Now that the dust has settled on the 2012 draft, it's time to take a closer look at the Dolphins player selections.

Ryan Tannehill QB Texas A&M

I think most agree that QB Ryan Tannehill was a risky choice at 8th overall. He's viewed by many as a developmental quarterback with little understanding of the intricacies of the position. However, there is no denying that the man has considerable talent. Though inexperienced, he has a high football IQ and he's got the arm and quick release to make any throw down-field. Being a former receiver, Tannehill moves well in the pocket and has the ability to pick up yardage with his legs. Once he learns to read defenses better and improves his accuracy, he very well may be the franchise QB that the Dolphins have so longed for. In my opinion, Miami would have been crazy to pass on Tannehill with the 8th pick. He's the real deal.

Summary : Finally, a franchise QB in South Florida.

Jonathan Martin OT Stanford

Expected by most to be taken in the first round, Martin plunged down draft boards much to the delight of the Dolphins. I've heard him described as "soft" , but don't let the detractors fool you. He's a first-round talent and a sure tackler. He and Jake Long will anchor a formidable offensive line and buy our QB's precious time to make their reads. There were still some excellent receivers on the board at this selection (Stephen Hill was taken by the Jets with the very next pick), but I can't complain about the value we received with Jonathan Martin falling so far out of the first round.

Summary : Protecting Tannehill is paramount to the Dolphin's future success. Martin is a first-round talent and a great pick, but I wanted Stephen Hill, dammit!

Olivier Vernon DE Miami

The Dolphins are desperate to give Cameron Wake some help and it's certainly nice to see Miami draft a local player, but I was again really hoping for a WR here. Don't get me wrong, Vernon is a good player and projects to become a quality starting caliber DE, but I feel he was a bit of a reach at this spot. He's talented, but he lacks conditioning and may be an injury risk.

Summary : Fingers crossed, but I have my doubts that this kid is the answer at DE. Hopefully he proves me wrong, because we desperately need someone to relieve Wake of all those double teams.

Michael Egnew TE Missouri

When the Dolphins made this selection, I finally began to get inside coach Philbin's mind. Why draft an inferior one-dimensional receiver, when you can get an athletic pass-catching giant at TE? Besides, they already have a player on the roster (Reggie Bush) who excels as a dual RB/WR threat .This was also a draft without much depth at the TE position so there is definite value here. He's a poor blocker, but Egnew will provide Tannehill a massive target up the middle who can create mismatches against the lineman trying to cover this beast of a man. The guy has soft hands and he's surprisingly agile for someone so big.

Summary : Curious pick, but he fits in perfectly with offensive gameplan coach Philbin is trying to establish.

Lamar Miller RB Miami

Miller has good vision and a powerful stride. He's a threat to score anytime he touches the football. The fact that he was still available at Miami's pick in the fourth round was very fortunate. This is a runner who could easily have as great an impact as some of the RBs taken in the first round if given the same carries. He won't be utilized early in the season, but If he ever learns to stop dancing in the backfield waiting for lanes to develop, he'll be golden in short yardage situations.

Summary : I love this guy! Still in shock that so many teams passed over him. If motivated he'll be a fantastic back and an excellent compliment to the talents of one Reggie Bush. More talented than Daniel Thomas.