The Miami Dolphins have done well this offseason to plug holes along their defensive depth chart — the team has effectively plugged up issues at EDGE defender and bolstered their cornerback room with notable additions through free agency. But the biggest looming hole left in Miami’s defense is still a big one — the free safety position. Adding a free safety would benefit the Dolphins on account of the team’s ability to move Bobby McCain back to the nickel position and in turn allow the Dolphins to simultaneously get better at two spots in one selection.
Who are the most logical targets for the Dolphins early in this year’s NFL Draft? There are four clear, obvious fits for Miami — although each brings a separate skillset to the table and would, to some degree, require unique catering from Brian Flores in order to position them best for success.
Here are the possible 1st-round candidates for the Dolphins’ vacancy at safety.
SAF Grant Delpit, LSU
Delpit entered the 2019 college season widely regarded as the top safety prospect eligible for this year’s draft. Tackling issues throughout his junior season have tempered the excitement regarding his pro stock, but he’s probably the most high ceiling player on this list. He’s physically capable of fulfilling any role you could possibly ask of a safety.
SAF Ashtyn Davis, Cal
Davis is a true “single high” free safety who would excel in a Miami secondary coached by Flores and Davis’ college coach, Gerald Alexander — who is now on Miami’s staff after being added this winter. Davis’ range compliments the press-man abilities of both Byron Jones and Xavien Howard; making him a sleeper pick for Miami if the team doesn’t like their other options or feels he won’t make it to 39.
SAF Antoine Winfield Jr, Minnesota
Winfield Jr. is a versatile defender who has a knack for making big plays. Durability is of concern, however — he missed the end of this 2017 & 2018 seasons due to injuries. He’s got NFL bloodlines and is clearly a student of the game, however. If Miami is confident in his medicals he could feasibly serve as a “jack of all trades” on defense for Coach Flores.
SAF Xavier McKinney, Alabama
McKinney comes from the same pipeline that put a former Dolphin — Minkah Fitzpatrick — into the NFL. McKinney is a better tackler than Fitzpatrick but also isn’t quite the same level of an athlete, nor does he have the same coverage ceiling. But McKinney is capable of doing one of the things that spurned Fitzpatrick here in Miami — covering tight ends and stepping onto the second level to fill versus the run.