After landing massive trench players on Day 1 and Day 2, Miami didn't stray too far from the emphasis on physicality on Day 3. The second-day shuffling shut the Dolphins out of both the third and fourth rounds (though they did secure a 2026 third-rounder along the way), meaning they went 106 straight selections without a pick. The 'Fins did make three choices in the fifth round, one in the sixth, and two in the seventh.
The pluses: Jordan Phillips of Maryland went 143rd overall in the fifth round despite having a third- or fourth-round grade and being rated 121st overall and the No. 16 defensive tackle by Brugler. The 6-2, 313-pounder isn't even 21 years old yet and has freakish athletic ability that translated to a strong performance in the East-West Shrine Bowl.
Running back Ollie Gordon (6-1, 226, Oklahoma State) also had a fourth-round grade, considered the No. 136 overall pick and No. 14 running back by Brugler, and Miami snapped him up in the sixth round (179th overall). Another young player (21 years old), he brings a physical dimension to running, short-yardage scenarios, and pass protection that the Dolphins have needed for a while.
A viable quarterback prospect is always a need, and Quinn Ewers (6-2, 214, Texas) represents that as a seventh-rounder (231st overall). Brugler had him as the No. 6 QB and No. 86 overall player in the draft, with a third-round grade. Even with the signal-caller-value tax, Ewers is worth a flyer based on college production and a fast release.
The minuses: Jason Marshall Jr. (6-0, 194, Florida) was considered a sixth-rounder and the No. 241 overall player in the draft by Brugler, but the 'Fins selected him in the fifth round at No. 150 overall. Even though Marshall is a Miami native who played for the Gators, Dolphins analyst Travis Wingfield had not seen his film -- despite the screaming need the franchise has for cornerbacks. He's a four-year starter in the SEC, but hasn't intercepted a pass since 2022, has shaky technique, lacks speed, and does not have special-teams experience.
Safety Dante Trader Jr. (5-11, 200, Maryland) was Brugler's No. 12 safety with a No. 172 overall rating and went in the fifth round at No. 155 to Miami. Trader is quicker than fast and undersized for the position, though he could benefit from focusing exclusively on football instead of lacrosse, which he also played for the Terps.
On the concerns front for players we've already highlighted, Ewers has durability issues and struggles to extend plays, and he didn't test at the combine or his Pro Day. The inexperienced Phillips managed to record zero sacks in 23 career games and is seen as a one-dimensional, run-stuffing player whose production has not matched his tools. Gordon is a bit of a 'tweener who runs upright, is indecisive, and saw his production fall off dramatically in his final campaign. And Biggers had just two sacks and nine stops for losses in 47 career games.
The bottom line: Half of Miami's eight selections were linemen, and the focal point there was size and potential. For me, too many of the Dolphins' choices were based on projections instead of production, and the lack of attention on the secondary is a massive oversight that leaves the franchise with precious little leverage in negotiations. There are interesting players here who could develop into impactful starters, but general manager Chris Grier and his staff continue to demonstrate a lack of understanding of draft value, scheme fits, and contextual selections.
No comments:
Post a Comment