I would've had this, the 8th pick of the 2012 BTSC Community Mock Draft, up earlier but I didn't get a chance to put it together last night. Thanks go to MiamiSteelersFan for the prompt response and write up, even though my slacking didn't reflect it. Next up: Carolina Panthers, and they'll also be appropriately represented by WolfpackSteelersFan. -barnerburner-
********************
The story of the 2012 offseason for the Dolphins sounds familiar: openly shopping to replace someone who is still around. Except instead of now ex-coach Tony Sparano, it's Matt Moore who had to sit idly as the Dolphins unsuccessfully pursued Peyton Manning, Matt Flynn, et al. Though the club did sign former Jaguars QB David Garrard, the future of the position remains murky. In a town that thrives on star-power, the Dolphins have little choice but to take a risk and draft QB Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M, with the 8th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Although lacking the glamour of Luck or RG3, the 6'4", 220lb Tannehill should inject some hope into the perennially middle-of-the-pack organization. With the addition of Garrard, the Dolphins can let Tannehill develop for a year before putting the weight of the franchise on his shoulders. The Dolphins do have needs at WR and on the defensive line, however GM Jeff Ireland's hand is a bit forced based on the Manning swing-and-miss. Ireland also believes the WR position in particular can be addressed in later rounds of the draft (encouraged by the success of our very own Antonio Brown, I'm sure).
Coming into March, Tannehill was considered by most as a late-first round prospect. However, based on the movement in the draft and a successful pro day, drafting Tannehill with the 8th pick isn't the stretch it once seemed. We'll have to wait and see if Tannehill can be the long awaited franchise QB, a role that hasn't been filled since Dashing Dan Marino retired.
BTSC 2012 Community Mock Draft Picks:
- Indianapolis Colts -- Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
- Washington Redsinks -- Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
- Minnesota Vikings -- Matt Kalil, OT, USC
- Cleveland Browns -- Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
- St. Louis Rams -- Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
- Jacksonville Jaguars -- Quinton Coples, DE, UNC