1 - Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M (6-4, 221); 2 - Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford (6-5, 312); 3 - Olivier Vernon, OLB, Miami-Florida (6-2, 261); 3 - Michael Egnew, TE, Missouri (6-5, 252); 4 - Lamar Miller, RB, Miami-Florida (5-11, 212); 5 - Josh Kaddu, ILB, Oregon (6-3, 239); 6 - B.J. Cunningham, WR, Michigan State (6-1, 211); 7 - Kheeston Randall, DE, Texas (6-5, 293); 7 - Rishard Matthews, WR, Nevada (6-0, 217)
Top Pick Analysis: After whiffing on the likes of Peyton Manning, Matt Flynn and Alex Smith this offseason, the Dolphins finally got their hopeful long- term answer at quarterback with their widely-expected selection of Tannehill at the No. 8 overall slot. Highly-intelligent, strong-armed and mobile, the former college wide receiver has many of the attributes of a top-tier passer, and lands in a desirable situation in Miami. Tannehill's college coach, Mike Sherman, now serves as the Dolphins' offensive coordinator, and the presence of veterans Matt Moore and David Garrard can allow the team to stress patience with the still-developing rookie. Another major void was potentially solidified with the addition of Martin, an athletic but finesse-oriented tackle who will be asked to man the right side in his debut after slipping into the second round following a mediocre showing on the workout circuit. In contrast, Vernon raised his stock during the combine after missing a good chunk of last season on suspension for receiving illegal benefits. The Miami native is a powerful yet unrefined pass rusher with the athleticism to convert to a stand-up linebacker in the Dolphins' 3-4 scheme. An extra choice obtained in the Brandon Marshall trade ultimately became Egnew, a speedy tight end with very good hands and body control with minimal experience as a blocker.
Best Value Pick: Martin has the long arms and quick feet NFL teams look for in a left tackle, so nabbing a day-one starter who can pass protect with the 42nd pick was a commendable move by general manager Jeff Ireland.
Questionable Calls: Though Egnew should help out whomever's at quarterback, the Dolphins gave away a bona fide No. 1 receiver in Marshall and ignored the position until the sixth round. Although Vernon has promise, he's a long ways away from being ready and Ireland had the ammo to trade up for an edge rusher who's farther along on the learning curve.
Summary: This draft by no means cured all of Miami's warts, but securing a possible front-line quarterback in Tannehill and adding pieces such as Martin, Egnew and fourth-round pick Miller to the offense is certainly something to build on. Only the absence of a dynamic receiver prevents a top grade.
FINAL GRADE: B+
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