NFL Mock Draft 2016: The Miami Dolphins Select Ronnie Stanley

Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

I know, I know. Miami's defense is as porous as SpongeBob Squarepants, and every fiber in my being would love to give this team the cornerback that has eluded 347 Don Shula Drive for years if not decades. But that is not the reality in South Beach.

The reality is that this team is doing everything in its power to make Ryan Tannehill the Franchise. Hasn't made a lot of big plays, has not carried this team consistently like other quarterbacks, but the feeling is upper management is essentially "giving" the title to him. And Phins fans, no matter how many coaches quit or fired, no matter how often Tannehill gets sacked, there is no backup plan from Tannehill.

Enter Adam Gase, the man who perpetrated for years to as an offensive coordinator in Denver and Chicago, to right the ship. And yes, I know about the deficiencies at cornerback. Even if they kept Miko Grimes in Miami, the starting corners, including nickel back Bobby McCain, would not average six feet. Miami made a trade and picked up Byron Maxwell, all 6"1' of him. Tony Lippett is 6"3' and being the only one of starter quality to man the outside opposite Maxwell, this position needs to be dealt with, depth or otherwise. And yes, Cameron Wake is now a year (35) and a torn Achilles older, the basically "swapped" Olivier Vernon for Mario Williams (31 and a huge drop-off in talent) and added Andre Branch as backup. Enough talent there to "get by" until Wake returns.

Both positions need an influx of youth and talent but in this draft, there is an abundance of both positions. 
So I went with the pick that management WILL make to ensure that Tannehill has time in the pocket: Offensive Line. It is never a good sign when the opposing team is more confident when your offense is on the field. The line for the past two years has been an embarrassment. Branden Albert cannot stay healthy and the addition of free agent Jermon Bushrod does not instill confidence that the line will be exemplary, let alone ok. Guard play needs to progress, but that can wait until the latter rounds. 

But they need a good pass blocking OT and the only one which warrants the grade will be Ronnie Stanley from Notre Dame.

Quick note: Did you know the name Miami comes from the Calusa (Native American) tribe word "Mayami," meaning "Big Water?" The Tequesta tribe—or Chequescha—their village on the north bank of the river, became the site of the future city of Miami. 

God Bless Bing!

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Thanks to all the CSC members who participated in this year's community mock draft. Without your help, none of this would be possible.

Below are the complete results from our community mock draft.

Catch up with all of the mock draft selections in our 2016 CSC Community Mock Draft Hub.