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Miami Dolphins 2003 Draft Preview
By Bryan McGovern, NFL Editor
(Sports Network) - The Miami Dolphins will have to get by without a first-
round draft pick for the fourth time in five years. This year�s top selection
belongs to New Orleans as part of the Ricky Williams trade, which turned out
to be great for both teams. Dave Wannstedt will have to wait until the second
round to make his presence felt on draft day.
The Dolphins are a solid, veteran team with few major holes. Left tackle is
one of the team�s most pressing needs, however, and Wannstedt could find a
solid prospect to add to his offensive line at pick 49. Potential targets
include Jon Stinchcomb (Georgia), George Foster (Georgia) and Brett Williams
(Florida State). However, the team could fill the void with a veteran free
agent since Wannstedt might not want to force a rookie into action right off
the bat at such a critical position. Signing a free agent would allow the team
to use its second-round pick on another area.
Miami could simply jump for the best player still on the board at 49, whether
he�s a quarterback, wide receiver, center or linebacker. The club wants to
develop a young QB prospect behind Jay Fiedler and Ray Lucas and likely will
draft one on day two. However, if a player like Rex Grossman (Florida) or
Chris Simms (Texas) slides into the second round then the club could secure
its future QB. Second-day QB options include Kliff Kingsbury (Texas Tech),
Jason Gesser (Washington State), Bret Engemann (BYU) and Tony Romo (Eastern
Illinois).
The club�s situation at wide receiver is unstable. Chris Chambers has the
ability to dominate downfield, but the team needs to add some complementary
players around him. Ex-Redskin Derrius Thompson was signed during the first
phase of free agency, but Cris Carter�s future is uncertain. The Dolphins
could find a WR to their liking at 49. Potential targets include Kelley
Washington (Tennessee), Bryant Johnson (Penn State), Anquan Boldin (Florida
State) and Brandon Lloyd (Illinois). The club could look for a king-sized
receiver in the middle rounds like Kassim Osgood (San Diego State) or Justin
Gage (Missouri).
Outside linebacker isn�t a pressing need, but the team wants to get younger at
the position. The Dolphins landed ex-Charger Junior Seau and will put him in
the mix with Derrick Rodgers and Morlon Greenwood on the outside. Still, the
team will look to add an OLB at some point in the draft.
The Dolphins would be presented with an interesting dilemma if Notre Dame
center Jeff Faine is still on the board at 49. Faine, who is a blue-collar
player in the mold of a Tim Ruddy, would be a great value in the second round
and the team has a need for a young center. Again, the club could be faced
with a myriad of options with its first pick. Wisconsin's Al Johnson is a
second-round option, but it remains to be seen if the team is willing to use
its first pick on a center. Wannstedt might wait until day two to address the
need.
Watch for Miami to select a safety with one of its six selections on day two.
The Dolphins lack depth behind starters Brock Marion and Arturo Freeman and
need to add a prospect via the draft.
DRAFT NEEDS: Offensive tackle, wide receiver, outside linebacker, safety,
quarterback, center.
DRAFT PICKS: 2nd round (#49 overall); 3rd round (#82); 5th round (#156); 5th
round (#169); 6th round (#209); 6th round (#213); 7th round (#247 from Tampa
Bay); 7th round (#248).
RECENT FIRST ROUND HISTORY: 2002 - none; 2001 - Jamar Fletcher (CB,
Wisconsin); 2000 - none; 1999 - none; 1998 - John Avery (RB, Mississippi);
1997 - Yatil Green (WR, Miami); 1996 - Daryl Gardener (DT, Baylor); 1995 -
Billy Milner (OT, Houston); 1994 - Tim Bowens (DT, Mississippi); 1993 - O.J.
McDuffie (WR, Penn State); 1992 - Troy Vincent (CB, Wisconsin), Marco Coleman
(DL, Georgia Tech); 1991 - Randall Hill (WR, Miami); 1990 - Richmond Webb (OT,
Texas A&M;).
04/22 14:52:18 ET
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