Dolphins 2017 Draft Class: 2018 Pay-Off Time?

Jimmy Bourbon

7 years ago

Can 2017 1st Rd Draft Pick Charles Harris make a strong impact on 2018?

The 2017 Draft Class had 4 players make solid contributions in their rookie debut

The Dolphins went defense heavy in the 2017 draft due to the 2016 defense stinking like a rotting corpse in the summer sun. An unexpected run on offensive players, 8 in the first 12 picks, helped Miami’s goal. Some might say they went a bit ‘overboard’, especially for those screaming for O-Line help. Be that as it may, it’s time for those picks to produce.

The Phins’ 2017 draft picks: What we expected, and what we got

Round 1, # 22: Charles Harris, Defensive End

The Phins needed youth in an aging defensive-end rotation. Wake was 35, Branch was 27, and run stopper Hayes was 31. Harris–billed as a long-term development player by the Phins–brought youth, hope, and not much more. He began and ended the season as a backup to Wake and Branch. Needless to say, Phins fans expected more from a first-round pick. Harris’ most important pre-draft asset was his ability to get to the quarterback. His weakness was run stopping. Post-draft reality was two QB sacks.

It’s not all bad. First, there was a lot of armchair GM cat-calls for not drafting Foster over Harris. Hindsight says that the Davie Trifecta may have got that part right. Foster had both injury and personal issues that turned his rookie season upside-down… and might end his career. The last thing the Phins need is an injury-prone, drug addict, felon. We tried that with Cecil Collins. Second, as PhinsNews’ MJ pointed out here, Harris got better as the season progressed. Even PFF noted his progress. There’s hope in Davie.

Linebacker is a big need for 2018

Round 2, No. 54: Raekwon McMillan, Linebacker

With McMillian’s early injury, it’s hard to determine if he’ll be a stud or what. For whatever it’s worth, many of the coaches saw him as the best of the 2017 Rookie class. Other than that, there’s not much to say except high expectations were dashed to the ground and shattered with McMillian’s ACL tear. You can’t help but pull for the kid in 2018… that injury was a raw deal. In essence, IF McMillian can come back healthy, the Phins get an extra 2nd Rd Pick in 2018. Miami desperately needs a quality MIKE backer. Kiko Alonso can’t stack and shed (or cover) and is only passable as a 2 down MLB–unless he’s kept very clean. Phins need McMillian to bounce back and be the player they believe he can be. He’s been hard at work with trainer Pete Bommarito this offseason, so fingers are crossed.

Round 3, No. 97: Cordrea Tankersley, Cornerback

Tony Lippett tore his knee up in Preseason and Byron Maxwell crashed and burned and was sent packing early in 2017. Tankersley was supposed to play sparingly and learn from the bench last season. Instead, he was thrust into the starting role. Beyond his injury, he had a surprisingly successful season. The crash course can only help his cause in 2018. His confidence, despite some bumps in the road, showed real character, and his speed, and ability to recover was exceptional. But it was the mental side of the game where he struggled the most. All the experience he gained should help him in his preparation and give him a good shot at improving his weakness. If he can get a pro-level understanding of the game, the sky is the limit.

Miami had some good success in the backend of the 2017 Draft

Round 5, No. 164: Isaac Asiata, Guard/Center

There was a lot of hope that Asiata would step in at the Guard and help Miami’s weakest group. NOPE! He was as strong as billed but too slow of foot. 2017 was his redshirt year… or so the spin went. If he can shed 10-15 lbs in the offseason he may just have a chance to make the squad. As it stands: Tunsil, Sitton, Kilgore, Davis, and James are the starters with Larson, Brendel, Smith, Young, and Asiata in reserves. Miami will keep nine, so one of these players are gone. Smith and Asiata will likely be fighting it out for the final spot… along with any rookies. Smith saw extended playing time in the Preseason his rookie year, while Asiata was given garbage time in 2017. At this point, the edge goes to Smith. Phinsnews is very high on Smith winning the matchup. Of course, this could change if Asiata comes in condition, or a better rookie is drafted.

Round 5, No. 178: Davon Godchaux, Defensive Tackle

Godchaux was a steal and the brightest light of this draft. But he must first clean up his sloppy play to make his presence more than a shooting star. Godhaux showed he’s a hard worker that’s very stout in the middle, even against a double team. But he was a yellow flag machine as he tried to time the snaps. Discipline is the key to the success of the 2018 Season. If Godchaux can’t get his act together, then talent or not, he’s more of a liability than an asset. Godchaux showed great hunger as a rookie. That intensity, ability, and work ethic should have him markedly improved in his sophomore season. With Suh gone, he must fight off the urge of entitlement.

Round 6, No. 194: Vincent Taylor, Defensive Tackle

While Taylor wasn’t as productive and didn’t pop as quick as Godchaux, he showed plenty of room for growth. Taylor made steady improvements in his game and even contributed some big plays for the Phins in 2017. Either it was good coaching or good evaluation, but both these DT’s look like good prospects and both will probably stick on this year’s roster.

Round 7, No. 237: Isaiah Ford, Wide Receiver

Ford went down early and was in I.R. for the season. With the trade of Jarvis Landry and the signing of Amendola and Wilson, the chances of Ford making the team are a long, long shot. But his 7th Rd value makes him disposable. It’s far from the end of the world if he ends up on the cutting room floor.

There’s a lot to like about the 2017 draft. Their development will be one of the more crucial storylines in 2018. Tankersly is poised to start at cornerback opposite Howard in 2018… just as Jordan Phillips and Davon Godchaux are the projected starters at DT. In a Phins fan dream sequence, this crew brings back the glory days of Patrick Surtain and Sam Madison and Daryl Gardener and Tim Bowens. Hell, in this fantasy, we might as well add in McMillian as Zach Junior. The reality is if they can even be half of those Dolphins greats Miami will be winning big time. What are the rest of the Miami Dolphins News fans expectations for our 2017 draft class for next season?