Miami clearly kept that narrow focus, using seven of its eight selections on defense and making improvements to its roster in time for a good three-team race in the AFC East in 2010.
The Picks
First round, No. 28 overall: Penn State defensive lineman Jared Odrick
Second round, No. 40 overall: Utah outside linebacker Koa Misi
Third round, No. 73 overall: Mississippi guard John Jerry
Fourth round, No. 119 overall: Iowa outside linebacker A.J. Edds
Fifth round, No. 145 overall: Maryland cornerback Nolan Carroll
Fifth round, No. 163 overall: Georgia safety Reshad Jones
Seventh round, No. 212 overall: Middle Tennessee outside linebacker Chris McCoy
Seventh round, No. 252 overall: Ohio State outside linebacker Austin Spitler
Best Prospect
It might just be Misi, who should start right away and really help the Dolphins’ pass rush and run defense. He’ll convert from defensive end, so his coverage skills will need work, but Misi’s motor will make him an effective player in head coach Tony Sparano’s system.
2010 Impact
Odrick entered the draft without a true position, as his versatility had different teams thinking different roles for the defensive lineman. That will be the case in Miami, where general manager Jeff Ireland said Odrick will rotate at defensive end with Kendall Langford and Philip Merling. Randy Starks will shift to the nose position to fill in for Jason Ferguson while he sits out an eight-game suspension, but Odrick could provide relief there as well.
Misi is expected to earn the starting role, and Edds should garner some good playing time, too. Jerry’s instant impact came in unintentional comedic form during last week’s conference call with Miami reporters. They asked if he ever missed a game due to injury, and Jerry’s answer was, yes, hemorrhoids. His unexpected response caused the room to bust its collective gut. As for the field, Jerry will compete for a starting position at guard.
Jones might be the only other player in the draft class who could earn any playing time, as Carroll, McCoy and Spitler will likely have to fight for the last few spots on the roster.
Overall Impression
The Dolphins traded the 12th overall pick to San Diego in exchange for Nos. 28 and 40, and while Miami passed on a number of solid players at No. 12, local reports indicate they weren’t completely comfortable with the players at that draft slot. They added Odrick and Misi, who should make an impact for several years, and the Misi selection is a real bonus after acquiring that pick in the trade.
Depending on your view of Odrick — some love him, some just don’t — there aren’t any players in Miami’s draft class who will cause immediate excitement. Someone like Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant or Texas safety Earl Thomas could have been a playmaker at an area of need, but the Dolphins chose to add two sound players instead. The Miami fan base sounds like it’s on the less-than-thrilled side with this draft class, but the Dolphins did add some good depth where they needed it.
