Following the trade for Tyreek Hill and several free agency additions, what direction will the Miami Dolphins take in this 2022 7-Round NFL Mock Draft with just six weeks left until Roger Goodell opens the NFL’s annual selection event at the 2022 NFL Draft?
Miami Dolphins 7-Round Mock Draft 2022
For the purposes of this Dolphins 2022 NFL Mock Draft, we’ve used PFN’s free Mock Draft Simulator with trades. However, the selections are hand-picked based on the projected needs for the Dolphins in the 2022 NFL Draft. Following the trade for Hill, the Dolphins have just five picks in April. Let’s break down whether this haul helps the Dolphins compete in the AFC next season.
Round 3, Pick 102: Cole Strange, C, Chattanooga
After trading away their first two picks to secure Hill, the Dolphins won’t be on the clock until Round 3. Having addressed several needs through free agency, including the addition of Terron Armstead and Connor Williams, their needs have shifted significantly. However, one remains, and here they snag their center of the future.
It’s an interesting class to have a need at the pivot, with a number of the top players at the position returning. However, Chattanooga’s Cole Strange is an ascending prospect in the process. A vastly experienced offensive lineman at the FCS level, Strange has played predominantly at guard. However, he has two starts at tackle and one at center, and he saw exposure at the latter during the Senior Bowl.
A strong and athletic interior offensive lineman, Strange’s experience and excellence as a run blocker should help the Dolphins’ ground attack. Meanwhile, he has the strike strength and footwork to be a solid pass protector.
Round 4, Pick 125: Pierre Strong Jr., RB, South Dakota State
The additions of Chase Edmonds and Raheem Mostert probably ensures that Miami doesn’t use an early-round 2022 NFL Draft pick at the RB position. However, it shouldn’t rule them out of adding another presence in the backfield. With two fourth-round picks in quick succession, this feels like a good time to pull the trigger in this Dolphins mock draft.
Having set the fastest time of any running back at the NFL Combine, Pierre Strong Jr. announced himself on the national stage. However, anyone who has studied his play at the FCS level knows that the South Dakota State RB has an NFL skill set. Vision, explosion, and an ability to make moves effortlessly in the open field should ensure that he’s the next productive FCS running back in the NFL.
Round 5, Pick 158: DeAngelo Malone, EDGE, Western Kentucky
Having secured a deal to keep Emmanuel Ogbah in Miami, the Dolphins add some pass-rush depth later in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. DeAngelo Malone is a tall, long, 3-4 outside linebacker who possesses impressive explosion and bend. With almost 60 tackles for loss and over 30 sacks during his college career, Malone has showcased that he can be an extremely productive pass rusher.
Round 6, Pick 200: Josh Thompson, CB, Texas
Although it doesn’t project to be a primary need in April, it would be a surprise if the Dolphins don’t add a cornerback to their roster during the NFL Draft. Josh Thompson is something of an overlooked CB prospect in this class.
The Texas Longhorn plays the game with a physicality that suggests he can mix it up in press coverage in the NFL while having a healthy exposure to zone coverage at the college level. He has the speed to carry speedy NFL pass catchers down the field. Furthermore, he has special-teams experience that should see him carve out early playing time.
Round 7, Pick 224: Jake Camarda, P, Georgia
If there’s a team with a punter that is out of contract, there’s a very good chance that I’m going to shoehorn a replacement into that team’s mock draft. So, here we are, with the last pick of this Dolphins 2022 Mock Draft, and Michael Palardy still not signed to a new contract in Miami.
For me, Jake Camarda is the best all-around punting prospect in this 2022 NFL Draft class. He might not have the pure leg strength of Matt Araiza, but he’s consistent and accurate with his placement. If Miami’s offensive struggles continue early in the 2022 NFL season, Camarda’s ability to flip the field could pay significant dividends for the ‘Fins.