A lot has been written about Miami's early round draft failures. This is the opposite kind of post. Here are some moves that should be applauded, the hits that have kept the Dolphins competitive.
Moving up in the draft to get X Howard. At the time, this was fiercely debated on this site as Howard was pretty raw coming out. But, he's as close to a shutdown corner as there is in today's NFL and perhaps the best player on Miami's defense.
Signing Albert Wilson. It's scary to think where Miami might be, record-wise, without him. His 75-yard touchdown against Chicago was the biggest play in that game and his touchdown pass to Jakeem Grant on a trick play helped the Dolphins beat the Raiders. He's a big play maker and someone that apparently was on Adam Gase's radar. Credit Gase there.
Drafting Davon Godchaux and Vincent Taylor back-to-back in rounds five and six. That has to qualify as an eye for talent.
Drafting Grant in round six. Finally Miami is using him. Grant, like Wilson is a big play waiting to happen.
Signing Frank Gore. Gore looks like he could play forever and he brings leadership and professionalism to the team.
Finding Jesse Davis on the scrap heap.
The trade that brought Kiko Alonso and led to drafting Laremy Tunsil. Alonso had a bad season in 2017, but he is playing at an all-pro level this year and Tunsil is finally emerging as at least a solid left tackle.
I'm not including this years' draft picks yet, but Minkah Fitzpatrick and Jerome Baker have played very well. It seems like only a matter of time for Mike Gesicki. He is just too talented not to succeed.
Moving up in the draft to get X Howard. At the time, this was fiercely debated on this site as Howard was pretty raw coming out. But, he's as close to a shutdown corner as there is in today's NFL and perhaps the best player on Miami's defense.
Signing Albert Wilson. It's scary to think where Miami might be, record-wise, without him. His 75-yard touchdown against Chicago was the biggest play in that game and his touchdown pass to Jakeem Grant on a trick play helped the Dolphins beat the Raiders. He's a big play maker and someone that apparently was on Adam Gase's radar. Credit Gase there.
Drafting Davon Godchaux and Vincent Taylor back-to-back in rounds five and six. That has to qualify as an eye for talent.
Drafting Grant in round six. Finally Miami is using him. Grant, like Wilson is a big play waiting to happen.
Signing Frank Gore. Gore looks like he could play forever and he brings leadership and professionalism to the team.
Finding Jesse Davis on the scrap heap.
The trade that brought Kiko Alonso and led to drafting Laremy Tunsil. Alonso had a bad season in 2017, but he is playing at an all-pro level this year and Tunsil is finally emerging as at least a solid left tackle.
I'm not including this years' draft picks yet, but Minkah Fitzpatrick and Jerome Baker have played very well. It seems like only a matter of time for Mike Gesicki. He is just too talented not to succeed.