3 Things we learned from the draft

The draft is over and there are three things that stand out from all the moves that the Dolphins made.

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This was the first draft with Adam Gase as head coach and Tannenbaum calling the shots. Miami made specific and calculated moves to improve their team. Lets see what we can learn from who and how Miami drafted.

1. Miami is more interested in Gase’s offense, than Joseph’s Defense

With the draft over and done, Miami walked away with two defensive players drafted in comparison to the six offensive ones. Miami added depth and playmakers on the offensive side of the ball, and were not content with what they had at any position going into the draft. They selected one lineman, two wide recievers, a running back, tight end, and a quarterback. Adam Gase should be thrilled with these new weapons

Miami understands that in order to put up points, you need weapons. Adam Gase is getting whatever weapons he feels he needs. It’s clear that protecting Tannehill was a priority, as well as putting more pieces around him. Miami wants to fix the offensive problems that had them 27th in points scored last year. Adam Gase will implement the new system, and he gets new players in order for his plans to be successful.

The addition of Kenyan Drake gives Miami the change of pace back with great hands that Gase wants. Drake will cut to and edge or line up outside as a wide receiver just as comfortably. Gase likes to have running back by committee, and adding Drake will give a rotation for Jay Ajayi and Damien Williams.

Leonte Carroo is a big play wide receiver. Miami felt they needed him so badly that they moved up to grab him. Even with DeVante Parker, Kenny Stills, and Jarvis Landry in front of him, Carroo expects to make and impact early and often. Miami will have the depth at wide receiver, that many thought they would go for with their linebackers.

Brandon Doughty was the quarterback drafted by Miami in the seventh round out of Western Kentucky. Even though Doughty was selected in the last round he expects to be and impact player. He set records at Western Kentucky and is known for his accuracy. Doughty will compete with Logan Thomas and Matt Moore for a backup spot on the roster.

2. Jarvis Landry won’t be doing return duties

Jarvis Landry has filled in for the return duties in Miami for too long. Or at least the coaches think so. Miami went so far as to draft two players with return experience in an effort have Landry focus only on receiver. Kenyan Drake and Jakeem Grant both have a history of returning kicks and punts at their schools.

Drake, a running back out of Alabama, will likely focus on being the Dolphins change of pace back for Jay Ajayi. The return game will be a great way to help him make the roster and get the opportunities on the field early. Grant’s best opportunity to make the team is as a returner and special teams player. Miami is flooded with receivers and is not in need of many more, but a returner who could give Landry the chance to focus on his job as a receiver is valuable.

3. Miami wants Alpha’s in the room

When it came to the draft, one word we heard over and over from GM Chris Grier is alpha. Players like Xavien Howard, Leonte Carroo, Jakeem Grant, and Kenyan Drake are alpha male players that the Dolphins want. These are guys who love the game and are highly competitive. Miami targeted these alpha type players throughout the draft.

After being drafted Jakeem Grant had this to say to skeptics about his hight “You can’t hit what you can’t catch.” That’s the confidence and enthusiasm that the Dolphins have been lacking. That kind of attitude is something that Chris Grier and Adam Gase want on their team. They want competitors who are going to fight.

Brandon Doughty isn’t phased about being a seventh round draft pick. He isn’t phased that this is Tannehill’s team. Doughty is interested in being an impact player right away. He isn’t looking at it as a long shot, but an opportunity.

These types of players wont give up half way through the year. They won’t lose hope at the first sign of trouble. They will inspire and lead the team towards greatness.

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