2012 NFL Draft analysis: Miami Dolphins

Now that the 2012 NFL Draft is over, we're profiling each team's draft. Who were the steals? Who were the reaches? We continue with the Miami Dolphins.

After a failed attempt at signing Peyton Manning, and no luck reeling in Matt Flynn or Alex Smith, the Miami Dolphins entered the 2012 NFL Draft without a franchise quarterback. And the Dolphins addressed the issue early, drafting Ryan Tannehill No. 8 overall, the highest pick the franchise has used on a quarterback since drafting Bob Griese No. 4 in 1967. Tannehill is the first quarterback the Dolphins have drafted in the first round since Dan Marino in 1983.

With the quarterback situation taken care of, the Phins moved on to fill other needs with the remaining eight picks. Miami wisely scooped up Jonathan Martin, who fell to the second round and will fit in nicely on the right side of Miami's line. They also managed to add a defensive end for their 4-3 defense with third round pick Oliver Vernon. One area that wasn't addressed until very late in the draft was wide receiver. Miami took a couple of late-round fliers on some high-upside players, but Tannehill may not be thrilled with the weapons he'll have at his disposal next fall.

Late-Round Steal: RB Lamar Miller, Round 4, pick 97

I'm not sure if the fourth round qualifies as a late-round pick, but the selection of Lamar Miller was an excellent one. He was one of the more explosive running backs in this draft class, and it was a bit of a surprise that he was available on the draft's third day. I think he will make an instant impact as a rookie. Michigan State wide receiver and sixth round pick B.J. Cunningham is another intriguing pick. His quicks and route running skills will make him one of the better weapons in Miami's passing offense.

Questionable Selection: TE Michael Egnew, Round 3, pick 78

Throughout the pre-draft process, I made it known that I was not a huge fan of Michael Egnew. During his time at the University of Missouri, he played exclusively in the slot and rarely blocked. He posted excellent numbers with Blaine Gabbert tossing darts to him, but with the lesser James Franklin under center, Egnew had a underwhelming senior season. He is athletic, but I wonder about his ability to transition to the NFL, where he will be asked to do more than just catch passes. This selection may have been better spent on a wide receiver.