A potential holdout could change the Miami Dolphins draft plans. While the team is keeping their options open on who to take with the No. 12 overall pick, however defensive tackle Randy Starks has decided to hold out for a new contract, forcing the Dolphins to consider adjusting their draft options. If the team cannot reach an agreement with Starks, they reportedly will consider Barkevious Mingo and Ezekiel Ansah as options to replace him.
Starks had recently signed a franchise tender with the Dolphins which gave him a raise of $8.45 million in salary for the upcoming season. However, Starks wants a long-term deal with the team and has decided not to report to offseason workouts. Miami entered the offseason extremely strapped for cash. They handed out large contracts to Mike Wallace and Philip Wheeler, leaving little room for Starks.
The 29-year old made the Pro Bowl in 2012 and led the run defense for Miami. He is considered one of the top defensive tackles in the NFL and if he decides to hold out on the team, the Dolphins will be hard pressed to find someone to replace him.
Starks will hit free agency next year, so even if he reports eventually, Miami is still looking for youth to take his place. Mingo is one of the top all-around players in the draft this year after being a defensive standout at LSU. Many have Mingo as a top-10 pick despite his low numbers in 2012. He recorded 38 tackles and 4.5 sacks last season, but is considered to have a high amount of NFL potential. Many compare Mingo to linebacker DeMarcus Ware. He is versatile, showing abilities to be both a pass rusher and a great run stopper.
Ansah is another option for the Dolphins. The former BYU tackle is known for his speed after switching from track to football. He does not have the size that Starks has, but is athletic enough to make up for it. Draft experts have pegged Ansah as a total package player capable of anchoring a defensive unit.
Either player paired alongside veteran Cameron Wake would fit well for the Dolphins. The situation with Starks will continue to play itself out, but if Miami feels as though he might no longer be an option for the team, Mingo and Ansah could find themselves as strong replacements.
