Perfect72
It's Only Happened ONCE!
This might come as a surprise to many, but the cumulative grade for the Dolphins' last four drafts is probably a solid 'C.'
If that seems generous for a team that went 29-35 from 2012 through 2015, consider the words of Mark Dominik, the former general manager for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
"Every GM would hope, and every fan would hope, you can get seven starters out of seven picks," said Dominik, now an ESPN analyst. "But the reality is if you can get three starters out of a draft class you did a good job. And hopefully the rest are filling other key roles on special teams or as depth players."
Last year's Dolphins had four starters from the 2012 draft class (quarterback Ryan Tannehill, defensive end Olivier Vernon, running back Lamar Miller and wide receiver Rishard Matthews), three from 2014 (wide receiver Jarvis Landry, right tackle Ja'Wuan James, guard Billy Turner) and three from 2013 (linebacker Jelani Jenkins, tight end Dion Sims, guard Dallas Thomas).
The 2015 class didn't produce any regular starters during their rookie season, but five of the seven draftees made a start.
Asked to grade the Dolphins' past four drafts based on what we know now, Dominik gave the 2012 class a 'B+,' the 2013 class a 'D,' and the 2014 and 2015 classes each a 'B.'
One of the big problems is there were few stars taken in the past four drafts.
The 28 draftees only produced one Pro Bowl season (Landry in 2015).
And, yes, there's also the stain of defensive end Dion Jordan, the No. 3 overall pick of the 2013 draft, whom the Dolphins traded up to acquire.
"You gave up picks to get a guy that's been one of the more colossal busts of the last few years," Dominik said.
More at LINK: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-dolphins-recent-drafts-0422-20160421-story.html
If that seems generous for a team that went 29-35 from 2012 through 2015, consider the words of Mark Dominik, the former general manager for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
"Every GM would hope, and every fan would hope, you can get seven starters out of seven picks," said Dominik, now an ESPN analyst. "But the reality is if you can get three starters out of a draft class you did a good job. And hopefully the rest are filling other key roles on special teams or as depth players."
Last year's Dolphins had four starters from the 2012 draft class (quarterback Ryan Tannehill, defensive end Olivier Vernon, running back Lamar Miller and wide receiver Rishard Matthews), three from 2014 (wide receiver Jarvis Landry, right tackle Ja'Wuan James, guard Billy Turner) and three from 2013 (linebacker Jelani Jenkins, tight end Dion Sims, guard Dallas Thomas).
The 2015 class didn't produce any regular starters during their rookie season, but five of the seven draftees made a start.
Asked to grade the Dolphins' past four drafts based on what we know now, Dominik gave the 2012 class a 'B+,' the 2013 class a 'D,' and the 2014 and 2015 classes each a 'B.'
One of the big problems is there were few stars taken in the past four drafts.
The 28 draftees only produced one Pro Bowl season (Landry in 2015).
And, yes, there's also the stain of defensive end Dion Jordan, the No. 3 overall pick of the 2013 draft, whom the Dolphins traded up to acquire.
"You gave up picks to get a guy that's been one of the more colossal busts of the last few years," Dominik said.
More at LINK: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-dolphins-recent-drafts-0422-20160421-story.html
