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Miami Dolphins' 2017 draft class: Kiper's grades, McShay's best pick, more

The 2017 NFL draft is over, and it's time to review how your favorite team fared. Where did it reach? Did it get a potential steal in Round 5? Is there a bust waiting to happen?

ESPN Insider's draft experts break down each draft class, starting with Mel Kiper Jr.'s grade, Todd McShay's favorite pick, and Scouts Inc.'s analysis on how each player fits into his new team.


Miami Dolphins

Mel Kiper's Draft Grade: C+

Kiper: Charles Harris' dropping a few spots and falling into the Dolphins' lap helps them a bit, but I thought he was better suited to go to a 3-4 team. He might be a situational pass-rusher early in his career as he bulks up from his 6-foot-3, 253-pound frame. He needs to improve playing against the run, and that should come in time. Miami filled a big need with tackling machine Raekwon McMillan. I was surprised he went off the board before Zach Cunningham, however.

Cordrea Tankersley is a big corner (6-1, 199) who had nine career interceptions. The Dolphins traded up for Isaac Asiata, and I gave him an undrafted grade. If they wanted a guard who could play immediately, they could have taken Forrest Lamp in Round 1. Asiata isn't that guy. Davon Godchaux, who has some off-field concerns, and Vincent Taylor will provide depth along the interior of the defensive line.


Todd McShay's favorite pick

Charles Harris, OLB, Missouri (pick No. 22)

Harris came off the board right around where we had him ranked (No. 18). There was a lot of pre-draft chatter about him going higher (between 10-20), and the Dolphins did well to stand pat and let Harris drop to them instead of trading up. This was a position Miami needed to address with Cameron Wake now 35 years old. I don't know if Harris is going to be an immediate starter, but he has a lot of tools to be molded. It will be good for his development to be around a guy like Wake, who keeps himself in great shape. Isaac Asiata was also a good value for the Dolphins in the fifth round.

Scouts Inc. on 2017 class

1 (22) Charles Harris, OLB, Missouri | Highlights

What he brings: An athletic and explosive athlete who was a former high school basketball standout, Harris is a speed rusher who has very good first step quickness and bend turning the corner. He's got a chance to become an impact edge defender if he can add bulk and improve his core strength. -- Kevin Weidl

How he fits: Miami needs to get younger at defensive end and Harris projects as a situational pass-rusher who can help improve a Dolphins pass rush that finished tied for 19th in sacks last year. Playing behind Cameron Wake and free-agent signee William Hayes early on will allow him to get stronger and improve his ability to defend the run. -- Steve Muench


2 (22) Raekwon McMillan, ILB, Ohio State | Highlights

What he brings: A team captain as a junior, McMillan is an instinctive and hard-nosed run-stopper who gets off blocks, closes well in pursuit and tackles well. He also made strides in coverage at Ohio State and has enough range to develop into a three-down linebacker. -- Steve Muench

How he fits: Miami fills its most pressing need with McMillan, who is an excellent addition to a linebacking corps that includes Kiko Alonso and free-agent signing Lawrence Timmons. Miami may protect him on obvious passing downs early in his career, but I believe that he has the tools to develop into an every-down player for the Dolphins. -- Steve Muench


3 (33) Cordrea Tankersley, CB, Clemson | Highlights

What he brings: Tankersley is a playmaker with an impressive blend of size, length and top-end speed, but he's not as effective in off coverage as he is in press. He has also been flagged for pass interference eight times over the past two seasons. -- Steve Muench

How he fits: The Dolphins needed to add depth behind Byron Maxwell and 2016 second-round pick Xavien Howard, who both missed time last year with injuries. Tankersly may see time in the slot early on. -- Kevin Weidl


5 (20) Isaac Asiata, OG, Utah | Highlights

What he brings: Asiata has experience at both guard spots and right tackle, but he projects inside at the NFL level. He needs to play more within himself but possesses a massive, thick and powerful frame to fit ideally within a heavy power blocking scheme. Asiata's nutrition and diet will need to be monitored because of past weight issues. -- Kevin Weidl


5 (35) Davon Godchaux, DT, LSU

What he brings: An average-sized defensive tackle with good length, Godchaux was a three-year starter in the SEC. However, he has athletic limitations and needs to get stronger at the point of attack. -- Steve Muench


6 (10) Vincent Taylor, DT, Oklahoma State

What he brings: While Taylor tends to get moved off the spot and needs to improve his hand fighting as a pass-rusher, he possesses a good blend of quickness, length and power. He also blocked five kicks at Oklahoma State. -- Steve Muench


7 (19) Isaiah Ford, WR, Virginia Tech

What he brings: A three-year starter, Ford is an above-average route runner, but his mediocre combine performance is an accurate reflection of the explosiveness he shows on tape. He also needs to get stronger and bulk up if he's to develop into an effective outside receiver. -- Steve Muench