‘Jimmy Bourbon GM’ Drafts two OLs in Phins RD#1
Phins need to a couple of blue-chip Offensive Linemen
Despite the addition of Ereck Flowers and Ted Karras, the weakest unit on the Miami Dolphins is the offensive line. There’s no way around it, the Phins must use a few blue-chip on offensive linemen in this draft. If the Dolphins want any relevancy in the 2020 Season their O-line needs to go from turnstiles to bulldozers.
With 14 picks in the upcoming draft, the ‘Jimmy Bourbon GM’ would use at least 4 of those picks on Offensive Lineman. And considering that this draft class is top-heavy on talent, I would double down and select offensive linemen with our 18th and 26th pick.
You might say, “What about the 5th pick, Jimmy?”
Well, I’m of the belief that the Phins will pick a quarterback with their 5th pick. So, I’m sticking with that train of thought.
Phins pick a QB at #5 and then two O-linemen to protect him
The top rated Offensive linemen are:
- Tristan Wirfs
- Jedrick Wills
- Andrew Thomas
- Mekhi Becton
- Josh Jones
- Austin Jackson
- Isaiah Wilson
- Cesar Ruiz
I would take any two of these players. Unfortunately, players such as Wirfs, Wills, and Thomas will likely be long gone by the time we get on down from #18. That still leaves plenty of other players on this list available from the 18-26th pick.
Yes, some might even be available with the Phins 2nd Rounder. But, at the 39th Overall pick, it will be slim pickings… or none at all.
Missing out on O-linemen in the 1st RD could mean picking through scraps
With Becton flagged for a diluted drug test at the combine, Miami is in the position of both risk and reward. Most of the best bookie software providers have him falling at least a little because he’ll have to go into Stage 1 of the league’s program for drug use. It’s similar to when Laremy Tunsil had his ‘smoking weed video’ leaked on Draft Day. Miami has shown they are willing to take chances on top prospects if they fall in the draft due to drugs.
But, was the failed test performance enhancers or recreational drug use?
We don’t know.
While Becton may not fall all the way to #18, he could be close enough for a slight move up to get him. This behemoth of 6’7” 357 pounds put up eye-popping numbers at the combine. His 5.10 second 40-yard time might have been the most impressive test at the combine. At #18, Becton would be an excellent pick and worth even a small trade up… that is, if it wasn’t performance enhancers that earned him his eye-popping numbers.
Again, we don’t know what the situation is except he failed a test.
The problem in this scenario is, if Miami drafts Tua and Becton, both the Phins top-picks have medical red-flag attached to them.
Becton or Jones with the 18th Pick sounds good
If Becton is off the board, then my next choice at #18 would be Josh Jones. Jones has good size at 6’5” and 311 pounds and was very good in pass protection for the Houston Cougars last year. Jones could add some strength and fine-tune his technique, but with the right coaching, he could be a starting Tackle in the NFL.
Miami could draft the best Center in the Draft
At #26, Miami will have the opportunity to add the top-rated Center in the draft. Cesar Ruiz from Michigan has been quietly climbing up the draft boards, and even though Miami just singed Ted Karas to a one year deal to play Center, it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t still look for a long term solution.
Ruiz is a well-balanced blocker in both the ground game and in pass protection. He was a quality three-year starter at Michigan who skipped his senior year to enter the draft. In addition, he had a very good combine and has the size to also compete at Guard. So drafting Ruiz, who is the top-rated Center and can also play Guard, would give us flexibility and a potential long term solution at Center, if Karas isn’t the future.
Isaiah Wilson is a true Right Tackle and real option
Lastly, keep an eye on Isaiah Wilson because he played at Brian Flores’s high school. We all know how tight Flores is with his High School coach Dino Mangiero, so Wilson’s character will be cemented either way by Mangiero.
The kid is a physical freak at 6’6” 350lbs and he could be had early in the 2nd Round. On the downside, he most likely a true Right Tackle, so this would still leave Left Tackle open. Still, finding a starting tackle in the 2nd Round would be great for the Phins.
Well, the draft is nearly here! However it pans out, let’s hope Miami finally gets the Offensive Line right!
What are the rest of the Miami Dolphins News fans’ thoughts about doubling down on Offensive Linemen with our 2nd and 3rd picks of the first round?
Hello Jimmy
I agree no excused to complaint about the offensive line this season. Offensive Linemen are very heavy, media folks are jumping around and like we see every season players are drafted to high and missing out on your Pro Bowl players?
I would honestly calculate
5 offensive linemen from this draft who can stay healthy,out of trouble and can start now or later this season.
Agree…
The Buckeyes’ front five was named Tuesday as a finalist for the Joe Moore Award, which honors college football’s best offensive line.
With a starting five of left tackle Thayer Munford, left guard Jonah Jackson, center Josh Myers, right guard Wyatt Davis and right tackle Branden Bowen leading the way, Ohio State ranks fifth nationally in rushing yards per game (272.2) and sixth in yards per carry (5.67). Jackson and Davis both earned first-team All-Big Ten recognition while Munford, Myers and Bowen were each honored as second-team All-Big Ten selections.
Ranked: 3rd to 5th rounders to un drafted 2020
Thayer Munford Left guard
Josh Myers Center
Branden Bowen
The Buckeyes have had some issues in pass protection, allowing 31 sacks in 13 games, but their power and dominance in the run game – including 339 knockdown blocks – and leading Ohio State’s offense as a whole was enough to earn recognition from the Joe Moore Award committee as one of college football’s top four offensive lines this year.
I think we can find a Center much cheaper in this draft or the next.
Continuation the only 1st rounders are Thomas and Wills just my opinion the rest of them are reaching.
1st Rounder:
Georgia’s Andrew Thomas was named winner of the Jacobs Blocking Trophy
1st Rounder:
RT Jedrick Wills – Another rising junior, the Kentucky native started all 15 games at right tackle as a true sophomore and should retain that role. With Tua Tagovailoa being a left-hander, it is up to Wills to protect his quarterback’s blind side. He too was named First Team Preseason All-SEC.
One of four finalists for this year’s honor, LSU was announced Tuesday as the 2019 winner of the Joe Moore Award for the Most Outstanding Offensive Line Unit in College Football, which is coached by James Cregg.
Mid Rounders:
Cannot be overlooked blocked for Joe Burrow’s
Senior guard Adrian Magee (12 starts), Senior guard Damien Lewis (12 starts), and center Lloyd Cushenberry III (12 starts).
Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin (17) Possibly 1st to early second rounder:
2019 Rimington Trophy, which is awarded to the nation’s top center in college football.
I like Thomas and Wills… Wirfs has such poor technique… he could develop and be great… but, that potential thing bothers me…
Continuation Mid Rounders:
Seniors Shane Lemieux and Calvin Throckmorton have started 51 consecutive games.
Sewell and Throckmorton have played a combined 1,557 snaps at the tackle positions this season without allowing a sack and just three hits on the QB.
They protected Herbert!
Continuation Mid rounders:
LSU’s offensive line featured eight different starters and only had two players that started all thirteen games at the same position all season. Further, the Tigers’ O-line unit persevered despite only twice starting the same lineup in back-to-back weeks. LSU’s starting line featured senior tackle Badara Traore (3 starts), junior tackle Saahdiq Charles (6 starts), freshman tackle Dare Rosenthal (3 starts), junior tackle Austin Deculus (10 starts), senior guard Adrian Magee (12 starts), sophomore guard Ed Ingraham (2 starts), senior guard Damien Lewis (12 starts), and center Lloyd Cushenberry III (12 starts).
Hello Jimmy!
This draft is heavy with offensive linemen.
Projected Mid Rounders:
LSU offensive guard Damien Lewis
The starting South interior offensive line did a great job aiding Herbert and the offense on the first few series. Lewis showed great strength and held up well under pressure. The national champion is regarded as a top-150 prospect in our composite rankings but improved his case to be rated even higher.
Damien Lewis Projected picked 100th in the draft:
center Lloyd Cushenberry III: Projected Mid second rounder
Magee should only be considered by gap/power heavy rushing systems that implement a lot of quick game and WCO passing concepts on offense.
Yeah, Unless it’s Wills and Jones… I wouldn’t go with 2 1sts on the Ol. Becton was likely using enhancers… I wouldn’t touch the guy.
Hi’ Jimmy and Michael,
I have no problem with the drafts you suggested may happen. That’s based on the assumption that the Dolphins take a QB earlier. As we have seen in earlier years, the draft is a “crap-shoot” anyway. I don’t see how Miami can advance w/o a better OL anyway. But the good candidates for Safety will be gone by the second round, so there is that. Unlike so many, I trust the FO and HC to get the pieces they need. Or most of them anyway. The draft is going to be an pretty exciting time this year IMO.
This wouldn’t be my draft though, Fred. I don’t like any of the QBs at #5 and I wouldn’t go center at 26. I would go OL def at 18 and maybe even #5. Simmons is my guy at 5. He fills multiple roles… S, pass rush and Lb. If we land him somehow, I’ll feel great. Like Jones at 18. But, I would trade up from 18 to get Wills if possible. Becton worries me. If it was performance enhancers I’d never touch him. He might need it to keep the weight off and muscle on. Could end up a slow bloated fat guy… Wilson in the 2nd would be a better fit. Unless they can get Jones and Wills in the 1st, I wouldn’t use 2 1sts on O-linemen.
ohh add in Thomas… I like him too… but think he might be gone in the top 10
For Sure!