For the most part, I'm honestly not sure what to think of the Fins' draft. Unlike some over-critical folks, I'm not real down on it, but I can't say I'm real high on it, either.


#9 - Ted Ginn Jr, WR, Ohio State - I actually fell asleep before the Fins' first pick rolled around and didn't wake up until a couple hours after the Fins' pick. At first my reaction was to sigh in relief that Quinn hadn't gone to the Fins after all, then groan when I realized that they had taken Ginn. However, the more I thought about it, the more I realized that it was a decent pick. Sure, it was a bit of a reach; but considering that he's going to be replacing Welker, that he is better than Welker in every facet of his game, and that the Fins received a 2nd and a 7th for Welker, it's not that bad.

Initial Grade: C+


#40 - John Beck, QB, BYU - I really like this pick. I initially favored Stanton with this pick, but the more I learn about Beck the more I like; he's smart, mature, mobile, an accurate thrower, and has a cannon for an arm when he needs to use it. The only fault in his game is that he apparently has a tendency towards a slightly low release when he throws short to medium routes, but that's fixable (see Phillip Rivers and his sidearm.)

Initial Grade: B+


#60 - Samson Satele, C/OG, Hawaii - The first of three big Samoans the Fins took in this draft, he's the kind of big, versatile interior lineman that Houck likes. Needs to work on his technique and strength a bit, but then again most rookies do. Beyond that, not really sure what to think.

Initial Grade: B-


#71 - Lorenzo Booker, RB, Florida St - Booker's pretty much a poor man's Maurice Drew, but as a change of pace and backup RB that's not necessarily a bad thing. Plus, with the Fins losing both backup RBs, this fits a need as well. Because this is the pick where Mueller basically told Peterson what he could do with his demand for a 4th round pick for Green, it gets a slight bump in my book.

Initial Grade: B


#181 - Reagan Mauia, FB, Hawaii - The second of the Samoan Triumvirate, Mauia is a huge, heavily muscled, and slightly crazy fullback who converted from defensive tackle. While the Fins will have the services of Corey Schlesinger this season, he's sure to only be with the Fins for a year, so this pick shows a decent amount of foresight and gives Mauia to learn his position from one of the best.

Initial Grade: B+


#199 - Drew Mormino, C/OG, Central Michigan - Another big, versatile lineman, he doesn't rate as high because he's a bit more of a project than Satele. However, that doesn't necessarily mean anything, as Houck took a likely bust in Carey and made him a top 10 right tackle.

Initial Grade: C+


#219 - Kelvin Smith, ILB, Syracuse - I'm actually not sure what this pick is about, except perhaps depth. Oh well, with any luck he makes the team and can spell Zach Thomas upon occasion.

Initial Grade: C


#225 - Brandon Fields, P, Michigan St - There's a certain amount of irony when the pick received as compensation from the Rams for signing RFA Donnie Jones is used to pick his replacement. Unlike the previous pick, I actually have some feeling on this. One, it fulfills a need that probably couldn't have been plugged adequately otherwise, which is what 7th round picks are for. Also, the kid has recorded punts of 70+ yards; that's a huge fucking leg.

Initial Grade: B


#238 - Abraham Wright, DE, Colorado - This pick is curious, given the Fins' depth at the position, until one remembers that the Fins lost Kevin Carter during the off season and needed to plug a small depth gap. Another non-sexy defensive pick, but one that gives the Fins a little breathing room.

Initial Grade: C


Average Initial Grade: B-

wow, homer alert.

Um, not really. I gave the grades based on the position they were taken, the needs they filled (if any), and what the Dolphins could get out of them. Then again, I spent the better part of yesterday reading player evaluations and watching clips on these guys. Also, it's an initial evaluation, IOW a first impression, the final grade can turn to an F real quick if they turn up bust.

Homer, am I? Funny how TSN gave the Fins an A+ and SportsLine gave the Fins a B. I'm sure you'll notice I gave a lower grade than both.