USA Today Mock Draft has Dolphins Selecting

NFL.com Draft Profile

Overview

Highly touted prospect who met expectations as a durable three-year starter at right tackle. Mauigoa has a guard’s broad build, but he moves like a tackle in pass sets. He’s highly experienced with an impressive football IQ that pops on tape. He has good contact balance and a strong core. He delivers firm first contact but excessive leaning diminishes not only his leverage and sustain as a run blocker but also his ability to deal with spin counters when protecting. He’s good at trapping rushers at the turn and can smother their momentum. He has the footwork, anchor and punch timing to diversify his pass-set approach. He works with an innate feel for pocket depth and is rarely out-paced to the top by speed. Mauigoa has a high ceiling but the leaning must be eradicated. He’ll be an early starter at right tackle but a move to guard could be on the table in the future.

Strengths

• Three-year starter and 2025 team captain.
• Dense build with broad frame and outstanding lean muscle mass.
• Well-balanced delivering pop on contact into the opponent’s frame.
• Generates torque from hips to clear kick-out blocks from gaps.
• Fits the block and cranks up his foot chop to push the sled.
• Good hip-to-hip positioning working double-teams.
• Unlocks hips and digs in with in-steps to door-jamb bull rush.
• Hands are patient during smooth, measured pass slides.
• Latches in and runs the rush around the pocket.
• Has anchor for vertical sets and range to hit diagonal set points.

Weaknesses

• Average range getting to angles and landmarks in outside zone.
• Too much leaning and not enough bending as a drive blocker.
• Falls off the block when feet lag behind his pads.
• Spin counters are a mounting concern in pass pro.
• Lack of length limits rush redirection when beaten.
• Could struggle staying connected to stacked moves.

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

“If the Dolphins are to get a fair read on new quarterback Malik Willis, they surely need to afford him some additional weaponry in the wake of the Waddle trade. The 6-4, 212-pound Boston would add a distinct and sorely lacking flavor as a jump-ball winner to contrast an otherwise undersized receiving corps.”

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.