While yesterday was a tad quiet with the exception of the Dolphins landing a QB in the first round with the selection of Ryan Tannehill; today marked some improvements to bolster the offensive line, initiate the ability to stretch the field with a pass-catching tight end and a pass rusher.
Tonight, GM Jeff Ireland added some pieces to help the Dolphins in 2012.
First the Dolphins selected 6’5″, 310 pound Tackle Jonathan Martin. Martin can play either Right Tackle or Left Tackle. Martin is a perfect fit in a zone-blocking scheme and was Andrew Luck’s RT in passing situations. In all, Martin is a welcome addition to the Dolphins who do not have anyone ready to play RT other than Lydon Murtha and Artis Hicks. Dolfans should be happy with this move since Columbo made a swinging gate out of the right side of the line giving up a high number of sacks. Martin can start right away and should with guidance from Coach Joe Philbin, an o-line guru. Some insiders believe that Martin could serve as a long-term insurance policy should Jake Long leave the team in 2013.
Next witht he 72nd pick, the Dolphins selected 6’2″ , 260 Defensive End/Linebacker, Olivier Vernon from the University of Miami. Vernon contributed to 89 tackles and 9 sacks in college having his career cut short due to suspensions resulting from NCAA violations. Vernon projects out to be a 3-4 LB or a 4-3 End as a pass rusher. Vernon undoubtedly could work as a linebacker and a pass rusher in the Dolphins hybrid 3-4/4-3. Vernon being selected was somewhat of a surprise since the Dolphins still had other guys on their board based on various mock drafts and draft experts. Vernon could fill the void of Jason Taylor or take over for Koa Misi should he continue to fall short in his career as a Dolphin.
Finally ,in a trade down scenario gaining a 6th round pick from the Chargers, the Dolphins selected at #78 in the 3rd round: 6’3″ 236 pound Tight End Michael Egnew of the University of Missouri, Columbia. In reality, this is a good pick for the Dolphins brass. Egnew is known as a seam threat and with his body control can stretch the field and make tough catches. In all, he should push both Charles Clay and Anthony Fasano.
So, what’s left tomorrow, the Dolphins have a 4th, 5th, 2 6th rounders, and a 7th rounder. I can see Ireland moving the 7th and 6th rounders if there is a guy he really likes.
The Dolphins should get at least two WRs tomorrow. I’d also be curious if the Dolphins were to go after another developmental QB to push out Moore or Garrard. It is all possible. Case Keenum anyone???
Please keep visiting PhinsPhocus.com for the latest on the 2012 draft and the 2012 undrafted free-agent frenzy starting on Monday
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
