There were 254 players that heard their names being called at the 2019 NFL Draft, changing their lives forever. But not all will be productive, impactful players at the next level. Let’s take a closer look at the picks made by the Miami Dolphins.

The Miami Dolphins entered the 2019 NFL Draft with needs all over the roster. There were glaring holes along the offensive line at guard and right tackle specifically. The defensive front seven also had to be addressed. So how did the Dolphins do trying to fill these holes and add talent to a depleted roster?

Round One, Pick 13: Christian Wilkins, Defensive Tackle, Clemson

With the 13th overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, the Dolphins selected Christian Wilkins from Clemson. At 6-4 and 330 pounds, Wilkins was a beast on the Clemson defensive line. Wilkins showed improvement every year, leading him to become a top defensive line prospect in this year’s draft. Per PFF, Wilkins was the highest graded run defender. Furthermore, Wilkins will be reunited with former Clemson defensive Line coach Marion Hobby, who helped develop him before. Ranking 31st in rushing yards allowed in 2018, the Dolphins immediately address this defensive weakness with Wilkins.

The ACC saw some stellar run-defense play from several interior defenders this season, but Christian Wilkins ruled them all with his 93.6 grade. pic.twitter.com/ColM2UuQVP — PFF College (@PFF_College) April 21, 2019

Many Dolphins fans would have preferred a trade down or Dwayne Haskins who fell to 15. However, Wilkins was ranked higher on the draft board by Dolphins brass than both quarterback prospects left available. The New York Giants drafted a DT at 17, so Wilkins likely would not have dropped much further if the Dolphins would have traded down. Instead, they stood pat and selected a man they felt was a top-10 prospect.

Grade: A

Round Two, Pick 48: TRADE with New Orleans Saints for pick 62

The 48th overall pick was traded to the New Orleans Saints along with pick 116 for picks 62 and 202 in addition to a 2020 second round pick. Even if the Saints win the Super Bowl (which would cause next year’s second round pick to be the 64th overall pick), the Dolphins make a good profit on this trade. Meanwhile, the Dolphins are able to continue to stockpile value for the 2020 draft.

Grade: A+

Round Two, Pick 62: TRADE with Arizona Cardinals for QB Josh Rosen

After months of speculation, the Arizona Cardinals finally found a trade deal for QB Josh Rosen. The Dolphins traded the 62nd overall pick along with a 2020 fifth-round pick for the 2018 10th overall pick. It should be noted that Rosen was drafted one spot prior to the Dolphins 2018 first-round draft pick. Yet the Dolphins claimed they were not interested in the QB just a year ago. However, with a different coaching staff during this year’s draft, it is possible the new coaching staff saw something in Rosen that the former coaches did not.

This trade puts a dent into the hopes of the #TankForTua crowd, but there is nothing stopping the Dolphins from drafting a QB next year if this trade does not work out. The value of obtaining a possible franchise quarterback for a second and fifth-round pick is too great to pass on. Head coach Brian Flores and Rosen have both publicly stated there will be a competition for the starting job. However, the Dolphins must start Rosen for the majority of the season to see what he brings to the table.

If the Dolphins would have just surrendered the 62nd pick, this trade would get an A+ trade. However, by giving away a 2020 5th rounder, that grade falls.

Grade: A

Round Three, Pick 78: Michael Deiter, Center, Wisconsin

With the 78th overall pick, the Dolphins selected Michael Deiter, an offensive lineman out of Wisconsin. Starting 54 consecutive games at left guard, left tackle and center, Deiter provides stability and flexibility for the Dolphins offensive line. Furthermore, Deiter earned First-Team All-Big honors in 2017 and in 2018. After losing Ja’Wuan James and Josh Sitton, the Dolphins have holes in an already struggling offensive line. Deiter can set in the left guard role next to LT Laremy Tunsil, solidifying the left side of the line.

Deiter is often praised for his ability to shift around on the offensive line and for his toughness. The Dolphins have lacked this toughness in recent years. Deiter made the most out of his opportunity to play, pushing to be able to start as many games as possible. Deiter’s toughness and consistency during his collegiate career should prove to be beneficial in training camp. If Deiter earns a starting spot over Jesse Davis and recently acquired Chris Reed, look for the offensive line to obtain a type of stability it has not had in years.

Grade: B+

Round Four, Pick 116: TRADE with New Orleans Saints

The Saints received this pick along with pick 48 in the previous trade.

Round Five, Pick 151: Andrew Van Ginkel, Linebacker, Wisconsin

With the 151st overall pick, the Dolphins selected another Wisconsin player, this time being Andrew Van Ginkel, who played outside linebacker. Prior to Wisconsin, Van Ginkel played two years at two different junior colleges. Per Jason Galloway, the Badgers sports program columnist, Van Ginkel played through an ankle injury through most of his senior year. However, he was still able to play in twelve games, logging 59 tackles and 5.5 sacks. Van Ginkel underwhelmed scouts with his size, but made up for it with his speed and combine results. Van Ginkel will likely compete for a special teams position, with a possibility to provide linebacker and pass rush depth.

Grade: B-

Round Six, Pick 202: Isaiah Prince, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State

Continuing to address the offensive line, the Dolphins selected another lineman later in the draft. With the second pick acquired from the Saints trade, the Dolphins selected Isaiah Prince, an offensive tackle out of Ohio State. At 6-7 and 310 pounds, Prince has the size to be an effective tackle in the NFL. Prince played in all 54 games during his collegiate career at Ohio State and started all 41 games from his sophomore year on. Prince was ranked fifth best in run blocking, projected to be selected between the second and fourth rounds.

Ohio State's Isaiah Prince put forth the 2019 NFL Draft Class' fifth-highest run-blocking grade in 2018 pic.twitter.com/6eUHq2gBei — Pro Football Focus (@PFF) April 8, 2019

James, former Dolphins right tackle, was more expensive than the team would have liked. As a result, James departed, leaving a large hole on the right side of the offensive line. Prince will have a chance to start from day one if he performs well during training camps and the preseason. Obtaining Prince this late in the draft could be due to his struggles in pass protection. However, the Dolphins addressed an area of need with a late round pick who could become a future starter. Even if Prince does not immediately reach starter potential, he should provide depth and competition for the stopgaps currently on the roster.

Grade: A

Round Seven, Pick 233: Chandler Cox, Fullback, Auburn

With the value of fullbacks being among the lowest among NFL positions, the Dolphins chose to address this position in the last round of the draft. With their first of two back-to-back picks in the seventh round, the Dolphins selected Chandler Cox, a fullback out of Auburn. Cox played in 52 games and started in 41 of those 52. Cox varied between playing as a fullback, tailback, tight end and a wildcat quarterback. The Dolphins will likely use Cox in a fullback role to diversify their offense if he makes the roster. Look for Cox to be clearing the running lanes, with the next pick more likely to get the meaningful carries.

Grade: B

Round Seven, Pick 234: Myles Gaskin, Running Back, Washington

With their last pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Dolphins double dipped on running backs, this time selecting Myles Gaskin out of Washington. Gaskin was a very consistent tailback during his four years at Washington. Gaskin reached at least 1268 rushing yards in four consecutive seasons, scoring at least 11 touchdowns in each season. With Kenyan Drake and second-year player Kalen Ballage being the only RBs on the roster with NFL experience, look for Gaskin to compete for the third RB spot on the depth chart.

Grade: A

Overall

The biggest surprise of this year’s draft comes from a trade rather than an actual pick. The Dolphins finally pulled the trigger on a Rosen trade, but not without double-dipping in the second round. Dolphins general manager Chris Grier was able to obtain some value from their second-round pick, trading down with the Saints prior to sending the pick away to the Cardinals. This trade has polarized some Dolphins fans, with many fans wanting to focus on building the team for the 2020 QB draft class. However, this is a low-risk, high reward trade that makes the front office very excited. If Rosen pans out, the Dolphins have acquired their franchise QB for dirt cheap compared to the cost of a 2020 pick. Worst-case scenario, Rosen proves to be a decent backup, and the Dolphins draft a top QB next year anyway.

Grier has openly acknowledged that the team has plenty of work to do before they become a contender. Therefore, everyone expected the team to select players based on the “best player available” approach, especially since the majority of positions were labeled as weaknesses. Needing to build from the trenches, the Dolphins selected three players for the lines. Wilkins was drafted to improve the defensive line while Deiter and Prince were selected to address the offensive line. Furthermore, the Dolphins added a 2020 2nd-round pick, which could be used in the 2020 draft as ammunition to trade up for the prospects of their liking.

Overall Grade: A-

If the later picks develop into effective starters or role players, this will be one of the best drafts the Dolphins have had in recent memory. Furthermore, the never-ending search for a franchise QB could come to an end this coming season. Dolfans have much more to look forward to in 2019 than in weeks past thanks to this draft.