The 2017 NFL Draft was indeed a major one for the Miami Dolphins. Coming into Adam Gase‘s second season as head coach, and also coming off of a 10-6 season where they reached the playoffs for the first time since 2008, they needed to fill many needs in many areas. Here are the Miami Dolphins draft picks for the 2017 NFL Draft:
1st Round, Pick 22 (No. 22): Charles Harris, DE, Missouri
2nd Round, Pick 22 (No. 54): Raekwon McMillan, LB, Ohio State
3rd Round, Pick 33 (No. 97): Cordrea Tankersley, CB, Clemson
5th Round, Pick 20 (No. 164): Isaac Asiata, OG, Utah
5th Round, Pick 35 (No. 178); Davon Gaudchaux, DT, LSU
6th Round, Pick 10 (No. 194): Vincent Taylor, DT, Oklahoma State
7th Round, Pick 19 (No. 237): Isaiah Ford, WR, Virginia Tech
Draft Rating: 7.5/10
Miami Dolphins 2017 NFL Draft Review
Best Player
Raekwon McMillan, LB, Ohio State: It’s hard to question the second Round pick for Miami being anything less than the best pick in their 2017 NFL Draft class. The mindset by the Dolphins in this pick shows that they know they still need an athleticism advantage at linebacker. McMillan with Kiko Alonso could be the piece to the missing puzzle on the Miami defense. McMillan is a three-down guy, whether Miami opts to use him in the middle or on the outside.
Head-Scratcher
Charles Harris, DE, Missouri: Being the 22nd overall pick, I think Miami sold themselves short. Everyone in football tends to love a great, bull-rushing defensive end. After coming off of a season where tremendous strides were made, having a chance to draft the 22nd best player in the 2017 class, I think the ball was dropped with Charles Harris. It almost seems, to a lot of Dolphins fans, as if they were just picking the next best guy, not even attempting to get the best player at the defensive end position. If Miami really needed a defensive end, they would have traded up to get the best available. Derek Barnett (Philadelphia) was available 14 picks into the first round. Face it, the Miami Dolphins selected the third best player at his position from a down Southeastern Conference.
The Surprise
Cordrea Tankersley, CB, Clemson: A fantastic addition at corner back with size joins a secondary that is all of a sudden becoming full. Tankersley might remind Dolphins fans of veteran Byron Maxwell. He could be a total hit or miss, though. Playing under National Championship winning head coach Dabo Swinney, you have to feel he has been coached the right way to have a chance to produce for the Miami Dolphins.
The Steal
Isaiah Ford, WR, Virginia Tech: No doubt in my mind that this was the biggest steal of the entire draft for the Miami Dolphins. Isaiah Ford being available in the seventh round is mind boggling for one thing, but this draft pick reminds of Jakeem Grant in last years 2016 NFL Draft. Great speed and athleticism, a tad bit undersized, but played in two of the best conferences in college football and most importantly, they delivered at their positions.
Most Likely to Turn Heads in Training Camp
Isaac Asiata, OG, Utah: Another player that could’ve very easily gone earlier than he did, the Dolphins selected a great addition to the offensive line in Asiata. Watching Asiata’s film at Utah, one sees a dirty, in-your-face offensive guard who creates lanes and moves his feet adequately with the offensive pace. This draft pick will likely turn enough heads in training camp to the point that he has a shot at being in the two-deep come the first game against Tampa Bay on September 10th.
The Rest
With obvious emphasis on trying to get great interior defensive lineman for Miami, they achieved a goal. Stack as many players at the defensive side of the ball as you can. Six out of Miami’s eight draft picks were defensive players. Davon Gaudchaux from LSU, along with Vincent Taylor from Oklahoma State were solid choices for Miami to take. They targeted the area on the field that they feel is the most suspect, and they chose the right players at the right time to try and fill that void.
Bottom Line
The Miami Dolphins didn’t have the most star studded, awing draft class. Miami drafted players that were second, third and even fourth best at their positions. With obvious intentions to build interior and exterior strength on the defensive side of the ball show that Adam Gase is comfortable with what he has on offense.
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