Miami Dolphins best and worst draft picks from the ACC
By Brian Miller
The Miami Dolphins have had some solid prospects from the ACC.
North Carolina – 4 players
Miami has found minimal success with North Carolina. While only four players have been drafted, Dwight Hillier, a 4th round pick in 1992 spent nine years in the NFL with 8 of those in Miami. he was a productive linebacker for the team.
Deon Dyer was another 4th round pick. In 2000 the FB joined the roster. Dyer spent his three NFL seasons with Miami. Finally, Jason Strowbridge, drafted in 2020 made a moderate impact on special teams last season but he is a developmental player at this point.
Pitt – 3 players
We can all agree that it doesn’t matter who the Dolphins drafted from Pittsburgh. The school produced Dan Marino and that is all that matters.
In 1992 they drafted Dave Moore in the 7th round, Moore played one game for the Dolphins and then joined Tampa. The TE played 13 years for the Buccaneers and two with the Bills.
Virginia – 2 players
Virginia hasn’t produced much but both players carved out a niche in Miami.
Tommy Vigorito was a solid slot receiver taken in the 5th round of the 1981 draft. He played for four years. Terry Kirby was taken in round three of the 1993 draft. He spent only three seasons in Miami but latched out after he left with San Francisco, Cleveland, and Oakland for seven more seasons.
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Virginia Tech – 2 players
The most recent player out of VT is 2017 7th rounder, Isaiah Ford. Ford is still on the roster but is an impending free agent. He has been relatively inconsistent and was traded last year to the Patriots. After he was released, Miami brought him back.
Ford is far from the best from the school. In 1973 the Dolphins made Don Strock a member of the roster in the 5th round. He played back-up to Bob Griese, David Woodley where they formed the famed WoodStrock combination, and eventually was a catalyst to helping Dan Marino get acclimated to the NFL.
Wake Forest – 1
Lastly, we come to Wake Forest where only one player has ever been drafted. Clayton Heathin round 13 in the 1974 draft. He split his only season, 1976, with Miami and Buffalo. He rushed one time for the Dolphins.