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2015 NFL Draft: Miami Dolphins’ Top 5 Needs

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2015 NFL Draft: Miami Dolphins' Top 5 Needs

Stephen Ross and Dennis Hickey
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Dolphins are at the point where they can't build their team through free agency, but must start building through the draft. They've invested a lot of money to star free agents, so it's crucial that they start drafting men that will develop into Pro Bowlers. In fact, the last time Miami had a player they drafted (excluding lineman and S/T) in the Pro Bowl was in 2009 when Yeremiah Bell was voted in.

5. Quarterback

Matt Moore
Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

5. Quarterback

Matt Moore
Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Moore's contract is up once again and he may be ready to go elsewhere to get one more shot at starting in the NFL. With how Ryan Tannehill's improved throughout the season, it's doubtful Moore will want to stick around because he won't see any playing time unless Tannehill goes down with an injury. If Moore is gone, Miami needs a young guy to begin developing behind Tannehill.

4. Cornerback

Jamar Taylor
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

4. Cornerback

Jamar Taylor
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

For the second straight year, Miami was bit by the injury bug in the secondary late in the season. At one point, R.J. Stanford was starting opposite Brent Grimes. That can't happen if this team ever wants to make it further than Week 17. For the third year in a row, depth at corner must be addressed in the draft.

3. Safety

Reshad Jones
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

3. Safety

Reshad Jones
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Like the cornerback position, the safeties have been bit by the injury bug late in the season. Once Louis Delmas went down with a season-ending ACL injury, the inconsistent Jimmy Wilson was thrown in and the position has suffered. Rookie Walt Aikens (drafted as a cornerback) has played some safety as relief, but he's a raw product. A playmaker opposite Reshad Jones could make the Dolphins' secondary one of the best in the league.

2. Defensive Tackle

Jared Odrick, Randy Starks
Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

2. Defensive Tackle

Jared Odrick, Randy Starks
Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

What happens in free agency will determine when Miami addresses the interior of the defensive line during the draft. Jared Odrick's contract expires and Randy Starks may get axed to free up about million in cap space. Their first-round selection may be used on someone to play opposite Earl Mitchell in the trenches.

1. Offensive Guard

Offensive Line, Miami Dolphins
Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

1. Offensive Guard

Offensive Line, Miami Dolphins
Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Same story, different year. Granted, this season isn't as bad as last, but the Dolphins still rank in the bottom half of the NFL in protecting Tannehill. The tackles are set for the future with Branden Albert and Ja'Wuan James, but Miami continues to rely on backups trying to protect their franchise quarterback. It's time to get a foundation set before it's too late.

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