Team-by-Team Draft Recap: Miami Dolphins

Jaron Foster Posted On June 15, 2014

The 2014 draft for Miami was largely underwhelming. A new general manager was clearly drafting for need, focusing on the offensive line with three of their top five picks (tight end Arthur Lynch, the Dolphins’ fifth pick, is predominantly a blocker) and taking the top player available at specific positions rather than best player overall. They made some solid picks, but don’t expect any star players to emerge.

Ja’Wuan James, OT (Round 1, Overall #19)

Nobody was surprised when Miami selected an offensive tackle early, but James was considered by many to be a reach this early. Miami probably tried to trade down after the best tackles were selected in the top half of the first round, and ultimately chose to take the top one left on their board when they found no takers. He’s not going to be in the upper echelon of tackles, and is more likely to stay at right tackle, but has the talent and mentality to contribute early on a weak offensive line.

Jarvis Landry, WR (Round 2, Overall #63)

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For those who have completed their rookie drafts, Landry’s name is already familiar. Easily the most fantasy relevant player selected by the Dolphins, the wideout from LSU was selected at the end of the second round to be a reliable receiving option for Ryan Tannehill. A strong route runner with excellent hands and toughness over the middle, Landry projects as an effective possession receiver in the mold of Eric Decker. Inconsistency and average speed likely limit Landry to the slot receiver role, but he has proven to be extremely productive with his targets.

May Average Draft Position (ADP) data, for startups and rookie drafts alike, puts Landry as the fourteenth rookie wide receiver, thirtieth rookie, and 155^th player overall at the end of the thirteenth round. In an offense looking for help moving the chains, with a talented young quarterback and improving offensive line, Landry could ultimately prove to be a strong value with a high floor as a WR3 or flex option. For 2014 however, he projects as the fourth option behind Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline and Charles Clay, so he will need some time (as most rookie wide receivers do).

Billy Turner, OT (Round 3, Overall #67)

Drafting a second offensive tackle, Turner has more experience on the blind side than James some project he is more as a backup to both spots on the end of the line. However, in addition to teachable weaknesses and NFL bloodlines, Miami traded up in the third round to select Turner so expect him to get plenty of opportunity to prove himself.

Walt Aikens, CB (Round 4, Overall #125)

Though he was drafted out of Liberty University, Aikens started at the University of Illinois but was dismissed in 2010 after being arrested for possession of stolen property. He compares favorably to Keenan Lewis and brings speed, size and physicality to the Dolphins’ secondary.

Arthur Lynch, TE (Round 5, Overall #155)

Charles Clay owners should not be too concerned with this selection as Lynch is a better blocker than receiver. With Aaron Murray at the helm and setting all sorts of SEC passing records, Lynch caught only 30 passes and was primarily on the field for his blocking skills. Inconsistency and speed, or lack thereof, limits his upside as a receiver despite his power and route-running abilities. He will compete with Dion Sims and Michael Egnew for roster spots behind Clay.

Jordan Tripp, LB (Round 5, Overall #171)

Yet another team captain in the Dolphins’ draft class, Tripp has the instincts, size and speed to be a three-down linebacker. He will contribute early on special teams with his intensity and motor. He’s currently ranked #23 on Steve Wyremski’s rookie IDP board, Tripp is a sleeper candidate as a lower-tier option in IDP leagues and could prove to be a good value in the sixth round or later.

Matt Hazel, WR (Round 6, Overall #190)

The second possession receiver selected by the Dolphins in the draft, Hazel’s reliable hands, body control and concentration will make him a solid option in third down situations. However, he lacks both the strength to play the slot full-time and the speed to be a consistent outside threat. He is not worth a spot on your roster.

Terrence Fede, DE (Round 7, Overall #234)

A versatile defensive lineman, Fede is considered a developmental project and an option to replace impending free agent Derrick Shelby. The defensive line in Miami is very deep, so it will be a long time before Fede is worth consideration in IDP leagues as he will likely spend a long time on the practice squad.

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Jaron Foster

Contributor at Dynasty League Football

A data analyst by profession, Jaron has been writing for DLF since 2012. Native New Englanders, Jaron and his wife are introducing their son (2010) and daughter (2014) to the Patriots. You can regularly find him on Twitter and in the DLF Forum at odd hours.