3 Draft Picks the Dolphins Gave up on Too Early

The Miami Dolphins have been stuck in neutral for the last few decades, as the team repeatedly failed to find a franchise quarterback after Dan Marino, while consistently swinging and missing in the NFL Draft. Oddly enough, some of their best selections in the draft ended up having their best years away from Miami, many of them becoming elite one season after Adam Gase left the team.

Miami is probably wishing they hadn't parted with these three Gase holdovers.

3. RB Kenyan Drake

Arizona Cardinals running back Kenyan Drake / Stephen Brashear/Getty Images

The second Drake left Gase's clutches, he showed all the explosiveness and game-breaking ability he once was known for at Alabama. After a mid-season trade to the Arizona Cardinals, Drake supplanted David Johnson as the feature back in Kliff Kingsbury's Air Raid. Drake ran for 643 yards on 5.2 yards per carry while catching 28 passes for 171 yards. After averaging over 100 yards per game from scrimmage as a Cardinal, Drake is primed for a huge 2020 in the desert.

2. FS Minkah Fitzpatrick

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick / Joe Sargent/Getty Images

During his second season out of Alabama, Fitzpatrick was traded for a first-round pick that eventually became USC offensive tackle Austin Jackson. The Mink Man showed promise in Miami, but he became an All-Pro as soon as he touched down in Pittsburgh. Fitzpatrick intercepted five passes, forced two fumbles, and recovered three more, showing that he is truly one of the best in all of football at causing turnovers. Jackson better develop quickly, or the Dolphins risk getting fleeced in this deal.

1. QB Ryan Tannehill

Tennessee Titans QB Ryan Tannehill / Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Some might argue it wasn't too early to give up on Tannehill after six average seasons at quarterback, but it is some cruel irony that he immediately became one of the best quarterbacks in football as soon as he left. No, seriously. Tannehill led the NFL in yards per attempt and passer rating while completing 70% of his passes and throwing 22 touchdowns against just six interceptions. He also oversaw a Titans team that took down Tom Brady and Lamar Jackson on their way to an AFC Championship. Amazing what happens when you leave Gase.