Lance Zierlein Mock Draft has the Dolphins selecting

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: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

“The Dolphins sit tight once again and grab the highest-rated cornerback remaining on the board. Johnson is a smooth, sticky man defender with a mature game.”

NFL.com Draft Profile 

Overview

Scheme-versatile cornerback prospect with average size and the ability to play inside or outside. Johnson is consistent in mirroring the release from his pedal and rarely labors when transitioning with route breaks. While many college corners lean on lax officiating to grab and maul, Johnson stays disciplined. He trusts his footwork and technique to remain tight to the route. He attacks the catch point with run-through force and is a tenacious wrap-up tackler who can quickly end plays. Big receivers can steal some high-points, but not enough to cause concern. Johnson’s coverage versatility, toughness and athleticism should make him an early starter for a coverage-hungry team.

Strengths

• Coverage movement is controlled and confident.
• Mirrors and matches the release with consistency from his pedal.
• Rarely declares hips early to release or route fakes.
• Footwork is clean and natural in transitions and recovery.
• Tracks throws with the intention of making a play on the ball.
• Closes distance to suffocate work space on vertical routes.
• Trusts his feet and was rarely penalized in coverage.
• Attacks blockers with aggressive punches and is a wrap-up tackler.

Weaknesses

• Average recovery speed when he’s beaten.
• Phases on top side of the route and loses positioning late.
• Features small delay transitioning from the top of his drop.
• Had trouble battling big-bodied receivers on jump balls.
• Big running backs can drag him for extra yardage.