Phin Phanatic
FanSided

Could Miami Dolphins Christian Wilkins become the next Jamar Fletcher

By George Keim

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: Christian Wilkins of Clemson reacts after being chosen #13 overall by the Miami Dolphins during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: Christian Wilkins of Clemson reacts after being chosen #13 overall by the Miami Dolphins during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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If Miami Dolphins fans had a time machine, my guess is they would use it to return to about this same time in 2001.  Many of us feel that that was the year the trajectory of this franchise began its downward trend.

The team was coming off of an 11-5 season and a win in the first round of the playoffs.  There was talent on both sides of the ball, but an upgrade at quarterback was what all the fans wanted.  It wasn’t a great quarterback class. Michael Vick was the #1 overall pick and everyone knew it. He was well out of the range for the Dolphins, who entered the draft with the 26th overall pick.

As luck would have it though the second rated quarterback fell and it became apparent that the Miami Dolphins would have the opportunity to draft the quarterback from Purdue, Drew Brees. What happened next immediately causes an involuntary gag reflex for all Dolphin fans today. The Dolphins selected cornerback Jamar Fletcher even though they had two very good cornerbacks already.   Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain were in the prime of their careers. Cornerback was the furthest thing from a need.

The career paths of Jamar Fletcher and Drew Brees couldn’t have been more different.  Fletcher played three seasons for the Dolphins recording a grand total of 2 interceptions and was out of the league by 2009.  Drew Brees on the other hand continues to play today and has racked up video game type numbers,  74,000 yards and counting to go with 520 touchdowns, and a Super Bowl Ring.

What’s my point?  Last night the Dolphins entered the draft needing a franchise quarterback.  The second rated quarterback fell into the Dolphins’ lap and once again they passed on him for a defensive player.  Let me be clear though, this writer is 100% on board with the selection. Building from the trenches out is a tried and true method.  I love Christian Wilkins and think he will be a very good player for years to come, but I can’t lie either and say that I didn’t have a flashback to 2001.  Did the Dolphins once again pass on what could be a very good, franchise quarterback? In 2037 will we want to use that same time machine? Only time will tell!

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