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Miami Dolphins' 2019 draft: Analysis for every pick

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NFL draft profile: Christian Wilkins (1:03)

Clemson's Christian Wilkins is a polished pass rusher with quick hands and an excellent motor who can also help on short yardage packages. (1:03)

Breaking down the Miami Dolphins' class in the 2019 NFL draft.

Round 1, No. 13 overall: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson

My take: Wilkins has an amazing personality, and that is no exaggeration. His jovial and positive charisma will make him a great fit as first-year head coach Brian Flores tries to rebuild this team in Miami. General manager Chris Grier said Wilkins was the highest player available on their board and an easy decision to take at No. 13. He's a great fit in Flores' versatile defense, fills one of the Dolphins' biggest needs and has familiarity with Miami defensive line coach Marion Hobby, who coached him at Clemson. It's a very strong pick from Grier.

Crushing Goodell: Wilkins had one of the most memorable moments of Thursday's first round when he gave commissioner Roger Goodell a flying shoulder bump and a crushing bear hug. He said he was excited and didn't know what to do. His high energy clearly comes through on and off the field -- like crushing Goodell and nailing the splits following Clemson's national championship win. Wilkins had plenty of one-liners, saying he hoped to replace Dwyane Wade as a star that Miami needs and how he already loved Miami because there is no income tax in Florida.

Passing on Haskins: Wilkins seems like a strong bet to be a solid pro, but there will be questions about whether passing on Dwayne Haskins was a good decision until Miami finds its franchise quarterback. Grier seemed hesitant about this quarterback class throughout the offseason, and that became clear when he passed on Haskins and Drew Lock. A day later, the Dolphins traded their second-round pick for quarterback Josh Rosen, a top-10 pick in the 2018 draft.


Round 3, No. 78 overall: Michael Deiter, G, Wisconsin

My take: The big splash of the day came when the Dolphins traded for Rosen, but when they finally got to pick at No. 78, they went back to their plan to stock up on meat and potatoes. Deiter should step in to compete for the Dolphins' starting guard job, and he would help improve one of the NFL's worst offensive lines in 2018.

Deiter's versatility is an asset, but he is more comfortable in the interior than at right tackle, where Miami still has a huge hole. Whether Rosen or Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Dolphins need to protect their quarterback. Deiter helps.


Round 5, No. 151 overall: Andrew Van Ginkel, OLB, Wisconsin

My take: The Dolphins badly need pass-rushers, and Van Ginkel has a chance to eventually play a situational role as a pass-rushing linebacker in Brian Flores' multiple defense. Van Ginkel doesn't have any apparent elite traits, but he plays with high energy and can be a core special teams piece. He won't solve their edge rusher issue, but he could be another contributing player for Miami.

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NFL draft profile: Isaiah Prince

Isaiah Prince is an offensive tackle out of Ohio State who earned first-team All-Big Ten honors during his senior year for the Buckeyes.

Round 6, No. 202 overall: Isaiah Prince, OT, Ohio State

My take: Another meat-and-potatoes pick to help fix the Dolphins' struggling offensive line. Prince was a three-year starter at right tackle for the Buckeyes who went against Nick Bosa every day in practice. He has had his struggles, particularly in pass protection, but given the Dolphins' roster needs he may get a shot to compete for the vacant right tackle job.


Round 7, No. 233 overall: Chandler Cox, FB, Auburn

My take: Fullbacks live! This is a sign of offensive change in Dolphins offensive coordinator Chad O'Shea's new scheme by adding Cox, but it shouldn't be a surprise because the New England Patriots have done it for years. Cox is a tough, blocking fullback who can play special teams. It's a strong move to get a likely Year 1 contributor in the seventh round.

Round 7, No. 234 overall: Myles Gaskin, RB, Washington

My take: Gaskin expected to go earlier in Day 3, but he landed himself in a good spot because Miami has room for a third running back behind Kenyan Drake and Kalen Ballage. Gaskin was a workhorse back in Washington, and none of the incumbents have proven themselves in that role, so he could end up being a surprise if he is better than expected.