The Miami Dolphins had a busy NFL Draft but not when it came to selecting players.
The 2019 NFL Draft will go down as one for the history books for the Miami Dolphins. Not because of the players they selected but rather a significant trade.
Miami traded two draft picks including a second-round selection to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for quarterback Josh Rosen. Rosen is now expected to be Miami’s franchise quarterback and will battle Ryan Fitzpatrick for the starting job in 2019.
Though the Rosen trade took much of the attention away from the Dolphins draft selections, they did add six rookies to the fold.
Here’s a look at the Dolphins selections from the 2019 NFL Draft.
Round #1, Selection #13: Christian Wilkins, Defensive Tackle, Clemson
The Dolphins used their first-round pick on one of the drafts top run stoppers in Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.
Wilkins was one of the most dominant players in college football the past four seasons. In his college carer at Clemson Wilkins was twice named a first-team All American, was named first-team ACC three times and helped the Tigers win two national championships.
He is also well known for his work off the field that earned him the 2018 William Campbell Trophy given to the nation’s top player with the best combination of academics, community service and on the field performance.
Wilkins will improve the Dolphins on and off the field, and though they may not win right away, he will be a crucial piece in changing the culture into a winning one in Miami.
Grade: A
Round #3, Selection #78: Michael Deiter, Offensive Lineman, Wisconsin
After trading their second-round selection for Josh Rosen, the Dolphins resumed their draft selections in the third round by picking Wisconsin offensive lineman Micheal Deiter.
Deiter is a versatile lineman who played both left guard and left tackle for the Badgers. He plays both positions effectively as he was twice named first-team All-Big Ten and was a second-team All American in 2018.
The Dolphins offensive line is in need of an overhaul and bringing Deiter in starts the process off nicely.
Grade: A
Round #5, Selection #151: Andrew Van Ginkel, Linebacker, Wisconsin
After not having a fourth-round selection the Dolphins got back to work in the fifth round with the selection of linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel.
Van Ginkel started his college carer at a Community College before transferring to Wisconsin where he became a force on defense. The linebacker recorded 12 sacks in two seasons at Wisconsin and made 17.5 tackles for a loss. He also proved effective in the pass defense as he intercepted two passes and defended five. He also was known for ripping the football away from ball carriers as he forced four fumbles in his two Big Ten seasons.
With this pick, the Dolphins found a potential playmaker and someone with a chip on his shoulder which should turn out to be effective.
Grade: A-
Round #6, Selection #202: Isaiah Prince, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State
In the sixth round, the Dolphins filled another hole on the offensive line with Isaiah Prince from Ohio State.
Prince started each game for the Buckeyes the past three seasons and was named first-team all big ten in 2018. He is a proven leader as he was named a captain his senior season and should eventually bring leadership to the Miami offensive line.
Rebuilds start up front, and this pick proves that’s the Dolphins thinking.
Grade: A
Round #7, Selection #233: Chandler Cox, Fullback, Auburn
The Dolphins kicked off the seventh round with the rare selection of a fullback in Auburn’s Chandler Cox.
Cox was an effective run blocker and pass catcher at Auburn. In 2018 Cox caught three touchdown passes and ran in a fourth. In his carer, he helped create holes for future NFL running backs such as Kerryon Johnson and Peyton Barber.
Though Miami could have used this pick to fill a more prominent need finding blocking is never a bad thing.
Grade: C
Round #7, Selection #234: Myles Gaskin, Running Back, Washington
The Dolphins concluded the 2019 NFL Draft by selecting a potential steal in Washington running back Myles Gaskin.
In his college career, Gaskin ran for at least 1,2600 yards in each of his four college seasons. He scored 62 carer touchdowns with 57 coming on the ground. Though he wasn’t known as much of a pass catcher, Gaskin proved he can do a little bit of everything as he helped the Huskies win three PAC 12 championships.
With this pick, Miami adds depth to the running back position that has seen a fair share of struggles the past few seasons and may have even found a potential future starter.
Grade: A-
All in all the 2019 Draft for the Miami Dolphins will likely go down as a success. They added bodies in the trenches on both sides of the ball, added a burner at the running back position and traded away picks to acquire a potential franchise quarterback.
Though the results of this draft may not make an immediate impact, the future is bright in Miami.
Overall Grade: A
