Phin Phanatic
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Miami Dolphins: A look at the NFL Draft and pick 6 history

By Brian Miller

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 06: Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons warms-up prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 06, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 06: Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons warms-up prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 06, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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The Miami Dolphins, barring a trade will draft in the 6th spot in round one of this month’s NFL Draft but can we learn anything from history?

Over the last ten years, two quarterbacks, three offensive linemen, two defensive backs, a defensive end, a linebacker, and one receiver have been taken at pick six. Not all have had stellar results.

It is too early to know for certain if the quarterbacks in this group will work out. Justin Herbert was the league Offensive Rookie of the Year last season and Daniel Jones who was drafted two years ago is still feeling his way around New York.

We can jump back to the 2011 NFL Draft to start where the last receiver was taken at six overall. It was a pretty good one. The Falcons made a blockbuster trade that netted them Julio Jones and to say the least, it has paid off well for them.

2012 Morris Claiborne – Dallas

Claiborne has been up and down for most of his career and has started 74 of 85 possible games. He left Dallas after five seasons and joined the Jets for two years and played for Kansas City in 2019. He did not play in 2020.

2013 – Barkevious Mingo – Cleveland

Mingo has been traveling around the league after being drafted by the Browns. He played three seasons with the Browns, one with NE, and each season since has played for a different team. Not exactly what the Browns had hoped for.

2014 –  Jake Matthews – Falcons

The Falcons have done well the last ten years at pick six. First, they land Jones and in 2008 they drafted left tackle, Matthews. Mathews has started all 16 games each season since being drafted. He has made one Pro Bowl.

2015 Leonard Williams – Jets

Williams is a big defensive lineman and made the Pro Bowl in his second season. The Jets moved on from him in 2019 and he joined the Giants where he played in 2020 as well.

2016 – Ronnie Stanley – Baltimore

Stanley is a very good football player. While has not completed a full season in his career yet, he has started every game at left tackle for the Ravens when he has been on the field.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JANUARY 09: Jamal Adams #33 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams during the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Lumen Field on January 09, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JANUARY 09: Jamal Adams #33 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams during the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Lumen Field on January 09, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

2017 – Jamal Adams – Jets

Another very good pick by the Jets. Fortunately for Dolphins fans, Adams was traded out of the AFC East for a boatload of picks. He has made the Pro Bowl three of his four seasons including last year with the Seahawks.

2018 – Quentin Nelson – Colts

Nelson has been a home run for the Colts. The left guard has started all 16 games all three seasons and has made the Pro Bowl each season and named a first-team All-Pro each of his three seasons.

Now it is Miami’s turn. The Dolphins have never drafted a player at six. Historically, the 6th picks have worked out well for NFL teams, mostly. The Dolphins will get a shot to add to that success.

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