After looking at the best recent draft picks for teams that currently occupy the first 12 selections in April’s draft, it’s time to look at the Dolphins who have the 13th pick. Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports has them selecting offensive tackle Jonah Williams out of Alabama with that pick in his latest mock draft.
The Dolphins haven’t been one of the more successful franchises in drafting transcendent players recently, and they have made the playoffs only four times since 2000 (just once in the last 10 seasons).
Note: Only time with the Dolphins is considered for this list. Where they were drafted makes a difference - meaning this isn’t exactly a top-ten players drafted by Miami since 2000 list. Some late-round picks who didn’t quite make the list but had solid careers with the team include Rex Hadnot (sixth round, 2004), Chris Clemons (fifth round, 2009), Charles Clay (sixth round, 2011), Lamar Miller (fourth round, 2011), and Jay Ajayi (fifth round, 2015).
Mike Pouncey, C - 1st round, 15th overall (2011); time with Dolphins: 2011-2017
Pouncey started 93 games for the Dolphins over seven seasons and was superb at opening up lanes for their running backs. He made the Pro Bowl three straight seasons from 2013-2015.
Reshad Jones, S - 5th round, 163rd overall (2010); time with Dolphins: 2010-present
Over the course of nine seasons so far, Jones has intercepted the opposing quarterback 21 times. Four of those have gone for touchdowns for the two-time Pro Bowler (also has two fumble recoveries returned for scores). USA Today has reported that Miami may look to move on from his mega-deal as they look to rebuild.
Jarvis Landry, WR - 2nd round, 63rd overall (2014); time with Dolphins: 2014-2017
Averaging exactly 100 catches per season in his four years with Miami, Landry was named a Pro Bowler in each of his last three seasons with the team. In 2017, he led the NFL with 112 receptions.
Chris Chambers, WR - 2nd round, 52nd overall (2001); time with Dolphins: 2001-2007
A Pro Bowler in 2005, Chambers' best season came in that year when he caught 82 passes for 1,118 yards and 11 touchdowns. Altogether with Miami, he totaled 405 catches for 5,688 yards and 43 touchdowns.
Jake Long, OT - 1st round, 1st overall (2008); time with Dolphins: 2008-2012
While injuries shortened his career, Long earned Pro Bowl nods in each of his first four seasons. He started 74 games for the Dolphins and was a First Team All-Pro in 2010.
Paul Soliai, DT - 4th round, 108th overall (2007); time with Dolphins: 2007-2013
An awfully large man (listed at 344 lbs.), Soliai provided excellent support against the run. He was named to the Pro Bowl in the 2011 season.
Xavien Howard, CB - 2nd round, 38th overall (2016); time with Dolphins: 2016-present
Howard has the opportunity to climb up this list as he has played only three seasons thus far. Last season, he tied for the league lead with seven interceptions.
Randy McMichael, TE - 4th round, 114th overall (2002); time with Dolphins: 2002-2006
McMichael was very productive for the Dolphins especially in his last three years with the team. In those three seasons, he averaged 65 catches for 671 yards and four touchdowns.
Brian Hartline, WR - 4th round, 108th overall (2009); time with Dolphins: 2009-2014
Posting back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons in 2012 and 2013, Hartline proved to be somewhat of a late-round find for Miami. In six seasons with the team, he caught 298 passes for 4,243 yards.
Todd Wade, OT - 2nd round, 53rd overall (2000); time with Dolphins: 2000-2003
Rounding out the list is Wade, a steadying presence on the offensive line in Miami for four seasons. He missed just one game in his tenure with the Dolphins.