2011 NFL Draft: Miami Dolphins' 5 Keys to Drafting Suceess

Miami Dolphins fans have looked forward to the 2011 NFL Draft ever since a late-season loss to the Buffalo Bills effectively dashed their hopes for 2010. 

It is almost here.

But will the reality live up to the anticipation, or will DolFans end up with the same sick feeling in the pits of their stomachs as they did in 2007, when the team used the teams' first two picks on Tedd Ginn and John Beck?

For the 'Fins fans to be smiling on Sunday, Miami needs to do five things this weekend:

1.  Don't Get Too Cute

The Dolphins' biggest drafting blunder the past few years has been falling in love with players who, even in the team's estimation, were slated to be part-time players. 

Last year, the Dolphins fell hard for defensive end Jared Odrick during the Senior Bowl and ultimately wasted a first round pick on him.  Never mind the fact that he got hurt in training camp and did not play a single game last season, it was a ridiculous pick from the start.  The Dolphins already had three quality defensive ends, including Pro Bowler Randy Starks and 2008 high draft picks Phillip Merling and Kendall Langford. 

Only two defensive ends can play at a time.  Miami didn't need four.  

Using a second round draft pick on Pat White the year before (who similarly wowed the Dolphins at the 2009 Senior Bowl) was no better, considering the Dolphins already had a healthy Chad Pennington and a then-promising Chad Henne on the roster. 

The common theme with both these wasted picks was that the Dolphins invested highly in guys who, even in the best case, were only meant to play a few snaps per game. 

This year, Miami needs to use its high picks on players the team envisions as future stars, not future role players. 

2. Invest in a Quarterback.  Or Two.

I am not among those who insist that the Dolphins must use their 15th overall pick to find their quarterback of the future.  Anyone available to be drafted at that spot is unlikely to provide immediate improvement over Chad Henne, anyway.

But even if the Dolphins end up acquiring a veteran to take the reigns for 2011, the team needs a long-term answer.  If there is no one the Dolphins trust enough to take in the first round, the team should hedge its bets and take two passers it can attempt to develop in the rounds that follow, thus doubling the chances of finally solving this position in this year's draft. 

Miami has used this double-down approach at wide receiver, defensive end and cornerback in recent drafts with some success.  It is time to try it at the game's most important position.  

3.    Draft in Order

Miami entered last year's draft with three apparent glaring holes: nosetackle, outside linebacker and safety.  The Dolphins spent their first five picks on a defensive end, outside linebacker, guard, inside linebacker and cornerback.  Only one of these five picks addressed a significant need, and unsurprisingly, the Dolphins finished 2010 with the same 7-9 record they achieved the year before.  If Miami is going to improve next year, its draft needs to match up with its personnel needs. In some order, Miami's first five picks need to address their current weaknesses: quarterback, running back, guard, and possibly an edge rusher.

4.   Trade Down

It isn't a must, but, given the Dolphins' list of needs, it sure would be nice if Miami could move down eight-to-ten spots in the first round and acquire a second-round pick in the process. In the alternative, Miami would have their choice of second-tier quarterbacks or Mark Ingram, who would immediately improve the Dolphins' running game significantly.  If Miami is forced to reach for someone at the15 spot, it might as well be a skill player.

5.   Be Offensive

Miami used one of its eight picks on its offense last year, and that was on a guard, John Jerry.  To improve its stagnant offense, its defensive minded front office needs to break its tendencies and stockpile a bundle of offensive skill players this time around.

Not to mention a guard better than John Jerry.