2017 NFL Mock Draft: NFL Conference Championship Edition

There’s a very good chance that the Miami Dolphins decide to part ways with defensive end Mario Williams before the start of the 2017 season. Williams is set to count for $10.5 million against the cap next year despite picking up just 1.5 sacks in 2016. The Dolphins would only lose $2 million in dead cap space if they cut him, which is more than likely going to happen.

If that’s the case, then the Dolphins would be wise to find Williams’ replacement so that they can continue to have one of the most dominant defensive lines in the league with guys like Cameron Wake and Ndamukong Suh.

Michigan Wolverines defensive end Taco Charlton has shot up draft boards this year after picking up 10 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss. He’s a physically imposing prospect who is easy to spot on the field, coming in at an impressive 6-foot-6 and 270 pounds.

With a massive frame and a pretty consistent low pad level, Charlton is able to get leverage and can usually throw offensive linemen around. Because of his physical tools and disruptiveness, Charlton’s upside is through the roof, but he’s far from a polished product at this point.

The biggest problem with Charlton is that he struggles mightily with outside containment. Just look at how easy he makes this play for Dalvin Cook in the Orange Bowl.

Outside containment and bending the edge are question marks for Charlton, but he could learn a lot from guys like Wake and Suh. Some think Charlton could be an edge rusher at the next level, but I think playing defensive end in Miami’s 4-3 scheme would be the best situation for him to succeed.