Here’s a look at the perceived draft needs of the Miami Dolphins, with heavy input from Matt Miller of NewEraScouting.com.

Quarterback:  The departure of Cam Cameron raises serious doubt as to the team’s long-term plans for second-year quarterback John Beck.  At 26, Beck is older than most players who have just completed their rookie seasons in the NFL. The Dolphins have added underrated veteran Josh McCown, who likely will push Beck for the starting job.  Matt Ryan is a possibility (slim, in our view) with the first overall pick; if Bill Parcells wants the team to be as good is it can within the four years of his contract, it might not be prudent to begin Year One with the development of a high-profile rookie signal-caller.  The Fins instead could be tempted to take a quarterback at the top of rounds two or three, if there’s a guy on the board whom Bill Parcells thinks can become “the guy” by 2009.

Offensive tackle:  Many were surprised when tackle Anthony Alabi became one of the first victims of the Parcells purge, since Alabi, a fifth-round draft pick in 2005, was expected to enter the starting lineup in 2008.  The left side is solid with 2004 first-rounder Vernon Carey, but he is more of a guard than a tackle.  Julius Wilson is penciled in as the starter at right tackle.

Drafting Jake Long of Michigan would give the Dolphins a Pro-Bowl caliber offensive tackle.  He could man the right side for a year and then flip to the left side, allowing Carey to move inside.

The team has also shown interest in Boston College’s Gosder Cherilus and Jeff Otah of Pitt.  Both could be on the board when the Fins pick in round two.

Cornerback:  Miami has made an effort to bring talent to the secondary this offseason, but little has been done to actually improve the quality of the guys on the roster.  Will Allen and Andre Goodman have the inside track, but neither is considered a lock.  Free safety Jason Allen could move to corner, a position he played in college, but it is likely he’ll stay at safety.

Thus, Miami could look at add at least one starting-caliber corner through the draft.  G.M. Jeff Ireland has shown interest in Arizona’s Antoine Cason, a player who fits the aggressive defense employed by Parcells’ disciples.

Inside Linebacker:  When Zach Thomas was cut, a huge hole opened at middle linebacker.  The return to a 3-4 will ease the loss, as will the move of Channing Crowder to the inside. This leaves an opening next to him for a solid run-stopper.
Miami has been interested in Vince Hall (Virginia Tech) and J Leman (Illinois); both might be available in round three.

Strong safety:  There are many bodies here, but not much genuine talent.  Former Cowboy Keith Davis took the Tuna Train from Texas, but Davis is a marginal starter at best.  Look for Miami to possibly address this need in the middle rounds.  A player like Tom Zbikowski (Notre Dame) could give them flexibility in the secondary and special teams.

Running Back:  Ronnie Brown was leading the league in rushing before going down with an injury midway through the season, but he has yet to show that he can hold up over a 16-game season.  Lorenzo Booker looks to be a solid
third-down option, and there’s always the possibility of Ricky Williams contributing to the team.  The departure of Jesse Chatman to the New York Jets could hurt badly.

But this year’s draft is deep at the position.  Anthony Aldridge (Houston) and Justin Forsett (Cal) could instantly add some pop to the Miami offense or special teams, at a relatively low investment.

Guard:  The need at this position will decrease if a starting-caliber left tackle is obtained, since this would permit Vernon Carey to be shifted to the inside.  If a tackle isn’t selected, a guard will be needed.  Adding Justin Smiley via free agency helps, but if Carey is going to stay at tackle more help is needed. 

Receiver:  A late-round speedster who can play special teams would be a nice addition.  But despite the trade of Chris Chambers and the release of Marty Booker, the Fins are fairly solid at the position.  Ted Ginn was a controversial first-rounder in 2007, and Ernest Wilford and Tab Perry arrived via free agency.