Draft Day is coming soon. No, not the movie but the actual NFL Draft. The 2014 draft begins Thursday May 8th. Less than a month remains for teams to finish their draft boards and debate among the hundreds of players they may have to choose from when they get on the clock.

It is so difficult to determine what any team will do when the draft arrives, nevermind a team with a new general manager. Dennis Hickey is preparing for his first draft as a member of the Miami Dolphins. No one truly knows what he will do when the time comes. That’s ok. I am more than willing to give him my seven round mock draft to work from.

Miami has several holes they need to fill through this draft. Offensive line is the most glaring need. Safety, Linebacker and Tight End could all use upgrades as well. With a pick in every round the Dolphins should be able to make some solid moves with a good draft.

Round 1 (pick 19)

Xavier Su’a-Filo, OG  (UCLA)

Not the sexy pick some fans would want but Su’a-Filo is exactly what is  needed to firm up the offensive line. At 6-3 and 305 lbs. he has the athleticism to work as a pulling guard while also being able to hold up in pass protection. He should start from day one, could easily see him as a long time pro bowler.

Round 2 (50)

Terrence Brooks, FS (Florida State)

Louis Delmas was signed to be the Dolphins new free safety this offseason. His contract suggests that he will not be there for long. Brooks has been moving up draft boards steadily this offseason, with good reason. 4.4 speed and great instincts do not come around everyday. Until he is ready to assume the starting job Brooks may contribute as a nickel defender, he is a former corner.

Round 3 (81)

Jordan Zumwalt, LB (UCLA)

Zumwalt’s instincts and high motor contributed to him being voted co-MVP in this years Sun Bowl, where he contributed 10 tackles and an interception. Experienced at all three linebacker positions, he could compete for a starting spot immediately. I see him as the middle linebacker of the future.

Round 4 (116)

Jaylen Watkins, CB (Florida)

Watkins has played both corner and safety at Florida. With great instincts and closing speed he should contribute immediately in the zone scheme Miami currently runs.

Round 5 (155)

Arthur Lynch, TE (Georgia)

An In-Line TE which is exactly what Miami needs to complement Charles Clay. He is a solid blocker, with good hands. Clay is the seam threat, Lynch can eat underneath.

Round 6 (190)

Michael Schofield, OT (Michigan)

Schofield moves well for his size. Not good enough to start on the left side, but he could become a solid right tackle. Failing that he also has experience working inside as well.

Round 7 (234)

Brett Smith, QB (Wyoming)

I am a big believer in always taking a quarterback to develop for the future. I think it is time to move on from Pat Delvin as a back-up. Smith is a natural passer with a good enough arm for the next level. He has the athleticism to get outside of the pocket and throw from the run. While I would prefer Aaron Murray from Georgia, Smith could develop into a quality starter and a solid backup in the near future.

Writing a seven round mock is like throwing darts at a board. Who knows what will happen come May? If half of these players end up in South Beach I will be happy.