The Miami Dolphins continue to invite highly touted cornerbacks and wide receivers to South Beach for pre-draft visits. Trae Waynes, Kevin Johnson, Jalen Collins and Eric Rowe have come through town. Now, Byron Jones and Devin Smith can be added to that list, the Miami Herald reports.
Jones' stock is enjoying perhaps the biggest rise of any player in this draft. ESPN NFL Draft Insider Mel Kiper Jr. projects him to go 27th overall to the Dallas Cowboys. But the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots have also been linkd to him.
Kiper says that Jones is "one of the best athletes in the draft. But with Jones, it's not just about the workouts, because everything you see at the NFL Combine is also evident on tape. He has great football instincts and star upside."
Smith is another intriguing prospect. The guy is an absolute burner who averaged 28.2 yards per catch last season. Overall, he caught 33 passes for 931 yards. He could replace the departed Mike Wallace as Miami's primary deep threat.
"Smith has been more a big-play threat than consistent pass catcher for the Buckeyes in his career," Dane Brugler of CBS.com wrote. "Has quick strides to pick up steam in a hurry vertically with strong cuts in his routes to create some separation vs. defenders.
"Has made a career out of getting behind the secondary for big plays, using his deep speed and also contributing on special teams coverages. Unproven as a route runner."
The Dolphins have also been doing their due diligence on Todd Gurley. Miami brass had a 30-minute conversation with his high school coach.
All three players are distinct possibilities for the Dolphins at No. 14 in the draft.
