The Dolphins have had their issues with finding quality starters from the draft, and they have had an even tougher time finding talent in the middle rounds of the draft. This is a a deep draft and Miami has multiple needs, so it is extremely important that Miami drafts at least 1 or 2 quality players that can start this season from the more unpredictable 3rd to 5th round. This regime needs to hit on a mid round pick. One of those mid round picks could be one of these two linebackers; Jake Ryan from Michigan or Ramik Wilson from Georgia, because both players have already come to the building for a more personal visit with the Phins.
Jake Ryan is 6’2”, 240 pounds, and ran the 40 in 4.65 seconds. In 2012 Ryan was the Wolverines’ best defensive player, however in 2013 he suffered an ACL injury so he missed his entire Junior season. As a senior last season he got better as the season progressed and racked up 112 tackles, with 14 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 interception and 3 passes defended. He is another linebacker that is very good against the run, but needs to get better in pass coverage.
Ramik Wilson is 6’2”, 237 pounds, and ran the 40 in 4.77 seconds. In 2012 Wilson led the entire SEC in tackles with 133, and also added 4 sacks and 3 passes defended, and was selected to the ALL-SEC First Team. Last year in 2014 he did not have as many tackles but he still was productive with 110 tackles, with 7 tackles for a loss, 1 forced fumble, 3 passes defended and 1 sack. As compared to Ryan, Wilson has shown more upside in being able to defend in pass coverage, and with a little coaching he could be a three down linebacker.
Both players played in tough competitive divisions, which is something I especially like to see from linebackers. Either would be able to compete from day one for a starting linebacker position, but most football gambling fans would say that with Wilson’s upside, his ability to provide coverage against the pass he would be slightly favored to have a more productive career in the NFL.
What does the Miami Dolphins news gurus think about possibly selecting one of these two players with a middle round pick, and which of the 2 do you guys prefer the most?