Long-time Draft guru Rob Rang released his 4.0 Mock Draft, with picks in Rounds 1 and 2. And he has the Dolphins looking to replace Calias Campbell on their defensive line with one of the top tackles in this draft.
Round 1, Pick #13: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
“One of several teams needing a boost on the defensive interior, the Dolphins are well-positioned to nab Nolen, the most disruptive big man in the class. The injury to Tua Tagovailoa was obviously the biggest factor in Miami’s disappointing 8-9 season, but don’t overlook the loss of defensive tackle Christian Wilkins to the Raiders in free agency last year. Nolen is quick and balanced, squeezing through gaps to create havoc behind the line. “
NFL.com Draft Profile
Overview
Nolen has NFL-starting size but won’t blow you away with his physical traits. However, he gains quick advantages with his explosiveness into contact and ability to beat up blockers when singled up. He has the athletic talent to play into gaps but needs to play with better hands to keep himself clean at the point of attack. He wins as a rusher with his athleticism and play strength, and doesn’t need to be schemed for. The pass rush still requires refinement, but he already flashes quick-win moves that foreshadow good pressure and sack production as a pro. Nolen’s blend of explosiveness and playmaking talent create high upside as a three-down interior lineman.
Strengths
- Impressive playmaking production as an interior defender.
- Twitchy off the snap and into blockers with good pop.
- Power to punch and shove defenders aside to take over the gap.
- Can absorb double teams or play across blocker’s face and into backfield.
- Outstanding body control to regain balance and make a play.
- Ability to pressure the pocket creates three-down value.
- Sets up his edge-to-edge rush challenges.
- Able to bend and rip his way under redirect blocks.
- Rush stays alive with active hands and secondary effort.
Weaknesses
- Below-average extension and control at the point.
- Needs to play with consistent inside hands to stay clean.
- Base width can narrow on him in both phases.
- Looks to disengage from blocks too quickly at times.
- Rush needs a more diversified first-phase approach.
- Inconsistent to capture rush edge when it opens.
PFN Walter Nolen Draft Profile
Round 2, Pick #48: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
“Even before Terron Armstead announced his retirement, the Dolphins needed to be thinking about their long-term future at left tackle. Ersery, the reigning Big Ten Blocker of the Year, offers an exciting combination of size and athleticism. “
NFL.com Draft Profile
Overview
Three-year starter at left tackle with good power. Ersery is not a natural bender, which creates disadvantages with leverage and when attempting to mirror moving fronts. He’s well-versed in Minnesota’s outside zone attack, but might be more consistent in power, inside zone and hat-on-hat matchups. He’s huge, but he sets with good quickness to the rush, using his length and hand strength to gather it or lock it out. His anchor is derived from his upper half, which opens him to hand counters. Ersery has the potential to become an average starting tackle on the right side, but his success will be tied to matchups across from him.
Strengths
- Mass of humanity with a broad chest and long arms.
- Good initial slide quickness and depth gain on diagonal sets.
- Fires direct jabs that jolt the rusher and slow his charge.
- Strong, sticky hands keep rusher from escaping once he’s in the web.
- Patient base blocker who typically centers up his initial strike.
- Engages in-line with consistent base width and body control.
- Makes well-timed movements on combo blocks.
Weaknesses
- Plays with limited knee bend and upright posture.
- Target point for pass punch can drift too high on opponent’s frame.
- Tight hips limit his ability to open and recover when beaten.
- Below-average pop on contact in gallop step and down blocks.
- Could struggle getting to lateral landmarks on NFL stretch plays.
