Hey Miami Dolphin Fans...
With the 2012 NFL Draft coming on April 26th, and seeing that we've already touched on which prospects at what positions we fans as individuals would most like for our team to select at 8 I thought we might like to consider a potential trade down scenario or two, and who our alternate choices might be in such a case. Just an attempt to cover all the bases!!
So, for the sake of ALL possibilities lets pretend for a moment that every prospect we fans and/or the Dolphins wanted at number EIGHT IS GONE!! Those favorites would include of course the untouchables, along with Kalil, Reiff, Ingram, Tannehill, Blackmon, DeCastro, Coples, Richardson, Claiborne, and any others that are potentially worthy of number eight for the Dolphins.. Yes.. I realize that is more than eight prospects, but again we're hypothetically pretending, while for all we know the Dolphins might only like four or so of those eleven if forced to pick at eight.. (From the teams point of view) the preferred prospects could possibly be 20th on the fans lists, Therefore, a "Trade Down" scenario is quite the possibility !!
Boom, it happens, and they've found an alternative route.. Our team is potentially able to come to terms with a team near the mid-teens for our number eight pick, (a guy that we might not really want or need anyway), while in turn we're able to trade down in gathering a much needed additional 2012 second round draft pick, and still being able to land (in the mid teens) one of the top prospects at numerous positions of need beyond the guys we really want..
Okay here we go, according to the (included) Draft Value Chart the Dolphins number EIGHT pick is worth 1400 points.. Since the Jets (who we don't want to drop below) pick at 16.. Lets Say that were able to trade down to 15 with Philadelphia (who's always a big mover in the draft), while the value of the number FIFTEEN pick is worth 1050 points.. The minimum compensation of that 8 to 15 move is an additional draft pick that holds the worth of 350 points which would be a second round pick at overall number 55..
Philadelphia at pick number 15 holds two second round, and overall picks at Forty Six (440), and Fifty One (390), so they'd be forced to offer us even more than the 350 suggested value to make it a move of worth to us, and we'd accept nothing less!! Also, with Philly having two second rounders to begin with, they'll likely be more willing to sacrifice one for an opportunity to move up to eight, and they just lost their starting OT Jason Peters to an Achilles tear in an off season workout.. So, they might be willing to offer the farm for a shot at OT Riley Reiff, or others ?? (An additional player of need, potentially a starter for the simple task of moving down seven spots), because the guys we actually wanted are potentially already gone..
2012 Draft Value Chart;
http://drafttek.com/tradechart.html
If such a scenario were to take place?? Here's a few of the Prospects at positions of need we fans might like in the mid-teens, and into the twenties while the second round thoughts will be considered next week with a possible option of two second round selections..
RT Jonathan Martin, Stanford Jr, 6-5, 312, GRADE 87.0 .. Above-average football smarts and general intelligence. Plays with a nasty streak. Solid character and work ethic. http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/jonathan-martin?id=2533041
WR Michael Floyd, Notre Dame, 22 years old, 6-3, 220, 4.47 forty, GRADE 89.5 .. Floyd certainly helped his cause by running the 40-yard dash in 4.42 seconds (unofficially) at 6-3, 220 pounds and showing excellent hands, flexibility, and surprisingly precise routes. Whether it was drifting across the middle during the gauntlet drill, dropping his hips on quick comeback routes, or showing the ability to track the ball over either shoulder deep, Floyd consistently plucked the ball out of air, quickly secured it and got upfield in one fluid motion. - NFLDraftScout.com http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/michael-floyd?id=2532841
WR Kendall Wright, Baylor, 22 years old, 5-10, 196, 4.61 forty, GRADE 88.5 .. "Wright has good playing strength for his frame and takes pride in his blocking. Very physical and aggressive. Fearless over the middle and does a lot of his damage between the hashmarks. Wants the ball more than anyone else on the field. Confident and tough, playing through several injuries over his career. There is a lot to love about his effort and drive, a top competitor who gives full effort on every snap. A fiery leader who plays with football intensity and determination, the type of player who will run through a wall for his team. Smart and shows elite feel and focus for the position." http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/kendall-wright?id=2532977
WR Reuben Randle, LSU Jr, 6-3, 210, 4.55 forty, GRADE 83.0 .. "Randle took his game to another level in 2011. He earned All-SEC accolades in catching 50 passes for 908 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging a gaudy 18.1 yards per reception. He showed improved concentration as a route-runner and receiver and developed into a more reliable blocker, as well. Considering that he stood out immediately in the SEC, improved each year while at LSU and enters the draft just three years removed from high school, there should be plenty of interest in Randle as early as the bottom half of the first round." http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/rueben-randle?id=2533533
OLB Courtney Upshaw, Alabama, 6-2, 272, GRADE 88.0 .. "Essentially asked to pin his ears back and rush the passer as a weak-side defensive end in the Tide's scheme, though he shows enough play recognition to project as a linebacker. Feels screens coming and locates the running back." http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/courtney-upshaw?id=2532964
DE Nick Perry, USC Jr, 22 years old, 6-3, 271, Pressed 225 Pounds 35 times, 4.64 forty, GRADE 87.5 .. Considered a 'tweener who could be an outside linebacker or defensive end, Perry wants to play the latter. http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/nick-perry?id=2533048
G Kevin Zeitler, Wisconsin, 6-4, 314, 79.5 .. "Dependable, no-nonsense mauler who works hard in the weight room and on the field. Did not start the first four games of 2010 due to a high ankle sprain suffered during the summer." http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/kevin-zeitler?id=2532980
CB Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina Jr, 6-0, 190, 4.40 forty, GRADE 84.0 .. "Several NFL scouts were enamored with the mental and physical abilities of this athletic corner. Gilmore plays with an astute awareness that makes him a dangerous defender to test. Gilmore started at cornerback all 40 games the last three years and in 2011 made 46 tackles and led the team with four interceptions, giving him eight for his career. He was selected first-team All-SEC." http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/stephon-gilmore?id=2533062
Grade Title Draft (Round) Description
96-100 Future Hall of Famer Top Pick A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played
85-95 Immediate Starter 1st An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).
70-84 Eventual Starter 2nd-3rd A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.
50-69 Draftable Player 4th-7th A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.
20-49 Free Agent UDFA A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.
For the sake of this article's prospects, I'm saving the Quarterbacks for Round Two, (though under this "trade down scenario"), you know what I'd do with 83.5 and 84.0 GRADES :) !!
THANKS for an Open-Minded Read, as we look forward to your angle of view!! (If Our DOLPHINS trade down from eight into the Mid-Teens to early Twenties) !!
WHO WOULD YOU LIKE from the above listed, or beyond??
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings
GOFINS :)!!
