Draft preview

Going into the NFL draft this weekend, the Dolphins' biggest needs are at wide receiver, cornerback, and linebacker. If they keep their first round pick at #25, a top CB or OLB would have to slip for Miami not to make a "reach" pick. For example, if , say, Ohio State CB Malcolm Jenkins were still available when the Dolphins pick, I'd urge them to take the CB. However, chances are that a worthy WR will be on the board at the time of the 25th pick. The top WR in the draft, Texas Tech's Michael Crabtree, is expected to be long gone. However, Florida's Percy Harvin, North Carolina's Hakeem Nicks, or Maryland's Darrius Hayward-Bey should be available.

What would derail this obvious route is Bill Parcells' stated dislike for drafting WRs in the first round. Parcells believes that good NFL receivers can be found in the latter part of the draft. As for CB and OLB, in this draft, I believe the team can find a decent CB in later rounds without reaching, and they can address their pass rushing needs by signing Jason Taylor instead of rolling the dice on a rookie.