Miami Dolphins NFL Draft History: Re-Drafting the 2017 draft class

It is said that you can’t change the past and the best we can hope for is to learn from our mistakes. For the Miami Dolphins NFL Draft history, that year is 2017.

The 2017 draft was so bad for the Miami Dolphins, that not one single player remains four years later. Isaiah Ford was the last one hanging on and while we can’t rule out a return at some point, the rest of the draft class have moved on. Of the seven picks that were made, only one is no longer in the NFL, Isaac Asiata who is now a police officer.

What if we could change the past? What if by some miracle we could turn the clock back and redraft the Miami Dolphins 2017 class. It is safe to say that we wouldn’t be drafting any of these players again.

Round 1: T.J. Watt would replace Charles Harris

To this day, the selection of Charles Harris blows my mind. He wasn’t on anyone’s radar until the days leading up to the draft and his college career was good but far from impressive. Apparently, he impressed someone. Harris never made an impact for the Dolphins and prior to the 2020 season, the Dolphins finally gave up.

Watt on the other hand has been to three Pro Bowls and has two First-Team All-Pro’s on his resume. Making things worse, the Dolphins still need to find an outside linebacker.

Round 2: JuJu Smith-Schuster would replace Raekwon McMillan

McMillan was never horrible and was pretty good against the run but he was never “the” answer at linebacker and was traded to the Raiders last year. McMillan had his moments but simply didn’t develop quickly enough.

Smith-Schuster has had a solid career thus far and was a potential off-season target this past off-season for the Dolphins but he stayed on a one-year deal with the Steelers after the receiver market was dead. Had Miami drafted him instead of McMillan, they would not be seeking a new receiving weapon this year.

Round 3: Jonnu Smith over Cordrea Tankersley

Tankersley was a good prospect in round three but he never lived up to his potential in Miami. Injured and inconsistent, Tankersley couldn’t stay on the field and make plays.

Jonnu Smith would have changed the Dolphins’ draft plans in 2018 when they drafted Mike Gesicki. With Smith on the roster, Miami’s offense would have been a lot better but Gesicki is becoming one of the best and he and Smith are similar.

Jan 24, 2021; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) during the NFC Championship game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 5: Aaron Jones over Isaac Asiata

Miami had two picks in round 5 in 2017. Asiata played only two seasons and rarely was on the field spending most of his career on the inactive list on Sundays. Aaron Jones is a special running back and one that the Dolphins were rumored to be pursuing during this year’s free agency period. If the Dolphins would have drafted him, they would not have a hole at the position.

Davon Godchaux was drafted at pick 178 four picks ahead of Jones so the Dolphins missed out twice on the running back and in both cases, Jones would be the redraft.

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Round 6: Chase Roullier over Vincent Taylor

Roullier isn’t a Pro Bowl center but Vincent Taylor wasn’t a Pro Bowl anything either. Taylor was inconsistent and after his departure spent more time running off with his mouth but his play was still inconsistent.

Roullier has started 53 of 59 games for Washington at center and low and behold, the Dolphins need a center.

Round 7: Chris Carson over Isaiah Ford

The drafting of Ford was not a mistake. Injuries derailed Ford’s career in Miami and the draft pick was widely considered a steal at the time. He had little risk and the potential for a big reward. Now, looking back, Miami could have drafted Carson.

Carson was taken 12 picks after Ford and has had a big impact on the Seahawks’ offense. This year the Dolphins reportedly had a deal in the works to bring him in during free agency.

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