Grading The Miami Dolphins 2015 Draft

Oh this should be so much fun. I can already anticipate the “JimRigger” responses to the grades I apply to each pick. Funny thing is that at this point in time many of you have already ascertained that there is no need to actually read the grades and have already skipped down to post a reply in the comments. Another big group of you will undoubtedly see no reason to read this and jump down to comment simply to tell me that it’s too early to grade a “freaking” draft class.

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Yes, yes it is. Considering that almost everyone else does it, I would not be found in good favor of my network if I didn’t as well.

Before I continue I want to congratulate you, the readers who show enough interest to make it this far…”wink, wink, nod, nod, say no more”. Let’s get to it.

DeVante Parker:

Parker fits the Dolphins offensive system and has the versatility to fit most NFL systems. He has good hands and good speed but while he needs to work on using his body more to fend off defenders, he is a true red-zone target with the size and ability to beat defenders over the top. This was more than a value pick it was a good pick.

Grade: A – for now it will stay an “A” with no plus or minus. It’s a very solid pick that should complete the Miami Dolphins wide-receiver needs for the next four years.

Jordan Phillips

Phillips is a scheme fit defensive tackle and should the Dolphins part ways with it’s coaching staff after the 2015 season, Jordan can acclimate well to another system. Some consider Jordan to be a boom or bust type player and that is true. His biggest knock is that he needs to be pushed by his coaches. Phillips plays hard but takes plays off at times without that push and he can get a little inconsistent. Something that the coaches will need to work on.

Grade C+ – there is a lot of potential in this pick that could easily make this grade an “A”…down the road. The Dolphins could have made a better decision in round two going with offensive line help that they actually need.

Jamil Douglas

Offensive tackle/guard Douglas is very big man with a lot of upside and potential. I expect him to push for a starting job through training camp and to win that job by mid-season if he doesn’t outright win it by seasons start. This is not a day one starter on paper but may be a day starter given the status of Miami’s offensive guard situation. Douglas is strong but his weaknesses can overshadow his strength. He lacks the ability to push off the line and keep defenders in front of him, which is why transiting to guard makes a lot more sense.

Grade: B – Another pick that could become an A after we see how well he can acclimate to the NFL. This was not a value pick, it was a need pick.

Bobby McCain

I like this early 5th round pick. I see him almost exclusively a ball hawking floating nickel slot corner. McCain makes very good reads and while he lacks edge type speed to cover big wideouts, he has very good vision and instincts. McCain should push for significant playing time by seasons end but may be too raw to have a huge impact in 2015.

Grade: B – This is a great value pick with a lot of upside and potential but a lot will depend on his ability to play in the NFL. Could be a return guy too.

Jay Ajayi

Ajayi is more than value, he is a need. Ajayi will be expected to take on the primary back-up role behind Lamar Miller. He won’t become the starter, at least not in the near future. Although if he can stay healthy he could be an option if Miller asks for too much money on his next contract which will come due after the 2015 season. Ajayi’s biggest concerns are his health and if he can then the possibilities for him are endless.

Grade: A – this could be the best pick of this draft outside of round one. The Dolphins could have found a Marshawn Lynch type of player in round five.

Cedric Thompson

There is a lot of learning for Thompson to do this year. He could become the safety of the future but will be stashed behind Louis Delmas and Michael Thomas for the immediate future. This kid will be a special teams type player until he gets more adjusted to the speed of the NFL.

Grade: C – This isn’t an exciting pick and it’s not really a bad pick, it’s just a 5th round secondary pick for developing. C might be a little low but it gives him more room to grow when we reevaluate after the season.

Tony Lippett

Is he a wide-receiver or is he a cornerback? The Dolphins announced the selection by calling him a cornerback. Lippett played wide receiver in college but was moved to cornerback playing both sides of the ball the last three games of 2014. He has some very good athletic traits but there is no question that this kid is a project for now. It’s likely he sees only special team assignments if makes the final 53 roster.

Grade: C- The Dolphins could have done better here and perhaps gone back to the offensive line. They made no attempt to find a linebacker after what appeared to be round two. So we will see.

OVERALL GRADE

B+ It might be a little high and perhaps should just be a “B” but the potential of Parker, Ajayi, and Douglas elevate it a little higher.

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