speed needed to play in today’s NFL. Smith has incredible processing skills and goes from reading to reacting in a heartbeat. He’s a heady player who’s going to be a solid contributor in both phases of the game. He’s the kind of player you want, regardless of how strong you are at the position.

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