Miami Dolphins Draft Review

1st Round, Pick #15: Mike Pouncey (Guard/Center Florida)

Taking an interior lineman in the first round is never the sexy pick, but as was the case here, it was the smart pick. When Miami was going good a few years ago they were running the ball down peoples throats, and since there was no running back worth this selection, taking a terrific Guard/Center prospect in Pouncey does just as much good. There is no reason why Mike can't have just as much impact as his brother did last year for the Steelers. He has the size and strength to be an excellent run blocker, and the quickness and athleticism to protect against the pass. Pouncey will be an immediate starter for Miami, and make their whole offense better.

Grade- B+

2nd Round, Pick #62: Daniel Thomas (RB Kansas State)

With Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams both free agents, addressing the running back position became a priority, so Miami traded up to get the guy they wanted in Daniel Thomas. Thomas over the past 2 years has been arguably the most productive rusher in college football, despite being the only weapon on a weak Kansas State team. Really the only knock against Thomas is his speed, he runs his 40 somewhere in the 4.6 range, and doesn't have the breakaway speed you look for in a top back, but other than that, he is fantastic. He is a tough, physical runner who breaks a lot of tackles, has excellent vision and patience, and was JUCO QB so he will help out in Miami's Wildcat formation.

Grade- A

4th Round, Pick #111: Edmond Gates (WR Abilene Christian)

During the pre-draft process, Edmond Gates was flying out draft boards after burning up the track at the combine, and teams got a better look at him, and I was actually surprised to see him last this long. Miami has Brandon Marshall and Devone Bess who are both very productive receivers, but Bess works mostly underneath, which leaves Brandon Marshall with over the top coverage on almost every play, so they needed a speedster to stretch the field and draw attention. Gates is raw at this point, and will need to be coached up, but he has all the tools to be a dynamic Mike Wallace type receiver

Grade- A

6th Round, Pick #174: Charles Clay (FB Tulsa)

I like Charles Clay as a player, but this is a luxury pick for a team that does have other, more pressing holes to fill, and I really don't see how the Dolphins plan on using him. Clay is a great athlete, but really doesn't have a defined position. He was able to block pretty well in Conference USA, but at only 240 pounds, that isn't going to fly in the NFL. He is very athletic, and is a pretty effective straight line runner who can pick up 3-4 yards on every carry, and he also is a good receiver out of the backfield so he brings some versatility. I like the player, I just think Miami would have been better served to draft help on defense.

Grade- C

7th Round, Pick #231: Frank Kearse (DT Alabama A&M)

This is a very nice pickup by Miami in the 7th round, as Frank Kearse is a guy who has a lot of untapped, and undeveloped potential. At 6-4 315 he is an explosive guy with good strength and athleticism, but obviously has a long way to go, to be a reliable player. It will take a few years for Kearse to really develop, but if Miami, or another team is patient with him, they might be surprised with what they have in a few years. Low risk, high reward.

Grade- B

7th Round, Pick #235: Jimmy Wilson (Safety Montana)

You really must check out the story of Jimmy Wilson, it is a fascinating one, and even though he spent 2 years in jail, you don't get the impression he is a bad guy at all. I'll let you read the story for yourself, but I personally believe this was a great pickup by the Dolphins. Wilson is a very talented athlete, and had it not been for his incident, he would be getting a lot more attention. This is another low risk, very high reward pick, so I love it, and I am rooting for Wilson to succeed.

Grade- A