The Miami Dolphins have often looked to the NFL Draft as a means to secure their future success, but as history has shown, not every first-round pick has panned out as expected. Here are five notable instances where the Dolphins missed the mark with their first-round selections:
- Dion Jordan, drafted third overall in 2013, initially showed promise by playing in all 16 games as a rookie. However, his career quickly unraveled due to multiple violations of the NFL’s substance abuse policy, leading to his release in 2017 after failing to make an impact.
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Randal Hill, a Miami native, was selected in the first round in 1991 but struggled to adapt to the team’s system. He was traded to the Cardinals after just one regular-season game, later returning to the Dolphins but failing to make a significant impact in subsequent seasons.
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David Overstreet, drafted in 1981, didn’t join the Dolphins until two years later due to a contract dispute. While he showed promise on the field, his career was tragically cut short by a fatal car accident in 1984.
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Yatil Green, drafted 15th overall in 1997, faced injury setbacks that prevented him from making a meaningful contribution to the team. Despite being given multiple chances, he failed to live up to expectations and was ultimately cut from the roster.
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Sammie Smith, selected ninth overall in 1989, struggled with fumbles and failed to impress on the field. After being traded to the Denver Broncos, his NFL career came to an end, marred further by legal troubles.
These instances serve as cautionary tales for the Dolphins as they approach the upcoming draft, emphasizing the importance of thorough evaluation and careful decision-making to avoid similar disappointments in the future.
