2003 Draft

Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

I have always liked Parcell's as a talent evaluator and he had another solid draft.  My only two minor points are that if Long doesn't become a stud left tackle, he may regret not picking Gholston, especially since he will see him two times a year; and in a draft deep at cornerback and wide receiver, the Fins didn't come up with a player at either position.  However, it's hard to argue with the players they drafted and this team had needs all over the place.

DRAFT PICKS

I like Long as a player, a lot.  However, I'm not sure he will develop into an elite left tackle.  Will he be solid.  Yes.  Will he be very good.  Yes.  Will he be perennial Pro Bowl?  Maybe.  In any event he will be a top drawer long time starter for Miami.

I originally thought of Merling as a three-down end in a 4-3, with good size for that scheme to play the run, and acceptable pass rush skills.  As a 3-4 end, he is a little light.  However, he has the frame to add bulk and could be a solid end in that scheme down the line.

Henne is a good fit for Miami.  In my opinion, he has more skills and a greater upside than John Beck.  He is a pocket passer who can make all the throws and only needs experience before becoming a solid NFL starter.

Langford may have been the top "3-4" defensive end in this draft.  He is a big-body kid who can play the run and get penetration against the pass.  Coming from Hampton, he will need time to adjust to the speed of the NFL.  In five years the Dolphins may find that they have the next Aaron Smith.  A great get for the Fins.

Murphy has a mean streak and quick feet.  He only played guard for one year at Utah State, and played it very well. In retrospect, I under-evaluated Murphy.  He is a good fit for the Dolphins scheme and could wind up starting this year.

Parmele was very underrated coming into this draft.  He is a terrific athlete who runs hard and is faster than many think, and at 224 pounds runs well inside.  With often injured, but highly talented Ronnie Brown, and the more time off the field recently than on the field, Parmele could be forced into action at some point this year.  If he is, he could have an Ahmed Bradshaw-like impact.

Thomas was one of the better developmental guard prospects in this draft.  I had him rated higher than Murphy, although with only one full year as a starter, he is still a bit raw.

Hilliard would have gone higher if not for injuries.  He was a halfback in college, but could be tried at fullback.  He will have a tough time sticking on the roster at halfback.  Wide receiver Jabari Arthur would have been an interesting pick at this spot.  He is a tall receiver with good hands, excellent college production, and decent speed.  He would have had a shot to start opposite Ginn Jr.

Dotson is a defensive tackle who will be tried at end in Miami's 3-4.  He may be headed to their practice squad for further development.

COLLEGE STREET FREE AGENTS

Bess has a shot to stick around the team as a bottom of the roster receiver or practice squad player because the team is relatively thin at the position.  Bess has good hands, knows how to get open, but is smallish, not overly fast and not overly quick.

Poppinga could be a surprise in the Fins' camp.  He played mainly outside in college, but has the size, strength and quick feet needed to play inside in a 3-4 defense.  He could stick as a backup and special teams player.

On tape Titus Brown looks like he would be a good outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.  He was an undersized defensive end at Mississippi State.  However, his workout raised red flags regarding this transition.  He is certainly worth a look in camp.

Spanos' main benefit is that he can play anywhere along the offensive line.  He could stick on the dolphins' practice squad to be available as a backup in a pinch.