Seven Round Dolphins Projection
2nd round (#49) - Troy Polamalu SS 5-10 215 Southern California
Simply put, Troy is a Dave Wannstedt type of player. He's a hard worker who is completely dedicated to getting better. Already a strong, bone crushing hitter, Troy has the speed and is improving as a coverage safety. Extremely tough player. Played most of the year on a bad ankle and still lead one of, if not the, best defenses in college football this season. Troy is similar to a player Dave drafted in the 2nd round when he was with the Bears. Tony Parrish. Arturo Freeman's 1st season as a starter at strong safety was a disappointment to Dave and the defensive coaches, and they have stated that Freeman may not play as much in the upcoming season. Polamalu has a great chance to come in and win a starting job with the Dolphins as a rookie.
3rd round (#88) - Lance Briggs OLB 6-0 240 Arizona
Lance may be one of the fastest and most athletic linebackers in the draft. He's a versatile player who has the ability to play in the middle or outside on the flanks. Some teams are sleeping on him a bit, but the Dolphins have taken a keen interest in him. The Dolphins are a bit disappointed in Derrick Rodgers lack of plays at weakside linebacker and are contemplating letting him go this offseason. Like Polamalu, Briggs will have a good shot at a starting position on the weakside.
5th round (#151) - Terrence Edwards WR 5-11 165 Georgia
Brother of current Dolphins RB Robert Edwards and former college roomate of current Dolphins TE Randy McMichael. Terrence is a speedy, quick playmaker who is a bit spindly, but is UGA's all time leading receiver. He's had some consistency problems in the past, but he has shown the ability to take over games as well. The guy can really run and jump out of the gym. That's what Miami likes about him. They will likely start him out as a 4th receiver and may try him as a punt return man.
7th round (#229) - Brooks Bollinger QB 6-2 205 Wisconsin
Another Dave Wannstedt type of player. He's got everything Dave Wannstedt feels a quarterback needs: toughness, grit, and leadership ability. Bollinger lacks size and accuracy at this point, but the underlying physical skills are there. He's a very good athlete with a good, but not powerful arm. He will likely be a practice squad guy for a year who may need to spend a season or two in NFL Europe to hone in his skills. He could be a credible back up QB in the future with some added skill work.