Future Fins to Watch – Part II

The Dolphins nearly traded back up into the 1st round to select USC DE Nick Perry to pair with Cameron Wake in Kevin Coyle’s 4-3 Defense. At least that was the word on the street in late April.

5 of the top 14 players on Mel Kiper’s “Big Board” are pass-rushing DE’s. And that is a-OK with me.

DE Cameron Wake is having a Pro Bowl year with 9.5 sacks, but more is needed from the other side to generate a consistent pass-rush. Adding a pass-rush threat would allow the Dolphins to move Jared Odrick inside to DT next to Paul Soliai, thus allowing Randy Starks to test free agency.

Keep an eye on these 3 players today. And follow me on twitter @BrianCat13

1) DE Bjoern Werner, Florida St* (6’4 – 256)
Number: #95
Game: Noon ET @ Maryland on ESPNU
Kiper Ranking: #10
NFL Comparison: Chris Long, Rams
Analysis: German-born product is a violent edge-rusher with a unique build… extremely long arms for his size.. has a variety of pass-rush moves in his repetoit.
Dolphin Watch: His workouts will be crucial. If he runs a 4.55/40, he’ll be a Top-10 pick and project as a perfect running mate opposite Cameron Wake. But if he runs a 4.80/40, he’ll drop like a rock becausehis size/speed combo will be too underwhelming to justify long-term value.

<a href=”http://finnation.com/wp-content/uploads//Barkevious-Mingo.jpg”>2) DE Barkevious Mingo, LSU* (6’4 – 240)
Number: #49
Game: 3:30pm ET vs. Mississippi on CBS
Kiper Ranking: #13
NFL Comparison: Aldon Smith, 49ers
Analysis: Although the athletic Mingo has been somewhat of a disappointment this year with only 4 sacks in 9 games, I expect his first NFL team to line him up well outside the LT’s left shoulder to take advantage of his athleticism.
Dolphin Watch: Look for Mingo to test through the roof in pre-draft workouts. 22-year-old edge rushers with 4.45/40 speed tend to come off the board early.

3) DE Sam Montgomery, LSU* (6’5 – 260)
Number: #99
Game: 3:30pm ET vs. Mississippi on CBS
Kiper Ranking: #14
NFL Comparison: Justin Tuck, Giants
Analysis: Smart, battle-tested player with great size. Although Montgomery is typecast as an overachiever, he’ll prove that his upside is underrated when his first NFL team lines him up wide enough to allow him to use his long arms and strength to his advantage.
Dolphin Watch: A real possibility for the Dolphins in the middle of Round 1 because he might barely lack the foot speed to land in the Top-10. Big, lean, technically sound football player.

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Brian is a 29-year-old Sales/Marketing Manager in St. Louis by day, but an NFL blogger and commentator by night. Follow me on Twitter @BrianCat13.

Brian Catanzaro

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