The Miami Dolphins are set to make their first selection in the 2022 NFL draft on Friday night at No. 102 overall.
While general manager Chris Grier has done a lot to address the offensive issues early in the offseason, the draft would be a great time for Miami to address the few remaining holes.
It could be argued that linebacker is the top position of need heading into the three-day event, so it shouldn’t be all that surprising that Draft Wire’s newest mock draft has the Dolphins selecting a linebacker with their first pick – Penn State’s Brandon Smith.
In his three seasons as a Nittany Lion, Smith recorded 132 total tackles, six passes defended, four sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovered and one interception.
At the combine, Smith tested well. He ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash as well as recorded a 37.5-inch vertical jump and 128-inch broad jump.
Here’s what NFL analyst Lance Zierlein wrote about Smith:
“Linebacker who is likely to test better than he plays at the next level. Smith possesses five-star traits and is extremely athletic, but those traits tend to go to waste on tape. There is a consistent lack of fundamentals that leave him out of position or blocked on too many plays. He lacks decisiveness and an aggressive demeanor that are fundamental in becoming an NFL linebacker.”
If he can come in and fill some of the holes in Elandon Roberts’ game in the interior, it would be a smart pick.