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With the eighth pick in the 2012 MHR Community Mock Draft, the Miami Dolphins select:
David DeCastro, Guard, Stanford
Dolphins GM: Tony Astorino
GM Explanation: Let me preface this by saying; If allowed the opportunity, I definitely would have made an effort to trade back and out of this pick. With so many needs, and depth at the positions we do need, trading back would be the Dolphins ideal choice, with the talent currently available. Having said that the Miami Dolphins organization loves what DeCastro will bring to the Offensive Line. A dominant run-blocker, who can also do well in pass protection. David along with Jake Long, will fortify our offensive line, and help improve our offense from the inside out. Increasing the time our quarterback will have to survey the defense before throwing, as well as opening big holes for Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas to run through. Of all of the players left on the board, the Miami Dolphins believe that David DeCastro will no doubt, net us the largest return in both the short and long run.
Quarterback Situation: To many the logical choice at this position would have been Ryan Tannehill seeing as we do need a quarterback. However seeing as we have so many needs, selecting a quarterback at the 8th overall spot who will not be able to start right away seems foolish, given depth at the position. While Tannehill may be a good quarterback down the line, he is not yet as NFL ready as some of the other quarterbacks in this class which can be taken in later rounds including Brandon Weeden, Kirk Cousins, and Russell Wilson. By no means do we think that any of those three are ready for superstardom, but they would fit our scenario better. We feel that any of those three have week one starting potential, and all three have solid room for improvement as well.
Commissioner's Analysis: I am not completely opposed to this pick from a football perspective for the Dolphins, actually. I think it fortifies an area of weakness, I'm just not sold they won't pick Ryan Tannehill, which Tony addressed. What the Dolphins would be getting in DeCastro is a future perennial pro bowl caliber player who will be dominant at his position for years to come. With last year's selection of Mike Pouncey, I think the Dolphins have almost permanently established the foundation of their offensive line between him, Jake Long, and now DeCastro. This is a very, very high spot for a guard and I would have expected this pick more if Tony Sparano was still around, but I can't say this would be a terrible choice. It's just not the greatest value in terms of position.
Draft Recap:
1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
3. Minnesota Vikings: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
4. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
6. St. Louis Rams: Matt Kalil, OT, USC
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
8. Miami Dolphins: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford
On the clock...Carolina Panthers (Oregon Crush)