The Miami Dolphins have two Super Bowl titles, courtesy of their early first-round NFL Draft picks in the 1960s. Round 1 hasn’t been as kind year over year to the Dolphins as time has gone on, but Miami still finds itself in a competitive position, largely because of the foundational talent acquired in Round 1.
Miami Dolphins First-Round Draft Picks Throughout History
Across their franchise history, the Dolphins have seen three first-round picks ascend to the ranks of the Hall of Fame. The most famous, of course, is quarterback Dan Marino, whom the Dolphins picked 27th overall in the 1983 NFL Draft. Marino was the first NFL QB to break 5,000 yards by almost 25 years and is widely regarded as one of the greatest passers of all time.
Interestingly, many of Miami’s first-round picks in the 21st century — such as Ted Ginn Jr., Vontae Davis, Ryan Tannehill, Laremy Tunsil, and Minkah Fitzpatrick — all went on to have their best seasons after leaving the Dolphins. More recently, Miami has improved at retaining and developing talent early. Tua Tagovailoa, Christian Wilkins, Jaylen Waddle, and Jaelan Phillips have all grown to become impact players.
2023
The Dolphins’ first-round pick was forfeited for violations of the anti-tampering policy.
2022
The Dolphins traded the 29th pick to the Kansas City Chiefs.
2021
- Jaylen Waddle | Pick 6
WR, Alabama - Jaelan Phillips | Pick 18
DL, Miami (FL)
2020
- Tua Tagovailoa | Pick 5
QB, Alabama - Austin Jackson | Pick 18
OT, USC - Noah Igbinoghene | Pick 30
CB, Auburn
2019
- Christian Wilkins | Pick 13
DT, Clemson
2018
- Minkah Fitzpatrick | Pick 11
S, Alabama
2017
- Charles Harris | Pick 22
OLB, Missouri
2016
- Laremy Tunsil | Pick 13
OT, Mississippi
2015
- DeVante Parker | Pick 14
WR, Louisville
2014
- Ja’Wuan James | Pick 19
OT, Tennessee
2013
- Dion Jordan | Pick 3
DE, Oregon
2012
- Ryan Tannehill | Pick 8
QB, Texas A&M
2011
- Mike Pouncey | Pick 15
G, Florida
2010
- Jared Odrick | Pick 28
DE, Penn State
2009
- Vontae Davis | Pick 25
DB, Illinois
2008
- Jake Long | Pick 1
OT, Michigan
2007
- Ted Ginn Jr. | Pick 9
WR, Ohio State
2006
- Jason Allen | Pick 16
DB, Tennessee
2005
- Ronnie Brown | Pick 2
RB, Auburn
2004
- Vernon Carey | Pick 19
OT, Miami (FL)
2003
The Dolphins traded the 18th pick to the New Orleans Saints.
2002
The Dolphins traded the 25th pick to the New Orleans Saints.
2001
- Jamar Fletcher | Pick 26
DB, Wisconsin
2000
The Dolphins traded the 23rd pick to the Carolina Panthers.
1999
The Dolphins traded the 24th pick to the San Francisco 49ers and the 27th pick to the Detroit Lions.
1998
- John Avery | Pick 29
RB, Mississippi
1997
- Yatil Green | Pick 15
WR, Miami (FL)
1996
- Daryl Gardener | Pick 20
DT, Baylor
1995
- Billy Milner | Pick 25
OT, Houston
1994
- Tim Bowens | Pick 20
DT, Mississippi
1993
- O.J. McDuffie | Pick 25
WR, Penn State
1992
- Troy Vincent | Pick 7
DB, Wisconsin - Marco Coleman | Pick 12
DE, Georgia Tech
1991
- Randal Hill | Pick 23
WR, Miami (FL)
1990
- Richmond Webb | Pick 9
OT, Texas A&M
1989
- Sammie Smith | Pick 9
RB, Florida State - Louis Oliver | Pick 25
DB, Florida
1988
- Eric Kumerow | Pick 16
DE, Ohio State
1987
- John Bosa | Pick 16
DE, Boston College
1986
The Dolphins traded the 25th pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
1985
- Lorenzo Hampton | Pick 27
RB, Florida
1984
- Jackie Shipp | Pick 14
LB, Oklahoma
1983
- Dan Marino* | Pick 27
QB, Pittsburgh
1982
- Roy Foster | Pick 24
G, USC
1981
- David Overstreet | Pick 13
RB, Oklahoma
1980
- Don McNeal | Pick 21
DB, Alabama
1979
- Jon Giesler | Pick 24
OT, Michigan
1978
The Dolphins traded the 24th pick to the San Francisco 49ers.
1977
- A.J. Duhe | Pick 13
LB, LSU
1976
- Larry Gordon | Pick 17
LB, Arizona State - Kim Bokamper | Pick 19
DE, San Jose State
1975
- Darryl Carlton | Pick 23
OT, Tampa
1974
- Don Reese | Pick 26
DT, Jackson State
1973
The Dolphins traded the 26th pick to the Buffalo Bills.
1972
- Mike Kadish | Pick 25
DT, Notre Dame
1971
The Dolphins traded the 22nd pick to the Baltimore Colts.
1970
The Dolphins traded the third pick to the Cleveland Browns.
1969
- Bill Stanfill | Pick 11
DE, Georgia
1968
- Larry Csonka* | Pick 8
RB, Syracuse - Doug Crusan | Pick 27
OT, Indiana
1967
- Bob Griese* | Pick 4
QB, Purdue
1966
- Jim Grabowski | Pick 1
RB, Illinois - Rick Norton | Pick 2
QB, Kentucky
*Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame