While the 2022 NFL season has come to a close, all 32 teams have moved on to their roster construction phase for 2023.
With that comes free agency and NFL draft season, as well as the Senior Bowl, which took place last weekend, showcasing some of the draft’s top talent.
Buy Dolphins TicketsNow that the game is over, draft experts are releasing new mock drafts across multiple outlets, including Luke Easterling from Draft Wire. His three-round mock draft, which dropped on Thursday, has the Dolphins taking Oregon State tight end Luke Musgrave at No. 51 overall, Tulane running back Tyjae Spears at No. 77 overall and Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta at No. 84 overall.
With Mike Gesicki likey leaving in free agency, the Dolphins are without a top tight end. Durham Smythe Cethan Carter, Hunter Long and Tanner Conner fill the remaining roles, but no one has stepped up yet.
While neither Musgrave or LaPorta are exceptional blockers, the idea of pairing them with tight ends coach Jon Embree, who helped turn George Kittle into the player he is today, is enticing.
Musgrave, in 20 collegiate games, recorded 47 receptions for 633 yards and two touchdowns. LaPorta, in 40 collegiate games, brought in 153 receptions for 1,786 yards and five touchdowns.
As for the idea of drafting a running back, that’s something that the Dolphins should be looking into this year. At this point, there are no backs on the roster, but Salvon Ahmed is a restricted free agent, making his return easier than unrestricted free agents like Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr. and Myles Gaskin.
In 33 games at Tulane, Spears rushed for 2,910 yards and 31 touchdowns on 6.8 yards per carry while adding 48 receptions for 564 yards and three touchdowns in the receiving game.
He had impressive athleticism and instincts, but with his small frame, he’s not the strongest, making him a potential liability in short-yardage and pass-blocking situations.
Double-dipping at a position is always a controversial decision, especially when Miami just used a third-round pick there just two drafts ago, but there’s a clear need, and they should be trying to fill that role due to it’s importance in Mike McDaniel’s system.
