On the clock: 2019 NFL Draft needs and targets for the Miami Dolphins

How will the Miami Dolphins approach the 2019 NFL draft? We put them on the clock.

Whether or not the Dolphins are tanking — Brian Flores says they aren’t but their offseason moves suggest otherwise — this much is clear: There is a lot of work to do with this roster.

Quarterback is the most glaring issue but it might be smart to wait until Year 2 or 3 of the rebuild to take one. That makes sense for two reasons: Those QB classes should be stronger and you don’t want to drop a rookie into this mess of a roster. Miami would be smart to build up its offensive line and then start the search for its franchise quarterback.

So how should the Dolphins approach the 2019 NFL draft? We put them on the clock…

Picks

Day 1: 13th
Day 2: 48th, 78th
Day 3: 116th, 151st, 233rd, 234th

If the Dolphins do not love any of the quarterbacks available at 13, a trade-back makes the most sense for a team with a lot of holes and not nearly enough draft picks to address them all.

Primary needs

1. Quarterback
2. Edge rusher
3. Offensive tackle

Quarterback remains the top need, but going for an offensive tackle or edge rusher makes more sense for Miami at this point in their rebuild. Without a true blue-chip tackle prospect in this class, the Dolphins could land the top player at the position with the 13th pick.

Secondary needs

1. Offensive guard
2. Cornerback

The Dolphins are reportedly looking to lock down No. 1 corner Xavien Howard to a long-term deal, which would be a smart move, but they could still use a No. 2 guy who would round out a strong secondary that includes last year’s first-round pick, Minkah Fitzpatrick.

First-round targets

1. Dwayne Haskins, QB Ohio State
2. Daniel Jones, QB Duke
3. Jonah Williams, OT Alabama
4. Jawaan Taylor, OT Florida
5. Montez Sweat, Edge Mississippi State

The Dolphins have done their homework on the 2019 class of quarterbacks, and if they like either of the guys expected to be available, they could take a chance on one of them. If not, Jonah Williams and Jawaan Taylor are the most likely picks.

Other names to watch

1. Deandre Baker, CB Georgia
2. Zach Allen, Edge Boston College
3. Jaylon Ferguson,

Deandre Baker could very well go in the first round, but his poor testing numbers could lead to a slide. The Dolphins wouldn’t mind. The heady cornerback would be a nice fit in Brian Flores’ defense.

Click here for more of For The Win’s “On the Clock” series.