Miami Dolphins 2008 NFL Draft Grade
This was a good draft for the worst team in the league last year. There were lots of problems so you might as well start from the inside out. In their first four selections you have four sure-fire starters.


Langford and Merling are at the ends of the 3-4 defense, which are difficult positions to fill. The two Michigan captains bring a winning attitude to the locker room. Jake Long is a 6'6" monster who protected Chad Henne for four years on Saturdays in The Big House. ‘Might as well keep it going on Sundays. I like John Beck, but not as much as Chad Henne. He could make for some good competition for a couple of years, however they still need playmakers on the outside. Shawn Murphy, an offensive lineman from Utah State is a versatile guy whom Tony Sparano will use at a couple of spots early on. He could end up settling in at left guard playing with Long in a downhill power running attack on the weak side.

 

 

I look late, really late, to find a gem, pick number 245, late. Lionel Dotson may end up being an Arena Leaguer, but I think he can contribute on a crappy team in Miami. He may be a practice squad player this year but with some good coaching, he is a guy who is big and strong, uses great leverage and could contribute to the rotation on the defensive line, playing inside and out in the future. 

 

Round 1 (1) – Jake Long – OT – 6’7” 315 – Michigan 

 

Round 2 (32) – Phillip Merling – DE – 6’5” 272 – Clemson 

 

Round 2 (57) – Chad Henne – QB – 6’2” 225 – Michigan 

 

Round 3 (66) – Kendall Langford – DT – 6’6” 295 – Hampton 

 

Round 4 (110) – Shawn Murphy – OT – 6’4” 320 – Utah State 

 

Round 6 (176) – Jalen Parmele – RB – 6’0” 224 – Toledo 

 

Round 6 (195) – Donald Thomas – OG – 6’4” 303 – Connecticut 

 

Round 6 (204) – Lex Hilliard – RB – 5’11” 228 – Montana

Round 7 (245) – Lionel Dotson – DE – 6’4” 296 – Arizona

Miami Dolphins – Draft Grade – B

By T. Lewis, 20Yardline.com
May 7, 2008