How the National Media Graded the Dolphins' Day 2 Picks
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With their two Day 2 selections in the 2023 NFL draft, the Miami Dolphins selected CB Cam Smith and RB Devon Achane with the 51st and 84th overall picks.
For the most part, the Dolphins' selections got favorable reviews from national media draft analysts, though as with everything not everybody was totally on board.
2ND-ROUND PICK CAM SMITH GRADES
The Sporting News (Vinnie Iyer): The Dolphins have Jalen Ramsey joining Xavien Howard at corner, so from that perspective, it’s an interesting depth move for their initial pick. But in terms of the player, Smith is a great value here because he’s another big, physical, aggressive corner in this class who should have gone much earlier. Grade: A
CBSSports.com (Chris Trapasso): This is a battle-tested, feisty, ballhawk who can man up on the perimeter. Athletic and strong. A bit surprised this was a CB given their depth there, but Smith is a stud. Grade: A-
Pro Football Network (Oliver Hodgkinson): Despite the addition of Jalen Ramsey earlier in the offseason, there had been rumblings that the Dolphins would use their first selection of the 2023 NFL Draft on a cornerback. The selection of Cam Smith might appear to be a head-scratcher for some, but there’s a reason why he attracted early attention as a potential first-round pick. Smith plays with the physical swagger that you’d expect from a Gamecocks CB, typified by former South Carolina standout Jaycee Horn. Athleticism is the hallmark of Smith’s game, with explosion and speed weaponized by the fluidity that you need to play the position at a high level at the NFL level. Equally comfortable in coverage and playing the run, Smith is a sneaky good pick for the Dolphins despite potentially more important needs. Grade: B+
SI.com (Matt Verderame): At 180 pounds, Smith is a smaller corner who will need to thrive on technique. Still, some had him as a first-round pick, and the Dolphins were able to get him outside of the top 50 picks. With Xavien Howard and Jalen Ramsey as mentors, Smith will have time to grow while learning from two elite pros. Grade: B
The Athletic (Scott Dochterman): Considered one of the top cornerbacks entering the 2022 season, Smith produced underwhelming statistics that belie his talent. In 11 games, Smith had only 27 tackles, six passes defensed and one interception. He also blocked a field goal and dealt with a concussion. Smith (6-0 ½, 180) is a physical marvel with long arms (76 1/8 wingspan) and a 4.43 40-yard dash. He has incredible ability; it just might take a good secondary or cornerbacks coach to bring it out of him in Miami. Grade: C
Pro Football Focus: Smith is always around the football, has a propensity for pass breakups and tested faster than he played on tape, which could be a sign of continued growth. No one’s big board ranking dropped more precipitously over the last month of the pre-draft cycle, but he could end up being a value pick. Smith makes a lot of sense starting in the slot with Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard out wide in Vic Fangio’s loaded defense. Grade: Average
NFL.com (Eric Edholm): The Dolphins enter the chat with a somewhat surprising pick, considering their needs elsewhere. But Smith can shadow Jalen Ramsey on a daily basis and has the tools to become a very good corner in time with more maturity. We assumed the pick might be at an offensive position, but Smith can play. No grade assigned.
3RD-ROUND PICK DEVON ACHANE GRADES
The Sporting News (Vinie Iyer): The Dolphins can't rely on Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. staying healthy. Achane has great upside as a dynamic change-of-pace back who can excel as a compact runner in their zone-blocking scheme. Grade: A
Pro Football Network (Oliver Hodgkinson): While there were some disagreements between Dolphins fans over their first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft class, there’s no disagreeing with the selection of Texas A&M running back Devon Achane in the back half of the third round. Miami has been screaming out for a game-changer at the RB position for what feels like the last five draft classes (and maybe more), and now they have one. Speed. There is no other word to describe what Achane brings to the football field. He’s a lightning-flash blur who wouldn’t look out of place in the Olympics. However, he’s not just speed. He’s explosion, acceleration, agility, vision, and ball security. Overlooked a little in this class due to a smaller frame, this is a great pick-up for the Dolphins. Grade: A
CBSSports.com (Chris Trapasso): Pure burner. Not incredibly elusive and smaller but once he's in the open field, he's gone. Exact Mike McDaniel type. Grade: B+
SI.com (Gilbert Manzano): The Dolphins were reportedly interested in trading for Vikings running back Dalvin Cook. That might no longer be the case with Miami having a crowded backfield with Achane, Jeff Wilson and Raheem Mostert. Achane is a versatile playmaker who can contribute in the passing game. Grade: B
The Athletic (Scott Dochterman): One of the fastest players at the combine, Achane (5-8 1/2, 188 pounds) has explosiveness rarely seen from his position group. That makes him an obvious fit for the speed-focused Dolphins. Achane ran the 40 in 4.32 seconds at the combine and boasts Olympic-caliber speed on the track. Achane was an All-American for the Texas A&M indoor and outdoor track teams and ran the 100 in 10.14 seconds and the 200 in 20.2 seconds. He skipped his senior track season to train for the combine. Achane plays more physical than his size indicates. Despite a late-season foot injury and the Aggies out of bowl contention, he returned to the lineup in time to rush for 215 yards in an upset of LSU. Although he played for one of the nation’s worst offenses, Achane was worth watching. He rushed for 1,102 yards and eight touchdowns while catching 36 passes for 196 yards and three more scores. He also added a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. He oozes potential as a subpackage running back, perhaps a deep threat at receiver and absolutely at kick returner. Grade: B
Pro Football Focus: Miami gets another legitimate track star for their offense by taking Texas A&M running back Devon Achane at 84th overall. Achane clocked a 4.32-second 40-yard time and was a star member of the Aggies’ track squad. He racked up a whopping 36 breakaway runs of 15-plus yards over the past two seasons. Grade: Good
NFL.com (Eric Edholm): Achane is a blur in the open field, and he's actually tougher than you'd imagine for his super-small frame -- just check out the LSU game tape for evidence. Can he be more than a change-of-pace weapon? We're not sure, but this appears to be a perfect fit in a backfield committee in Miami. No grade assigned
