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Our 2013 Community Mock Draft [is underway]! In this annual exercise we put the fates of all 32 teams in the hands of our community. This exercise accomplishes several things. For one, we often have a bit of tunnel vision when it comes to the NFL. We will get a glimpse into the needs of each of the franchises. It also helps us get familiar with each of the first-round prospects because like last year in a trade up for Morris Claiborne, you never quite know what the future holds for Dallas.
Every GM has been informed of their team's needs and is ready to roll. Let's see who will be selected with the 12th pick in the draft!
Draft Pick # [12]
Team Name: [Miami Dolphins]
GM: [hectorthegreatone]
Selection: (CB) [Xavier Rhodes, Florida State]
Here's our GM with his explanation of the selection:
Why the pick: With this pick the Dolphins fill a glaring need at corner back with what Mike Mayock describes as a "Height/Weight/Speed" guy, at 6'2 210 lbs, Rhodes ran a 4.43 40 at the Combine. He's big and physical enough to handle bigger receivers in the NFL, but he's also agile and can change direction quickly.
Rhodes can play comfortably in both man and zone coverage and isn't afraid to come down and be a contributor against the run. Although he is known to be a good tackler and hard hitter, there are some concerns with his durability and him getting nicked up a lot.
HIGH PRIORITY TEAM NEEDS (lower number indicates higher priority) according to Drafttek.com
-- Threat Level Red (priority 1-2): Cornerback, Right Tackle, 4-3 Defensive End
-- Threat Level Orange (priority 3-4): Free Safety, 4-3 Defensive Tackle, 4-3 Outside Linebacker, Tight End
-- Threat Level Yellow (priority 5-6): Slot Wide Receiver, Strong Safety, 4-3 Middle Linebacker, Quarterback, Feature Running Back, COP Running Back, Possession Receiver, Center
-- Threat Level Green (priority 9): Feature Receiver
NFL.com Draft Grade: 86.2
-- Drafttek.com ranked #15 Overall, #2 at the position
-- Russ Lande, National Football Post: #28 Overall, #2 at the position
SUMMARY - Highly productive whenever in the lineup at Florida State, Rhodes' combination of good height (6'1), long arms, top athleticism and speed give him a skill set that few NFL cornerbacks possess. On film I was constantly impressed with his ability to plant, drive and close explosively on passes in front of him in time to make a play to break up the pass. Although his positional workouts at the Combine and Pro Day were not impressive, I will not allow it to alter my grade that is based on thorough film evaluation. Overall, Rhodes is going to be a first round pick in April and I am confident in his ability to be a good starting cornerback in the NFL. From film study, he looks to be the rare cornerback who has the size and athleticism to excel in all types of coverage.
-- CBSSports.com ranked #13 overall, #2 at the position
-- DraftInsider.Net ranked #23 overall, #2 at the position
-- DraftCountdown ranked #31 overall, #2 at the position
-- Scout.com ranked #18 overall, #2 at the position
-- Mike Mayock ranked #2 at the position
-- NFLDraftScout.com profile (Dane Brugler):
STRENGTHS: Rhodes is strong for the position with a solidly-built frame and excellent arm length. He loves to jam and get physical in press coverage, getting in the face of receivers at the line of scrimmage and staying aggressive through the whistle.
Rhodes has very good click-and-close ability with strong plant-and-go burst to drive on plays in front of him, undercutting routes and knocking down passes. He does a nice job getting his head around to locate and high point with very good leaping ability and timing. Rhodes can flip his hips and easily change directions with a near-effortless transition, showing the ability to adjust and contort his body.
He is confident and instinctive in coverage, coming off his man to make a play on the ball with very good ballskills. Rhodes does a nice job defeating blocks to be a factor against the run and is a punishing striker, making the decleating hit if it's there.
He has very good experience with 39 career starts, finishing his collegiate career with eight interceptions and 31 passes defended.
WEAKNESSES: Rhodes tends to get too physical in tight coverage, playing too hands-on and grabby, which will attract pass interference penalties. He plays very aggressive with the ball in the air, but makes too much contact and needs to pay more attention to body position.
Rhodes needs to show better discipline and is susceptible to play fakes and misdirection. He lacks elite long-speed and isn't a quick-twitch type of athlete. Rhodes needs to stay assignment-sound holding contain against the run. He needs to eliminate the penalties and stay focused, controlling his intensity.
Now On The Clock: [ ]
Previous Picks: Chiefs: OT Luke Joeckel, Jaguars: CB Dee Milliner, Raiders: DE/OLB Jarvis Jones, Eagles: DE/OLB Dion Jordan, Lions: DE Ziggy Ansah, Browns: DE Sharrif Floyd, Cardinals: OT Eric Fisher, Bills: QB Geno Smith, Jets: DT Star Lotulelei, Titans: OG Chance Warmack, Chargers: OT Lane Johnson