Miami Dolphins: 2018 NFL Draft targets to speed up rebuild

Derwin James, S, Florida State

Reshad Jones is one of the greatest safeties in the game, period. The problem is, he’s been surrounded by average defenses. If the Dolphins want to rebuild fast, they need to give him a safety that can actually cover. The two best guys in the draft for that are Florida State’s Derwin James and Alabama’s Minkah Fitzpatrick, both of who will have to be selected with the 11th pick in the first round.

There are a few project guys the Fins can look to grab like the 6-0, 198-pound safety Natrell Jamerson, who lit up the Combine with 4.40-second 40 and 25 reps on the bench press. Jamerson is a rangy player who lacks ideal size, but as has excellent strength. He’s tough and could come in and play free safety next to Jones and develop slowly. He’s young, but very talented and has proven his worth during the pre-draft process. They could get a steal in the fourth round with a guy like Jamerson.

Next: NFL Free Agency 2018: Grades for major signings

The Dolphins are entering this offseason as a team looking to rebuild. While they haven’t openly admitted it, instead opting to promote the plan as a way to improve their culture. Nevertheless, parting with these players will leave major voids on their rosters. Replacing the NFL’s league leader in receptions and your best interior lineman will negatively impact any team. However, teams are built through the draft, and the Fins have an opportunity to become a great young team.