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

By Chris Spooner

CLEMSON, SC - NOVEMBER 11: Hunter Renfrow #13 of the Clemson Tigers tries to make a catch against Derwin James #3 of the Florida State Seminoles during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC - NOVEMBER 11: Hunter Renfrow #13 of the Clemson Tigers tries to make a catch against Derwin James #3 of the Florida State Seminoles during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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WACO, TX – SEPTEMBER 09: A UTSA Roadrunners football helmet on the field at McLane Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
WACO, TX – SEPTEMBER 09: A UTSA Roadrunners football helmet on the field at McLane Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Round 3: Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA

Now you might be looking at me like I’m crazy for suggesting the Dolphins select another defensive end. They are strong at the position. Especially with last year’s first-round selection, Charles Harris, flashing signs of being a very capable defensive end in his rookie campaign. Defensive end, at first glance, doesn’t look like it’s a position of need. But hear me out, here. They are going to be hurting at the position here very soon.

After last season the Dolphins signed defensive end Andre Branch to a three-year, $24 million contract. He had a strong season last year and at the time I felt like the contract was warranted. Possibly a bit much for how he performed, but it felt like a solid deal. This year, however, has been a different story. Branch has not been good this season, and it’s likely that the team will move on from him after next season, with the youngster Harris taking his place. That’s all fine and well, but it’s the other side that should concern Dolphins fans.

Cameron Wake is an absolute beast at the position. He’s been one of the best defensive ends in football throughout his career, and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. But the fact remains that Wake will be 36 before the season ends. At some point father time is going to catch up with him, and it’s going to be sooner than later. With Harris eventually replacing Branch, who replaces Wake?

That replacement could be found in this year’s draft in the form of Marcus Davenport from the University of Texas – San Antonio. Davenport is one of my favorite players available in the 2018 draft class. He’s an absolutely dominant force at the position. He exhibits strong hand usage to shed blockers, has a devastating bull-rush, and has the speed to get around tackles and get after the quarterback.

The question is going to be if he can maintain those traits when he faces off against much better competition. Players from small schools have to be dominant at their level to get the attention of NFL scouts, and Davenport has done that. Now he’s going to need a strong performance at the Senior Bowl practices to prove he can get the job done against other NFL talent. I believe he can, and could be a steal.

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