With the 2011 regular season freshly over it is time to go back and evaluate every team’s draft classes based on performance this year. I will use a formula to grade each pick and calculuate a final grade for each team. The Dolphins get to play today.
ROUND 1 – graded from a 0-5 scale
ROUND 2 – graded from a 0-4 scale
ROUND 3 – graded from a 0-3 scale
ROUND 4 – graded from a 0-2 scale
ROUND 5 – graded from a 0-1 scale
ROUND 6 & 7 – no scale, point awarded if player was productive
*I reserve the right to award a bonus point to any player who outperformed their draft position.*
FINAL GRADING SCALE
90-100 – A
80-89 - B
70-79 - C
60 – 69 - D
0-59 - F
2011 Draft Class
Round 1: Mike Pouncey C, Florida – 16 Games Started
Analysis: Pouncey lived up to the high standard his twin set for him last season and will be the anchor of the Dolphins offensive line for the next decade.
Grade: 5.5/5
Round 2: Daniel Thomas RB, Kansas St. 581 Rushing Yds, 12 Rec, 72 Receiving Yds, 1 TD
Analysis: Thomas was widely expected to have the most productive rookie season for a running back in the leage. Instead he struggled picking up the offense and was outperformed by Reggie Bush.
Grade: 2/4
Round 4: Edmund Gates WR, Abilene Christian - 2 Receptions 19 Yds, 4 Rushing Yds
Analysis: Gates didn’t do much as a receiver but was an excellent kick returner who racked up 843 return yds this season.
Grade: 1.25/2
Round 6: Charles Clay FB, Tulsa - 16 Rec, 233 Yds, 3 TDs
Analysis: Clay was an excellent lead back for the Phins and proved to be a viable option in the passing game as well.
Grade: 1/0
Round 7: Frank Kearse DT, Alabama A&M – 10 Tackles .5 Sack
Analysis: Kearse was cut by the Phins and put up his numbers with the Panthers.
Grade: 0/0
Round 7: Jimmy Wilson DB, Montana – 16 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 INT
Analysis: Wilson played in 15 games, starting one of those and had decent production for a late seventh round choice.
Grade: .5/0
TOTAL SCORE 10.25/11
FINAL GRADE: 93% A
Analysis: The Dolphins got a Pro Bowl caliber center with their first pick in the 2011 Draft, as Pouncey appears to be just as good as his twin. They have to be disappointed with Daniel Thomas’ performance in year one. He struggled carrying the ball and didn’t run with the power he showed in college. Edmund Gates will be returning plenty of kicks for them in the future and they hit on some late picks in FB Charles Clay, and CB Jimmy Wilson. A pretty good class for a team that needs an infusion of talent to compete with the Patriots and Jets in their division.
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