This off-season when Dennis Hickey was hired, many phin fans were not really sold on Hickey, but were willing to take anything as long as it was not another year of Jeff Ireland. Hickey had lots of experience in the league, but he was never a GM that had the power to make all the personnel decisions. The 2014 draft was his first ever draft where he was in control of the war room. He did a lot of wheeling and dealing in his first year at the helm and at the moment it appears that his first two picks have the chance to be a pair of the best first two picks for the Dolphins in the same draft in decades.
The Dolphins desperately needed to remake their offensive line, so they were forced to keep it simple and draft the best available offensive tackle, and Hickey decided to go with Ja’Wuan James. Many football gambling fans thought this pick was a reach for the 19th overall pick in the draft, however James has come in from day one and not only started every game, but has been one of the best rookie offensive lineman to come out of a very deep offensive lineman class. He has now been forced to move to the all important left tackle position after Albert’s season ending injury, and he held his own against one of the best defensive lines in all of football in the Buffalo Bills. He has the look and feel of a 10 year pro who can develop into a Pro Bowl type offensive lineman.
When the Dolphins came back on the clock for their second pick, to the dismay of their fans, Hickey decided to trade out of their 2nd round position 2 times, and then when he finally picked, he choose Jarvis Landry. This brought an immediate back lash among phins fans, because fans and the media get too obsessed with combine 40 yard dash speeds. The fact is Landry is a football player, he works hard, and makes plays. He has basically come in, in 10 games and been the best receiver the Dolphins have. He makes plays after the catch, and catches everything thrown in his direction, and finds a way to get into the endzone. In addition, he is also the leading kick off return man in the entire league. Landry might not be the fastest or biggest guy on the field, but he is quickly proving himself as a play-maker that opposing teams’ defenses are having to account for each week. This kid has a bright future, and as the years go by he has the opportunity to be a very special pro bowl player.
Regardless of what happens with the rest of the 2014 draft picks, as long as these two players can stay healthy during their careers, then Miami may have finally struck gold with its first two picks. Seriously when was the last time phins fans could say that about their first two picks in the same draft?
Where would we be without J.James? What a pick he has turned out to be. I will admit, I thought that Hickey should have traded down with the Saints and then went OL with James. Could it have worked, possibly; however, if making that move would have lost James, what a BIG mistake that would have been. Good move Hickey, NO? Great move! James should really be considered for rookie of the year. Not only did he step in and be lock and loaded at right tackle from the beginning, now he has slide over to the all important left tackle position. Not a move many rookie tackles can handle. Landry is a player, period. He reminds me of Anquan Boldin, if Landry continues to progress and stays healthy, he can have a similar career as Boldin, how enjoyable will that be for us Dolphin fans? Hickey has hit on this entire draft class, evidence by each one making the team. The future looks bright for this Fins roster. Let’s make the playoffs and who knows what can happen then? I am looking forward to Hickey’s encore next year.
I agree totally with you Dunner, Hickey absolutely nailed these first two picks, both players are not only starting but are contributing in very Big ways. I also am looking forward to what he can do in the next draft. He identified positions that needed upgrading and he did it. I wouldn’t be surprised if he finds us a stud linebacker and late round gem running back. PS lets not forget that he found a few undrafted rookies that also have made the team and have contributed this season, McCain and Williams immediately come to mind.
Where would we be without J.James? What a pick he has turned out to be. I will admit, I thought that Hickey should have traded down with the Saints and then went OL with James. Could it have worked, possibly; however, if making that move would have lost James, what a BIG mistake that would have been. Good move Hickey, NO? Great move! James should really be considered for rookie of the year. Not only did he step in and be lock and loaded at right tackle from the beginning, now he has slide over to the all important left tackle position. Not a move many rookie tackles can handle.
Landry is a player, period. He reminds me of Anquan Boldin, if Landry continues to progress and stays healthy, he can have a similar career as Boldin, how enjoyable will that be for us Dolphin fans?
Hickey has hit on this entire draft class, evidence by each one making the team. The future looks bright for this Fins roster. Let’s make the playoffs and who knows what can happen then? I am looking forward to Hickey’s encore next year.
I agree totally with you Dunner, Hickey absolutely nailed these first two picks, both players are not only starting but are contributing in very Big ways. I also am looking forward to what he can do in the next draft. He identified positions that needed upgrading and he did it. I wouldn’t be surprised if he finds us a stud linebacker and late round gem running back. PS lets not forget that he found a few undrafted rookies that also have made the team and have contributed this season, McCain and Williams immediately come to mind.