It is Senior Bowl week — a line crossed that many now consider to be the beginning of draft season. The Senior Bowl is littered with talent every year as the event draws in the nation’s top senior targets in the draft. The Dolphins are not coaching this game — they were the first runner up to the Detroit Lions for the second opening — but are still in full attendance for the event. Here are five defensive players that the Dolphins should be looking at this week in Mobile.
DT Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina
Kinlaw plays with the kind of energy that will get any defensive coordinator excited. He has an impressive frame at 6-5, 315 and plays with every bit of it. The former Gamecock plays with explosive ability and strength, his style of play is very much what the Dolphins look for in heavy handed defenders. Kinlaw mixed in with Davon Godchaux and Christian Wilkins would be a very good foundation for building a defense.
EDGE Zack Baun, Wisconsin
Baun has gained steam and is a favorite from NFL evaluators. He has good size at 6-2, 240 pounds but is a bit of a hybrid prospect. The fact that he can play linebacker and rush the passer is perfect for Brian Flores’ system. Baun fits the mold of what Miami currently has in place with Vince Biegel and Andrew Van Ginkel. Ironically enough, they both played the same role for the Badgers. Keep an eye on Baun during the Senior Bowl, he could be an option with pick 18 or 26.
SAF Ashtyn Davis, Cal
Somehow, someway, Davis always finds himself around the ball. He plays with fantastic angles and has the instincts to consistently find the ball. He has a natural feel of what an offense wants to do and how they are attacking the defense. Whether it is film study, natural instincts or just pure talent, Davis is a complete package at the safety position and would be a perfect fit in Miami.
NT Leki Fotu, Utah
Fotu is the prototypical nose tackle, but has the ability to play all over the defensive line. He is the biggest defensive lineman at 6-5, 337 pounds and looks every bit of it. The former Ute plays with good leverage and strength to hold up at the point of attack. He would be a perfect fit to play a similar role that Danny Shelton played for Flores in New England. Fotu would be a viable prospect in the middle rounds.
EDGE Darrell Taylor, Tennessee
The Dolphins are in desperate need of pass rushers and Taylor offers an explosive pass rusher that can bend and flatten the corner. Taylor recorded back to back seasons of at least eight sacks and at least 10 tackles for loss. In four years, he recorded 17 quarterback hurries, 19.5 sacks, and 26 tackles for loss. He may not be the most hyped up pass rusher, but he has been extremely productive and could be a very good pass rusher in the NFL.
Other defensive prospects to watch:
Malik Harrison – Linebacker – Ohio State
Neville Gallimore – Defensive Tackle – Oklahoma
Jeremy Chinn – Defensive Back – Southern Illinois
Lamar Jackson – Corner – Nebraska
Alton Robinson – EDGE – Syracuse
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