My Grades on the Draft

1st Pick: Jake Long OT Michigan

Grade: A

I was a hounder for this pick, Since it was reported that we would try and get a contract before hand and it would either be Gholston or Long. Long is one of the safest pick of the top 5, Dorsey maybe a safer pick but we had no need for him. Long will hopefully shore up the line for 5 or more years and allow us for the line to actually be the strength of this team which it has not for the last about decade. Overall great pick for Miami although Mel Kiper Would say other wise, Who thinks we should of drafted Matt Ryan (see below post).

2nd Pick: DE Philip Merling Clemson

Grade: A

When it was coming close to the Dolphins next pick I was absolutely pumped that Merling was still on the board, he is a great 3-4 DE could be used at OLB if wanted but very doubtful. The only problem that made him drop was the sports hernia, but that will most likely be healed by the time training camp comes around. Overall I loved this pick and he could potentially be a starter

3rd Pick: Chad Henne

Grade: B

I admit I am full fledged supporter of John Beck to start this season but this pick was a very smart move. Like I said in my mock draft I’m not exactly the fan of the pick but it just makes too much sense. He gets to team up with his former left tackle if he does start which I do not project and could be in competition for the starting job but I doubt it, although it has been reported an awful lot.

4th Pick: DE Kendall Langford Hampton

Grade: C

I thought this was a massive reach although it does not mean that he won’t be good. I would have rather gone Charles Godfrey, but apparently the trifecta believes that is not much of a need judging by the UDFA signings and the draft. Langford could be a DT in the 3-4 but very unlikely he could be in competition with Roth for the LE Job, who knows with this pick.

5th Pick: G/T Shawn Murphy Utah State

Grade: B

Not the greatest value pick but still a pick that will shore up the line, The Dolphins needed a Left Guard and Murphy has experience at both Guard and Tackle on the left side. The battle for the LG position is going to be a good one with the rest of the line pretty much set.

6th Pick: RB Jalen Parmele Toledo

Grade: A-

The Dolphins needed a 3rd RB after the trading Lorenzo Booker and after Cobbs showing up to the first team meeting late he was not on Parcells good size. Parmele is a big back somewhat like Marion Barber, but he also has speed that is great when trying to get to the second level. He can return kicks as well but not the biggest concern.

7th Pick: G Donald Thomas UConn

Grade: A

Great Value pick with the lack of LG’s on this team, he was in my opinion one of the better guards left in the draft and he might be utilized first year. He had the second fastest 40 time for the offensive lineman at the Scouting Combine and can use that effectively in getting back on the block. This was a great pick, I liked and he could be an interval part of the team in the future.

8th Pick: RB Lex Hilliard

Grade: C-

I am not a very big fan of this pick, I felt that this pick should have been used on either CB or WR like I’ve mentioned earlier that I thought was a big need but the trifecta did not think so. Hilliard is most likely going to be a FB, He may replace Mauia after his recent conviction for battery. Parcells likes character guys and after that I’m not sure he believes Mauia is one. This may have well been a Sparano pick because as I said in another post Montana played UAlbany and Sparanos sons play there so he might have gotten a look at him there.

9th Pick: DT Lionel Dotson Arizona

Grade: B

Again I was hoping for a WR or CB but at this point I was not expecting at all and I was expecting something to shore up one or both lines and Dotson can possibly be a good 3-4 NT. He has the potential to be one but it has to be converted at the pro level. It was a quality pick overall, great value for the pick. No real clue if he will contribute to the team with Fifita, Ferguson and Wright ahead of him.

Overall Grade: B

Like most Parcells drafts this was a draft to stockpile on talent. They must believe that they key to make this team better is stopping the run with the Defensive line being improved vastly. As well giving time for the QB was a big sticking point for them. The RB picks although one was expected, were more of a Best Player Available in my opinion. They wanted to get talent and they succeeded and it was a very good draft but it sure was not a Chiefs draft but it still was good.

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