2018 NFL Mock Draft: Miami Dolphins Select QB Josh Rosen at No. 11

With the 11th pick of the 2018 DBN Community NFL Mock Draft, the Miami Dolphins select...

Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA

The selection and write-up were made by Swagnasty:

Miami’s mediocre record disguises the fact that the roster actually has few true holes, and despite the lack of household names there is good depth almost everywhere on the roster. In some ways, they’re following the Patriots’ own blueprint, valuing scheme fit and versatility over raw athletic appeal while fearlessly dismissing good players who aren’t willing to fully buy in. Although Ryan Tannehill has been trending up under Gase, his major recent injury introduces a level of uncertainty that means there’s no way the Dolphins can pass on the top quarterback talent when it falls into their lap seemingly by magic - quarterback controversy be damned. The other direction I could have gone was defense, as the Dolphins could use some safety/linebacker help or someone to bolster the line - Vita Vea is probably the most notable opportunity cost, but neither he nor the LB talent taken just before this spot were above Rosen, the #1 player on my board.

Josh Rosen himself is widely accepted as one of the best quarterback prospects in the draft, considered by some to be the most polished since Andrew Luck. Physically he’s all you could want in a starting quarterback at 6’4” and 226 lbs. He’s supremely confident in the pocket, His mechanics are precise and consistent. His accuracy is great, especially in the short/intermediate passing game in the middle of the field, and he throws with anticipation. He’s got areas to improve, like effectiveness under pressure and deep accuracy, and I can live with that. He has some injury concerns, but so will everyone else at this level.

The Dolphin offense is ready for a plug-and-play passer, as both wide receiver and running back are stocked with a healthy mix of young promising talent and veteran experience. Danny Amendola in particular is one who I could see developing a reliable chemistry with a green Rosen. Meanwhile, the offensive line is the team’s most improved unit, especially if their health holds up and Tunsil truly comes into his own. If all Rosen does is get the ball into the hands of his playmakers - something he should be stellar at - the offense is primed to be downright explosive.

On the coaching side Rosen and Adam Gase could be a match made in heaven. They are both aggressive personalities who won’t settle for second-best. To me, his oft-criticized personality, intelligence, and inquisitiveness are actually assets. But his leadership style may leave something to be desired, as he readily admits he’s not a “rah-rah” type of inspiring leader. That’s another reason pairing him with Gase makes sense, so the two can form a leadership identity together and plant their crosshairs on domination of the AFC East.

Pokorny: “As recently as a month ago, Adam Gase said that Tannehill is their starting quarterback for the foreseeable future. I almost think of it like the Andy Dalton situation, where you have a quarterback who is pretty good, but not good enough to put your team into serious contendership. Do the Dolphins just go get a new quarterback and continue diving in to their re-build? It wouldn’t be the worst thing, especially if Rosen drops this far.”

The Buffalo Bills are up next, led by GratefulDawg.