x
Albert Breer Mock Draft has Miami Selecting
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated released his one and only mock draft of the year, and with 2 picks in Round 1, he has the Dolphins selecting.

Round 1, Pick #11: Rueben Bain Jr. EDGE, Miami (FL)

“New GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley, I believe, will be looking for a tone-setter who’s clean character-wise and medically. And yes, Bain had a car accident in 2024, but the teams I’ve spoken with are comfortable with him on that front. Between the lines, Bain fully fits the play style and violence that Hafley’s going to look for in his defenders.”

NFL.com Draft Profile

Overview

Note taker, grudge holder and block destructor with a compact frame and defensive tackle play strength. Bain is ill-tempered with his take-ons, hitting blockers with heavy hand strikes. He plays through tight ends and can anchor against tackles and double teams. However, his lack of length can lead to him being smothered if he doesn’t land the first strike. He can bend and flip his hips at the top of the rush, swipe away punches and generate a strong bull rush. His playoff run showed an ability to generate quick wins if tackles are passive in setting to him. He can rush off the edge or mismatch guards as a sub-package rusher. Bain’s explosive power and toughness should translate, giving him a high floor as an NFL starter.

Strengths

  • Loose hips and violent hands create shorter rush corners.
  • Disguises speed-to-power charge, surprising tackles.
  • Can stab and shove tackles off-balance, creating inside openings.
  • Accurate two-hand swipe batters and clears the punch.
  • Power like a defensive tackle with agility like an edge.
  • Explodes punch into the chest of blocker.
  • Can eat blocks and hold his ground at the point of attack.
  • Hands and feet are in full alliance to shed and work around edges.
  • Coached by NFL rush aficionado and Hall of Famer, Jason Taylor.

Weaknesses

  • Ducks head and drops eyes, driving into run blocks.
  • Short arms will get him crowded at the point of attack.
  • Average pursuit speed out to the flanks.
  • Will take some plays off when action doesn’t come his way.
  • Counters don’t come naturally at the top of the rush.
  • Average closing burst to the quarterback.

Round 1, Pick #30: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

“It’s a big need, yes, and it’s something that the Dolphins can do to give Malik Willis a chance. And in a year in which Sullivan and Hafley will be focused on building the roster, Boston helps them do that, as a big, physical target who can play inside and outside.”

NFL.com Draft Profile

Overview

Two-year starter with elite ball skills that should supersede athletic/speed limitations. A Puka Nacua comparison might feel strong, but like Nacua, Boston enters the draft with speed/separation concerns and outstanding competitive toughness. Boston gets off the line with good burst and maintains his top speed throughout the route. He could have issues beating press, but releases can also be schemed. He’s very skilled when it comes to winning jump balls and contested throws. Boston also knows how to win in the red zone. Acclimating to NFL competition could take a year, but Boston has the makeup to become a productive possession target with above-average red-zone value.

Strengths

  • Good early acceleration and plays faster than timed speed.
  • Runs routes with good fluidity.
  • Big-bodied target who plays to his size.
  • Leans on defenders without sacrificing catch readiness.
  • Scored 20 TDs over the last two seasons, proving himself a red-zone mismatch.
  • Pro-caliber ball skills with elite hand strength to finish.
  • Extends for off-frame throws with a spider web-like catch radius.
  • Ball tracking and adjustment timing are top notch.
  • Competitive and strong with his run-after-catch ability.

Weaknesses

  • Production dipped when the competition level rose.
  • Press release is linear and will give NFL CBs opportunities to get hands on him.
  • Flashes early burst but lacks a true second gear.
  • Routes lose steam when he digs his foot in on route turns.
  • Earned separation closes as the route progresses.
  • Might need formation help and stacks/motion to free his releases.

This article first appeared on Dolphins Talk and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!