It’s Better to Try and Fail Than Never to Have Tried At All

This commonly used rewording of the classic Alfred Lord Tennyson's quote, could easily be applied to the Miami Dolphins NFL prospects selections in the 2015 NFL draft. Dolphin management appeared to avoid the risks involved in mid round selections, choosing instead to comfortably dwell in the obscurity and anonymity of the 5th round as they made four selections in that round. Miami volunteered to stay away from rounds three and six, by trading their place in the 2nd round while failing to get into the 3rd, amassing in the process, multiple picks in the 5th.

Going into the draft, the Dolphins were faced with the reoccurring theme of gaping holes in the offensive line, questionable pass coverage, linebackers and after only a couple of seasons, a capable wide receiver who could help turn the Dolphins into a deep offensive threat. The deep threat dilemma was answered earlier on in the draft, when Louisville receiver DeVante Parker was selected with the 14th pick. The second round however, surprised many, when Miami's turn on the clock came along, the Dolphins traded back in exchange for those aforementioned extra picks in the 5th.

Filling Holes VS Best Talent Available

Miami went on to draft a defensive tackle after they traded back and with the 20th pick of the second round round when they selected Jordan Phillips, who had been projected by draft analyst to go towards the end of the first. Phillips, because of his monumental size and surprising athleticism, was said to be have been underrated, so the Dolphins managed to snatch a real steal but for a rare a position not needing to be filled. Had the Dolphins opted for a best talent available, rather than addressing their needs? Still missing after the second round, was that guard vital in keeping Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill off his back on passing plays, especially considering that it wouldn't be until the 4th, that the Dolphins would again have another turn at making a selection.

Finally, with the 114th pick, the Dolphins selected a guard. Jamil Douglas however is hardly starting material, long term or short, making some in the fan base fear the longevity of their quarterback had been again compromised. This is what well respected draft analyst, Rob Rang of NFLDraftScout.com had to say about Douglas.

“Short arms (32 1/4 inches) limit his perimeter effectiveness in pass protection. Scouts will investigate 2010 arrest and burglary charge that led to suspension but was later dropped...”

The Fifth Round Parade

Four players were drafted in the fifth round by the Dolphins, among them, a running back and a wide receiver. The fact that the local fans and season ticket buyers had been calling for the a running back, deflated the disappointment and anger some of them had felt after the 2nd round selection. Here is a brief description of the rest of the 2015 Dolphin new comers.

Bobby McCain CB -

“In Our View: A defensive playmaker, McCain doesn't look like much and won't win many foot races in the NFL, but he is quicker than fast with suddenness and body coordination to reside in a receiver's shadow and make plays on the ball. He is a tough and willing run defender, but undisciplined and missed too many tackles on film.” Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com

Jay Ajayi RB -

“Some teams reportedly removed Ajayi from their draft boards over concerns about the long-term durability of the right knee that required surgery in 2011. Also dealt with other minor injuries.” Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com

Ajayi, although a punishing runner, saw his chances to go as high as the first round quickly disappear, when it was revealed during the NFL Combine that his knee problem was more severe than anticipated because his knee was down to bone on bone, bringing into doubt his longevity as an NFL running back. Ajayi may end up however, becoming a stud runner during the span of a projected rather short pro career.

Cedric Thompson FS -

“Thompson strings out plays and closes the gap on the perimeter, leading with his face and driving his hips on tackle attempts, which should serve him well on special teams - potential NFL back-up.”Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com

Tony Lippett WR -

“... , he plays confident and tough-minded to be a reliable possession target and projects in a similar role at the next level or as a conversion player at corner back - mid-round option who lacks ideal physical traits, but will be a tough player to keep off the field.” Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com

Lippett may turn out to be the more reliable player for the Dolphins since round 2.

Geniuses or Madmen

No other team in the NFL seemed as determined to get out of the mid rounds and into the the later rounds as much as the Dolphins. Decision makers in Miami's war room may be establishing a pattern for themselves of making surprising performers out of rather unknown prospects. Could it be that the failure of the higher profiled players, bring the inherent risks of high profile failure which can eventually jeopardize their positions as decision makers? Maybe they will become trend setters and going deep into the files of the unwanted and discarded will become their identity. Time can only tell and only history will define them.

There will be some who judge a front office performance on draft day by the amount of discovered unrated talent discovered, or perhaps because of the value of the draft picks according to the round in which they were selected. The real value of draft selections however, will never escape the amount of contribution a front office receives from its draft class, and this criteria at the end of the day, and because of glaring holes in the Dolphins ranks, will become their ultimate judge.

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About the author
Julian Sotolongo
I have been a Miami Dolphins fan since 1970. I was able to go to the games at the old Orange Bowl on a regular basis, including some during the perfect season. I have bled aqua and orange ever since, however, I am not blinded by loyalty and I'm able to keep my objectivity even as a fan, because in the end, I want to see the Phins do well.