Dolphins Looking at Defensive Backs

The Dolphins have plenty of needs on defense, and we know how much Bill Parcells loves to draft on that side of the ball. Among the players that either already have or will visit the Dolphins are Vontae Davis, Darius Butler, Don Carey, Louis Delmas, Brandon Hughes and Sean Smith.

Its clear that the Dolphins are doing their homework on the cornerbacks and safeties this year's draft class. However, it still remains to be seen where they will target that position on draft day. Vontae Davis and Darius Butler are options in the first round. If they pass on those two, I would expect to see them select one in the second round. Sean Smith and Louis Delmas could be on the board when the Dolphins are on the clock, along with other options such as Coye Francies and Alphonso Smith.

In my latest mock draft I have the 'Phins passing on a cornerback with their first three picks. History tells us that Parcells is more likely to target the defensive front seven and the offensive line in the 1st round. As for the second round, its all about value. There is more depth at receiver and offensive line this year, which are both areas of need for the Dolphins. Corners such as Don Carey and Brandon Hughes will still be viable options in the 3rd round or later.

Patriots Targeting Safeties

You can tell a lot about a team's draft strategy by tracking the players it invites for visits. And in the case of the Patriots, they couldn't make it more obvious.

The Pats either already have, or will soon, host William Moore, Louis Delmas and Patrick Chung. All three are viable options for the Patriots with one of their three 2nd round picks.

Safety isn't a major concern in New England, but it isn't a strength either. 2007 1st-round pick Brandon Merriweather is a little undersized to play strong safety, and James Sanders isn't exactly an elite free safety. While the Patriots could certainly get by with those two, an upgrade would be welcomed at either position. Chung and Moore may be the best options because of their ability to play either strong or free safety. Delmas is rated by some as the top safety in the draft class, but he's a little on the skinny side and will be limited to playing free safety in the pros.