A look back at the Miami Dolphins late draft successes. Part two, the ’70’s

Each season there’s so much focus trying to determine who the Dolphins will select in the first round, but my contention is the rest of the draft is probably more important to the future of the team.

In the second part of a decade by decade look through the Dolphins drafts, we’ll continue to mention players not drafted at the top of the draft that contributed to the team’s overall success.

In 1970, the Dolphins selected OLB Mike Kolen nicknamed Captain Crunch, in the 12^th round. Kolen played 84 games. In the 7^th round, that same season they selected Safety Jake Scott who played 126 career games, and will always be remembered for being named most valuable player in Super Bowl VII. In the 4^th round, CB Curtis Johnson was the pick for Miami. Johnson played 125 games in his career.

In 1971, the Dolphins found DE Vern Den Herder in the 9^th round. Den Herder was a mainstay for the Dolphins defense for 166 games.

In 1972, the Dolphins drafted Charlie Babb in the 5^th round, and while Babb only started for a few seasons in Miami in the mid-70’s he was a valuable reserve. His career lasted 97 games.

In 1973, a few guys stand out. In the 6^th round, the Dolphins selected G Ed Newman out of Duke. Ed went on to play 167 games and might have been the strongest Dolphin ever.

In the 4^th round, the Dolphins selected QB Don Strock. Strock also played 167 games, and his most memorable was the 1981 playoff classic against the San Diego Chargers. He also was instrumental in what we would call “Woodstrock” where he would routinely sub in for the ineffective David Woodley and generally find a way to win. Don also became a huge influence in Marino’s quick development years later.

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In 1974, the Dolphins selected a WR out of Florida in the 3^rd round, Nat Moore. Moore went on to play 183 games and is considered one of the most skilled receivers in Dolphins history. His swan song took place in 1985 where playing in the slot he helped Marino and the Marks Brothers shock the undefeated Bears giving them their only loss of the season. Nat finished his career with 7546 yards and 75 TD’s which is 3^rd all-time for the club in yardage He also ranks 2^nd for TD’s only trailing Mark Clayton’s 82.

In 1976, WR Duriel Harris was drafted by the Dolphins in the 3^rd round out of New Mexico State. I always felt it was bad timing for Harris as he came in at the tail end of Griese’s career and was past his prime once Marino arrived, Yet he still amassed 5055 yards receiving and scored 20 TD’s through the air.

1978 was a very solid draft in the mid to late rounds. Miami drafted C Mark Dennard who went on to play 91 games. Not too bad for a 10^th round draft choice.

In the 9^th round, Miami drafted TE Bruce Hardy who did his thing for 151 games and is still considered one of the most sure-handed TE’s we’ve ever had. Miami wasn’t done, however.

In the 6^th round, they selected DE Doug Betters who would be a key cog in the Killer Bee defense. Better’s career lasted 146 games.

Three other solid players were drafted by Miami in this draft, in the 4^th round T Eric Laakso who played 86 games. Also, CB Gerald Small was drafted with their first 4^th round pick and Small went on to play 104 games.

In the 3^rd round, Miami drafted WR Jimmy Cefalo who carved out a solid career with the club playing in 90 games.

In the 12^th round, they drafted a QB out of Northern Colorado names Bill Kenney. Kenney never made the Dolphins team. However, he went on to throw for 17,277 yards for the Chiefs over an 11-year career.

1979 was also a solid draft in which several players carved out decent careers for the team. In the 10^th round, DB Mike Kozlowski was taken. Kozlowski played 91 games for the club.

In the 8^th round, the Dolphins selected Safety Glenn Blackwood. Glenn played 118 games for the club. He was one-half of the Bruise Brothers once his brother Lyle was added to the team a few years later.

In the 7^th  round, the Dolphins drafted a kicker. Uwe von Schamann, who I was never a huge fan of, but he did last 89 games and deserves mention. Ronnie Lee a T out of Baylor was taken in the 3^rd round. Lee played 186 games in his career, 138 of which were for the Dolphins.

Also in the 3^rd round, the Dolphins found a gem in RB Tony Nathan out of Alabama. Nathan contributed 3543 yards rushing and another 3592 receiving and is probably considered the best all-purpose back in club history. Nathan played 123 games for the club.

That closes out the 70’s. A decade where many mid to late draft picks made a huge impact during their careers.

In the third part of the series, we’ll take a look at the 1980’s.

You can read the first part of the series here.