Daily Overreaction: Should Miami Dolphins Target Dontari Poe in 2012 NFL Draft?

Most draft pundits were aware of Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe before the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine on Monday.

But he didn't just open some eyes with his combine performance; he peeled back the collective lids of NFL scouts and analysts everywhere. Bruce Feldman of CBS Sports and Todd McShay of ESPN were just a couple who weighed in.

"

Been writing abt what a freak Dontari Poe is for a yr now. But didnt expect THIS outrageous a show. A 4.87 & 4.94 40 at 346?!?

— Bruce Feldman (@BFeldmanCBS) February 27, 2012"

"

I've never seen anything like Memphis DT Dontari Poe.348 pounds.Benches 225lbs 44 times.And ran unofficial 4.87 in the 40.Freakish!

— Todd McShay (@McShay13) February 27, 2012"

"Freak" is an oftentimes overused word around this time of year, but it applied well to Poe. There really aren't many other ways to describe a guy who weighs 346 pounds and has that kind of athleticism.

The Dolphins have needs all over the defensive side of the ball, but with the distinct possibility that their top defensive tackle Paul Soliai could leave in free agency, the Dolphins could have a need for a prime-time defensive tackle like Poe.

Overreaction: The Dolphins Should Take Poe With Their First Pick!

An athletic specimen like Poe should be able to contribute no matter where he lands, pushing the pocket up the middle and forcing double and sometimes triple teams on the line.

The quickness isn't the biggest thing for Poe with the Dolphins; what they really need are defensive linemen that can shed blocks. In the new penetrating 4-3 style of defense the Dolphins will run, it's important he be quick, but also that he can get off blocks quickly and move up field.

Why It Shouldn't Happen

Scouts spend a year assembling boards and taking notes on prospects, only to see their hard work go up in smoke when a specimen like Poe begins running around on the field in his skivvies.

Alright, let's slow down a little bit. Poe was graded as a second-round defensive tackle before he dominated the Underpants Olympics. The athleticism he flashed on the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium is all well and good, but will he ever run another 40-yard dash in his career? Will he ever have to get up from a lying-down position and move laterally over foam pads, then move back and forth through them?

There are some combine success stories—see Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul—but underpants heroes have left plenty of disappointments in their wake, as well, like former Jets linebacker Vernon Gholston.

Targeting Poe may come at the price of a first-round pick; if he falls into the second round, it would be a wise move to make based on his potential and his fit in the scheme. If it comes to first-round money and value, though, there are enough cautionary tales about big-time combine risers to make the Dolphins hesitate.

What's Your Reaction? 

What do you make of Poe's performance? Should the Dolphins have their interest piqued by Poe's performance at the combine? Should they proceed with caution? Should they avoid him altogether?

Vote in the poll and leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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