How Does the 1987 NFL Draft Affect the Miami Dolphins' 2011 Draft?

I have never been a Vinny Testaverde fan. However, the guy had a remarkable shelf life as an NFL quarterback.

He was drafted in 1987, a strike year. He was also the first pick in the draft. The quarterback-starved Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted him and, as a collegiate athlete, he was a solid No. 1 pick.

The strike year did not deter the Buccaneers from taking a quarterback. Several other quarterbacks were taken early in the first round. Several other excellent players were also taken (Rod Woodson was taken 10th).

Rich Gannon was New England's pick in Round 4, Hardy Nickerson in Round 5. Here are some other athletes of note:

Cornelius Bennett, Bruce Armstrong, Mark Ingram, Christian Okoye, Greg Lloyd and Kevin Gogan.

That is one solid draft.

While the 2011 NFL Draft does not have one clear No. 1 pick, this draft is deep with plenty of talent to be utilized.

My humble opinion to the Miami Dolphins: Don't let a lockout impact how you would normally draft.

Don't let this lockout deter you from winning now, yet investing in the future. Don't let the lockout take away from your vision, because this lockout will end. And if the Dolphins draft well, this team could be in the thick of things.

Don't look for the easy way out—could that be Mark Ingram?

Let's not get so hung up on the lockout that we forget that the NFL is top dog. Let's not forget the NFL is gaining momentum internationally, especially with our troops posted in so many different places around the world.

Armando Salguero has argued that the lockout has kept the Dolphins from investing in this draft by trading free agents, scouting undrafted free agents and trading packages of players and picks to move up or down—he's right.

However, the Dolphins front office can't look at what they don't have. All of the teams face the same pressure to perform despite the strike. We all know the Dolphins need more picks to compete, whether or not there was an off season and no lockout. 

The Patriots have been wise in how they approach the draft (Miami Herald, April 19, 2011). It reminds me that the Dolphins are still in recovery from the Satan/Wannstedt/Cameron years when we reach draft time.

That's disappointing as a fan, because the front office has not been able to invest in the draft (as the Patriots have modeled).

However, the draft in 1987 proves to us that the Miami Dolphins should not hesitate when drafting for any position. The NFL drafted and was able to watch amazing future Hall of Fame athletes rise up. 

If they want Mallett or Dalton, don't let the lockout distract that vision for fear of a rookie quarterback's stalled development. If Ingram is their running back, take him because he's the Miami Dolphins' vision for the future.

Dan Patrick announced he is officially a fan of Colin Kaepernick on his show this morning. I've been on that wagon before the college season ended. Don't let the fear of a quarterback being underdeveloped because of this lockout deter the draft plan. The Dolphins need competition at quarterback, running back and offensive line. 

Don't believe that this lockout will damage the NFL Draft.

History is on the NFL's side.