Miami Dolphins 2012 Draft Preview

Apr 20, 2012 - 4:40 PM (Sports Network) - The Dolphins' primary goal for this draft is to attain a quality young quarterback that can solidify a position that's lacked stability ever since Dan Marino's retirement well over a decade ago. Miami also hasn't taken a signal-caller in the first round since striking gold with Marino all the way back in 1983, but it's believed that drought could very well end if Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill is still available at the team's No. 8 overall pick. The athletic former wide receiver already has a strong connection to the new staff, having operated offensive coordinator and ex-Aggies head coach Mike Sherman's system while in college, and the Dolphins aren't committed to veterans Matt Moore and David Garrard beyond this season. Miami's greatest offensive deficiency may be at wide receiver, however, after trading malcontent Brandon Marshall to Chicago last month, and there's also a desire for a nimble right tackle who can effectively protect whomever is taking the snaps next season. The Dolphins are in better shape on the defensive side, though an outside linebacker that can provide a pass-rushing presence opposite the disruptive Cameron Wake does qualify as a significant need.

2011 Record: 6-10

Top Needs: WR, OLB, RT, QB

First Three Picks: No. 8, No. 42, No. 72

Number of Selections: 8 (1, 2, 3, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

RECENT FIRST ROUND HISTORY: 2011 - Mike Pouncey (C, Florida); 2010 - Jared Odrick (DE, Penn State); 2009 - Vontae Davis (CB, Illinois); 2008 - Jake Long (OT, Michigan); 2007 - Ted Ginn (WR, Ohio State); 2006 - Jason Allen (DB, Tennessee); 2005 - Ronnie Brown (RB, Auburn); 2004 - Vernon Carey (OT, Miami- Florida); 2003 - none.