The Miami Dolphins have some obvious draft needs, and chief among them are found on the defensive side of the ball. While the team is relatively well set at linebacker, both inside and outside, their needs stretch across the rest of the defense, and that includes on the defensive line.
With Calais Campbell and Da'Shawn Hand leaving town in free agency, the team is left with Zach Sieler, Benito Jones, Matt Dickerson, and Neil Farrell at the position. It goes without saying they clearly need to upgrade the position in a significant way.
There could be someone available early in the upcoming NFL Draft who could help them do that.
The Dolphins should consider Toledo DT Darius Alexander in the second round of the draft.
The Dolphins have the 48th overall pick in the second round, but that might not be enough to snag the talented interior lineman, who's moved up draft boards since the Senior Bowl in January. Miami might have to move up to get him, but in the event they don't and he's still there, he should be at the top of the list of players to consider there.
Alexander was named the best defensive lineman at the NFL scouting event based on a vote of participating offensive linemen. He was downright unblockable at times and certainly became a name to watch at the Combine.
He acquitted himself well in Indianapolis, posting a 4.95 40-yard dash time with a 1.72 10-yard split. He posted a 31.5" vertical jump, 9'3" broad jump, and 28 reps on the bench press.
The numbers and production didn't lie for Alexander either. He posted a 90.1 defensive grade and 90.3 mark from Pro Football Focus last year with a 12.9% pressure rate. Over his last two years, he generated 83 pressures with 76 combined tackles, 7.5 sacks, and 14 tackles for loss.
Miami needs someone who can help Sieler push the pocket from the middle, and Alexander seems to be the type of player who can do that. We won't have to wait long to find out if the Dolphins agree, as the NFL Draft gets underway on Thursday from Green Bay, Wisconsin.