NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 8
Next
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 02: Wide receiver Chris Godwin #12 of the Penn State Nittany Lions makes a 72-yard touchdown reception against defensive back Iman Marshall #8 of the USC Trojans in the third quarter of the 2017 Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 02: Wide receiver Chris Godwin #12 of the Penn State Nittany Lions makes a 72-yard touchdown reception against defensive back Iman Marshall #8 of the USC Trojans in the third quarter of the 2017 Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Round 4 – Iman Marshall, CB, USC

Day 3 of the NFL Draft isn’t about finding players you think are going to come in right away and make a sizeable contribution to the team. If they are good enough to do so, that’s fantastic, but that’s not the primary goal. In Rounds 4-7, you’re looking for good depth guys. Guys you don’t necessarily want to depend on week in and week out, but guys who can step up in a pinch and not leave you in a bind if they’re needed.

You’re also looking for guys who present great value. Every year in the draft, there are guys who get drafted well above where they should have been. And, conversely, there are always guys who slide further down the draft boards than expected. When that happens, especially at a position of need, you’ve hit the jackpot. And that’s exactly how I would feel if the Dolphins were able to land USC cornerback Iman Marshall in the fourth round.

For all the progress that the Dolphins defense has made this season, cornerback has still been a glaring weakness on the roster. Rookie Cordrea Tankersley was thrust into action, and has performed well enough for the team to feel comfortable releasing veteran Byron Maxwell. However, that’s left the team thin at an already weak position. Drafting Marshall would not only help the Dolphins fill out the roster, but gives them someone who can come in right away and challenge for a starting job.

If the NFL Draft were today, Marshall would be in my top five at the position and with a second round grade. Grabbing him in the fourth round is incredible value. He’s a guy who should be able to challenge incumbent Xavien Howard for a starting position. His skill set would suit Miami very well.

Home/Miami Dolphins