We’ve talked about it for a long time, in fact, some of us started talking about it before we drafted last year, in the 2015 NFL draft. It never stops. The NFL Draft, the place where dreams are either realized, or crushed. There is always hope, always, because where else can you bring in new, young talent, and the potential to bring in 8 or more new faces to your team in one weekend. This only happens with the NFL, and then after the draft, even more excitement is generated by the signing of players who went undrafted. Sometimes, a player who was expected to be a mid round pick falls completely off the draft board, or in last year’s case, a possible top 10 pick, like La’el Collins, who due to bizarre circumstances with a murder case he had no part in yet was being questioned by police, had all 32 teams wipe him right off their draft boards.
Tomorrow will begin the madness that is the 2016 NFL Draft. The Miami Dolphins currently hold 8 picks, starting from the #13 pick, #42, #73, #107, #147, #186, #227, and finally #231. There is no guarantee that the Dolphins will use all those picks to get 8 players, they may trade up early in the 1st RD and use 2 or 3 picks to accomplish that. They may trade back later in the into the 1st RD, and gain a couple of picks. There are so many angles from which to look at either strategy, and a case can be made for both, without either of them being necessarily wrong or right. For instance, supposedly, this draft plateaus from approximately pick #15 to pick #50, meaning the talent at #50 is nearly equal to the talent at #15. We pick at #13, right around that imaginary line, so would trading back to pick up a couple of extra players in that range be smart? Sure. If all the supposed blue chippers are in the top 10, does it not make sense to trade up and get a superior talent and a player with a greater chance of making a big impact on our team right now? Sure.
Whatever we do tomorrow, partly because of past failures, such as the Dion Jordan trade up to #3 in 2013, or just because of personal preferences, some of us will be angry at some of the selections we make, and yet others will be ecstatic. That’s how it is. I have to give all you guys/girls lots of credit for your dedication to the sport, and especially the entire draft process. I know many of you tirelessly watch college football to find potential for the Miami Dolphins, and others, like myself, who don’t watch college ball, scour as many scouting reports, watch highlight reels, record and watch the entire week of Senior Bowl practices and the game itself, the same with the NFL combine. The funny thing is, even the best of the best here, who really put in max effort, most likely don’t put in a fraction of the time our scouting staff put in, and our coaches and our GM put in. Granted, that’s their job, we do it for (fun?). Still, we should all probably just chill out with the negative feelings (I know I will have them), because these guys really did put in the effort to make the team better, and hopefully, it actually works.
I’m going to give you my picks for each round, without trade ups or trade downs, because those are just too hard to predict, it requires a lot of cooperation and desire from another team or two, and therefore, I’ll just do it straight up. This draft is not who I want for our team, it’s how I expect it to happen.
RD 1 – Pick #13 RB Ohio State – Ezekiel Elliott
First of all, let’s put that myth that if he’s elite, he’ll be gone by pick #10 nonsense, and if he’s not, he’ll be there. Great NFL players are chosen all over the place, and these selections are made by a few parameters, GRADE, NEED (at a certain position) and VALUE. Every team will have different metrics on those, and many teams obviously have different needs for both position, and the type of players they want to fill those positions. For example, while Vernon Hargreaves may be rated very high on most boards, a team that prefers bigger CB’s may not have him on their board early at all. So back to Elliott. He would most definitely be our best RB if he were to join our team.
Much has been made of Adam Gase’s use of a “running back by committee”. I think it’s only fair to look at each situation, and why that may have been. In Denver 2013, first off, Gase had Peyton Manning., who threw the ball 659 times for nearly 5500 yards. The Broncos drafted Montee Ball, and added him to a stable with Knowshown Moreno, Ronnie Hillman, and and CJ Anderson. Moreno carried the ball 241 times, more than double the carries Montee Ball got at 120 carries. Is that really a RB by committee? In 2014, again, Manning put up astronomical numbers, 597 pass attempts, over 4700 yards. With Knowshown Moreno out of the picture, and Montee ball fat and out of shape, and fumbling often, Gase had little choice to try and find the hot hand. CJ Anderson rushed 179 times, for 849 yards, and Ronnie Hillman 106 times, for 434. Keep in mind, Ronnie Hillman was the better 3rd down back, and most of his action was on 3rd down, but again, the RB by committee aspect doesn’t necessarily show up, because the talent just simply wasn’t there to earn the bulk of the carries.
In Chicago, 2015, Adam Gase had 30 YO Matt Forte, rookie Jeremy Langford, and 2nd YR RB Ka’Deem Carey. Just for some background, Forte has never really been a bellcow RB, the most carries he had in his career was his rookie season when had a high of 316 carries. He never broke 300 again, and has been slowly diminishing in carries the last few years, from 289 in ’13, to 266 in ’14, and last year 218. Langford carried 148 times, and Carey 43. Clearly, Forte was his best guy, but at 30 YO, he didn’t overwork him, and for the most part, Chicago’s offense was a disappointment, despite Jay Cutler playing at his most efficient, with 21 TD’s and only 11 INT’s. They sorely missed Brandon Marshall last season, and when Alshon Jeffery got hurt, that was it for this offense.
My point is, I don’t believe that Gase has a strategy to use his running backs nearly equally. I think he had to in Denver, out of necessity, and in Chicago, he didn’t want to burn out his 30 year old star in Matt Forte. Gase did say he wants a stable of RB’s, and I think that’s the responsible thing to do, considering what can happen if there’s a severe drop off in talent from your starter to your reserves. make no mistake, if we draft Ezekiel Elliott, he will clearly be our best RB, and we will use him as such. He will make a huge impact in our offense.
RD 2 – Pick #42 CB Houston – William Jackson III
We have a definite need at CB, no question about it, and we get the best we can in the 2nd RD. Jackson gives another 6 foot CB who can play both press and zone coverage. A good fit for what we’re looking for, Jackson will certainly be given every opportunity to start opposite Byron Maxwell.
RD 3 – Pick #73 OG Stanford – Joshua Garnett
As much as we need a CB, we need to shore up the interior OL. We get the powerful OG Garnett from Stanford. Garnett also will be given every opportunity to start somewhere on the OL, most likely LG, to compete with vet Jermon Bushrod. That will leave a battle royale at RG, with Billy Turner, Jamil Douglas, and Kraig Urbik .
RD 4 – Pick #107 OLB Akron – Jatavis Brown
Excellent athletic player, with wheels (4.47 40). Driven, team oriented player, lunch pail type of guy. A little undersized at 5’11” 227, but a great guy to bring into the mix at OLB.
RD 5 – Pick #147 S Miami – Deon Bush
Bush is a physical player who likes to hit, and when he does, forces fumbles. Bush forced 5 fumbles in 2014. He can also go up and get the ball with his 39 1/2″vertical. Bush has only 4 INT’s in 4 years, along with 13 passes defensed. Could be a good player down the line.
RD 6 – Pick #186 CB Virginia – Maurice Canady
Canady brings another CB with size to the team. Not a physical player, but a player with talent that perhaps VJ can bring out.
RD 7 – Pick #227 DE Baylor – Shawn Oakman
Oakman is probably worth a flier in the 7th RD. he could easily end up off the team before the season, but maybe, the light goes on, and he becomes a player. I’d take tht chance this late in the game.
RD 7 – Pick #231 WR Illinois – Geronimo Allison
OK, so I really just want to scream Genonimo!!!!!! Do I take a chance and try to sign him after the draft? No way!!!
Finsmob Unleashed 
Fitzpatrick just said he would rather retire than take the offer the jests have on the table.
GENO! GENO! GENO!
Wow!
Good for Fitz! He shouldn’t settle. His phone will ring as soon as there’s an injury somewhere.
That’s great.
Tim
That was definitely a full rack
Lets make Shaq a Fin tonight
He’s got to get past the NYG, CHI and NO.
I have a problem with anyone on that Clemson front 7 in the first rd. Alabama ran circles around them. Anything run wide they looked like they were stuck in the mud.
Nah they’re still good prospects. Everyone score in college ball these days. That’s why it’s difficult to evaluate defensive players the way the game is set up.
So now the draft is like the Golden Globes and the red carpet.
ON the LV sports radio they’re saying Stanley to the Chargers, Mayock says the same. He’s a local kid, he went to Bishop Gorman, that LV Catholic HS that recruits, so they win the state championship every yr. Ranked 1 or 2 nationally on a regular basis. Ali’s grandson was an RB last yr.
He’s considered a better run blocker than Tunsil and has more upside. Tunsil is considered a day one starting LT though.
Kiper had Stanley going to us, before the trade.
Quiz of the day (with a point).
What’s the name of the college on Ryan Fitzpatrick’s framed sheepskin?
It’s Ivy League but I forget havad maybe?
Matt Damon U it is. Makes the guy both smart and one who knows how to use leverage. Unlike others……life after football.
The NFL draft has a red carpet thing? How annoying.
2016 is so different.
It’s hokie
Indeed. I do like hearing some of the stories about these guys with their Moms and stuff.
We need our O to score points and we won’t worry about teams running on us. Get Shaq and get the passer!
Tim, and ugly suits. Maybe I’m just old, lol
It’s halftime at the crawfish boil. I don’t think I’m going to finish the second half. I feel like that guy in Monty Python who explodes.
Sucking head ey?
I wonder if Michael Irvin watched film on Joan and Melissa Rivers?
Nkdiche looks like a bad ass I wouldn’t mind getting him either. But where do you play and to that I say who cares just get him in the field.
Large DE or keep him at DT.
Right move him around situationally
Yeah I like him too. He’s a big dude who can move. Character concerns and not living up to his projection in college are his cons. He doesn’t come across as a bad guy though.
In or on just play him
Melissa Starks is pretty and she does a good job
Yeah she is.
She started out on ESPN on this high school sports show when she was really young. She’s a professional who knows a great deal and isn’t your typical egomaniac – maybe that’s why she’s at NFLN
Cool, besides her looks I’ve always enjoyed her work. I like Lindsey Soro too in much the same way.
I think we need a young buck for RDE and I see Williams splitting time on both the left and right sides. We did lose Shelby who spelled Wake quite a bit and now Vernon is gone we need a fresh new DE who plays as angry as Suh.
We added Branch to replace Shelby (both have similar production thru 4 seasons) and Fede and others need to step us as well. But I’m sure DE is on the board even if not the 1st rd.
I forgot about Branch when I was typing that. He’s a good pick up for us. I still want a new shiny one though.
Islanders playing well, Mets are rolling. Let’s hope the momentum keeps up tonight in the draft!
Brian how long are you at Disney?
I leave Saturday AM. I think we are doing Disney Springs tomorrow.
Dang I should have met up with you but I could never get on here while you were on. Are you going to make the fest game you think?
Most likely if it’s the Titans or the Bills game. My wife is great about it; she pretty much plans on me going every year now.
Can they just get this thing started already?
23 minutes Herd!
Brian, hope you and the family are having a great time. I’m sure you can all use it.
Thanks Tim
Almost draft time biotches
I can’t waste time at Disney Springs.
We’ll go for a few hours and then to another park, probably MK. We have an 8, 5, and a newly turned 4 year old SB7; the parks are draining on us!
I get more tired at Disney Springs lol
I remember doing Universal with my wife, mother-in-law and daughter back in the day. It was fun but for me even that got a little much at the end. One man, 3 females of three different generations. LOL
Of course I have a had a few pre draft beers
Swats, beer, ribs smoking, the draft and you idiots – doesn’t get any better!
All good
That’s awesome that she lets you go Brian, the feats are a good time. This year we’ll be there for the whole weekend. No wedding draining me this year.
Herd is there a game that works for you this year?
To be honest, I’ve not even looked at the schedule. 2016 is a crazy bitch. 😉
Hulk trying to stay calm
ok just saw espn ‘experts’ trash ramsey. guess he is now destined for greatness.
Son, the one thing that makes me think not a DE/DL 1st rd is we’ve been active on the DL the entire offseason. But I know Mr. T and Grier are big believers in trench play first.
herdfan says:
April 28, 2016 at 7:50 pm
To be honest, I’ve not even looked at the schedule. 2016 is a crazy bitch. 😉
especially if you are a musician
Here we go!
what’s all this talk about Myles Jack dropping? did something happen with a recent physical?
Micro-fracture surgery in the future from his own mouth.
i think every team is now asking ‘what would kevin costner do?’
the opposite of the miami dolphins. 🙂
Oh right, wait for the boos. LOL
What the fuck is the hold up? You know who you are going to pick. You traded up to get him. Make the fucking pick. Why take your 10 minutes? SMH It’s not like they are fielding any calls to trade up!
Fuckers should be standing their with their card!
it i probably taking so long cause the rams are feeling trade offers
They traded up. They aren’t trading back down!
The chicago crowd is so much classier than the NY crowd. They should just move the draft permanently out of NY.
Somebody get Rock a drink!
Rock, it’s theater. LOL
Rockphin says:
April 28, 2016 at 8:09 pm
What the fuck is the hold up?
got to make it last for the advertising dollar. cant actually have a draft over in 12 minutes
Nobody picked yet?
Holy fuck is it raining here, about 6″ in 10 minutes, with hail.
Great… what’s next, fire and brimstone for the Phins? LOL
LOL Wyoming, I’ve been drinking coffee all afternoon.
Rockphin says:
April 28, 2016 at 8:11 pm
They traded up. They aren’t trading back down!
S A R C A S M
steveccnv says:
April 28, 2016 at 8:12 pm
Holy fuck is it raining here, about 6″ in 10 minutes, with hail.
hmmmm, seems like i remember those nights but it was more 3″ in 1 minute then hell
We are not going to tip the pick by showing the green room? Why not? ooooh the suspense. not.
What a waste of time. I hate that bullshit. Hand in the friggin’ card!
Rock, I was just about to bitch about the same thing. They only have two more picks so Rams are milking the attention. It’s the last time anyone is gonna talk about the Rams this year. 🙂
Wentz or Goff. I’m going against the grain. I say Wentz
Goff in LA!
Money
Try a little Decaf Rock! 😉
the rams know they just traded the next 5 years for this pick so they are going to milk it as long as they can
Goodell being boo’d. lmfao. love it
Randy what happened to Wentz?
Rob, I know most of what you say on here is attempts to be funny, but you can’t read sarcasm without the winky eye or LOL 😉 LOL
Shoulda went with the grain.
Mike E. says:
April 28, 2016 at 8:14 pm
Wentz or Goff. I’m going against the grain. I say Wentz
you just love rubbing every one wrong dont you.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/live
Streaming
COMEON THE CLOCK SHOULD BE RUNNING
It is running. You sound like a cab driver
Is it past your bedtime
rock
if you didnt get the rams feeling trade offers was sarcastic without a winky face, i really cant help you there
It’s the NFL that did that not the Rams. Controlling content and theater.
I’m happy for the young man Jared Goff. He’s a Cali kid who stays there with the new L.A. Rams. Pretty friggin cool!
One more pick and we can start the draft
Exactly!
We trade up so you can wait!
god I hate Deon. Him and Irvin should be dumped from the network they are fucking aweful.
Mike E. says:
April 28, 2016 at 8:17 pm
It is running. You sound like a cab driver
now that is funny
Hurry up Shaq is waiting for his Dolphins hat
Rockphin says:
April 28, 2016 at 8:19 pm
god I hate Deon. Him and Irvin should be dumped from the network they are fucking aweful.
now there we can agree.
Wow, I am wrong again. Philly moved up again and the team that traded up traded down. My apologies sarcastic Rob.
so not my thing but you guys going to say your pick. mine would be Dr. Emmett Brown to bring marino to todays nfl but doubt that will happen.
Wait, Chicago was #2. I withdraw my apology
i think it wont be long before roger pulls a Ryan Seacrest and says with the third pick in the draft the…….and they break to commercial
OK
Does SD take Ramsey or ??????????
Yes sir, I just made millions of dollars.
Can I get a Case of beer?
WTF?! (just practicing)
LOL
finfanrob says:
April 28, 2016 at 8:24 pm
i think it wont be long before roger pulls a Ryan Seacrest and says with the third pick in the draft the…….and they break to commercial
I will bet they do that just after the pick is in for #13. Anybody want some of this action?
would have been great when idioteion sanders said ‘mayock had you number one’ the kids said who is mike mayock
WOW, Bosa!
No Ramsey!!!!!!!!!
i swear that SD cheerleader just said hi to me. you all saw it didnt you. i know she did.
I keep telling you the league loves Pass rushers more than we tend to think ( actually y’all I know lol)
DL is always a top priority after QB.
Bosa to SD is huge, now Dallas can go with Ramsey, instead of Zeke.
Bosa is an AFC West pick…. Chiefs run it, Raiders run it… Broncos are gonna HAVE to run it. lol
for that kids sake i am glad he didnt fall to the fins. would have been a lot to live up to
Lol
Surprised
Jerry Jones as GM… what an ass-clown. Still trying to prove he can do what Jimmy Johnson did
can always hate ross for what this team has been but one good think is he doent think he is a gm. i really would hate being a dallas fan and the owner that arrogant
Please take Elliot
Amen!!!!!!!
hey, how about that i think like a rhino
Go get Ramsey
Hell No!!
Rhino just shivered….
There goes Zeke
No
YES!!!!
Momma is like wooooooooo woooooooo I AM RICH…..
lmao. Jones just can’t resist going offense when Ramsey is on the board and Dallas defense is freaking horrible. They deserve it
that is kind of really lame of the fans there to keep booing roger. i get it the first time but come on. no matter what the guy does it wont be perfect. let it go after the first time
There you go, Elliot to the Cowboys. Not surprised at all.
There goes Elliot
Jax gonna run up there for Jalen. Damn
Gay suit!