NFL Draft Info - Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins-Friendly Combine Review

By Keith Beebe

Am I the only person who thought the 2010 NFL Combine was really ho-hum?

Not that I am into drama or anything (though I'd be lying if I said I wasn't delighted by Andre Smith's behavior in Indianapolis last spring), but it just seemed liker there weren't any real surprises at the combine this year. No personal meltdowns. No "can he do it?" moments (like last year, when Malcolm Jenkins was looking to silence his critics with a strong 40-yard dash time ... and then ran in the high 4.5s). No mind-blowing performances or draft spot-cementing workouts. Nope, this year's combine went pretty much the way people expected it to. And unless you were shocked and appalled by Rolando McClain's disappearing act (I wasn't) prior to the start of the workout portion, chances are you saw exactly what you were looking for. If you liked Eric Berry before the combine, you probably like him just as much now, and might've even been impressed by his outrageous 43-inch vertical leap.

Here are some hits and misses that took place during combine week:

University of Florida cornerback Joe Haden did not help his cause by running in the high 4.5s (he was projected to run in the freaking mid-4.3 range!). Fortunately for Haden, he should run much better at his pro day on Wednesday. Haden also looked a little stiff when backpedaling during coverage drills; a fault that doesn't exactly jive with his "best corner in the draft" label;

University of Alabama nose tackle Terrence Cody arrived in Indianapolis weighing 354 pounds (after weighing 370 during Senior Bowl week) and looked athletic during his workout. Regardless of what you think about Cody's college production and weight issues, there's no debating how impressive it is to see such a high level of athleticism from someone so huge. Mike Mayock might disagree, but I think Cody's going in the first round;

I have to admit I was happy to see Taylor Mays rescue his draft stock from the doldrums with a solid performance in the 40-yard dash (though he claims he can do better). It's hard to believe I, at one time, held out hope that the Dolphins could land Mays in the 2010 draft. Needless to say, those days are over. However, I do think Mays will be a great strong safety in the right system (just as long as it's not in South Beach).

And then there are the Dolphins-friendly prospects; most of which performed well at the combine. Let's talk about some of these players:

Dan Williams -- NT, University of Tennessee

Now officially the darling of Dolphins mock drafts everywhere (including mine), Dan Williams lived up to his stout, powerful billing in Indianapolis. The first thing I noticed about Williams is that, for a 6'2, 330 pound guy, he doesn't look fat ... at all. In fact, Williams has to be one of the thickest-built nose tackles I have seen in recent memory. "Powerful" would be a good way to describe Williams' game, but he also looked very quick in drills and did a great job of snapping up out of his stance. I like this guy more and more every week.

Earl Thomas -- FS, University of Texas

First off, I just want to mention that several members of a particular Dolphins board basically barbecued me for having the gall to even suggest the idea of drafting Earl Thomas last December.

Funny how much difference three months can make.

Thomas is now regarded as the second-best safety in this year's draft class, and is now being recognized as a ball-hawking, game-changing free safety that can consistently get to the ball and make plays. And since Miami just disposed of overpriced, underwhelming safety Gibril Wilson, the timing of Thomas' draft ascension really couln't be any better. Miami desperately needs a playmaker in its secondary, period.

Thomas ran a 4.49 in Indianapolis and looked very smooth in coverage drills. And it shouldn't be a surprise that Thomas' ability to flip his hips and turn with the receiver is a big reason why he is able to consistently make plays on footballs thrown anywhere near him.

In terms of free safety, Thomas is awfully close to being the total package. I have a feeling the Dolphins think so, too.

C.J. Spiller -- RB, Clemson University

Oh boy. Let me just make one thing very clear before I talk about Spiller's combine performance. For some bizarre reason, many Dolphins have begun pining for the team to draft Spiller with the No.12 pick. Why? Because they think he's the next Chris Johnson.

I, however, won't be getting on the C.J. Spiller bandwagon anytime soon (or ever).

Now don't get me wrong, I like Spiller a lot, and I think he's going to be a great player in this league. But I just cannot justify taking a small, speedy tailback with a first-round pick when the Dolphins' defense literally turned to crap after Jason Ferguson went down last season. Sorry, dolfans, but I am sticking to the defense-oriented script on this one. Nose tackle and outside linebacker might not be the most glamorous positions on the field, but you'll feel much better when Miami is able to consistently force opposing teams into third-and-long next season.

Anyway, back to Spiller. As expected, he showed up to the combine and basically blazed a trail of fire behind him in the 40-yard dash (4.37). Seriously, it looked like someone had driven the Back to the Future DeLorean through Lucas Oil Stadium. Ridiculous. Spiller looks like the human form of Secretariat whenever he runs, and he also has that elite-level fifth gear that only the fastest backs in the game possess (Jahvid Best has it, too).

Spiller's hardly a one-trick pony, though, and has an aggressive running style that allows to him to take it either inside or outside of the tackles. Some NFL speedsters are track guys wearing pads. C.J. Spiller is a football player than can run really, really fast. Blink and you'll miss him.

So why all the hatorade then? Well, like I said, Miami's in a position where it can't afford to draft a big-time running back when there are some serious holes on the Dolphins' defense. I know, I know, it's old "best player available or positional value?" argument. But while I see the point in both draft strategies, there are times when a team simply cannot ignore its problems on defense. Unfortunately, these Spiller bandwagon afficionados are also keen on voicing their disapproval of any mock draft that has the Dolphins selecting a nose tackle in the first round. Ugh. This is going to be a long five weeks ...

I'll be posting an article about why the Dolphins can (and should) draft a nose tackle in the first round, so if you're a Spiller fan, be on the lookout for it. It's my way of trying to explain why nose tackles are so important to the 3-4 defense.

Rolando McClain -- ILB, University of Alabama (also known as Nick Satan University)

If you're like me, you were pretty interested in seeing Rolando McClain work out at the combine. And if you're like me, you probably started to break a bit of a sweat when it was revealed McClain was injured and wouldn't be participating in any drills at the combine. See, the Dolphins had legitimate interest in McClain for one reason: he's a powerhouse inside linebacker. Conveniently, that was Miami's worst position last year, and it cost them dearly in several games (especially against Indianapolis, Tennessee and Houston). And so I'll admit I was starting to tweak when McClain was a no-go at the combine.

Of course, the Dolphins landed Karlos Dansby four days later and all was well, but I still have this small, sneaking suspicion that Parcells would still consider taking McClain if was available at No.12. Why? Because Parcells has made a point of doubling up at positions during the last two drafts (two defensive ends in 2008; two corners in 2009), and it would certainly make sense to try and further upgrade the one position that has been Miami's achilles' heel. And considering that McClain would be taking over for Channing Crowder (who might be my least favorite Dolphin ever -- coming in just behind Joey Porter and Jamar Fletcher), I can't say I'd lose any sleep if we used our first-round pick on the University of Alabama standout.

Also worth noting is the fact that McClain performed at Alabama's pro day on March 10 and looked awesome in workouts. And then he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.6, which is very solid for an inside linebacker.

As much as I'd like to see McClain in a Dolphins uniform (and playing alongside Karlos Dansby), I don't think Rolando makes it to Miami at No.12. Seeing as how Denver just unloaded its best inside linebacker (Andra Davis) earlier this week, I am pretty certain the Broncos will be looking to nab McClain with the No.11 pick. Ouch. Why is that team always taking players from us?

Jason Pierre-Paul -- DE/OLB, University of South Florida

I flat-out love this guy's athleticism, but I just cannot fathom Parcells and Ireland giving Pierre-Paul the green light on draft day. Yes, he would fill a major need for the Dolphins, but one-year wonders scare people off for a reason: there's just not enough tape to accurately gauge what they're capable of at the next level. Still, I loved the backflip presentation.

Let's hope he's more Jevon Kearse and less Vernon Gholston. And if so, I feel really, really bad for whoever has to block him.

Brandon Graham -- DE/OLB, Michigan

I think I've officially recovered from the "draft Graham" frenzy I briefly experienced back in December, but that's not to say he's anything less than a pass-rushing tour-de-force. Coming in at just under 300 pounds, Graham looks every bit the "elephant" linebacker that he's projected to be in the NFL.

Unfortunately, Graham only made it through the 40-yard dash before pulling a hamstring (yes, he ran well, posting a time of 4.72).

Jerry Hughes -- DE/OLB, Texas Christian University

If you frequent my blog, you know I basically have an undying love for this guy. Hughes is big, extremely powerful and very quick off the edge, and is very difficult to block one-on-one. Hughes ran a 4.69 at the combine, displayed excellent footwork and looked solid in coverage drills. And though his workout might've not been enough to get him into the first round, he's about as good of a second-round prospect as you'll find.

Ricky Sapp --  DE/OLB, Clemson

Sapp intrigues me as a Dolphins prospect for two reasons: he's unbelievably good at dropping back into coverage, and he has room on his frame to add a bit more weight (he's currently at about 248).

Sapp ran a 4.70 in the 40-yard dash, which was a bit disappointing to some (he was projected as a mid-4.5 guy), but still had one of the better times posted by a defensive linemen. From what I can tell, though, Sapp's best asset isn't his straight-line speed, it's his almost berzerk ability to tear out of his stance and instantly hit full speed. It's really something you have to witness to fully understand.

Now, Sapp's a bit undersized for the strong-side linebacker position, but if he gets up around 260 pounds, his versatility and speed would be an almost irresistible combination.

Sergio Kindle -- OLB, University of Texas

Honestly, I feel really intimidated whenever I watch Kindle play. Maybe it's because of his freakish athleticism, or the fact that he pretty much embarrasses anyone who tries to block him one-on-one, I really don't know. Regardless of what it is that makes Kindle so terrifying, it's an X-factor that I would love more Dolphins linebackers to have.

Kindle brings a lot of versatility to the table, and is capable of playing both inside and outside linebacker. However, the outside is where Kindle does the most damage, and I am being honest when I say that Kindle's pass rush looks resembles a wild animal hunting its prey.

Kindle ran a 4.71 at the combine, demonstrated solid footwork and looked fast in all of the cone-based drills. He also snapped out of his stance well and looked fluid coming around the edge. Yes, I've read several posts about Kindle that claim he's limited as a pass rusher, and though he might not have an extensive set of techniques at his disposal, his unbelievable athleticism is usually more than enough to get him where he needs to go. And if he does sharpen up his pass-rushing moves, look out.

I can't see Kindle lasting into the second round, but I'll be thrilled if he somehow does.

So that's just a few of my thoughts on what turned out to be a very pedestrian combine weekend. Of course, who needs drama when you've now got the draft airing in prime time (and on Thursday night, no less).

Bottom Line: Like I've said, Dan Williams is my No.1 guy in this draft (Thomas is No.2), but I wouldn't be disappointed if we ended up with any of the players listed in this article. I mean, can you imagine Kindle in a Mike Nolan-coordinated defense? How about a linebacker corps featuring Jerry Hughes and Cameron Wake as its bookends? It's these possibilites that make the draft so interesting (well, that and finding out who the Raiders will reach for).

I'll be posting a follow-up article next week, which will review a few more prospects and highlight some pro day performances, as well. See you then.