Miami Dolphins 2000s Draft vs Draft tournament Game 3 - (3) 2014 vs. (6) 2003

Tuesday was an unexpected off day for our Miami Dolphins 2000s Draft tournament, but we return today with the third contest in our bracket. The aqua side of the bracket has already tipped off the top seed versus the eighth seed and the fourth seed versus the fifth seed, bringing us to today's contest: the sixth seeded 2003 Draft versus the third seeded 2014 Draft.

Each day over the next couple of weeks, we will present a poll, where you can vote on which of the two drafts you think was better. We will then move the draft receiving the most votes on to the next round of the tournament, eventually crowning a champion draft for the Dolphins from the 2000s.

(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 a 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 a fourth-round pick (116th overall) to the Oakland Raiders for their third-round pick (67th overall).

(6) 2003 Draft

This is one of the drafts in which Miami did not have a first-round selection, which downgrades 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 defended, 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.