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ESPN: Grading the Miami Dolphins' Rookie Class

Perfect72

Perfect72

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The Miami Dolphins had one of their best seasons in recent memory. They won 10 games in 2016, in part due to the immediate production they got from their rookie class.

But did all of Miami's first-year players make the grade? Here is the Dolphins' rookie report card:

First-round pick: OL Laremy Tunsil Grade: A-minus

Analysis: Most draft experts pegged Tunsil as a "steal" for Miami at No. 13 overall. Those experts were correct as Tunsil helped solidify an offensive line that carried the team at various points. Tunsil made the often-difficult transition from left tackle to left guard look easy. He also filled in at left tackle for three games in place of veteran starter Branden Albert. Durability was an issue in college and Tunsil missed two games due to ankle and shoulder injuries. Otherwise it was a stellar first season as Tunsil proved to be a franchise building block for years to come.

Second-round pick: CB Xavien Howard
Grade: C-plus

Analysis: Howard looked NFL ready from the start with a strong performance in the spring during organized team activities and minicamp. But he had two knee injuries in the summer and fall that required surgery and was in and out of the lineup. Howard had good moments and flashed plenty of potential. He finished with 40 tackles and zero interceptions. But Howard never developed that consistency needed as a starting corner, partially due to the multiple injuries.

Third-round pick: RB Kenyan Drake
Grade: B-minus

Analysis: The good news is Drake took advantage of nearly every opportunity given to him. The bad news is Drake didn't get a lot of opportunities overall. His biggest play was a 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown that sealed Miami's victory over the Jets. Drake also had an impressive 45-yard touchdown run in an overtime win over the Bills. He only rushed for 179 yards on 33 attempts and should get a bigger share behind starter Jay Ajayi in his second season.

Third-round pick: WR Leonte Carroo
Grade: D-minus

Analysis: The Dolphins traded up to snag Carroo in the third round in hopes that he would push Kenny Stills for playing time. That never happened as Stills upped his game with a team-high nine touchdowns as Carroo struggled to find a role his rookie season. Carroo finished with just three catches for 29 yards. What's also disappointing was Carroo didn't contribute on special teams. That led to being inactive. He had one flash this season with a touchdown catch against the San Francisco 49ers. Otherwise, it was a surprisingly quiet year for the rookie. The Dolphins need Carroo to step up his game in Year 2, especially if Stills leaves Miami in free agency.

More at LINK: http://www.espn.com/blog/miami-dolphins/post/_/id/24424/grading-the-miami-dolphins-rookie-class

Your take? :ponder:
 
James Walker is the worst "journalist" in South Florida is my main hot take. Impressive considering some of his competition
 
Ridiculous grade for Xavien Howard. The kid showed he's a stud. If you dock him for the injuries, he's still a B+. Let's look back at this grade in a few years ... it will look straight foolish.
 
I'd flip the grades b/w Howard and Drake, while giving Caroo an F.
 
I agree with grades. Howard only played 7 games peeps he got an average grade. As for Drake he did make some PLAYS being our 4th RB and then going 3rd on depth chart. Not bad at all.
 
Not a fan of Walker. It was a very good draft class topped off by Tunsil. WE need 3 more of these drafts in a row.
 
I agree with the grades. You have to count consistency or lack of in the case of Howard, but I'm not so sure you can count not being given an opportunity as in the case of Carroo.
 
How often do you hear Richard Sherman go out of his way to praise an opposition did like he did Carroo? Walker says Drake made the most of his limited opportunities, but the same can be said for Carroo. It's comical to me to come to Finheaven and see the bashing on a rookie WR knowing it's based off those same people's hatred of Tannenbaum. Most of the other things worked out pretty well so I guess they just gonna hang that sorry hat on poor Carroo lol
 
I think the grades are fair. Let's see how each player progresses in year two.
 
I don't have a problem w the grades as a lot of this is circumstantial. For example, I agree on Howard only because he was hurt. Otherwise he's at least a B probably higher. Caroo is an odd one. F for sure but may not be his fault - how was he getting on the field w the 3 studs ahead of him? He might be a good player but when are we going to find out? And I don't want to find out because we let Stills walk. Even Grant contributed w a dazzling PR TD - and 100 fumbles. I like this draft class. If we can draft like this again w a slew of good D players things will be bright for us.

---------- Post added at 07:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:42 PM ----------
PhinsAAA said:
How often do you hear Richard Sherman go out of his way to praise an opposition did like he did Carroo? Walker says Drake made the most of his limited opportunities, but the same can be said for Carroo. It's comical to me to come to Finheaven and see the bashing on a rookie WR knowing it's based off those same people's hatred of Tannenbaum. Most of the other things worked out pretty well so I guess they just gonna hang that sorry hat on poor Carroo lol
Click to expand...
re Caroo - the hate is unwarranted in that it was a dumb pick. Doesn't mean he won't be good. I still don't know why we took him.
 
I think the grades are pretty fair. I thought Howard would have been a little better but then again he only played a few games so I shouldn't expect the grade to be all that high. Not that any of this matters.

Ozzy rules!!
 
I think we nailed our first 2 picks. Feels like its been awhile since we could say that
 
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