I’ve gone over the major needs positions in the last few weeks (OL, DE, LB, CB), and today I’m going to kind of give you the best of the rest. Today I’ll look at safeties, DT’s, and a couple of TE’s. I can’t believe the draft is TOMORROW! We’ve talked and discussed all these prospects for months and months and now it will all be over in one long weekend. I hope we ALL enjoy the draft, and it gives us a lot more optimism heading into the 2017 season.
Malik Hooker S 6’1” 206 Ohio State
We know the guy has talent, but he’s basically a one year wonder. Hooker played in 6 games his Freshman season, and then really put himself on the map with a great Sophomore season, starting 13 games for Ohio St. He finished with 74 tackles (43 solo), 5.5 TFL’s, 4 passes defensed, and a whopping 7 INT’s (3 returns for TD’s). Obviously Hooker has off the charts ball skills, but he is a prospect that is still very new at the safety position, and still has a lot of learning to do as to how to play the position. He will likely be off the board before we pick, but you never know. Hooker was unable to perform at the combine and his pro day due to having sports hernia and labrum surgeries. He is the top rated safety on NFL.com at 6.7
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Jabrill Peppers S 5’11” 213 Michigan
Polarizing figure for sure. Some here think he’s the best thing sliced bread. Others feel he’s a man without a true position. In any case, the guy has terrific athletic ability. He was used in various ways at Michigan, and in some ways, the fact that he didn’t get to concentrate on one position may have hurt him with some teams, and helped him with others that seek his versatility. Peppers started his Sophomore and Junior years. He finished his last year with 66 tackles (46 solo), 13 TFL’s, 3 sacks, 1 pass defensed, and 1 INT. So what you see here are not elite safety stats, and the 1 pass defensed and 1 INT indicate coverage is not his best suit. Possibly not his fault due to the way he was used, more like a LB near the LOS. In any case, as it’s been said by many experts, his best chance to succeed will be for a team that has a specific plan for him. Peppers did very well at the combine (besides the drug test), running a 4.46 40. He happens to be an elite return man, and that’s a plus for him as well, but I don’t think he’s a guy you just throw out there as a safety and expect him all of a sudden to be able to cover. NFL.com has Peppers rated at 6.06.
Oh, and Peppers was found to have a diluted drug test sample at the combine, which means once he signs, he will be in the NFL’s substance abuse program. He was just thirsty, give the guy a break, will ya! Anyone remember the last Gibril?
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Budda Baker S 5’10” 195 Washington
Baker was a 3 YR starter for the Huskies. His Junior season, Budda finished up with 70 tackles (48 solo), 9.5 TFL’s, 3 sacks, 5 passes defensed, 1 FF, and 2 INT’s. Baker is a former HS sprinter, and he did well at the combine, running a 4.45, a 6.76 cone, and a 4.08 20 yard shuttle. Budda is definitely undersized, and I’m sure many wonder if he can hold up in the NFL. Definitely too small to match up with TE’s, Baker maybe a deep safety who can also play some small nickel. The guy has tons of heart, and likes to mix it up, but I’d be worried about his size, which is nearly maxed out at 195 lbs. NFL.com has Baker rated at 5.91
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Obi Melifonwu S 6’4” 224 Connecticut
Help us Obi Meli Fonwu! You’re our only hope! 4 YR starter at Connecticut. Obi finished his Senior season with 118 tackles (73 solo), 3 passes defensed, 1 FR, and 4 INT’s. This guy is a freak athlete. Ran a 4.4 40, jumped out of the combine with a 44” vertical, and nearly set the broad jump world record with a 144” jump. OK, so he has elite size and athleticism. What could be wrong? He’s a little slow to react what he’s seeing, and hasn’t shown good instincts. He does however, have the size to match up very well with TE’s, and that’s the type of defender I’ve been looking at for quite some time. He’s compared to the Bengals safety George Iloka who I pined for here in that draft, but he’s Iloka on steroids. He may not be ready to start now, he may take time to develop, but I’d love to see this kid on the Dolphins. NFL.com has Obi rated at 5.77
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Josh Jones S 6’1” 220 N.C. State
3 YR starter at NC State, Jones completed his Junior season totaling 109 tackles, (62 solo), 4 TFL’s, 1 sack, 8 passes defensed, 1 FF, 1 FR, and 3 INT’s. Jones has great size and speed, and showed up well at the combine running a 4.41 40. Very aggressive player with excellent leaping ability to challenge receivers. Loves to hit, but sometimes foregoes proper wrap up technique and looks to just lay the lumber. Can play in the box or in CF. I like his size and attitude, and could be a nice 2nd or 3rd RD pick. NFL.com has Jones rated at 5.88
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Malik McDowell DT/DE 6’6” 295 Michigan St.
Has played both DE and DT, and will likely continue to do so in the NFL. That kind of versatility will only help him. 3 YR starter, McDowell in his Junior year totaled 34 tackles (20 solo), 7 TFL’s, and 1.5 sacks. Not very explosive, the big guy ran well enough posting a 4.85 40 at 295 lbs. Only put up 23 reps, but he’s got those long arms. Interesting prospect with elite size, He needs a lot of coaching, and probably endurance training. He fades away at times during games, and is it heart, or exhaustion? Some scouts think he can be a dominant player, so he may be in play for us. Most likely a 1st RD pick. NFL.com has McDowell rated at 6.22
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Chris Wormley DT/DE 6’5” 298 Michigan
Another versatile big man who can play both inside and outside. Wormley was a 4 YR starter at Michigan, and finished his last season with 36 tackles (18 solo), 7.5 TFL’s, and 5.5 sacks. Wormley didn’t perform at the combine because of a hamstring injury, but did very well at his pro day. Wormley ran a 4.86 40, a 4.59 20 yard shuttle, a 1.62 10 yard dash. and a 31.5” vertical. Needs to work on his pass rushing skills (as many prospects do) His defensive coordinator loved the kid, so that’s a plus. Good leader with good character. NFL.com has Wormley rated at 5.83
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Montravius Adams DT 6’4” 304 Auburn
4 YR starter at Auburn. Turned in an impressive season, totaling 43 tackles (26 solo), 8 TFL’s, 4 sacks, 1 FF, 2 FR’s, and 2 passes defensed, and 1 INT. Played his last season with an improved motor compared to his Junior season. Not necessarily a starter at the moment, could be a good rotational guy at the present. NFL.com has Adams rated at 5.68
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Bucky Hodges TE 6’6” 257 VA Tech
3 YR starter at VA Tech, Hodges has the prototypical TE size. Hodges totaled 48 receptions for 691 yards for a 14.4 YPC avg, and hauled in 7 TD’s in his Junior season. Hodges ran an impressive 4.57 40, an equally impressive 39” vertical and 134” broad jump. This kid is obviously an excellent athlete who can make the high point catch. Not a great route runner, and is a converted QB. Needs to hit the weight room too, not very powerful at the present. Still, he offers definite potential down the line, and wouldn’t be a bad choice if the Dolphins are truly looking for a TE in this draft. NFL.com has Hodges rated at 5.72
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Jeremy Sprinkle TE 6’5” 252 Arkansas
Sprinkle was a 3 YR starter at Arkansas. In his Senior season, Sprinkle finished with 33 receptions for 380 yards for an 11.5 YPC, and 4 TD’s. Besides being a good receiver, Sprinkle is also an accomplished blocker. Has long arms to keep defenders off, and is a willing blocker. Has run after catch ability and flashes a good stiff arm. Needs to hit the gym, but lots of prospects do. A good mid RD pick if we’re looking for a TE. NFL.com has Sprinkle rated at 5.54
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Remember, the draft begins at 8PM on Thursday, 4/27. Don’t miss it, and if you’re working a 13 hour day like me, you’ll STILL have time to get home and relax (YEAH RIGHT!) before we pick at #22. I have to say, we all have our opinions here, and I value all of yours, really. Just because we don’t agree on everything doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate and respect each other. Enjoy the draft, GO DOLPHINS, and ZERO IN!
Finsmob Unleashed 
Jackson….lol
Maycock called that one
Didn’t see that pick for the Titans
are you fucking kidding me?
adoree to the Titans? ok no prob for me.
Bucs Cook , broncos Lamp or Ramsyck, Lions Howard
Those are my guesses!!!
Great minds ? Or fools ?? 😎👍👍
So Bucs stay true to fan base & take Cook, then we’re really sitting pretty for our needs & BPA at same time,.
TB – cook
den – lamp
Det – Howard
My guesses
Woo hoo
Miami has a tough decision coming up. 🙂 nice position to be in.
Titans just stick to their board
They don’t care what’s out there
They just take their guy no matter what
Donkey’s got to protect their young QB, I say they go Ramsyck
Lions been looking fir a TE FIREVER
Bucs will take Howard. Broncos going offense, Lions need defense
well Dalvin to TB seems like a slam dunk now right?
or maybe they need a TE more
There are going to be a lot of good players there at 22. I’d love to get Howard- of course, I just jinxed it.( sorry Mike!)
Wow thus giuy looks like Roddy White
Bucs should take Cook.
So do you guys care for a Taco, Reuben or just a glass of O.J.?
I would run to take OJ
Or Peppers
Either Rueben or OJ- I’d probably lean toward OJ
I think if Detroit goes ‘cautious’ they take harris… leaving Foster there for us.
Diluted urine, gas masks, whatever!! its about collecting talent and teaching them to act like men. 🙂
What is their issue with Doug Martin ? He has been good. Hurt a fair bit but good
Mike Bucs still hoping for ASJ
ASJ is long gone. They have Cameron Brate though
If Howard is there at 22 I can’t see passing him up. He’s just too good.
Brate was good fir them down the stretch thats why i lean away from TE
The picks been in for 15 minutes
Fuck
I knew it
TB fucked us again lol
Boo but really good pick for TB
Wow. Good call guys
Mike I meant Brate….kinda buzzed….and there goes Howard….lol
wow, Bucs just won the NFC south. LOL
wow that makes TB a really well rounded attack now. And another win I had for us that looks way harder to get now.
We’re probably taking Charles Harris if he’s there
Agreed
ok by me but i do like Takk also
Jordan Willis and Jarrad Davis also possible
We get another top D player available to us now….Howard was a luxury….we’ll be ok guys.
Anyone feeling the intestinal burn of Mexican food yet?
Lol!
Wonder if lions grab Foster here
Just follow your board. For us there are really no surprises left for us. Just the way it went down.
Detroit is a threat to take Foster
ok Bronc should really take Ramczyck or Lamp. Their OL sucked.
They Bolled me over with that pick
LMAO. Okay here we go… SeAhawks want Cook , trade with us to beat the Giants to him … we get Sherman 😎😎😎👍
Good for us
Good!
Harris would be a solid pick for us, I know we brought him in and liked what they saw.
ok that’s what i meant… Bolles LOL
Good they didn’t take Lamp
Bolles….wow
That baby is probably as big as MikeE but in the arms of that dude he looks tiny
Lmao!
LMFAO!
His own father kicked him out of the house? Who the hell else would do it? Somebody else’s father?
Oh man, I’m getting really nervous now
Cute baby
25yo rookie Bolles…hmmm
Is he from Utah ?? They do a lot of Missions as part if college programs
Harris then? Not a fan of that pick
is Takk too hurt for us to take?
i had Taco mocked to Detroit
About to find out
We’re on the clock
I think I’d prefer Jarrad Davis. Clean pick, good player
I kind of think they may take Davis, contrary to my earlier agreement.
Injuries
Way too many injuries for a 1st rounder
Not clean at all
^^^^
Watch the Phins take Cook….lol
Come on man!! The lion’s pick is in already!
Lions will take Foster
I’m hearing aliens took Jared Davis
C’mon Miami…McDowell the Beast!
Pass
Kicked out of 5 schools
Who?
bolles
Who was kicked out 5 schools?
His baby
Not old enough…lol
I hate their damn commercial breaks
OK! DOLPHINS ON THE CLOCK, QUICK GO TO COMMERCIAL
Bingo
Every year
they did!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the bastards
So true
That kid is cute
Lions need aRB as well
They’ll probably go D.
Piggy, he only has had ankle sprain and only this year. Davis doesn’t have a long like of injuries
You might get a really good trade deal if you’re willing to trade back right now.
No way, all the QBs gone.
so Dalvin to Detroit then?
I could see ut
Apparently not though. Giants
D,
But there are some good players left that people probably didn’t think would be there.
We almost have to take Foster if he’s there
although Malik is from Detroit right?
Fuckers
Damn
foster is ours if we have the balls to pull the trigger
he will inject a nasty edge to the defense…. oh, and they’ll teach him how to mask.
We’re not taking Foster
I guess it depends on how they view his characyer
Character
Bastards
FUCK
Foster is still there. Pull the trigger
Lots of options here
Everyone steering clear of Foster brooks
hmmmm Davis to Detroit well that’s ok with me … he was about 5th down for me.
Pick is in
Trade back
Crunchy or soft?
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
On NFL network they took commercial break before Detroit not us. Lol
McDowngoes Brady!
Go get him Miami….Ansah 2.0 baby!
Pick in Mikey no trade
I fucking HATE players from Missouri. They always seem soft in the NFL
Fins pick in really, really FAST… its Foster
Harris. There ya go
Meh
Cool
Harris
I’m glad it wasn’t taco
And I’m glad we went for a pass rusher
Mike E called that one
Brian in NY agreed with him
Harris. Okay.
Just as I mock Missouri players.
Harris!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Awesome.
Solid pick
Welcome Charlie Harris….stud against SEC teams….solid solid pick! Like McDowell, he can play in different spots. I like it.