The Miami Dolphins had priorities to take care of this offseason, especially after a drama-filled 2013 almost completely depleted the team's offensive line. This led quarterback Ryan Tannehill to be the most-sacked QB in the NFL last season, and if Miami wants to make it back to the playoffs in 2014, they needed to find players who could protect Tannehill better. The Dolphins strengthened their offensive line in this draft, while also taking care of some other needs. Here's the complete list of Miami's 2014 selections:
First Round Pick #19: Ja-Wuan James, OT, Tennessee
Second Round Pick #31: Jarvis Landry, WR, LSU
Third Round Pick #67: Billy Turner, OT, North Dakota State
Fourth Round Pick #125: Walt Aikens, CB, Liberty
Fifth Round Pick #155: Arthur Lynch, TE, Georgia
Fifth Round Pick #171: Jordan Tripp, LB, Montana
Sixth Round Pick #190: Matt Hazel, WR, Coastal Carolina
Seventh Round Pick #234: Terrence Fede, DE, Marist College
The Dolphins addressed their need for a left tackle by acquiring Brandon Albert from the Chiefs in free agency. Miami selected Tennessee right tackle Ja'Wuan James with their first pick of the 2014 NFL Draft. James is a solid lineman that has great feet, and he'll really strengthen Miami's rushing attack. At Tennessee, James started 49 consecutive games for the Volunteers - the current school record.
With their second-round pick, the Dolphins selected wide receiver Jarvis Landry from Louisiana State. Landry wasn't the biggest or fastest player in this very deep receiver class, but he possesses some of the best hands of any receiver in this year's draft. Landry runs consistent routes and can be counted on to make catches from the slot. This is going to be a great weapon for the Dolphins to utilize on mid-range third downs.
Offensive tackle Billy Turner from North Dakota State was taken with Miami's third-round pick. Turner doesn't shy away from contact, and was a four-year starter for the Bison. ND State won a few FCS National Championships while he played there, and Turner has good size and aggressiveness. While Turner has all the right physical tools, he could still use a little work on his technique.
Defensive back Walt Aikens was Miami's fourth-round selection out of Liberty. Aikens originally played for Illinois, but had to transfer to Liberty after an incident regarding stolen electronics. Aikens is a big corner that will be able to play press coverage with just about any receiver he faces across the line of scrimmage.
Miami bargained with their picks throughout most of the draft, making several deals. This gave the Dolphins two selections in the fifth round. The first selection was tight end Arthur Lynch from Georgia. Lynch is a balanced tight end that can catch passes and block well - he has great hands and runs sharp routes. This, combined with above-average blocking, gives the Dolphins a tight end who can compliment Charles Clay.
Miami took linebacker Jordan Tripp from Montana with their second fifth-round pick. Tripp flows very well to the ball and is highly effective against the run. He's a tough player that hits hard and comes off the edge fast. Tripp will probably get his first opportunities for the Dolphins on special teams.
The Dolphins selected wide receiver Matt Hazel with their sixth-round pick. Hazel was the second player selected from Coastal Carolina on Saturday. He was the primary receiver in the Chanticleers' offense - a tall, speedy receiver that can run physical routes and catches the ball well in traffic, Hazel has the potential to develop into a solid NFL player.
With their last pick of the 2014 draft, the Dolphins picked defensive end Terrence Fede from Marist College. Fede is a raw talent that's explosive off the ball. Fede has good size and finds the football very well - if this guy can learn a few more moves and improve his technique, he can be a tough player to line up against.
After the drama that the Dolphins faced last season, Miami's management targeted players they thought had the capability to become leaders in the locker room and on the field. Ja'Wuan James, Jarvis Landry, Billy Turner, Arthur Lynch and Jordan Tripp were all captains for their respective college teams. The Dolphins want to avoid anything similar to the Martin/Incognito situation from last season - at all costs.
Overall Draft Grade: B+
The Dolphins prepared well for this draft and addressed important needs quickly. Miami did their homework and picked some solid players that can make a quick, drama-free impact. The Dolphins fell short of an "A" grade because of a few reaches and a reliance on small-school players. With several picks from the subdivision and minor conferences, it's possible that not all of Miami's picks will be able to make the leap to the NFL. All in all, the Dolphins drafted a solid group that will help the franchise take a step forward in 2014.
