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NFL Draft: Miami Dolphins best draft picks ever by round

By Brian Miller

Oct 4, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; A general view of the statue of former Miami Dolphins Dan Marino outside at Hard Rock Stadium prior to the game between the Miami Dolphins and the Seattle Seahawks. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; A general view of the statue of former Miami Dolphins Dan Marino outside at Hard Rock Stadium prior to the game between the Miami Dolphins and the Seattle Seahawks. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Miami Dolphins have drafted some incredible talent since they became a franchise in 1966 but if you had to pick the best from each round would it be easy?

You have to imagine that in some cases, it would be pretty easy to pick one player from each round but consider the Hall of Fame players and then try and separate them into who was the best. It’s not as easy as you would think. That being said, here is our picks for the best players in each round of the Miami Dolphins drafting history.

In 1966 the NFL Draft lasted 20 rounds. In 1967 that fell to 17. The draft would last 17 rounds until it was reduced to 12 in 1977. In 1993 there were 8 rounds and the following year it was reduced to 7 where it stands today.

The best player was taken in round 17 or above was tight end Doug Moreau who was drafted in the 19th round in 1966. He played four seasons in the NFL all with Miami.

Round 16: Lloyd Mumphord: Mumphord had a great long-lasting NFL career. He spent six seasons with the Dolphins starting 33 games of the 77 he played in. He spent another four years with the Baltimore Colts appearing in 45 games.

Round 13 -15: Of all the players drafted in these rounds, only two players actually played a down for the Dolphins. Clayton Heath in 1974 was drafted in round 13 and played 1/2 a season. In1968 the Dolphins drafted TE Bob Joswick. He played two years for the Dolphins and appeared in six games.

NEW YORK, NY-NOVEMBER 24: Howard Twilley, wide receiver of the Miami Dolphins and 1965 runner up Heisman Trophy voting from Tulsa University, during the Star Spangled Banner on November 24, 1994 vs. the New York Jets at Shea Stadium. The New York Jets defeated the Dolphins 16 to 14.
NEW YORK, NY-NOVEMBER 24: Howard Twilley, wide receiver of the Miami Dolphins and 1965 runner up Heisman Trophy voting from Tulsa University, during the Star Spangled Banner on November 24, 1994 vs. the New York Jets at Shea Stadium. The New York Jets defeated the Dolphins 16 to 14. /

Round 12: Howard Twilley 1966: Twilley spent his entire career with the Dolphins. He played in all three Super Bowls in his 11-year career.

Round 11:  Jim Jensen 1981: The Swiss Army Knife played his entire career with the Dolphins retiring after the 1992 season. Jensen was a fan favorite his entire career and could play receiver, running back tight end, and even quarterback.

Round 10: Mark Dennard 1978: Dennard played five seasons for the Dolphins starting 34 of 59 games. He played 2 more seasons with the Eagles.

Round 9: Vern Den Herder 1971: This one was a bit tougher and our first real challenge. Den Herder spent his entire career in Miami from 71 to 1982. He started 144 of 166 games and played in four of the Dolphins Super Bowls. In 1988, the Dolphins also drafted Jeff Cross, another DE who spent his entire 8-year career with the Dolphins.

Mark Clayton
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 11: Mark Clayton #83 of the Miami Dolphins gets tackled by Pat Kelly #47 of the New York Jets during an NFL football game November 11, 1990 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Clayton played with Dolphins from 1983-92. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

Round 8: Mark Clayton 1983: Clayton was a member of the Mark’s Brothers alongside Mark Duper. The two would combine with Dan Marino to form one of the best offenses in the NFL.

Round 7: 67 – Jake Scott 1970: One of the best defensive players in Dolphins history and a Super Bowl MVP. Larry Seiple was a close second.

Round 6: Ed Newman 1973: The Dolphins found a gem in round six when they drafted guard Newman. He spent his entire career in Miami that lasted 12 years. His last four seasons were all Pro Bowl seasons with his final year an AP First-Team All-Pro.

Zach Thomas
Miami Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas sets on defense against the Carolina Panthers September 25, 2005 in Miami. The Dolphins defeated the Panthers 27 to 24. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images) /

Round 5: Zach Thomas 1996: Should be in the HOF. That’s all.

Round 4: Dwight Hollier – 1992 Hollier is the best of Miami’s picks at four and there really haven’t been many good ones in this round. He spent 8 years with the Dolphins.

Round 3: Jason Taylor 1997: Because of course, he is!

Round 2: Dwight Stephenson  1980: There has been some great talent in round two but you can’t pass a HOF center. Ever.

Round 1: Dan Marino 1983: Larry Csonka, Bob Griese, they came close but let’s face it, it’s Dan Marino.

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