The 2009 Miami Dolphins: The Comprehensive Guide

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Draft Analysis

Round 1, Pick 25: Vontae Davis, CB, 5'11", 203, Illinois

This was the right pick to make.  Vontae Davis may have a slight attitude issue...he thinks that he is the world's best athlete, and some reports say he is a bit hard to coach.  However, if Bill Parcells and Tony Sparano cannot handle him, no one can. 

He has good size, good speed, and plays with great technique.  I predict he will start this year.

Pick Grade: A

Round 2, Pick 44: Pat White, Athlete, 6'0", 197, West Virginia

I am one of those people who love this pick.  I can understand why people do not like it, but for me, I think the only negative is that he may have been available at their next second round pick, but I like how that pick turned out anyway.

Pat is a leader.  He is the all-time all-purpose yards leader at quarterback in Big East history.  You can see more about how I feel about Pat White in this article: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/163092-why-pat-white-should-reinvent-the-miami-dolphins-offense.

Pick Grade: A+

Round 2, Pick 61: Sean Smith, CB, 6'4", 214, Utah

The last of the picks that I love.  Who would not crave a 6'4" CB?  Apparently the rest of the NFL, as scouts say he is too tall to play the NFL corner position.  In a division with Randy Moss and Terrell Owens, I beg to differ.

He lacks elite speed, but has plenty to spare to cover these receivers.  He should play a solid backup role this season and be groomed to be the starter across from Vontae.  It may very well give Miami its best corner duo since Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain.

The only negative for me is that Miami could have used a nose tackle.

Pick Grade: B+

Round 3, Pick 87: Patrick Turner, WR, 6'5", 223, Southern California

I am not sold on this pick, but you can tell this current Dolphins regime loves size.  With the proper coaching, he could become a very imposing figure in the red zone.

People compare him to Keyshawn Johnson.  He uses his body to fend off receivers.  His production in college is suspect, however, which is strange considering he had so much talent around him.

We shall see.

Pick Grade: C-

Round 4, Pick 103: Brian Hartline, WR, 6'2", 195, Ohio State

I am not sure about this pick either, but I like this kid a lot.  He has great speed and has good hands.  His college production was lackluster, with his career totals sitting at 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns. 

NFL scouts have been quoted as saying he has some of the largest hands of any receiver in the draft.  With his 6'2" frame, long arms, and big hands, he has the potential to be a very good receiver. 

Pick Grade: C+

Round 5, Pick 161: John Nalbone, TE, 6'4", 251, Monmouth

This could be a diamond in the rough.  This guy has great size, 4.6 speed, can block, and is an All-American player for Monmouth.  The one negative I can see is he played for a small school.

However, I love the fact that Parcells looked at skill sets and not schools.  (See Kendall Langford and his production last year as a rookie).  He will push for a backup role. 

He may even beat out David Martin for that No. 2 spot.

Stay tuned.

Pick Grade: B

Round 5, Pick 165: Chris Clemons, FS, 6'1", 210, Clemson

I am not sure about this pick.  Chris Clemons has speed to burn...he was clocked at 4.33 at the Combine, and was ranked the No. 3 free safety and 91st overall player in the draft.

The only problem is that he is a terrible tackler.  Hopefully after few years on the practice squad or as a special teamer, he will develop into a nice backup option. 

Pick Grade: C-

Round 6, Pick 181: Andrew Gardner, OT, 6'6", 302, Georgia Tech

I really like this one.  Before a torn labrum, he was considered a third round pick.  When he heals, teams will regret passing on this large specimen of a player.

Excellent value in the sixth round!

Pick Grade: A+

Round 7, Pick 214: J.D. Folsom, OLB, 6'3", 235, Weber State

This guy has a great story.  He went to Bolivia for two years on a church mission and just had a baby with his Weber State volleyball player wife. 

I wish this guy the best of luck, and the Dolphins told him they would use him on third downs and passing situations as an INSIDE linebacker. 

But come on...you could have picked him up in free agency and spent this pick on a higher ranked player. 

Bill Parcells knows what he is doing...even if sometimes we don't understand!

Pick Grade: F

I believe this was a fruitful draft for Miami. Two potential starting cornerbacks, an intriguing QB prospect, and a couple of skilled receivers highlight this draft for me.

Overall Draft Grade: B

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