Oh boy, another draft means another training camp report. How long have I been doing these reports? I know I've been in this league for nearly 15 seasons, but these are definitely becoming season traditions now. With that being said... time to analyze my 2001 draft class. I think the one word to describe the Fins 2001 draft class is, in the words of Mr Spock: "fascinating". I say that because I did not abide by my rules for drafting, and you'll see later on where I went differently with this draft. Without further introduction, lets start:
2-8: Andre Burton (RDE) +2/0
The Dolphins needed a young edge rusher to fill in the void of John Morrison's retirement and John Brown possibly being passed his prime. In the past, the Fins have signed and traded for veteran edge rushers to fill in the void whenever the need occurs. Proof of that is that John Brown who has been with the team since the 1992 season, is the longest tenured edge rusher on the team and he's been through six different left defensive ends. Andre Burton will get to sit and learn behind one of the greatest edge rushers in Paydirt, and provide long term stability towards one of the edges.
2-10: Thomas Bryson (TE) +8/+1
Steven Pokorny provided temporary stability at the TE position but he wasn't the long term answer. Thomas Bryson may be the first of two TEs the Dolphins needed to draft that will provide long term stability at the position. Good addition, especially since the Dolphins offense will need to keep up with the Tennessee Titans, San Diego Chargers, and Pittsburgh Steelers juggernaut offenses.
3-3: Garrett Reid (TE) +6/+5
Now, it can be argued that this wasn't a need especially after the aforementioned Thomas Bryson pick, but considering the list of AFC juggernauts, Reid fits the bill as a need. Both Bryson and Reid will provide long term stability at the TE position.
3-32: Adam Stanley (OL) +5/+10
The first best player available pick by the Dolphins. Miami's offensive line is already stacked and somehow, the OL is even more dangerous. He will develop and eventually play somewhere in the interior OL, most likely the LG position. Debatably a great steal from this draft.
4-25: Edward Mobley (CB) +5/+1
This is becoming an annual tradition for the Dolphins to draft at least one defensive back in the draft. Mobley will most likely be a depth piece and special teams player, as he will struggle to find playing time in a loaded secondary.
4-30: Sammie Phillips (LDE) +1/+1
Curious choice by the Fins as their DL is already very stacked. Phillips will have to fight for a roster spot but does have potential to stay assuming he has a good preseason.
6-4: Keith Thomas (SLB) +1/-3
First miss of the draft class for the Fins. A pick mostly based on his high volatility, will be an immediate cut.
6-30: Fred Leavitt (DT) +2/+1
He isn't the kind of guy that fits the Fins DL scheme so he may not make the roster, but he will have the entire preseason to prove me wrong. Worth a shot to try him out.
7-25: Gary Glidden (WLB) +4/+1
Depends on how his preseason and waiver wire goes, he may be a roster cut by week 1. He still has a chance to prove his value though.
7-30: Ricky Row (TE) 0/0
Row did not have a chance at lasting long in this roster. He was gone almost immediately before training camp started.
Conclusion:
The first three picks were drafted bases on need, a different draft strategy then how I usually approach the draft. While eventually I did draft best player available, many of them were not high according to the war room, but I still think they were good pickups. I'm giving this draft class an A as I think the Fins accomplished a lot in this draft and didn't waste a high draft pick on a bust.
