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With the NFL Draft now in the rearview mirror we take the Miami Dolphins "Off The Clock" with pick-by-pick analysis, the Bible's take and our grade.
 (1-25) Vontae Davis, CB (Illinois): Word is that Parcells & Co. did thorough research on Vontae Davis and felt confident in his abilities. Davis, a big physical corner in the mold that the Tuna loves, is almost assured to slide into one starting spot. He’s a big time hitter and an imposing physical presence who also has outstanding speed—the most physically gifted corner in the draft. If Tony Sparano can work his motivational magic this could be one of the better picks of the draft.
(2-44) Pat White, QB (West Virginia): Is he a quarterback or is he a receiver? The one thing Miami knows is that White’s a dynamic playmaker who can be utilized as a chess piece on a variety of gadget or Wildcat plays. While the versatile athlete has a quality arm to occasionally play quarterback, he’s extremely raw as a wideout. But with Chad Henne already in place, it appears White’s intended destination of being a starting NFL signal caller might be blocked. This pick could end up looking like a reach for the Dolphins. (Pick From Washington)
(2-61) Sean Smith, CB (Utah): The king-sized corner provides tremendous ball skills and leaping ability in Miami’s defensive backfield. Smith has the size and strength to man up on receivers in press coverage and could give the 'Phins the most physically imposing cornerback tandem in the NFL. It's no surprise he was someone who caught Parcells’ eye considering how reminiscent he is of Marcus Coleman, whom Parcells turned into a corner as headman of the New York Jets. (Pick From Indianapolis)
(3-87) Patrick Turner, WR (Southern Cal): Patrick Turner. Really? Patrick Turner? This wasn’t a good value pick at all, not in the third round. He was underachiever at the college level, who was supposed to be a first-round NFL talent when he arrived at USC. Put it this way--he's a big receiver coming out of USC who never sniffed Mike Williams or Dwayne Jarrett levels. Not even close. Yes, he has a nice frame, but he will struggle to get separation at the next level.
(4-108) Brian Hartline, WR (Ohio St.): If Miami made you scratch your head for the second time in two rounds, you’re not the only one. Hartline is fearless, a decent athlete with the upside to make a big play now and then but he was an inconsistent performer at the college level. This seems like a reach and better receiving options were available in the fourth round. (Pick From Oakland)
(5-161) Johnatham Nalbone, TE (Monmouth): Another developmental-type of pick, but at 161 overall, this one makes more sense. Nablone is an intriguing prospect out of New Jersey who has an NFL frame and potential as a pass catcher. He needs work no doubt, but he is real sleeper with the potential to be a solid two-way tight end capable of contributing as a blocker and pass catcher—just not this year.
 (5-165) Chris Clemons, S (Clemson): They add another piece to the secondary in the speedy former Tiger. He has good size and can absolutely fly to the football. Clemons figures to contribute as a special teamer. He has the potential to be a starter, but like many of Miami’s picks, needs to develop. The Clemson product doesn’t have great ball skills and struggles when engaged. (Pick From Indianapolis)
(6-181) Andrew Gardner, OT (Georgia Tech): You’re not going to find NFL-ready starters in the sixth round, but in Gardner Miami found a player who has the tools to one day start along the offensive line. His athleticism and ability to move laterally cannot be taught—technique can. He has good length but needs to add a little more bulk. If he can stay healthy (which is concern) this pick could look rosy in a year or two. (Pick From Oakland)
(7-214) F.D. Folsom, OLB (Weber St.): Unless Folsom proves to become a key special teams contributor, he appears ticketed for the practice squad. The small school product lacks ideal size (228 pounds) and is not what comes to mind when it comes to a Miami front seven player. He isn’t a blazer either, he's more of an instinctive player who could be a career special teamer. (Pick From Cleveland)
Team Needs: WR, CB, OG, NT, OLB
Needs Filled: Two of five.
The Bible’s Take: Miami took care of their top two needs and get an A for their efforts at the cornerback position with the additions of Davis and Smith—potential starters for years to come. However, at receiver, it does not appear they brought in a future starter. Seven of their nine picks—including Pat White—fall under the developmental category. Don’t they need immediate help at more than one position? In addition, for a team in their second year transitioning from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 scheme, the Dolphins did not add a single front seven piece.
Grade: C
Photo Credit: Illinois Sports Information, College Press Box (Clemson)
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