This year’s draft is filled with a lot of talented players, and whoever the Miami Dolphins do decide to draft in the first round, one thing will be certain, it needs to be someone who is going to start this year. The Dolphins’ greatest needs are obvious, but there is a high probability that the best tackles and linebackers will be gone by the time the Dolphins pick at the 19th spot. The decision will then be to either reach for a player from one of the above mentioned positions, or to choose the best player available at a position of lesser need. I agree with going with need, however I do not agree with reaching for need. So I would much rather go with the BPA, and get a guy that is going to start and possibly be a play-maker at his position.
One interesting position, and player that might be available is corner-back Justin Gilbert from Oklahoma State. The phins have an excellent CB in Brent Grimes, but in today’s heavy loaded passing league, a team can never have enough solid cover men. Justin Gilbert is project by many sports gambling fans to be a top 20 pick and the best corner prospect in the draft. He is a great man-cover corner with solid height of 6’0”, weighs 202 pounds and has blazing speed, which is evident from his 4.37 40 time. He is a physical freak, with speed, height and he even had the second-longest arms and second-highest bench press total among all corner backs. He had the fastest time for the 40 of any defensive back, and was excellent in all his field drills, showcasing loose hips, a fluid backpedal, and excellent leaping, and catching ability.
Gilbert had a massive 2013 season for Oklahoma State, coming down with 7 interceptions, 1 for a touchdown, 42 tackles, 7 passes broken up, and even 1 kick returned for a touchdown. One interesting stat of Gilbert’s is that in 2011 he had an interception against the top 3 QB’s selected in the draft; Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin, and our very own Ryan Tannehill. He definitely has shown his ball hawking skills throughout his college career, and the Dolphins could always use another ball-hawking CB, especially in a division, where they will have to beat Tom Brady, and the Patriots if they want to win the AFC East.