In the spirit of the NCAA tournament, we introduce our Miami Dolphins 2000s Draft Bracket, pitting the 16 drafts the Dolphins have had since the start of the century against each other.
It is NCAA tournament time, which means the idea of brackets and head-to-head competition is overwhelming. In the spirit of the NCAA tournament, we are introducing our own bracketology today, taking the 16 Miami Dolphins' drafts from 2000 to 2015 and pitting them against each other. What draft of the 21st century has been the best for Miami? We will let you decide.
The bracket was split into the aqua side of the bracket and the orange side. (When did coral become orange, by the way? Maybe that is a discussion for another day.) The 16 drafts were then ranked based on the players selected, along with the draft picks - if the Dolphins did not have a first-round pick in a year, it was hard to rank the draft higher than some of the others. The seeding was completely subjective - pretty much like how the NCAA tournament committee does things - so feel free to discuss the seeds below.
Here are the results of the 16 drafts, along with the seeding. The full bracket is at the bottom. Starting tomorrow, we will run a poll a day until we crown a champion draft.
Aqua Side
(1) 2010 Draft
The 2010 Draft featured several starters being added to the team, including Pro Bowl safety Reshad Jones in the fifth round. Jared Odrick became a staple at defensive tackle for the Dolphins, and is now starting for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Koa Misi is the starting strong side linebacker for Miami, while John Jerry, who got caught up in the Bullygate saga, left MIami after the 2013 season and moved to the New York Giants. Nolan Carroll spent four years with Miami, working as a nickel cornerback for part of the time, then picking up 22 starts in his final two years with the team before signing with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014. Reshad Jones headlines the Draft for Miami, earning his first Pro Bowl trip this past season as he became one of the top safeties in the league.
Trades
The Dolphins traded their first-round pick (12th overall), their fourth-round pick (110th overall), and a sixth-round pick (173rd overall via Kansas City) to the San Diego Chargers for their first-round pick (28th overall), a second-round pick (40th overall via Seattle), a fourth-round pick (126th overall), and linebacker Tim Dobbins.
The Dolphins traded their second-round pick (43rd overall) and a 2011 second-round pick to the Denver Broncos for wide receiver Brandon Marshall.
The Dolphins traded their fifth-round pick (142nd overall) to the Kansas City Chiefs for quarterback Tyler Tigpen.
The Dolphins traded wide receiver Ted Ginn, Jr., to the San Francisco 49ers for their fifth-round pick (145th overall).
The Dolphins traded offensive linemen Andy Alleman and Ikechuku Ndukwe to the Kansas City Chiefs for their sixth-round pick (173rd overall).
The Dolphins traded defensive end Jason Taylor to the Washington Redskins for their sixth-round pick (174th overall) and a 2009 second-round pick.
The Dolphins traded a 2009 seventh-round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs for their seventh-round pick (212th overall).
The Dolphins traded their sixth-round pick (174th overall via Washington) and their seventh round pick (219th overall) to the Washington Redskins for their fifth-round pick (163rd overall).
The Dolphins received pick 252 overall (7th round) as a compensatory pick.
Rnd
Pick
Pos
College/Univ
1
28
Jared Odrick
DE
Penn St.
2
40
Koa Misi
LB
Utah
3
73
John Jerry
T
Mississippi
4
119
A.J. Edds
LB
Iowa
5
145
Nolan Carroll
DB
Maryland
5
163
Reshad Jones
DB
Georgia
7
212
Chris McCoy
DE
Middle Tenn. St.
7
252
Austin Spitler
LB
Ohio St.
(2) 2015 Draft
This may be a bit high for a Draft that happened less than a year ago, but the promise of what could be with some of these players bounced it into a second seed position. Wide receiver DeVante Parker, who missed most of the summer after having to have foot surgery, looked like the receiver the Dolphins wanted by the end of the season. Now, he just has to bring it into his second season, when the team is likely to look to Parker to take over the top spot on the depth chart, freeing up Jarvis Landry to run the underneath routes in which he excels. Jordan Phillips is still developing, but should see more playing time this year next to Ndamukong Suh, while Jamil Douglas will be in the mix for a guard position.
The group of fifth-round picks includes Bobby McCain, who could be the team's nickel cornerback this year, Jay Ajayi, who appears to be the starting running back, Cedric Thompson, a safety who spent the 2015 season on the Dolphins' practice squad, but has since signed with the New England Patriots, and Tony Lippett, who showed flashes in his rookie year of a player who has the talent to play cornerback as he adjusts from playing wide receiver in college.
Trades
The Dolphins traded their second-round pick (47th overall) to the Philadelphia Eagles for their second round pick (52nd overall) and their two fifth-round picks (145, 156 overall).
The Dolphins traded their third-round pick (78th overall) and linebacker Dannell Ellerbe to the New Orleans Saints for wide receiver Kenny Stills.
The Dolphins traded their seventh-round pick (232nd overall via San Francisco) and wide receiver Mike Wallace to the Minnesota Vikings for their fifth-round pick (149 overall).
The Dolphins traded their seventh-round pick (231st overall) to the Baltimore Ravens for offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie (2013 season).
Rnd
Pick
Pos
College/Univ
1
14
DeVante Parker
WR
Louisville
2
52
Jordan Phillips
NT
Oklahoma
4
114
Jamil Douglas
G
Arizona St.
5
145
Bobby McCain
CB
Memphis
5
149
Jay Ajayi
RB
Boise St.
5
150
Cedric Thompson
FS
Minnesota
5
156
Tony Lippett
WR
Michigan St.
(3) 2014 Draft
This draft could find its way toward the finals of this tournament, and could be deserving of a higher seed over the next few years. Offensive tackle Ja'Wuan James is the team's starting right tackle and appears to have that spot locked in for the next several years. Jarvis Landry is a ridiculous second-round pick, has already earned a Pro Bowl berth, was named the Dolphins' 2015 MVP, set the team's rookie record for receptions in 2014 (84) and shattered the team's single season receptions record in 2015 (110); he does everything for the Dolphins from punt and kick return duties to playing every receiving position on the team.
Billy Turner struggled in 2015 when thrust into the starting lineup, but he does appear to have the early lead in reclaiming that spot in 2016. Walt Aikens has become a special teams asset. Matt Hazel looks like the fourth- or fifth-receiver on the Dolphins' roster this year. Terrence Fede should continue to develop as a pass rusher behind Cameron Wake, Mario Williams, and Andre Branch.
Trades
The Dolphins traded their second-round pick (50th overall) to the San Diego Chargers for their second-round pick (57th overall) and fourth-round pick (125th overall).
The Dolphins traded their second-round pick (57th overall via San Diego) to the San Francisco 49ers for their second-round pick (63rd overall) and fifth-round pick (171 overall).
The Dolphins traded their third-round pick (81st overall) and fourth-round pick (116th overall) to the Oakland Raiders for their third-round pick (67th overall).
Rnd
Pick
Pos
College/Univ
1
19
Ja'Wuan James
T
Tennessee
2
63
Jarvis Landry
WR
LSU
3
67
Billy Turner
T
North Dakota St.
4
125
Walt Aikens
DB
Liberty
5
155
Arthur Lynch
TE
Georgia
5
171
Jordan Tripp
LB
Montana
6
190
Matt Hazel
WR
Coastal Carolina
7
234
Terrence Fede
DE
Marist
(4) 2013 Draft
This one is a hard draft to figure out. Defensive end Dion Jordan has spent more time suspended than he has playing. Jamar Taylor has shown glimpses that he can play at the NFL level, but he is an inconsistent cornerback and lost the favor of the coaches last year. Dallas Thomas started nine games last year, but was not good enough to have locked down the position this year, and probably will be a backup at best this season. Will Davis appeared in 15 games in two seasons for the Dolphins, primarily as a reserve safety and special teams player, before being traded to the Baltimore Ravens last September. Jelani Jenkins started at weakside linebacker last year and should again this year unless Miami finds an upgrade.
Dion Sims works primarily as the second-string tight end. Running back Mike Gillislee made three appearances as a rookie, then none in 2014 before being released and picked up by the Buffalo Bills last year. Caleb Sturgis worked as Miami's kicker for two seasons, playing in all 16 games in both seasons, before being replaced in 2015, eventually signing as an in-season injury replacement for the Philadelphia Eagles. Don Jones was a reserve safety for the Dolphins, primarily working as a special teams player for 2013 and the first four games of the 2014 season before being released; he has since spent time with the New England Patriots, another short stint with the Dolphins, the New Orleans Saints, and the Cleveland Browns.
Trades
The Dolphins traded their first-round pick (12th overall) and second-round pick (42nd overall) to the Oakland Raiders for their first-round pick (3rd overall).
The Dolphins traded cornerback Vontae Davis to the Indianapolis Colts for their second-round pick (54th overall).
The Dolphins traded wide receiver Brandon Marshall to the Chicago Bears for their third-round pick (82nd overall).
The Dolphins traded their second-round pick (82nd overall via Chicago) to the New Orleans Saints for their two fourth-round picks (106th, 109th overall).
The Dolphins traded their fourth-round pick (109th overall via New Orleans), their fifth-round pick (146th overall), and their seventh-round pick (224th overall via Dallas) to the Green Bay Packers for their third-round pick (93rd overall).
The Dolphins traded wide receiver Davone Bess, their fourth-round pick (111th overall), and their seventh-round pick (217th overall) to the Cleveland Browns for their fourth-round pick (104th overall) and their fifth-round pick (164th overall).
The Dolphins received pick 250 (7th round) as a compensatory pick.
Rnd
Pick
Pos
College/Univ
1
3
Dion Jordan
DE
Oregon
2
54
Jamar Taylor
DB
Boise St.
3
77
Dallas Thomas
T
Tennessee
3
93
Will Davis
DB
Utah St.
4
104
Jelani Jenkins
LB
Florida
4
106
Dion Sims
TE
Michigan St.
5
164
Mike Gillislee
RB
Florida
5
166
Caleb Sturgis
K
Florida
7
250
Don Jones
DB
Arkansas St.
(5) 2007 Draft
The 2007 Draft is buoyed by a couple of players, defensive tackle Paul Soliai, selected in the fourth round, and punter Brandon Fields, selected in the seventh round. Soliai played seven seasons in Miami, earning a Pro Bowl berth in 2011. Fields served as Miami's punter for eight years, being selected to the 2013 Pro Bowl; he averaged 46.8 yards per kick during his time with the Dolphins. The rest of the draft featured some solid players and some disappointments.
First-round pick, wide receiver Ted Ginn, Jr., never lived up to the ninth overall selection, while John Beck was not made to be a franchise quarterback. Samson Satele played two seasons for the Dolphins after being drafted, starting at center for all 32 games those seasons, before Miami traded him to the Oakland Raiders in 2009; Satele came back to the Dolphins in 2014, again starting all 16 games at center. Running back Lorenzo Booker only played one year with the Dolphins, appearing in seven games with one start, and tallying just 28 carries for 125 yards. Fullback Reagn Maui'a, like Booker, only played one season for the Dolphins, appearing in all 16 games in 2007.
Trades
The Dolphins traded wide receiver Wes Welker to the New England Patriots for their second-round pick (60th overall) and seventh-round pick (238th overall).
The Dolphins traded their fifth-round pick (145th) to the Detroit Lions for quarterback Joey Harrington (2006 season).
The Dolphins traded kicker Olindo Mare to the New Orleans Saints for their sixth-round pick (199th overall).
The Dolphins received the St. Louis Rams' seventh-round pick (225th overall) as compensation after the Rams signed restricted free agent punter Donnie Jones.
Rnd
Pick
Pos
College/Univ
1
9
Ted Ginn
WR
Ohio St.
2
40
John Beck
QB
BYU
2
60
Samson Satele
C
Hawaii
3
71
Lorenzo Booker
RB
Florida St.
4
108
Paul Soliai
DT
Utah
6
181
Reagan Maui'a
RB
Hawaii
6
199
Drew Mormino
C
Central Michigan
7
219
Kelvin Smith
LB
Syracuse
7
225
Brandon Fields
P
Michigan St.
7
238
Abraham Wright
DE
Colorado
(6) 2003 Draft
This is one of the drafts in which Miami did not have a first-round selection, which down grades it. The fact that it was used in the Ricky Williams trade and was a conditional pick that was elevated to the first round because Williams topped 1,500 rushing yards makes it a little better. After the loss of the first-round pick, there really is not much to discuss early in this draft. Eddie More, the linebacker selected in the second round, only played in 18 games in the NFL, starting in 2004 after having to undergo foot surgery that made him miss his rookie season. Two knee surgeries in 2005 ended his career.
Wade Smith started as the Dolphins' left tackle as a rookie, playing all 16 games, but only started two more contests in 2004, then missed the entire 2005 season. After he left the Dolphins, Smith played for the New York Jets, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Houston Texans, and, in 2014, the Philadelphia Eagles, primarily playing at guard. He was selected to the 2012 Pro Bowl with the Texans. Donald Lee, the fifth round tight end, spent two seasons with the Dolphins, catching 20 passes for 220 yards with two touchdowns, with 32 games played and 15 starts. He went on to play six years with the Green Bay Packers and the 2011 season with the Cincinnati Bengals.
The best pick for Miami in this Draft was sixth-round pick Yeremiah Bell, who played eight years, primarily at strong safety, for the team. He started 75 of his 110 appearances for the Dolphins, with one Pro Bowl (as a free safety), and 560 career tackles, 11 sacks, six interceptions, 44 passes defensed, 9 forced fumbles, and 7 fumble recoveries.
Trades
The Dolphins traded their first-round pick (18th overall) as a conditional draft pick (with a 2002 first-round pick) to the New Orleans Saints for running back Ricky Williams.
The Dolphins trade their 2004 second-round pick to the New England Patriots for their second-round pick (78th overall from Kansas City via New Orleans).
The Dolphins traded their fourth-round pick (119th overall) and defensive end Al Wallace to the Carolina Panthers for defensive end Jay WIlliams.
The Dolphins traded their seventh-round picks (226th, 247th overall) to the Chicago Bears for their sixth-round pick (181st overall).
The Dolphins traded their sixth-round pick (191st overall) and a 2002 sixth-round pick to the Chicago Bears for quarterback Cade McNown and a 2002 seventh-round pick.
The Dolphins traded their seventh-round pick (232nd overall) to the Washington Redskins for quarterback Sage Rosenfels.
Rnd
Pick
Pos
College/Univ
2
49
Eddie Moore
LB
Tennessee
3
78
Wade Smith
T
Memphis
3
87
Taylor Whitley
G
Texas A&M
5
156
Donald Lee
TE
Mississippi St.
5
169
J.R. Tolver
WR
San Diego St.
6
181
Corey Jenkins
LB
South Carolina
6
209
Tim Provost
T
San Jose St.
6
213
Yeremiah Bell
DB
East. Kentucky
7
248
Davern Williams
DT
Troy
(7) 2004 Draft
The Dolphins were busy during the 2004 Draft, trading picks all over the place. At the end of the day, however, the team only made six picks, and none of them were franchise changing. Carey spent his entire career with the team, primarily playing right tackle with a year at left tackle and a year at right guard mixed in; he started 107 of 122 games in which he played over eight years.
Will Poole only played one year, recording 31 tackles in 15 games, before chronic knee issues landed him on injured reserve for the 2005 and 2006 seasons; he then bounced around the NFL and the Canadian Football League, but never really caught back on with anyone. Rex Hadnot played right guard and center for the Dolphins over four years, appearing in 62 games with 55 starts. Derrick Pope played for four years with the Dolphins, but never full established himself as a starter.
Trades
The Dolphins traded their first-round pick (20th overall) and fourth-round pick (119th overall) to the Minnesota Vikings for their first-round pick (19th overall).
The Dolphins traded their second-round pick (56th overall) to the New England Patriots for a 2003 third-round pick.
The Dolphins traded their third-round pick (87th overall) to the Green Bay Packers for their fourth-round pick (102nd overall) and their fifth-round pick (153rd overall).
The Dolphins traded their fifth-round pick (153rd overall via Green Bay) to the Baltimore Ravens for their fifth-round pick (160th overall) and their seventh-round pick (222nd overall).
The Dolphins traded their fifth-round pick (154th overall) to the San Diego Chargers for linebacker Junior Seau.
The Dolphins traded Derrick Rodgers to the New Orleans Saints for their seventh-round pick (219th overall).
The Dolphins traded their sixth-round pick (186th overall) and their seventh-round pick (219th overall via New Orleans) to the Atlanta Falcons for their sixth-round pick (174th overall).
Rnd
Pick
Pos
College/Univ
1
19
Vernon Carey
T
Miami (FL)
4
102
Will Poole
DB
USC
5
160
Tony Bua
LB
Arkansas
6
174
Rex Hadnot
G
Houston
7
221
Tony Pape
G
Michigan
7
222
Derrick Pope
LB
Alabama
(8) 2006 Draft
This draft is more about the three quarterbacks, Daunte Culpepper, Joey Harrington, and Cleo Lemon, Miami traded to land. After that, they picked Jason Allen, then proceeded to never settle him into one position, constantly moving him back and forth between cornerback and safety until he never got comfortable playing at the NFL level; after four-and-a-half seasons, the Dolphins released Allen who signed on with the Houston Texans for two years then the Cincinnati Bengals for two years. Derrick Hagan spent two-and-a-half years at wide receiver for the Dolphins, playing in 36 games but recorded just one start, he tallied 53 receptions for 645 yards with three touchdowns.
Trades
The Dolphins traded their second-round pick (51st overall) to the Minnesota Vikings for quarterback Daunte Culpepper.
The Dolphins used their fifth-round pick in the Supplemental Draft to select Manny Wright.
The Dolphins traded their sixth-round pick (188th overall) and quarterback A.J. Feeley to the San Diego Chargers for quarterback Cleo Lemon.
The Dolphins traded Brad Bedell (2004 season) to the Green Bay Packers for a conditional round pick (2006 seventh-round pick, 212 overall).
The Dolphins traded Brendon Ayanbadejo (2005 season) to the Chicago Bears for John Owens and a conditional round pick (2006 seventh-round pick, 233 overall).
Rnd
Pick
Pos
College/Univ
1
16
Jason Allen
DB
Tennessee
3
82
Derek Hagan
WR
Arizona St.
4
114
Joe Toledo
T
Washington
7
212
Fred Evans
DT
Texas St.
7
226
Rodrique Wright
DT
Texas
7
233
Devin Aromashodu
WR
Auburn
Orange Side
(1) 2011 Draft
The 2011 Draft only featured six picks for the Dolphins, but landed a multiple Pro Bowl offensive lineman, a starting tight end, and a solid nickel cornerback / safety option for the club. Mike Pouncey headlines the group, having made three Pro Bowls, two at center and one at guard. Daniel Thomas was a disappointment at running back, never turning into the big-bodied, power runner he was expected to be. Clyde Gates was another disappointment, with his speed never turning into a successful NFL career; he spent one season with the Dolphins, recording two receptions, then two seasons with the New York Jets, before ending his career after the 2013 season.
Charles Clay transitioned from a fullback / H-back type into a really good starting tight end; he recorded 161 receptions for 1,809 yards with 14 touchdowns in four seasons with Miami before leaving for the Buffalo Bills on a free agent contract. Kearse showed promise for the Dolphins, but was snagged off the practice squad by the Carolina Panthers. Jimmy Wilson played in 60 games over four years with the Dolphins, playing both cornerback and safety; he recorded four interceptions, 16 passes defensed, 2 sacks, and 154 tackles in that span before signing as a free agent with the San Diego Chargers in 2015.
Trades
The Dolphins traded their second-round pick (46th overall) and a 2010 second-round pick to the Denver Broncos for wide receiver Brandon Marshall.
The Dolphins traded their third-round pick (79th overall), their fifth-round pick (146th overall), and their seventh-round pick (217th overall) to the Washington Redskins for their second-round pick (62nd overall).
The Dolphins traded their sixth-round pick (179th overall) and seventh-round pick (218th overall from Jacksonville) to the Green Back Packers for their sixth-round pick (174th overall from San Francisco) and their seventh-round pick (231st overall from New York Jets via Detroit via San Francisco).
The Dolphins received pick 235 (7th round) as a compensatory pick.
1
15
Mike Pouncey
G
Florida
2
62
Daniel Thomas
RB
Kansas St.
4
111
Clyde Gates
WR
Abilene Christian
6
174
Charles Clay
TE
Tulsa
7
231
Frank Kearse
DT
Alabama A&M
7
235
Jimmy Wilson
DB
Montana
(2) 2012 Draft
The Dolphins' 2012 Draft could be a number one seed, if not for some disappointing - and one disastrous - picks this year. Ryan Tannehill, who has started every game at quarterback since being selected in the top of Miami's draft, still has some question marks surrounding him, especially after a plateaued 2015 campaign, but he will hopefully bounce back this season. In the second round, Miami appeared to pick up a first-round talent offensive tackle to solidify the offensive line, only to have Jonathan Martin spin the team into a world of investigations, bullying, and more when he left the team during the 2013 season. His departure and allegations against Richie Incognito decimated the team.
Olivier Vernon turned into a top talent defensive end, but priced himself out of Miami this year when he signed with the New York Giants on a contract paying him $17 million a season. Michael Egnew never adjusted to the NFL level. Lamar Miller was under-utilized y the Dolphins the past few seasons, and ultimately decided to sign with the Houston Texans this offseason rather than staying in his hometown. Josh Kaddu showed some promise in training camp, but was ultimately released by the team during the 2013 season. B.J. Cunningham did not make it through training camp, and has since bounced around the league, playing now in the Canadian Football League.
Kheeston Randall appeared in 12 games for the Dolphins as a rookie but was released in training camp the next year. Rishard Matthews outplayed a seventh-round draft pick's expectation, developing into a solid number two receiver for the team last year and being on pace for a 1,000 yard receiving season before broken ribs ended his season; he signed as a free agent with the Tennessee Titans this offseason.
Trades
The Dolphins traded wide receiver Brandon Marshall to the Chicago Bears for their third-round pick (73rd overall from Carolina) and a 2013 third-round pick.
The Dolphins traded third-round pick (73rd overall from Carolina via Chicago) to San Diego Chargers for third-round pick (78th overall) and sixth-round pick (183rd overall).
The Dolphins traded fourth-round pick (103rd overall) and sixth round pick (196th overall from New Orleans) to the San Francisco 49ers for their fourth-round pick (97th overall).
The Dolphins traded fifth-round pick (145th overall) to the Tennessee Titans for their fifth-round pick (155th overall) and seventh round pick (227th overall).
The Dolphins traded Jonathon Amaya and their sixth-round pick (179th overall) to the New Orleans Saints for Reggie Bush and their sixth-round pick (196th overall).
Rnd
Pick
Pos
College/Univ
1
8
Ryan Tannehill
QB
Texas A&M
2
42
Jonathan Martin
T
Stanford
3
72
Olivier Vernon
LB
Miami (FL)
3
78
Michael Egnew
TE
Missouri
4
97
Lamar Miller
RB
Miami (FL)
5
155
Josh Kaddu
LB
Oregon
6
183
B.J. Cunningham
WR
Michigan St.
7
215
Kheeston Randall
DT
Texas
7
227
Rishard Matthews
WR
Nevada
(3) 2009 Draft
The 2009 Draft for the Dolphins found some really talented players, and had some absolute busts. Vontae Davis and Sean Smith should have give Miami a pair of dominating cornerbacks for years to come, but both of them fizzled in Miami, only to go on to have better careers with the Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chiefs, respectively. In between those two picks was the inexplicable choice by Bill Parcells to grab quarterback Pat White, who may best be remembered as the guy every fan thought had been killed along the sidelines when he tried to run with the ball and Ike Taylor of the Pittsburgh Steelers knocked him out cold.
Patrick Turner should have been a good receiver coming out of USC, but never really did anything in his one season with the Dolphins, or this three years with the New York Jets. Wide receiver Brian Hartline spent six years with the Dolphins, starting 69 games and catching 298 passes for 4,243 yards with 12 touchdowns over that span, including back-to-back 1,000 yard receiving seasons in 2012 and 2013. Safety Chris Clemons spent five years with Miami, starting 48 games and appearing in 72 total, recording 278 tackles with 4 interceptions, 17 passes defensed, 2 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, and 1.5 sacks, picking up a reputation as a solid player who always seemed to be in the right place at the right time, but was not going to make the spectacular play very often.
Trades
The Dolphins traded defensive end Jason Taylor to the Washington Redskins for their second-round pick (44th overall) and a 2010 sixth-round pick.
The Dolphins traded their second-round pick (56th overall) to the Indianapolis Colts for their second-round pick (61st overall) and their fifth-round pick (165th overall).
The Dolphins traded center Samson Satele and their fourth-round pick (126th overall) to the Oakland Raiders for their fourth-round pick (108th overall) and their sixth-round pick (181st overall).
The Dolphins traded Jason Ferguson and a 2008 sixth-round pick (2008 season) to the Dallas Cowboys for their sixth-round pick (197th overall) and a 2008 sixth-round pick.
The Dolphins traded Travis Daniel to the Cleveland Browns for their seventh-round pick (214th overall).
The Dolphins traded their seven-round pick (232nd overall) to the Jacksonville Jaguars for Tony McDaniel.
The Dolphins traded quarterback Josh McCown to the Carolina Panthers for their seventh-round pick (237th overall).
The Dolphins traded their seventh-round pick (237th overall from Carolina) to the Kansas City Chiefs for a 2010 seventh-round pick.
Rnd
Pick
Pos
College/Univ
1
25
Vontae Davis
DB
Illinois
2
44
Pat White
QB
West Virginia
2
61
Sean Smith
DB
Utah
3
87
Patrick Turner
WR
USC
4
108
Brian Hartline
WR
Ohio St.
5
161
John Nalbone
TE
Monmouth
5
165
Chris Clemons
DB
Clemson
6
181
Andrew Gardner
T
Georgia Tech
7
214
J.D. Folsom
LB
Weber St.
(4) 2005 Draft
The Dolphins used the second overall draft pick on a running back, which would seem insane in today's Draft analysis, but then did make some sense. Ronnie Brown went on to carry the ball 1,128 times in six years with the Dolphins, gaining 4,815 yards with 36 touchdowns, and he was the trigger man for the Wildcat offense, which the Dolphins sprung on the league; paired with Ricky Williams, the Dolphins had a good one-two punch out of the backfield, and Brown was selected to a Pro Bowl in 2008.
Matt Roth was a man in-between positions for the Dolphins, sometimes playing defensive end, sometimes linebacker, in five seasons with Miami, appearing in 65 games with 23 starts, and recording 12.5 sacks with 157 tackles. Channing Crowder played six seasons in the NFL, all with Miami, and he was the epitome of a solid linebacker, always in on a play, but it was hard to point your finger at one spectacular play for Crowder; he recorded 469 career tackles with 2.5 sacks, one interception, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. Travis Daniels spent three years at cornerback for the Dolphins, playing in 44 games with 25 starts, recording three interceptions, 20 passes defensed, one fumble recovery, and 125 tackles.
Trades
The Dolphins traded their second-round pick (35th overall) to the Philadelphia Eagles for A.J. Feeley.
The Dolphins traded Patrick Surtain and their fifth-round pick (138th overall) to the Kansas City Chiefs for their second-round pick (46th overall) and their fifth-round pick (162nd overall from Green Bay).
The Dolphins traded their third-round pick (66th overall) to the St. Louis Rams for Lamar Gordon.
The Dolphins traded Adewale Ogunleye to the Chicago Bears for Marty Booke and their third-round pick (70th overall).
The Dolphins traded a 2005 conditional sixth-round pick (177th overall) and a player to be named later (Jamar Fletcher) (2004 season) to the San Diego Chargers for David Boston.
Rnd
Pick
Pos
College/Univ
1
2
Ronnie Brown
RB
Auburn
2
46
Matt Roth
DE
Iowa
3
70
Channing Crowder
LB
Florida
4
104
Travis Daniels
DB
LSU
5
162
Anthony Alabi
T
TCU
7
216
Kevin Vickerson
DT
Michigan St.
(5) 2008 Draft
It is hard, when you have the first overall pick, to land as a fifth seed, but the Dolphins pull that off with the 2008 Draft. Looking back on the Draft, people say the Dolphins should have selected Matt Ryan with the first overall pick, but he was really not ever a consideration in the top spot, with analysts not sure he would pan out at the NFL level, and the Atlanta Falcons taking a risk in picking him. The Dolphins were trying to decide between tackle Jake Long and defensive end Chris Long, eventually taking Jake with the first overall pick. The pick of Jake Long seemed to be destined for a decade of stellar play at left tackle, with Long starting all 48 games his first three seasons, before missing two games in his fourth year, and being selected to the Pro Bowl all four seasons, plus one First Team All Pro selection. Then Long's body started to give out on him. He played one more year in Miami, playing in 12 games, before moving to the St. Louis Rams, where he played in 15 games and 7 games in two year, then four games last year with the Falcons.
Phillip Merling played four years with Miami, but never established himself as the starting defensive end/rush linebacker for the club, and left the franchise with 47 games played, one interception, two fumble recoveires, 3.5 sacks, and 67 tackles. Chad Henne was supposed to be the franchise quarterback that finally ended the run of bad play at the position, but he never lived up to expectations; Henne started 31 games, going 13-18 in that span, throwing for 7,114 yards on a 60.7-percent completion rate, with 31 touchdowns, and 37 interceptions. Kendall Langford started at defensive end for four years in Miami, recording 7.5 sacks, with 141 tackles, and four forced fumbles.
Lex Hilliard played a solid three years with the Dolphins, playing both fullback and halfback for the club. He appeared in all 48 games over those three seasons, with four starts, recording 39 rushes for 130 yards and two touchdowns. He was a good lead blocker and in 2012 moved to the New England Patriots for 2 games, then continued his AFC East tour with a 12 game stints with the New York Jets.
Trades
The Dolphins traded Chris Chambers to the San Diego Chargers for their second-round pick (57th overall).
The Dolphins traded their third-round pick (64th overall) to the Detroit Lions for their third-round pick (66th overall from Kansas City) and their sixth-round pick (176th overall).
The Dolphins traded their fourth-round pick (110th overall) to the Dallas Cowboys for Akin Ayodele and Anthony Fasano.
The Dolphins traded Lorenzo Booker to the Philadelphia Eagles for their fourth-round pick (115th overall).
The Dolphins traded their fourth-round pick (115th overall) and seventh round pick (208th overall) to the Chicago Bears for their fourth-round pick (110th overall).
The Dolphins traded a 2008 conditional fifth-round pick (136th overall) (2007 season) to the Kansas City Chiefs for Trent Green.
The Dolphins traded Jason Ferguson and their sixth-round pick (195th overall) to the Dallas Cowboys for their sixth-round pick (167th overall) and a 2009 sixth-round pick.
The Dolphins received pick 204 (sixth-round) as a compensatory pick.
The Dolphins received pick 245 (seventh-round) as a compensatory pick.
Rnd
Pick
Pos
College/Univ
1
1
Jake Long
T
Michigan
2
32
Phillip Merling
DE
Clemson
2
57
Chad Henne
QB
Michigan
3
66
Kendall Langford
DE
Hampton
4
110
Shawn Murphy
T
Utah St.
6
176
Jalen Parmele
RB
Toledo
6
195
Donald Thomas
G
Connecticut
6
204
Lex Hilliard
RB
Montana
7
245
Lionel Dotson
DT
Arizona
(6) 2001 Draft
The 2001 Draft for the Dolphins is highlighted by their second-round pick, wide receiver Chris Chambers who spent seven seasons with the Dolphins, catching 405 passes for 5,688 yards with 43 touchdowns in 100 games played (90 starts). First-round pick Jamar Fletcher spent three years with with Dolphins, but never really became a starting defensive back, playing 41 games with just 6 starts, with two interceptions, 12 passes defensed, and 55 tackles. Travis Minor played for six years with Miami, primarily as a reserve running back, tallying 277 caries for 1,133 yards with eight touchdowns; he also worked as a kick returner early in his career, returning 84 kick offs for an average of 21.9 yards per return. Morlon Greenwood played for four years in Miami, starting at outside linebacker for much of that time; he recorded three sacks and 298 tackles.
The rest of the picks for the Dolphins, Shawn Draper, Brandon Winey, Josh Heupel, Otis Leverette, and Rick Crowell never played a game for the team.
Trades
The Dolphins traded their second-round pick (56th overall) and their fourth-round pick (122nd overall) to the Dallas Cowboys for their second-round pick (52nd overall).
The Dolphins traded their 2002 second-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for their third-round pick (88th overall) and their sixth-round pick (187th overall).
The Dolphins traded Nate Jacquet (2000 season) to the San Diego Chargers for a 2001 conditional pick (164th overall).
The Dolphins traded Barron Tanner (1999 season) to the Washington Redskins for their sixth-round pick (177th overall).
The Dolphins traded Brent Bartholomew (2000 season) to the Chicago Bears for their seventh-round pick (208 overall) and their 2000 seventh-round pick.
The Dolphins traded their seventh-round pick (208th overall from Chicago) to the Chicago Bears for Alonzo Mayes.
The Dolphins traded their seventh-round pick (2000 season) to the Washington Redskins for Matt Turk.
Rnd
Pick
Pos
College/Univ
1
26
Jamar Fletcher
DB
Wisconsin
2
52
Chris Chambers
WR
Wisconsin
3
85
Travis Minor
RB
Florida St.
3
88
Morlon Greenwood
LB
Syracuse
5
156
Shawn Draper
T
Alabama
6
164
Brandon Winey
T
LSU
6
177
Josh Heupel
QB
Oklahoma
6
187
Otis Leverette
DE
Ala-Birmingham
6
188
Rick Crowell
LB
Colorado St.
(7) 2002 Draft
With no first- or second-round pick, the only thing that keeps the 2002 Draft from being a eight seed is the presence of fourth-round selection Randy McMichael in these picks. To be fair, the traded picks were used well, especially bringing in Ricky Williams, but it does make the draft picks themselves a little less spectacular. McMichael started all 80 games during his five seasons with the Dolphins, catching 283 passes for 3,096 yards with 18 touchdowns as the team's tight end.
Seth McKinney spent four years with the Dolphins, moving into the starting lineup for the second pair of those seasons, playing a total of 61 games for the club, with 34 starts, primarily playing center. Sam Simmons played in 11 games for Miami in 2003, all as a returner, with eight punt returns for a 12.5 yards per return average and three kick returns for a 21.3 yards per kick average. Omare Lowe appeared in one game, and running back Leonard Henry appeared in six games in 2004, carrying the ball 46 times and 141 yards.
Trades
The Dolphins traded their first-round pick (25th overall), their fourth-round pick (125th overall), and a conditional 2003 pick to the New Orleans Saints for Ricky Williams.
The Dolphins traded the second-round pick (59th overall) to the Philadelphia Eagles for their 2001 third-round pick and their 2001 sixth-round pick.
The Dolphins traded their sixth-round pick (199th overall) and a 2003 sixth-round pick to the Chicago Bears for their seventh-round pick (241st overall) and Cade McNown.
The Dolphins traded a conditional seventh-round pick (237th overall) (2000 season) to the Dallas Cowboys for Jeff Ogden.
The Dolphins received pick 170 (fifth round) as a compensatory pick.
Rnd
Pick
Pos
College/Univ
3
90
Seth McKinney
C
Texas A&M
4
114
Randy McMichael
TE
Georgia
5
161
Omare Lowe
DB
Washington
5
170
Sam Simmons
WR
Northwestern
7
241
Leonard Henry
RB
East Carolina
(8) 2000 Draft
Miami traded away their first-round pick in 2000 for a second-round pick in 1998, meaning Miami did not make a selection until the 53rd overall selection, when they added tackle Todd Wade. Wade spent four years with the Dolphins, starting all but one game over that span, playing right tackle for the team. Deon Dyer played three years for Miami, working as a fullback and recording four receptions for 14 yards over that span.
Arturo Freeman played for five years for Miami, working primarily as a reserve safety, though he did have two years where he was the primary starter. He recorded five interceptions, 15 passes defensed, 2 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, 3.5 sacks, and 177 tackles in 72 games played with 29 starts. Defensive tackle Ernest Grant played in 13 games over two seasons with Miami, recording 0.5 sacks, and 30 tackles.
Trades
The Dolphins traded their first round pick (23rd overall) to the Carolina Panthers for their 1998 second-round pick.
The Dolphins traded Karim Abdul-Jabbar to the Cleveland Browns for their sixth-round pick (167th overall).
The Dolphins traded their sixth-round pick (188th overall), their 1999 second-round pick, and their 1999 third-round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs for their 1999 second-round pick.
The Dolphins traded their seventh-round pick (230th overall) to the San Francisco 49ers for Jim Drunkenmiller.
The Dolphins traded Brent Bartholomew to the Chicago Bears for their seventh-round pick (232nd overall) and their 2001 seventh-round pick.
Rnd
Pick
Pos
College/Univ
2
53
Todd Wade
T
Mississippi
3
84
Ben Kelly
DB
Colorado
4
117
Deon Dyer
FB
North Carolina
5
152
Arturo Freeman
DB
South Carolina
6
167
Ernest Grant
DT
Ark-Pine Bluff
7
232
Jeff Harris
DB
Georgia
The Bracket