The 2015 Draft class could make or break 2016.
Hickey’s 2015 Draft will play a pivotal role in penciling in starting positions this season.
It’s quite easy to focus on the 2016 Draft and it’s effects on the coming season, but could the 2015 Draft class prove to be even more relevant?
Starters at Defensive Tackle, Cornerback, Nickle Corner, Running Back and Wide Receiver positions hinge on the success of Hickey’s 2015 Draft class – ironic.
Of course, we’ll never know exactly who was responsible for picking who, whether it was Mike Tannenbaum, or Dennis Hickey, or whoever, but Hickey’s name is stamped on this class regardless. And it’s this rookie class that could very well make or break the 2016 Miami Dolphins.
The 2016 Draft duplicated several of the 2015 “positions picks”: Ajayi / Drake. Parker / Carroo/ Grant, Lippett / Howard. Only Nickel Corner and Defensive Tackle were left unsupported by this year’s draft.
Given the dearth at RB and CB these “back-up” picks weren’t gravy, but rather more meat needed for the meal.
The 2015 Draft had little impact in 2015 – the same can’t be said of it’s effect on 2016.
If Ajayi slips up, does anyone see Drake as the bell cow for Miami’s run game?
If Lippett doesn’t assert his dominance, at the very least, the starting corner depth with be tissue-paper thin.
If Parker limps through the season, it would be a hit, but the best sportsbooks would say his failure would have the least negative impact from a unit perspective.
Now, onto postions / players not backed-up by the 2016 draft.
If McCain has sophomore blues and is as inconsistent as 2015, the crucial nickel corner spot that is essential in stopping the Pats could be a weakness because their isn’t much, at this point, to fill the role.
IF Jordan under-performs would anyone not be uneasy with Mitchell starting again?
Even if you minus Parker from the equation, with 22 starting positions on offense and defense, the 2015 Draft class is set to fill nearly 20% of the starting roles. So, the launch of this new regime may just be ignited by the dying embers of the previous one. Go Fins!!!