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NFL Mock Draft 9.0: Quarterbacks push defensive prospects down board

By Jacob Camenker

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 08: Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs walks in to the locker room prior to the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 08: Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs walks in to the locker room prior to the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 02: Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts to winning the game MVP trophy after beating the Auburn Tigers in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 02: Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts to winning the game MVP trophy after beating the Auburn Tigers in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

11. player. 59. . Linebacker. Georgia. Roquan Smith

The Dolphins are in a tough spot. They want to land one of the top four quarterbacks, but they may not be in position to do so. If they can’t move up to get a quality passer, they will have to take one of the better defensive players remaining.

In this scenario, the Dolphins will have a choice between one of the top linebackers or defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick. It won’t be easy to pick one, but the more pressing need that the Dolphins have is at linebacker.

Right now, the Dolphins only have a couple of starters at the linebacker position. They have Kiko Alonso and former second round pick Raekwon McMillan set to start in their 4-3 alignment, but they don’t really have a quality option next to those two. They have some backups, but they need a strongside linebacker for their defense.

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Roquan Smith would be an excellent get at this juncture. Smith was a terrific tackler at Georgia and was the heart and soul of their defensive unit. He played a key role on the team during their run through the College Football Playoff, and he always was able to be around the ball. While he may be a bit undersized compared to other linebackers at the NFL level, he still has the chance to become a big-time playmaker in the mold of Lavonte David.

The Dolphins would welcome Smith in with open arms. If he can get even half of the 137 tackles he racked up at Georgia, he would have a major impact on the team’s defense and he might help offset the other losses the team has had during the offseason.

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