Miami Dolphins 2000s draft vs. draft tournament - Game 5: (1) 2011 vs. (8) 2000

Our Miami Dolphins draft versus draft tournament is half-way through the first round, with the aqua side contests all being presented already. This afternoon, we move on to the orange side of the bracket, starting with our top seed versus the eighth seed. The 2011 Draft takes the top seed on this side of the bracket, while the 2000 Draft falls into the eighth seeded position.

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.

(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 defended, 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.

(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 defended, 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.