Best players of each Miami Dolphins draft class
By Brian Miller
![Dec 14, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins former quarterback Dan Marino holds his commemorative ball during a halftime ceremony at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Innerarity-USA TODAY Sports Dec 14, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins former quarterback Dan Marino holds his commemorative ball during a halftime ceremony at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Innerarity-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/PhinPhanatic-cover-f9a92726176d9bc29cab76d2793594f2493814a156a1157de4344723ef81e675.jpg)
The Miami Dolphins draft in 1971 wasn’t as stellar as the previous years. In fact only two players stand out and one of them never played a single down for the Dolphins.
Drafted in the fourth round, Joe Theismann was at odds over his salary with the Dolphins and his backseat to Bob Griese. He elected to play in the CFL instead of playing for the Dolphins. Never signing a contract.
Two years after his CFL career Theismann returned to the NFL only after the Dolphins traded his rights to the Washington Redskins. Theismann of course is in the Hall of Fame and easily could be listed as the number one player of this draft class. But this is about the Dolphins best players.
In round nine, the Dolphins selected DE Vern Den Herder. Den Herder would play his entire career in Miami, a career that would last 12 seasons and include 14 fumble recoveries and one interception. Tackles and sacks were not counted by the league at that time.
Den Herder is regarded as one of the best Dolphins defensive ends in history.
Who was the best?
Vern Den Herder