Miami Dolphins

3 prospects for Dolphins fans to watch in Saturday's Senior Bowl

Published Jan. 29, 2016 2:55 p.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

Saturday's Senior Bowl marks the last time scouts will see draft prospects in full pads before the NFL Draft. Obviously, that makes this a huge game for senior's attempting to boost their draft stock prior to the combine and pro days.

Like all of the other teams, the Miami Dolphins will keep a close eye on this one. The fans should as well.

Here are three prospects for Dolphins fans to watch for in the Senior Bowl.

Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama

The Dolphins are in dire need of a linebacker. Ragland may not be the biggest or the fastest, but he can attack the ball and wrap up as a sure tackler. He was the leader of the defense at Alabama, one that was littered with future NFL players. He would fit perfectly as a middle linebacker in Miami's 4-3 scheme with his ability to hold up in coverage. The Dolphins could conceivably use two or three new linebackers on defense next season.

Noah Spence, EDGE, Eastern Kentucky

Spence comes with plenty of baggage, but the former Ohio State Buckeye has immense talent as an edge rusher. He dominated in Senior Bowl practices this week, getting to the quarterback with ease during team drills. With Olivier Vernon set to be a free agent and Cameron Wake's future uncertain in Miami, the Dolphins need to address the pass rush. Off-the-field concerns will cause Spence to drop down boards, but he's a top-five pass rusher in this draft.

Willie Beavers, OG, Western Michigan

For as much as the Dolphins need a linebacker, they need a guard just as badly. Dallas Thomas, Billy Turner and Jamil Douglas weren't nearly good enough this season and did nothing to solve the issues along the interior of the offensive line. Beavers may not be a first-round prospect, but he's worth keeping an eye on deeper in the draft. Protecting Ryan Tannehill should be one of the top priorities this offseason.