ESPN Reporters Mock Draft have the Dolphins Selecting

NFL.com Draft Profile

Overview

Fano lacks ideal proportional build but compensates with loose hips, quick feet and high-end athleticism. He has the tools to mirror speed rushers, wall off the top of the pocket and find a late anchor when taking the worst of a bull rush. He needs to stay square longer to prevent inside moves and refine his punch approach/timing. His athletic profile is designed for move-based blocking schemes where he can pull, reach and climb while beating opponents to the spot with quickness/feel for hitting landmarks on time. He gives good effort as a downhill blocker but issues with pad level and core strength lead to him being overtaken as the rep progresses. Fano’s level of NFL success might be tied to scheme fit and individual matchups.

Strengths

• Three-year starter with experience at both tackle spots.
• Has extensive reps in prominent run-blocking schemes.
• Good hand-strike quickness when allowed to fire out.
• Accelerates feet and runs through angle blocks on contact.
• Has footwork and body control to stay connected on move blocks.
• Athleticism/adjustments can spring runs and screens in space.
• Flies out of his stance and in front of the rusher with quickness.
• Above-average mirroring the rush with foot quickness.
• Able to unlock hips and ride edge rushers around the pocket.
• Good at finding his footing after early push from speed to power.
• Feints punches to draw and dry out rusher’s hand swipe attempts.

Weaknesses

• Lean through his chest, waist and thighs by NFL standards.
• Lacks upper-body and core strength to sustain in-blocks at pro level.
• Pad level rides way too high on drive blocks.
• Can be pressed and displaced by heavy-handed ends.
• Loses “first in” battles to the frame with his pass punch.
• Will overset instead of working inside/out against speed rushers.
• Opens outside half too quickly, creating opportunities for inside moves.
• Must guard against lunging with inside hand and hugging with outside hand.

Round 1, Pick #30: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

“With most of the wide receivers off the board, the former Auburn Tiger is the pick here. Faulk is a high-character player who should be able to defend the run right away considering his strength and size (6-6, 275 pounds). He’s still developing as a pass rusher, but he could form an exciting tandem with Chop Robinson on the edge.”

NFL.com Draft Profile

Faulk has a long, developing frame, good movement skills and the potential for odd or even fronts once he gains more muscle mass. He’s a culture player with high character who earns a grade bump based on his age (turns 21 in September), traits and advanced foundation. A fluid athlete with good movement skills, he works around blocks with finesse but needs more assertive initial strikes to set firmer edges in gap control. His toughness and mentality suggest he’ll play through blocks more consistently in an NFL environment. Faulk’s rush is diverse. However, with average upfield burst, he might require a move inside on passing downs, where his long levers, quickness and agility can overmatch guards. Faulk needs polish but offers a high ceiling that should reveal itself within a couple of years.

Strengths

• Culture player praised for leadership, accountability and character.
• Won’t turn 21 until September but has the skill level of an older player.
• Potential to align at any spot in odd or even fronts depending on the down.
• Long levers to strike blocker’s frame first and take early leads.
• Has the tools to penetrate or maintain gap integrity on lateral run plays.
• Smooth arm-over move can create early wins when aligned inside.
• Has access to a diverse set of rush approaches and moves.
• Able to open up edges with efficient, sudden hands.
• Does a nice job of stalking and hounding scrambling quarterbacks.
• Long frame allows him to expand his tackle radius near the line.

Weaknesses

• Upfield burst is average when rushing off the edge.
• Would benefit from more violent hands to dislodge the punch.
• Has a habit of overrunning pocket depth instead of working back under.
• Tends to play tall as a run defender and on inside rush counters.