For Joe Philbin’s West Coast offense to reach its potential, the Dolphins will need to rethink the way they have evaluated offensive lineman.

In years past, they preferred hulking offensive linemen who could set the tone for a power rushing attack. But now, with the emphasis shifting to the passing game, the Dolphins will move to a zone blocking scheme.

As Sun-Sentinel’s Omar Kelly points out, the Dolphins will need to look at a completely different breed of lineman now.

With the NFL Draft less than a month away, I figured we’d take a look at eight things that could happen when the Dolphins get ready to use the eighth pick on April 26th. I’ve attempted to categorize them three ways: “good chance,” “possible chance” and “slim chance,” though those categories are just my own opinions. With that, here you go, eight things that could happen at number eight (in no particular order):

Good Chance

• The Dolphins draft Ryan Tannehill: I say this is a good chance and every.

April is here and that means one thing in the NFL: Draft time. With the first round getting underway on the 26th, I figured today was a good day to do our first “Mock Draft Roundup” of 2012. Below are several experts’ opinions on what will happen when the Dolphins make the eighth overall selection–some you’ll like and others you won’t–but it’s a nice cross-section of what is being said about the Fins and the number-eight spot around the league:

Todd McShay, ESPN: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

Tannehill is still somewhat raw as a quarterback — just 19 starts after beginning his career as a wide receiver — but his athleticism and upside are impressive.

We do the work of finding all of the stories about the Fins from around the web and all you have to do is click them. Here is what is being said about the Dolphins today:

From the Fins:

• NFL.com’s Jeff Darlington gives his notes on the Peyton Manning situation
• Alain Poupart helps us get to know new defensive backs coach Lou Anarumo
• Greg Cosell of NFL Films gives us his breakdown of Matt Flynn

From the Press:

• James Walker of ESPN.com prioritizes our position needs going into the draft
• Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald discusses the possibility of offensive tackle Riley Reiff joining the Fins
• The Palm Beach Post’s Ben Volin talks about the downside to getting Peyton Manning

Gary Dolphin (yes, that’s his real name), the voice of the Iowa Hawkeyes, joins the show to provide a complete scouting report on Riley Reiff, an offensive tackle projected to go early in April’s draft. Also, hear Dolphin’s strong praise for Joe Philbin, who coached Iowa’s offensive line from 1999-2002.

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The NFL Network analyst gives his commentary on Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, Ryan Tannehill, and other quarterbacks that should be selected early in April’s draft. Also, find out Mayock’s thoughts on the defensive ends and offensive tackles that figure to be available around the time that the Dolphins make their 1^st round selection.

Watch video here:

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