MIAMI DOLPHINS (2012 record: 7-9, finished 2nd in the AFC East)
5-Year NFL Draft Review: The past 5 years the Dolphins have had some hits and misses. Their lack of success lately can be linked to bad draft choices over this time frame. Now would be the time to start focusing on drafting skill position players to round out this team. Cornerback, wide receiver, and tackle should be high on their priority list.
2012- Ryan Tannehill- Quarterback- Texas A&M: Tannehill was drafted to be the Dolphins' franchise quarterback. He started all of the 2012 season and had some up and down moments. Overall, he displayed the abilities you look for in a leader of the offense. Miami should surround him with as many playmakers as possible this off season to help speed up his development process.
2011- Mike Pouncey- Center- Florida: In the 2011 NFL draft, Miami selected Center Mike Pouncey of the Florida Gators. He was drafted mainly because the running game production fell off in 2010 due to bad interior offensive line play. They needed to make this upgrade a priority because there will be no running or passing game without it. Pouncey has been everything the staff thought he would be and that’s consistent, hard working, coachable, and accountable. Miami should be set for years at the center position.
2010- Jared Odrick- Defensive end- Penn State: The Jury is still out on this prospect. He broke his right leg early in the 2010 season and was put on injured reserve. Was drafted to play the right defensive end position in Miami’s 3-4 scheme. So far in the 2011 season he has added some big plays to talented and deep defensive line. He is versatile enough to play the 3 technique and also the 5 technique in nickel and dime situations because of his ability to push the pocket and pressure the QB.
2009- Vontae Davis- Cornerback- Illinois: He had up and down moments in his tenure with Miami. He is aggressive and physical and can matchup with any wide receiver big or small. He is no longer with the team and there is a big void talent wise in their secondary.
2008- Jake Long- Left tackle- Michigan: Jake was the first overall pick in 2008, and since then has been nothing short of exceptional for this team. He has been to 4 straight pro bowls and was named to the All-Pro 1st team in 2010. If you were constructing a building the first thing you would do is lay down the floor then build everything on top of it. Jake Long is that floor for the offense and if he is not there everything falls down. This was the best pick in the last 5 years by the front office hands down. Injuries has hampered his play over the last two seasons. He was not resigned by the team during free agency and will take his talents to St. Louis. This could be a major loss for the franchise.
Future Outlook: Miami has either traded, released, or not resigned three of its last six first round picks if you go all the way back to the 2007 1st round pick, Ted Ginn. They have lost Jake Long, Reggie Bush, Vontae Davis, Sean Smith, and Anthony Fasano over the last two seasons and need to replace them with talented prospects either by free agency or in the 2013 NFL Draft. Miami has five total selections in the first three rounds and will need to hit on all of them to help the team cope with all of the starters lost. Losing Jake Long and Sean Smith may be the biggest reason they may struggle in 2013 if others don't step up. The Dolphins need to make a splash and hit gold on their 2013 NFL Draft selections.
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