Breaking Down Dolphins Draft Targets

Breaking Down Dolphins Draft Targets

Miami has had 17 of its “Top 30” interviews revealed by various media outlets. The new regime is clearly attempting to build a receiver corps to their standards, and with that comes interviewing a multitude of players.

The Miami Dolphins have summoned 6 receivers and 1 tight end. Here is a breakdown of each pass catcher Miami is allegedly interested in.

Makai Lemon, USC’s star receiver, is a hot commodity for teams selecting in the top 15. His ability to move in and out of breaks or at the top of routes is nearly unmatched in this draft class. He is a smaller player, likely restricting him to a full-time slot player, and lacks high-end athleticism. These concerns may knock him down for a few teams that may already have a player of similar stature and style. For example, the Detroit Lions have receiver Amon-Ra St Brown.

The Dolphins currently do not have a high-caliber slot player, with Malik Washington and TuTu Atwell being their options at the position. Lemon will not be available at pick 30 or later, so Miami has a decision to make at 11.

Denzel Boston, the Washington receiver, stands at 6 feet 4 inches tall and was one of the best contested catch receivers in all of college football for the last two years. The Dolphins have been interested in Boston for a few months, as they met with him at the NFL Combine, the Washington pro day, and summoned him for a top-30 visit.

He would instantly provide size and strength at the “X” receiver position for Miami. His lack of explosiveness likely pegs him to be a late first-round pick. Miami is a prime projection for Boston at pick 30.

Kevin “KC” Concepcion, the speedy receiver from Texas A&M, was also summoned to the Dolphins’ headquarters. There is definitely interest in the former NC State star freshman, as he was also interviewed virtually at the beginning of the offseason.

Concepcion recently underwent surgery to clean up a knee issue, likely knocking his projection down a bit. His style of play is reminiscent of Jaylen Waddle, and Miami is in position to get a younger version of the former 6th overall pick at selection 30.

Cyrus Allen, the underrated Cincinnati Bearcat, has become a name to watch for many teams across the league after his performance at the Panini Senior Bowl. Recording 13 touchdowns last year wasn’t enough to get him invited to the NFL Combine, but that hasn’t deterred the league from keeping him on its radar. His speed and acceleration are unmatched, and he is a top target in rounds 4 or 5.

Ted Hurst, the monster athlete out of Georgia State, is another above-the-rim pass catcher that Miami has shown interest in. His draft stock picked up steam towards the end of the season. He was very impressive throughout the Panini Senior Bowl and then tested extremely well at the NFL Combine.

Miami’s need for a deep threat is as big as their need for a taller receiver who can win contested balls, and Ted Hurst is both of those archetypes mashed into one. He is a day 2 prospect, and Miami is in a prime position to select him as they own 5 selections on day 2 of the draft.

Jordan Hudson is the last receiver name I’ll talk about, but Miami has had interest in him for the longest. He received their first known top 30 interview. Hudson had been steadily improving in college, but never had a “receiver 1” type of season. He is a day 3 prospect with high-end backup potential in the league.

Justin Joly, the stud NC State tight end, was recently called in for a slew of top 30 visits, one of which was with the Miami Dolphins. He measured in at 6 feet 4 inches, 241 pounds. Joly possesses high-end speed and acceleration, and is more of a big slot target rather than an inline tight end.

His playstyle is reminiscent of former Miami draft pick Charles Clay, who had a breakout season for the team as a big slot receiver in 2013. In 4 collegiate seasons, Joly notched 15 receiving touchdowns. His polished route running for the size and position he plays at is what intrigues many NFL clubs. He is an early-round 3 prospect.

With Miami having very thin depth at receiver and tight end, I expect them to target these players in the NFL Draft.