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2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after Week 14

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 26, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) pulls in a pass against the Auburn Tigers during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) pulls in a pass against the Auburn Tigers during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

. TE. Alabama. O.J. Howard. 22. player. 59

The Miami Dolphins have plenty of needs, but they happen to be one of the better up-and-coming teams in college football. Drafting O.J. Howard from Alabama in the first round would show just how serious they are about improving offensive weaknesses.

Yes, the Miami Dolphins need more help at the guard position than they do at tight end, but adding a guy like Howard who they can create some mismatches in the pass game against opposing linebackers will be key to the development of Ryan Tannehill.

This might be more of a pick to bolster the offense but the tight end position is one that has been lacking this season. Another pick which also intrigued me for the Dolphins at No. 22 was offensive guard Dan Feeney from Indiana. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them go that route with this pick, either.

Jordan Cameron has been a major disappointment this season after looking like an all-pro a couple of years ago and the Dolphins’ leading tight end is Dion Sims, a fourth-round pick in 2013 who has just 15 catches for 167 yards and a touchdown.

Miami could use a guy like Howard who could add an extra threat to the Dolphins’ offense. This doesn’t mean they have to veer away from a guy like Sims who is also athletic at the position, but Howard would be much more of a vertical threat.

Howard has caught 37 passes for 445 yards and two touchdowns this season.

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