New Miami Dolphins General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan is making headlines with his commitment to evaluating quarterbacks every year during the NFL draft. This strategy, he asserts, is crucial for building a successful franchise, especially given the quarterback’s pivotal role in football. However, fans and analysts are beginning to question whether this approach is practical for the Dolphins this season, considering their pressing needs across a roster that is still under construction.
Sullivan, addressing season ticket holders during a recent event, was clear about his intentions. “Of course, we’ll be looking at other quarterbacks in this draft,” he stated, reinforcing the principle he reiterated at his introductory press conference in January. Drawing parallels to his experiences with Green Bay, where drafting quarterbacks has been a consistent strategy, Sullivan believes in preemptively acquiring talent at the position—essentially preparing for the future even if it means carrying multiple quarterbacks on the roster.
Though Sullivan’s aspiration to draft quarterbacks annually mirrors the practices of successful franchises, such as the Green Bay Packers, it’s essential to note that the Packers do not select a quarterback every draft cycle. Recent historical data reveals that they have only addressed the position in five of the last 17 drafts. This highlights the caution needed when considering whether to follow a similar model in Miami.
At this point, the Dolphins have two young quarterbacks under contracts—Quinn Ewers and Cam Miller—who deserve further evaluation. Ewers was a seventh-round pick last year, while Miller, who spent time with the Las Vegas Raiders, brings an intriguing skill set to the table as well. Given this existing talent, the Dolphins face the question: is it wise to draft another young quarterback just for the sake of sticking to Sullivan’s philosophy?
Unless the Dolphins believe they can draft a potential franchise quarterback from this year’s prospect pool, they might be better off addressing other urgent roster needs. Currently, the top quarterback prospects in Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson present varied levels of appeal; Mendoza is anticipated to be the first overall pick, while Simpson’s draft stock is less certain.
Ultimately, the Dolphins should prioritize making smart decisions that enhance the team’s long-term potential. If a truly promising quarterback prospect emerges in the draft, then it makes sense to pursue that option. Otherwise, focusing on bolstering other positions this year may be the most pragmatic route.
As Sullivan continues to lay the groundwork for the Dolphins’ future, his strategy underscores a commitment to thorough evaluation and preparation, which may yet yield positive results for the franchise. With thoughtful decision-making, there remains hope that the Miami Dolphins can construct a competitive and successful team.