No. 22 selection could surprise
With that number, Miami is shooting dice in NFL draft.
Dave George
It’s an oddity, but the Miami Dolphins have never owned the No. 22 overall selection in an NFL draft, which is where they sit for April’s edition.
Don’t know if this development will be groundbreaking or heartbreaking, but there has been plenty of both to choose from at that number through the years.
Pittsburgh got Ernie Stautner at No. 22 in 1950. He’s the only Pro Football Hall of Famer ever selected at that spot. Of course, it’s been a while, but that at least is mildly encouraging for Dolphins fans.
On the other hand, the Cleveland Browns have taken Johnny Manziel, Brandon Weeden and Brady Quinn at No. 22 in recent years. Makes you think that spot might actually be haunted.
William “Refrigerator” Perry went to Chicago at No. 22 in 1985. Now we’re in the realm of NFL folklore. A 335-pound monster versatile enough to run for a Super Bowl touchdown, and so entertaining that he actually made coach Mike Ditka share some of the headlines.
Demaryius Thomas was a nice pick at No. 22 for Denver in 2010. He quickly became a Pro Bowler at wide receiver and was one of Adam Gase’s favorites there.
On the nastier side, at least from a Dolphins standpoint, is Bud Dupree, the Pittsburgh linebacker who drew a roughing-the-passer penalty for a vicious hit on Matt Moore in the wildcard playoff game a couple of weeks ago. Never hurts to have a little nasty on defense, though. Getting a kid like Dupree could potentially transform Miami’s leaky linebacker corps.
All of this has me wondering what will be available when the Dolphins’ turn comes around. Not specifically, but in terms of general quality and immediate utility.
Obviously, it won’t be the cream of the crop. Because the Dolphins had a better season (10-6 and a wild-card playoff appearance), their drafting order gets worse, and so do the chances of finding a sure starter in the first round.
Don Shula had pretty good luck finding reliable players in this general range, however.
Here are the guys Miami has taken within a spot or two of No. 22 throughout the years. Judge for yourself.
Offensive tackle Darryl Carlton — No. 23 in 1975 (traded to Tampa Bay after two disappointing seasons).
Offensive tackle Jon Giesler — No. 24 in 1979 (10 solid seasons at left tackle, including the early Marino years).
Cornerback Don McNeal — No. 21 in 1980 (Instant starter, played in two Super Bowls).
Offensive lineman Roy Foster — No. 24 in 1982 (Two-time Pro Bowler, also caught a TD pass from Marino).
Wide receiver Randal Hill — No. 23 in 1991 (5 starts and 4 touchdown catches in brief Miami career).