The Miami Dolphins’ draft capital entering next week’s event is about as expansive as any team in recent memory. With 14 picks, the Dolphins are set to select as many players as they did over the last two drafts combined.
It’s fun to imagine. The Dolphins have added Christian Wilkins, Mike Gesicki, Jerome Baker, Jason Sanders and former Dolphin Minkah Fitzpatrick over that time span — if the team adds an equal level of talent to the team with their heavy dosage of picks, it shouldn’t be hard to envision this Dolphins team gearing up for late-season challenges to make the postseason.
But what does team history tell us about some of these top selections? The Dolphins pick four times in the top 40, barring a trade. How much success have the Dolphins had in drafting talents in each of those respective spots in the past? It’s time for a history lesson.
The last time the Miami Dolphins held the 39th overall pick?
It’s been 21 years. The Dolphins drafted RB JJ Johnson out of Mississippi State with the 39th overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft — only to see Johnson out of the league by the year 2001. Johnson played in 36 total games and rushed for 748 yards. Fortunately, the Dolphins’ only other time drafting with the 39th pick had more luck. The Dolphins drafted OG Keith Sims out of Iowa State with the 39th pick in the 1990 NFL Draft.
Sims would go on to make 3 Pro Bowls with the Dolphins in the mid 1990s and started 108 games for the team over 8 seasons. Sims ultimately finished his career with the Washington Redskins until hanging up his cleats for good after the 2000 season.
The Dolphins would almost assuredly love to get the kind of return on investment that they found in Sims with that same pick in the draft order; Mike Pouncey is the most relatable talent for the Dolphins in recent memory as a multiple-time Pro Bowl honoree. Getting a few talents of that level would go a long way in keeping the Miami Dolphins’ quarterback of the future safe in 2020 and beyond.
