A closer look at the positions that the Miami Dolphins could target at the NFL combine in Indianapolis:

Positions of need: Much like their AFC counterparts outside of New England, the Dolphins have been plagued by mediocrity (or worse) at quarterback for several years. There were signs Ryan Tannehill could be on the rise when Miami extended him in 2015, but last season's knee injury cast doubt on his long-term future with the Dolphins. It would be wise for the Dolphins to explore their options in the draft to potentially upgrade from Tannehill over the long haul.

There are more immediate needs, however, for a team that finished 6-10 last season. The offensive line could use help at guard, the Dolphins have whiffed at attempts to find a playmaking tight end and last season's trade of Jay Ajayi left a hole at running back. There are also question marks across the defense, especially at linebacker and cornerback.

Three players the Dolphins should focus on at combine:

Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma: The Dolphins need to be prepared if one of the top four quarterbacks in most draft projections falls to them at No. 11. In ESPN NFL draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.'s latest mock, that quarterback was UCLA's Josh Rosen, whom Kiper projected to Miami. Another possibility -- and probably more likely to fall out of the top 10 -- is Mayfield, whose lack of ideal height for an NFL quarterback and questions about his character will linger into April. The Dolphins will have a chance in Indianapolis to familiarize themselves with the draft's top quarterbacks. The question is whether they would take the plunge at No. 11 and set the stage to transition away from Tannehill.

Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville: For teams not selecting in the top 10 or who will not attempt to trade up for a quarterback, Jackson will be among the top names to watch. It might be a reach for the Dolphins to take Jackson at No. 11, but perhaps another quarterback falling out of the top 10 would create a scenario in which a team tries to trade up and offers a package of picks, including one lower in the first round. Would Miami then be more comfortable taking Jackson? Kiper and ESPN NFL draft expert Todd McShay did not project Jackson to be taken in the first round, so it is possible he could be available to Miami in the second round.

Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame: If the Dolphins want a player who could make a more immediate impact than a quarterback, Nelson is an option. McShay projected Nelson, widely considered the draft's top offensive lineman, to the Dolphins at No. 11. He would address the team's ongoing offensive line struggles but would not address the defense or help in finding a long-term answer at quarterback.