The NFL Draft is just around the corner, and with it comes a flurry of mock drafts that have us all eagerly anticipating the big day. Let’s dive into one of the latest seven-round mock drafts by Matt Miller, which breaks down how the Miami Dolphins could navigate their roster needs this draft season.

First up, the conversation is centered around the Dolphins’ potential selection of former LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell with their 13th pick. Campbell, once a projected top-10 pick, has seen his stock dip slightly due to shorter-than-expected arm measurements.

Yet, despite this perceived setback, Campbell remains a compelling choice for Miami. The Dolphins, who could be eyeing Campbell more as a guard than an offensive tackle, might find it tough to pass up on talent like his, even with pressing needs at other positions, such as defensive tackle.

Moving into the second round, Miller suggests a pick that has sparked some debate. UCLA’s Carson Schwesinger enters the conversation as a potentially great linebacker, but Miami’s needs seem to pivot more towards strengthening their defensive line. With impactful players like James Pearce, Tate Ratledge, and Andrew Mukuba still potentially available, the linebacker choice may not align with the Dolphins’ more immediate needs, making it more of a luxury than a necessity.

The Dolphins continue to bolster their defense in Miller’s draft, but the wait to address the defensive tackle spot until the fourth round raises eyebrows. Former Tennessee defender Omarr Norman-Lott is tapped as a rotational player, which might help, but doesn’t necessarily provide the immediate starting help Miami needs.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s Billy Bowman could see action sooner as a safety, given his selection in the third round. While neither are bad picks per se, the team will want to seek out more definitive starters at these key positions.

One intriguing prospect included in Miller’s mock is Kyle McCord, a quarterback from Syracuse and Ohio State, selected in round five. With a high ceiling and lots of upside, McCord presents a solid opportunity for the Dolphins, offering potential development into a reliable backup—or even starter—under the guidance of coach Darrell Bevell.

In later rounds, Miami continues the tradition of bringing players with familiar names, like Jaylin Lane from Virginia Tech. Yet, a notable absence from the early rounds is any major move to shore up the cornerback position, a known weakness, which doesn’t get addressed until Miami’s final draft pick.

All in all, Miller’s mock draft lays out an intriguing roadmap for the Miami Dolphins. While there are some hits—like the potential acquisition of Campbell and McCord—there’s a strong argument for the team to focus more on filling critical gaps, especially in the defensive ranks. This draft may not make immediate waves across the AFC East, but with some strategic selections, it could lay the groundwork for future success.