With the NFL offseason just kicking off, Chat Sports is taking the time to reflect on the 2016 NFL Draft. While the true career arcs of these players won't be known for years to come, we do have an idea of which way the teams' draft classes are trending. For the Miami Dolphins, the 2016 draft class provided them with plenty of impact players. Here's how we graded it:
Day One:
OT Laremy Tunsil, Rd. 1, Pick 13
Miami lucked into Tunsil after his draft day slide, and he's preparing to take over as their starting left tackle in 2017 after starting every game last year. He may already be their best offensive lineman.
Day Two:
CB Xavien Howard, Rd. 2 Pick 28
RB Kenyan Drake, Rd. 3, Pick 73
WR Leonte Carroo, Rd. 3, Pick 86
Howard was inconsistent, as you could expect from any rookie, but showed flashes of being a true lockdown corner. Drake provides value as a returner and third-down back, and while Carroo is a project, he's a big, strong receiver - something their current core lacks.
Day Three:
WR Jakeem Grant, Rd. 6, Pick 186
SS Jordan Lucas, Rd. 6, Pick 204
QB Brandon Doughty, Rd. 7 Pick 223
TE Thomas Duarte, Rd. 7 Pick 231
None of these players really had an impact of real significance, with the exception of Grant's role as Miami's punt returner.
Grade: B+
Everyone Miami picked in the first three rounds became reliable contributors last year, and all of them are expected to thrive in larger roles next season. Grant's role as a returner gave Miami something small from their last few picks. For more Dolphins draft coverage, download the Chat Sports Android and iPhone app.