Pete Prisco Mock Draft 1.0 has Miami Selecting…

NFL.com Draft Profile

Overview

Delane is one of the top cornerbacks in a CB-rich draft. He excels in press coverage, altering release timing with punches and slides. Smooth hips and efficient footwork keep him connected in man coverage, while his processing allows for quick transitions in off-man and short zone looks. He has good top-end speed for vertical phasing but is inconsistent turning to find the football. While he locks in on the route at times, he’s rarely oblivious to the quarterback’s actions, allowing him to slam catch windows shut and play the football. He played through a core muscle injury for much of the 2025 season and still performed at an elite level. Delane’s emergence over the past two years might be indicative of what’s to come, as he’s shown lockdown potential.

Strengths

• Loose-limbed, highly athletic and efficient in his movements.
• Throws jabs and slides feet to cut off release from press.
• Gets hands on the route quickly and flows tightly to the route.
• Anticipates breaks from off coverage and pounces to erase separation space.
• Tracks quarterback without losing route awareness in zone coverage.
• Makes sharp overlaps to play the throw from deep zone drops.
• Smothers the catch point like a dominant shot blocker.
• Full-contact thumper ready to jar the ball loose.
• Engulfs and wraps up pass-catchers to quickly end the play.

Weaknesses

• Plays tall in space, limiting transition quickness at times.
• Can be baited by clever route combinations in deep zone.
• Aggressive hand usage to redirect, which will bring flags.
• Needs to become more consistent in locating deep throws.
• Can be tardy breaking down as an open-field tackler.

Round 1, Pick #30: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (FL)

“The Dolphins need pass-rush help, so they can take the local product to liven up their pressure. He’s older at 25, but he would be a nice addition to their defense.”

NFL.com Draft Profile

Overview

Mesidor is an instinctive, high-effort edge rusher with a fluid rush style and a deep toolbox. He bursts upfield and can shrink the corner while punishing oversetting tackles with inside counters. He strings moves together with effortless mid-rush adjustments, utilizing harmonious hands and feet to carve efficient tracks into the pocket. He’s a problem for guards when reduced inside, too. His urgency shows up in run defense, where he uses play strength and short-area quickness to disrupt blocking schemes and stay around the football. He won’t be as long as most edge-setters and his anchor at the point is just average. The talent and motor are obvious, but his age and injury history could push some teams to discount his grade below what the tape shows.

Strengths

• Blends rabid determination with coaching from Hall of Famer Jason Taylor.
• Uses finesse or power depending on approach and opponent.
• Appears to gain momentum and speed at the turn.
• Effective inside-outside Euro step helps shrink the corner.
• Recognizes oversets by tackle and attacks them accordingly.
• Constantly countering once he feels momentum wain.
• Disciplined in spying quarterback on boot action.
• Eager to find the football and make a play in run game.
• Pursues wide with adequate speed and smart angles.
• Keeps hustle dialed in when chasing plays down the field.

Weaknesses

• Lacks desired height/length as an NFL edge.
• Speed-to-power conversion is average by league standards.
• Base narrows through engagement, leading to imbalance.
• Desire to chase play direction sets him up for counters.
• Foot injury limited him to three games in 2023.
• Will be a 25-year-old rookie.