Apr

4

Plenty Of Reasons the Dolphins Should Not Draft a WR First

Posted by Scott Bicheno under 2009 NFL Draft, Miami Dolphins 

ted-ginn-jr
There’s been a lot of speculation that Miami will select a wide receiver with its first round pick in the upcoming NFL draft. Here are several reasons why they shouldn’t.

Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams

We have two top running backs both weighing in at 230 pounds. Furthermore, we’re pretty well set at tackle and our interior offensive line should be at least adequate if it can stay healthy. In short we have the makings of a good power-running offense, in which the passing game just needs to be good enough to keep opposition defenses honest

Ted Ginn Jr

Let’s not forget we picked Ginn in the first round only two years ago. He might not have been an overnight sensation but he still led the team in receptions and yards last year so it’s not overly optimistic to expect him to become a 1,000 yard receiver soon.

Greg Camarillo, Davone Bess and Anthony Fasano

They racked up over 140 receptions and ten TDs between them last year. Maybe none of them are Pro Bowlers, but they got the job done last year and there’s no reason to assume they won’t do so again.

Depth of WR class

There will almost certainly be good WRs around in the second and third rounds and the very best ones will be gone by the time our turn comes in the first round.

Time to draft defense

We’ve overwhelmingly favoured offense with our first round picks in the last 10 years or so and as a result our defense is short on superstars. Furthermore a power-running offense is dependent on good field position and not having to come from too far behind. Both of these require a dominant defense.

Cornerback

Sadly one of the few times we’ve drafted defense in the first round in recent years, in the form of DB Jason Allen, has yet to bear fruit. Our second CB last season didn’t really start to deliver until the second half of the season, but that was still enough for Denver to give Andre Goodman an offer he couldn’t refuse. We got Eric Green through free agency but he’s far from being a sure thing.

Defensive line/linebacker

We’ve got two second year defensive ends and Jason Ferguson’s not getting any younger. Our ILB’s are just adequate, as is OLB Matt Roth. CB, NT and LB are all bigger priorities than WR to me.

Apart from Joey Porter, we lack big leadership on defense. I would love to see us draft a talismanic player like Rey Maualuga, but our number one priority has to be CB and I hope we pick the best one available when our turn comes in the first round.


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One Response to “Plenty Of Reasons the Dolphins Should Not Draft a WR First”

  1. 2009 NFL Draft Predictions: Miami Dolphins Mock Draft on April 7th, 2009 8:33 am

    [...] 1.)  Inside Linebacker – Channing Crowder was re-signed to a long-term contract extension after finishing second on the team in tackles to S Yeremiah Bell last fall.  Outside of him, there’s not a while lot to be excited about on the inside of the Fins’ 3-4 defense.  Akin Ayodele is a serviceable option whom the coaching staff brought with them from Dallas, but won’t make many highlight reels.  Reggie Tarbor didn’t make much of an impact in his first season as a Dolphins after coming over from New York.  Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class:  LB Brian Cushing (USC), ILB Jasper Brinkley (South Carolina).  NFL Grid Iron Gab suggests it’s time the Dolphins draft defensive players. [...]

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