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Like I said in my post earlier today, I don't believe in grading a draft just days after the draft was completed. But with that said, it's always fun to read what these so called "experts" are saying about the Dolphins' draft.
So below I've simply compiled some thoughts from around the web about what people are saying about the Dolphins. And really, none if what is said should come as any surprise. It was a "meat and potatoes" kind of draft and these review reflect just that.
Michael Lombardi, National Football Post:
Wes Bunting, National Football Post:I really think the Dolphins built their draft around acquiring linebacker Koa Misi of Utah. He can have an impact, and when the Fins did not have a second-round pick after the Brandon Marshall trade, they knew they had to move down to get Misi. So they moved down, prepared to take any defensive lineman who fell to them — knowing they had to have a top second-round pick to get Misi. The trade they made with San Diego was the right deal -- giving them the 40th pick overall — a pick they used to get their man.
he Dolphins went big all over with the addition of DL Jared Odrick, OL John Jerry and linebackers A.J. Edds and Koa Misi. All four should end up seeing starting time at some point next season, which is what you want to see from your draft class.
Grade: B+
Nolan Nawrocki, Pro Football Weekly:
Landing Brandon Marshall robbed the Dolphins of their second-round pick this year and next but they were able to gain it back by shrewdly dealing down in the first round. Seven of the Dolphins' eight picks came on a defense in need of being overhauled. Jared Odrick projects outside in the Dolphins' "30" front. Koa Misi could provide a much-needed pass rush at the OLB position, and A.J. Edds (fourth round) and Chris McCoy (sixth round) have developmental potential as 'backers as well. John Jerry perfectly fits the Dolphins' power running game and could be plugged in to play readily, although mental mistakes and missed assignment may not disappear. CB Nolan Carroll and SS Reshad Jones have upside but will require considerable coaching and may never figure it out. Ohio State LB Austin Spitler has special-teams potential. Odrick, Misi and Jerry all fit the Dolphins very well and could contend for starting jobs. As risky as trading for Marshall and awarding him with a big contract might have been, Bill Parcells and Jeff Ireland get a plus for maneuvering around the draft board to regain picks, filling needs, matching scheme-fits and coming out of the draft with three potential starters and a big-play receiver.
Grade: A-minus
The Dolphins took advantage of their work at the Senior Bowl by drafting a lot of players they coached there, plus they moved down in the first round, saving some money in order to pay new receiver Brandon Marshall. First pick Jared Odrick of Penn State fits their defensive scheme in the 3-4 and Utah outside linebacker Koa Misi is a pass-rush specialist and a hard-nosed player. The Dolphins have already said that DE Randy Starks will be moved to nose tackle in order to make room for Odrick and Misi on the outside. Ole Miss OT John Jerry, whose brother Peria plays for the Falcons, will slide down to guard where his powerful leverage and quickness should be better suited. Grade: A
Not a sexy draft, but solid. Their defense is in transition after losing Joey Porter and Jason Taylor, and their first two picks (defensive tackle/end Jared Odrick and linebacker Koa Misi) reflected that. Third-round offensive tackle John Jerry could be a nice pickup. Bill Parcells continues to build the talent base, and they already scored big before the draft in landing Pro Bowl wide receiver Brandon Marshall and Pro Bowl linebacker Karlos Dansby.
Grade: B-
What I liked: Trading this year's second-round pick as well as next year's second in order to get a true difference-maker in Brandon Marshall from Denver. First-round pick Jared Odrick was the best pure 3-4 defensive end in the draft.
What I didn't: Offensive guard John Jerry was an underachiever in college and could be the latest in a long line of Parcells draft picks along the interior offensive line that have not panned out as hoped.
Moving forward: Marshall's ability to get on the same page early in the season with Chad Henne could be the difference between a playoff season or not in South Florida.
After dealing down in Round 1, the Dolphins went for two impact defenders: tackle Jared Odrick and linebacker Koa Misi, who fills a huge need with the departures of Joey Porter and Jason Taylor. The third-round pick, guard John Jerry, adds beef to the line.
Grade: B-
Really strong work here, pretty much across the board. DT Jared Odrick got high marks at No. 28, as did DE Koa Misi (No. 40) and OT John Jerry (No. 73). The biggest haul may be S Reshad Jones, a top-50 talent to some, in Round 5. Final Grade: A
Best pick: Second-round pick Koa Misi is perfect for the Miami defense. He is a pass-rusher who will move to outside linebacker.
Questionable move: Trading down in the first round and not taking Brandon Graham. That might be a move they regret. But that's nitpicking.
Third-day gem: Fifth-round safety Reshad Jones was a three-year starter at Georgia who has good range in the secondary. He is athletic, but some question his tackling.
Analysis: I like what they did in the first two rounds. They traded down and landed defensive end Jared Odrick. He and Misi will help the defense. They did a nice job.
Grade: B+
Like I said, I don't really understand these "grades." How does one decipher what constitutes what separates a "B-" from a "B"? These things make no sense. But people love to read them. So I hope my roundup of some of the "better" pieces was helpful.
And be sure to check back here tomorrow when I post part two of my own Dolphin "draft grades."
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