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 offensive players that the Dolphins should be looking at this week in Mobile.
QB Justin Herbert, Oregon
Herbert measured in at 6-6, 227 pounds and looks every bit the part of a prototypical quarterback. In just the first day, Herbert already impressed by looking comfortable under center and picking up the plays quickly. The former Oregon Duck signal caller is a realistic option for the Dolphins and will likely be there at their first pick (5th overall).
OG Logan Stenberg, Kentucky
Mean, nasty, physical are three words that come to mind when watching Stenberg play. Every play, he is looking to finish a block and make defenders pay for daring to line up across from him. The Kentucky prospect is a physical presence, one that could very much fit the plans for Miami’s overhauled offensive line. The Dolphins didn’t have success dictating the pace of the game in 2019, more bodies like Stenberg up front would help.
OT Josh Jones, Houston
Jones is a lean offensive tackle, but is extremely athletic and smooth as a pass protector. As a run blocker, Jones has the strength to move defenders off the ball at the point of attack. The Dolphins have an opening at the left tackle position and Jones should be on their radar. His first day of practice was promising — he’ll need to follow suit the rest of the week if he hopes to follow in the footsteps of Houston OT Tytus Howard, who went from a raw talent to 1st-round pick.
QB Jordan Love, Utah State
Love may need to be refined by his next coaches but he has an extremely high ceiling. His natural athletic ability and arm strength makes him a very intriguing prospect for any team. If the Dolphins are not comfortable taking the quarterbacks at the top of the draft or moving up for one, they could target Love at the bottom of the first. Veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick would be a perfect mentor to help Love’s development. Something worth noting? Some are willing to make the comparisons of Love to Patrick Mahomes (the NFL Draft prospect). Marvin Allen, the Dolphins assistant general manager, was a part of drafting Mahomes in Kansas City.
WR Devin Duvernay, Texas
The Longhorn prospect has really gained ground as a draft prospect this season. After having a decent junior year, Duvernay exploded in his senior season with 106 receptions for 1,386 yards and nine touchdowns. His most noticeable performance this season came against LSU, where he pulled in 12 receptions for 154 yards and two touchdowns. Very impressive against a team that went on to win a national title.
Other names worth watching:
Brycen Hopkins – Tight End – Purdue
Denzel Mims – Wide Receiver – Baylor
Sean McKeon – Tight End – Michigan
Van Jefferson – Wide Receiver – Florida
Lloyd Cushenberry – Interior OL – LSU
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