Second Round QB's Carry A Major Risk
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – When the Miami Dolphins go on the clock next Thursday in the first round of the NFL Draft, it will likely have to make a decision on whether to pick quarterback Ryan Tannehill or take their chances on getting a quarterback in the second round.
Dolphins fans may want to tell general manager Jeff Ireland to pick Tannehill if the team believes he can become a quality starter in the NFL. The reason is simple: historically, second round quarterbacs in the last several years in the NFL have stunk.
The list of quarterbacks selected in the second-round since 2006 includes: Pat White, 2009; Chad Henne, 2008; John Beck, 2007; Brian Brohm, 2008; Kellen Clemens, 2006. Going back further the list includes: Quincy Carter, 2001; Tony Banks, 1996; Matt Blundin, 1992; Tony Sacca, 1992.
The only second round quarterbacks selected in the second round in the last few years who has become a quality starter is Andy Dalton, who was picked by the Bengals in 2011. Dalton was also given a franchise receiver and a solid running game to help his development.
This year, the list of potential second-round quarterbacks includes: Brock Osweiler, Kirk Cousins, Nick Foles and Brandon Weeden. Of that list, Weeden may not make it to the second round. He's been rumored to be liked by several quarterback needy teams and may require a team to trade back into the first round to get him.
It's easy to see why NFL teams are excited about Weeden's possibilities. Last season, Weeden played five games against Top 25 teams. In those games, he was 159-225 for 1774 yards, 10 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, and most importantly, he was undefeated.
But, Weeden is 28 and that may scare some teams away. He took several years off from football to pursue a baseball career, but couldn't get to the Majors.
So, the Dolphins can choose to either take Tannehill and hope he can grow into a quality NFL quarterback, which is very possible or; they can roll the dice and trade back into the first round to draft Weeden and roll the dice with him.
Based on history, the one thing the Dolphins shouldn't do two things: one, draft a running back in the first round; and two, take a quarterback in the second round.
