After so many unexciting drafts for the Miami Dolphins, I had a hard time switching over to ESPN to watch this year’s NFL draft, especially when the Miami Heat were playing playoff basketball.  Ultimately, I could not resist.  In fact, within the first twenty minutes of the draft, I saw that the Dolphins had traded up to pick number three and did not even give that much up in doing it  (the twelfth and forty-second pick).  By drafting a force on the defensive end, Dion Jordan, I think the Dolphins made a good decision.  For the last five years it has been embarrassing to watch Tom Brady sit in the pocket and tear up the Miami defense with their pathetic corners.  Dion Jordan brings a new aspect to this defense, as people are saying he has the ceiling of Jason Taylor .   Straight out of Oregon, Jordan is a freakish athlete, sizing up at 6’6” and 248 pounds.  In addition, he ran a 4.6 at the NFL Scouting Combine, which demonstrates his ability to get off the edge quickly to sack the quarterback as well as being able to quickly drop into coverage if necessary.

Max Budney, an avid Dolphins’ fan, was shocked with the team’s’ first selection.  “At first thought, oh my God, this bonehead general manager was screwing us over again. However, after the draft was completed,” said Budney, “I could tell that Ireland actually had a plan and was putting this team on a steady track to the playoffs. They made the acquisitions that they needed to make and improved an already stout defense.” To the opposition against drafting Lane Johnson, I understand that left tackle was a massive need for this team.  But how do you win games if you can’t get to the opposing quarterback? Any quarterback in this league can tear up a defense if you give him time.

Anyway, back to this draft class… Round 2, pick 54 – the Dolphins address a major position of need at cornerback (hence the game where Wes Welker ran 99 yards for a touchdown after a 5 yard pass from Brady).  Looking back, I don’t think the Dolphins have had a good corner since Madison and Surtain.  Consequently, cornerback Jamar Taylor from Boise State provides another player to throw into the mess of corners going into training camp. Ok, fine.  Let’s be optimistic.  Taylor ran a 4.39 at the combine which is pretty darn good.  According to the famous “Bleacher Report,” Taylor is “willing against the run” and “a fairly reliable tackler.” That’s good to hear – someone on defense who can actually tackle!

Ultimately, there is a great deal of hope for this team, especially after a strong offseason.  Passionate Dolphins’ fan Jacob Schaffer believes that the Dolphins “could very well have a top-5 pass rush this year.”  He also chimes in on the Dolphins seeming to start out completely fresh.  “It is now being called the beginning of a “new era” for the Phins, as most of the team is very young and new, re-designed uniforms will be worn this year. Even though there is a lot of competition within the division and the conference,” says Schaffer, “a playoff appearance this year is no longer an impossible dream.”

The draft is always one of the most anticipated dates for a football fan, and this year did not disappoint with so many teams adding to their offensive and defensive lines.  Only another year until the next draft, but I’ll be hoping the Dolphins will be drafting in the thirty-second spot.