In his first draft as the Miami Dolphins, Head Coach Brian Flores addressed the position he values most.
Players that make differences in the trenches.
With their first-round pick, the Dolphins selected fun-loving defensive tackle Christian Wilkins who immediately showed the type of person on the stage in the Nashville.
Usually draft picks pick up their jersey from the NFL commissioner and take a picture with him on the stage, not Wilkins. Instead of picking up the jersey, Wilkins almost knocked commissioner Roger Goodell down.
The 6’3, 315 pound Wilkins expected the commissioner to meet him in the air for a shoulder bump, but it resulted in a hilarious moment that went viral across the nation.
“I had to beat him up a little bit.” Wilkins said in his press conference right after hearing his name called. “I was too excited, I was too excited.”
The Clemson University product is considered to have a character as high as his play on the field.
In between winning the National Championship with the Tigers and the NFL Draft, Wilkins was a high school substitute teacher.
Last season, Wilkins was an All-American with a campaign of 51 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss with five and half sacks.
For the second round, the rumors were flying the entire week and took a risk on an outcasted former top ten pick.
“[He’s] very smart, versatile football player.” Dolphins General Manager Chris Grier said. “[He was] highly productive. [We] love the size, the athletic ability [and the] things he’ll add to the locker room, no just the field. For us, we were very excited and for us, it was an easy decision.”
Quarterback Josh Rosen was traded to the Dolphins by the Arizona Cardinals in return for Miami’s second-round pick (62nd overall) and a fifth-round pick in 2020.
With number one overall pick, the Cardinals took quarterback Kyler Murray essentially confirming their intentions to trade their first-round pick last year after a disappointing rookie campaign.
“He was always a guy that’s had a ton of talent.” Grier said. “He’s a smart guy, like everyone knows. He has arm talent. He can throw it. I think what everyone always liked about him how cerebral he was as well.”
Rosen started 13 games for the Cardinals last season throwing 2,278 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. Earlier in the offseason, the Dolphins signed 14 year veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and now Rosen is expected to compete with him for the starting role.
In the third round, Miami continued to load the trenches by grabbing Wisconsin Offensive Guard Michael Deiter.
“I knew they needed o-linemen.” Deiter said after hearing his named called to the ‘Phins. “I figured I could be a guy that could come in and help. I’m just excited to get picked and I just can’t wait to get to work.”
In the fifth round, the Dolphins selected another Wisconsin Badger linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel.
In the sixth and seventh round, Miami selected Ohio State offensive tackle Isaiah Prince and Auburn fullback Chandler Cox respectively.
Miami Dolphins Draft 