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NFL Draft: Top Five Outside Linebackers The Dolphins Will Target
With Joey Porter and Jason Taylor no longer with the team, the Miami Dolphins are in serious need of pass rushers.

Porter and Taylor were first and second on the Dolphins in sacks last season with nine and seven respectively. Those numbers are underwhelming, but there's more to be concerned with.

Cameron Wake led all other linebackers with five sacks in 2009, but he has just one season under his belt; everyone beyond him is a career backup.


What's surprising was the fact that the Dolphins still managed 44 sacks on the year; good enough to tie for third in the league. That suggests just how much a legitimate pass-rushing threat would thrive on this defense.


With a lot of options available in the Draft, there are a few names Miami should have their eye on early. All of these guys will be off the board by the end or round three, but most of them will be gone well before then.

This list marks five best players that should be available that fit the mold of size, speed, strength, and athleticism needed to transition to outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.


(Jason Pierre Paul of South Florida has been excluded because he's practically a lock to go in the top five and won't be on the board when the Dolphins pick at No. 12)


Thaddeus Gibson, Ohio State: Projected: late second round / early third round


Thaddeus Gibson is extremely athletic and improved his stock with an impressive showing at the Combine. Although his 4.7 seconds 40 time was on the slow side, he excelled in all the defensive drills.
There's little doubt he can convert to outside linebacker in the NFL. At 6'2" 245 lbs, he has the size and strength to get it done. Gibson moves well in space and has solid closing speed.


In 2009 he was Second-Team All-Big Ten with 45 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles, and one interception.


He needs to bulk up a bit, but the guy is a workout warrior and it shouldn't be a problem to add some weight to his frame.


Gibson is a converted defensive end, so he's capable of playing upright or with a hand in the dirt. He's a natural pass rusher, but also a solid special-teamer.


He'll find a way onto the field next season, even if it takes him a little time to develop as an every down backer.
Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri: Projected: late first round / early second round


Sean Weatherspoon has an elite build for an NFL linebacker. He's strong and has excellent top-end speed.


Based on his solid showing at the Combine, he's displayed the ability to excel at pretty much an linebacker position depending on the scheme.


He's a leader on and off the field, a tough-nosed athlete who will play through pain and won't accept any less from his teammates; in 2008 he played through the spring with a torn shoulder.


Weatherspoon is a tackling machine, registering 376 tackles in his last three seasons. In 2009 he had 103 tackles and four sacks. He is best against the run, but has the athleticism and strength to be groomed in true pass-rusher.


The Dolphins are supposedly very high on the 22-year-old and may target him with the 43rd pick if he's still on the board; which would require him to slip a bit.


Segio Kindle, Texas: Projected: late first round


Sergio Kindle has been linked to the Dolphins a lot as of late and the team will undoubtedly take a closer look at him closer to the Draft.


At 6'4" 236 lbs, he may be a bit undersized to handle offensive tackles in the NFL, but he's quick and very strong for his size. More than anyone else on this list, he'll need to bulk up or the transition to a 3-4 pass-rusher will be a long a difficult one.


Kindle is a natural athlete though, so it wouldn't be surprising to see it happen. He was a high school running back who made First-Team All-Texas for both offense and defense.
In short, he's extremely versatile.


In 2008 and 2009 Kindle combined for 101 tackles and 16 sacks.


He may be better suited for a 4-3 scheme and it would be a reach for the Dolphins to select him at No. 12; he won't be around by round two so it seems unlikely he'll find a home in Miami.


He has the talent to be something special though, and could be an option if the team trades down in round one.


Brandon Graham, Michigan: Projection: mid-first round


Brandon Graham is rated by many as the top pure outside linebacker in the Draft and one of the best pass-rushers available.


Unlike some other options that have spent a lot of time at defensive end and will need time to transition, Graham is ready to step onto the field as a 3-4 outside linebacker on day one.


At 6'1" 263 lbs, he's big enough to play as a defensive end in a 4-3 or take a large number of snaps with his hand in the dirt in pass-rushing situations.


He meets the prototypical size and strength requirements for an outside linebacker and won't have problems with the bigger and tougher offensive tackles on the next level.


Graham for some reason or the other, has been one of the less heralded members of the 2010 Draft class even though he's likely to go anywhere for 12-25; he won't last longer than that.


He has 28 sacks over the last three seasons, and nearly doubled his tackle totals every year. He'll need to show improvement in pass coverage, but the guy is ready to step in immediately as a sack machine.


Think of him as a serious option later in round one in the event the Dolphins trade out of the 12th pick.


Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech: Projected: Top 15


Derrick Morgan will be the Dolphins first choice at outside linebacker if they decide to go that route in round one.


He joins defensive tackle Dan Williams of Tennessee, inside linebacker Rolando McClain of Alabama, wide receiver Dez Bryant of Oklahoma State, and Earl Thomas of Texas as a member of the big five.


These are the five players most likely to be selected by Miami at No. 12, assuming of course that they don't trade down. All of these players are potential studs right out of the gate and all of them, with the exception of McClain, address a serious need.


Morgan is the ideal Bill Parcells player. He's intelligent,Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jerseys, hardworking, of good character, isn't hampered by injury, mature, and a born leader. That isn't everything to this Dolphins regime, but when you're investing this much in a player it goes a long way.


Jake Long's background was a huge reason Miami selected him with the first overall pick in 2008. Morgan is of the same character mold,Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jersey.


In 2009 he recorded 52 tackles, 12 sacks, and two forced fumbles. At 6'4" 268 lbs, Morgan is a beast as a pass-rusher.


He may just end up being the selection at No. 12.