Dolphins

2013 NFL Mock Draft: Dolphins to get weapon for Ryan Tannehill in 1st round?

Will the Miami Dolphins look for a weapon for quarterback Ryan Tannehill in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft?

By James Brady@jamesbradyisme Mar 4, 2013, 3:57pm EST

The Miami Dolphins have been one of those really up-and-down teams in recent years. They're right about the middle of the pack, with the potential to upset good teams but who often play down to the level of bad competition. Their spot in the 2013 NFL Draft reflects that, as they're picking just outside the top 10 at the No. 12 spot.

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As to their needs, there's plenty to consider. They have needs on the defensive side of the ball, to be sure, but they do have some big holes on offense that might be of greater concern. Getting a new weapon for quarterback Ryan Tannehill might just be a priority early on in the draft.

Dan Kadar and Matthew Fairburn collaborated on the latest SB Nation mock draft, and they have the Dolphins doing just that. They've got DeAndre Hopkins, the wide receiver out of Clemson, going to Miami with the No. 12 pick:

Ryan Tannehill put together an impressive rookie season down in Miami. In order to continue his development, the Dolphins' brass needs to surround him with talented playmakers. Right now, Clemson's DeAndre Hopkins grades out as the top wide receiver on our board. He's a mature route runner who gets separation with ease and displays a nice catch radius. Hopkins doesn't have the size and speed combination of some of the other wide receivers in this class, but he makes up for it with his body control and sure hands.

Tannehill definitely needs some help on the offensive side of the ball. The Dolphins invested a lot in Tannehill by taking him in the first round and the worst thing they can do right now is let him stagnate without weapons. Getting him confident from the get-go might be instrumental to the Dolphins' success in the coming seasons. Hopkins fits the bill perfectly.