Latest NFL mock draft gives Dolphins pair of Iowa Hawkeyes early

USA TODAY’s Draft Wire released a pre-combine mock draft and in it the Dolphins land two Iowa Hawkeyes in the 1st round.

The Miami Dolphins’ mock draft hauls have more variety than the Powerball. With three first round picks and five in the first two rounds, the Dolphins are stocked to the brim — and each scenario seems to bring a different haul for Miami. It’s a great problem to have. But there’s enough scenarios to make your head spin and a plethora of prospects to try to keep straight.

The latest effort from USA TODAY’s Draft Wire should have Dolphins fans pretty fired up, however. The Dolphins have openly stated that they’d like to play a physical, intelligent brand of football. Head coach Brian Flores preaches physicality and intelligence. The Dolphins’ 1st-round haul in this scenario gives Miami three talents who comfortably check the boxes.


5th overall – QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama

The connection between the Dolphins and Tagovailoa will persist until someone explicitly tell us it isn’t going to happen. Or until when the Dolphins turn in the card.

18th overall – OL Tristan Wirfs, Iowa

It is a bit of a surprise to see Wirfs available at 18, but the emergence of other offensive line talents like Louisville’s Mekhi Becton and Alabama’s Jedrick Wills have put Wirfs’ status as a top prospect at the tackle position in question. Additionally, some people will inevitably feel as though he’s better suited inside at guard. Whether he plays inside or outside, he’d immediately be the Dolphins’ best lineman.

26th overall – DL A.J. Epenesa, Iowa

Epenesa is a bit more of a scheme specific fit and for him to make it to the Dolphins at 26, he’s going to have to survive a selection by the New England Patriots — who could also use his services. But if New England is resided to adding offensive weapons for Tom Brady, then the Dolphins may reap the benefits and land this heavy handed standout.


The remainder of Draft Wire’s mock gives the Dolphins a running back (Georgia’s D’Andre Swift) at 39, a center (LSU’s Lloyd Cushenberry) and a slot receiver (Penn State’s K.J. Hamler) in the top-100.

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