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DAVIE, Fla. -- The Miami Dolphins went defense-heavy in the draft taking five defenders in their seven picks. On Day 1, the Dolphins took defensive end Charles Harris in the first round and followed that with Ohio State linebacker Raekwon McMillan in the second round and cornerback Cordrea Tankersley in the third round. That was followed by LSU defensive tackle Davon Godchaux in the fifth round and Oklahoma State defensive tackle Vincent Taylor in the sixth round.
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Miami, which selected six offensive players among its eight draft picks last year, gained depth and potential starters at positions where it needed help.
Round 1/22 - Charles Harris, DE, 6-3, 260, Missouri
Harris is an accomplished pass rusher who uses his speed to get past tackles. He needs to be better against the run according to scouting reports, but Miami isn't concerned with his ability to play the run. Harris isn't likely to be an every-down starter. But Miami isn't concerned with that either. The Dolphins want sacks in passing situations.
Round 2/54 - Raekwon McMillan, LB, 6-2, 243, Ohio State
McMillan, a middle linebacker, is a big-time thumper who loves to play the run. He'll have to fight for a spot to play, and it will probably be on the strong side while battling players such as Donald Butler, Koa Misi and Neville Hewitt. Miami, for now, plans to start middle linebacker Lawrence Timmons and weak-side linebacker Kiko Alonso.
Round 3/97 - Cordrea Tankersley, CB, 6-1, 200, Clemson
Miami likes his length and his play-making ability. Tankersley had four interceptions in 2016 and five interceptions in 2015. He'll have to battle a host of veterans including Byron Maxwell, Tony Lippett, Xavien Howard and Bobby McCain.
Round 5/164 - Isaac Asiata, G, 6-3, 323, Utah
This selection fills a vital need. As a bonus, Asiata, a left guard at Utah, is capable of playing on the left side, right side or center. And he had a physical presence.
Round 5/178 - Davon Godchaux, DT, 6-3, 310, Louisiana State
This is more help where needed from the standpoint Godchaux provides another big run-stuffing body on a defense that finished 30th against the run. The only problem is Godchaux must improve quickly to be part of a rotation that includes Ndamukong Suh and Jordan Phillips.
Round 6/194 - Vincent Taylor, DT, 6-3, 304, Oklahoma State
Taylor is another big body in the middle to help a run defense that needs lots of help. Unfortunately, he might not be ready to play every down from scrimmage right now. Taylor shows potential but needs to make improvement before he can contribute regularly.
Round 7/237 - Isaiah Ford, WR, 6-1, 194, Virginia Tech
Ford is a big-bodied player who is fighting for playing time at one of the most loaded positions on the roster. He's a big-play guy and that might be his best chance to make the 53-man roster. He didn't play special teams in college, which is a drawback.
