NFL Teams Biggest Needs by Draft Order
A brand-new article series! NFL writer Logan Lepiscopo brings a series that will entitle every NFL team biggest offseason need heading into free agency and the NFL draft. Each article will consist of two teams going in draft order. This article will be the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts. Free agency is well under way, expect team needs to change often. If a team has multiple first round picks the team that originally owned that pick will be covered, to avoid repetitiveness and ensure all 32 teams are covered. To provide more accuracy with these mock drafts, any mock drafts done pre free agency will be thrown out the window.
Miami Dolphins: Offensive Line
Though Miami does not actually pick till 29th overall, this was their original pick that had been traded to the Eagles to get Jaylen Waddle in last year’s draft. The Dolphins have to, and I mean HAVE to buff up this offensive line. The team made a good move by signing Connor Williams in free agency, but there still needs to be a big bolster with this unit. Specifically, a strong right tackle is going to be needed to protect Tua Tagovailoa’s blind spot as a left-handed quarterback. The next need for the Dolphins is the linebacker position, I hate to say it but none of these linebackers would even remotely worry me as an opposing offensive coordinator. The linebacker unit needs revamped, and not by the re- signings that the Dolphins have already done I mean new young talent. Lastly the wide receiver position. Jaylen Waddle is going into his second year, and I can firmly say that he is the best wide receiver on this roster. DeVante Parker had one fluke good year, got a big contract, and has not done anything since. Newly signed Cedrick Wilson was a fourth string WR in Dallas, so I am not 100% sold on his abilities as a pass catcher. Preston Williams is a half decent wide receiver, when he can stay healthy and be on the field that is. Whether the Dolphins sign another free agent WR or draft one, it is essential to upgrade Tua’s weapons beyond Waddle and Gesicki. (Mock draft done 3/21/22 9:00pm EST)
RD-1-Pick 29- OT-Bernhard Raimann- Central Michigan
RD-2-Pick 50- LB-Chad Muma- Wyoming
RD-3-Pick 102- IOL-Cole Strange- Chattanooga
RD-4-Pick 121- WR-Velus Jones Jr.- Tennessee
RD-4-Pick 125- ED-Michael Clemons- Texas A&M
RD-5-Pick 158- CB-Joshua Williams- Fayetteville State
RD-7-Pick 224- LB-Micah McFadden- Indiana
RD-7-Pick 247- IOL-Dawson Deaton- Texas Tech
Top player hitting free agency: Emmanuel Ogbah (Re-signed)
Cap space: $16.51M
Indianapolis Colts: Wide Receiver
The position that MUST be addressed is the wide receiver position. Michael Pittman Jr. and Parris Campbell are fine options but after that there is no true threat in the Colts wide receiver room. Trust me, I already thought about it and DeForest Buckner needs more of a supporting cast on the interior part of the defensive line. The Colts acquired Yannick Ngakoue via trade with the Las Vegas Raiders, I trust his capabilities as well as young edge rusher Kwity Paye. After that cornerback is the biggest need, Kenny Moore has proved himself but now with Rock Ya-Sin no longer part of the team there is a lack of depth at the position. Look for the Colts to also be in the mix for a new left tackle to protect their new quarterback, Matt Ryan. Matt Ryan wanted to be part of a team that has the capabilities to “win now,” and if the Colts can fill those holes listed above, I see no reason Ryan does not get another shot at a playoff run. Mock Draft done (3/22/22 12:45pm EST)
RD-2-Pick 42- DL-Logan Hall- Houston
RD-3-Pick 73- WR-Alec Pierce – Cincinnati
RD-3-Pick 82- OT-Rasheed Walker- Penn State
RD-4-Pick 122- CB-Jaylen Watson- Washington State
RD-5-Pick 159- TE-Daniel Bellinger- San Diego State
RD-5-Pick 179- ED-Christopher Allen- Alabama
RD-6-Pick 216- S-Dane Belton- Iowa
Top player hitting free agency: Mark Glowinski (Signed by New York Giants)
Cap space: $15.85M