The Miami Dolphins are heading into the NFL draft with a number of questions and some rumors have the team looking to trade names like Mike Wallace, Dion Jordan or Daniel Thomas to get some extra picks and this comes as the team is targeting players like Carlos Hyde, Marqise Lee and Brandin Cooks after the team signed Knowshon Moreno in the offseason.
The Dolphins were one of the worst rushing teams in the NFL last season and they also were one of the most inconsistent teams on offense and that is one reason why that side of the ball will likely be a focus in the draft. According to Pro Football Talk, the Dolphins have shopped both Wallace and Jordan this offseason and Thomas could also be in the mix after having a down 2013 campaign and after the team signed Knowshon Moreno. General manager Dennis Hickey has to check out options, as the team could look to move up or down in the draft.
The team ranked 26th in rushing last season and that could bring up names like Carlos Hyde or Andre Williams as targets. Tre Mason visited with the team and after he rushed for over 1,800 yards and 23 touchdowns, he could be a fit as well after the team gained just 90 yards per game on the ground last season. The team used Lamar Miller and Thomas last season and the offense sputtered on the ground and at the end of the season the Dolphins scored just seven points over their final two games.
Hickey may not move any of the above-mentioned players, but one reason he may at least explore some deals is because he is not tied to any of those players, as those decisions were made by his predecessor. Mike Wallace is a great talent, but he may not be worth the $50 million he was paid by Jeff Ireland, while Jordan is another great prospect, but he had a down rookie season and that came after the Dolphins traded up into the top three to get him.
Lee is a solid option at number 19 and so is Brandin Cooks, as both have great hands and had good seasons last year, with Lee coming up with 57 catches for 791 yards and four touchdowns while playing with bad QBs. Cooks had the benefit of playing in the best passing offense in the nation and he had over 120 catches for 1,600 plus yards and double digit touchdowns and with his size he could be a DeSean Jackson like player. The Dolphins have a solid core with Wallace and Brian Hartline as well as Rishard Matthews, but adding someone like Cooks or Lee could help Ryan Tannehill develop and also protects the team if they trade Wallace after this season.
The Dolphins come back after nearly making the playoffs last season and they need to make moved to ensure the development of Ryan Tannehill, as the team still has not found the answer for Dan Marino.
