The Miami Dolphins are no strangers to making bold moves, particularly in the realm of player signings. As a franchise, they’ve consistently demonstrated an eagerness to improve their roster by acquiring top-tier talent, and their trend of signing former first-round picks has become a notable part of their strategy. This trend has seen them target players with high potential, albeit with questions surrounding their past performances or injury histories. The latest example of this approach was their acquisition of Odell Beckham Jr., a high-profile former first-round pick, who joined the team last year. Beckham’s signing is just one piece in a larger puzzle that showcases the Dolphins’ commitment to creating a competitive roster by taking calculated risks on players who still have a lot to prove in the league.
In examining the Dolphins’ trend of signing former first-round picks, it’s clear that the team’s front office is willing to invest in players who have a track record of success, even if their most recent seasons have been marred by inconsistency, injuries, or off-field drama. This strategy isn’t without its risks, but it also reflects a deeper understanding of the NFL’s cyclical nature, where players who were once considered the best of the best can still have impactful careers, especially if given the right environment and coaching. In many ways, the Dolphins are betting on the idea that these players, who once showed incredible promise, can rediscover their form and help elevate the team to new heights.
The history of the Miami Dolphins’ signings of former first-round picks is telling. This strategy is not something new, nor is it one that the team has undertaken lightly. Over the years, the Dolphins have signed several players who were former first-round picks in an attempt to address areas of need or add dynamic playmakers to the roster. These acquisitions have included players from a variety of positions, including wide receivers, running backs, defensive backs, and pass rushers, among others. Each signing has been part of a larger effort to build a team capable of contending for championships in the ever-competitive NFL.
When we look at the signing of Odell Beckham Jr. specifically, it is easy to see why the Dolphins were interested in bringing him to South Florida. Beckham, a former first-round pick by the New York Giants in 2014, was once considered one of the most electrifying wide receivers in the league. His ability to make jaw-dropping catches and change the course of a game with a single play made him a household name. However, after a few seasons of spectacular play with the Giants, Beckham’s career took a series of unexpected turns. He was traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2019, where he never quite lived up to expectations, and injuries began to take their toll on his performance. After a mid-season release from the Browns in 2021, Beckham signed with the Los Angeles Rams, where he ultimately won a Super Bowl in his first season with the team.
Despite his Super Bowl victory, Beckham’s tenure with the Rams was marred by injuries, including a torn ACL in the Super Bowl, which left his future in the NFL uncertain. The question surrounding Beckham entering the 2022 offseason was whether or not he still had the ability to perform at a high level, and whether a team would take the risk of signing him given his injury history. Enter the Miami Dolphins, who made the decision to sign the talented but injury-prone receiver to a one-year deal in May of 2022. The move was a bold one, considering Beckham’s recent injury setbacks, but it also reflected the Dolphins’ belief that they could provide him with the right environment to get back to his old self.
The decision to bring in Beckham came as part of a larger effort by the Dolphins to surround quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with elite weapons in the passing game. The team had already made significant moves earlier in the offseason, including acquiring wide receiver Tyreek Hill in a blockbuster trade with the Kansas City Chiefs, and adding veteran pass-catcher Cedrick Wilson Jr. through free agency. The Dolphins’ offensive makeover was designed to give Tagovailoa every opportunity to succeed, and Beckham was seen as a potential difference-maker who could add another layer of explosiveness to the offense.
Beckham’s signing was also indicative of the Dolphins’ broader approach to team-building: they are not afraid to take calculated risks on players who have been previously written off or whose careers have been derailed by circumstances beyond their control. The idea is that, with the right coaching and support system, these players can revive their careers and reach their potential. This is particularly evident in the case of Beckham, whose high ceiling as a receiver, when healthy, is undeniable.
Another factor driving the Dolphins’ strategy is their understanding of the value of experienced playmakers in the locker room. Signing veterans like Beckham adds a level of leadership and competitiveness to the team that can’t always be measured in statistics. Beckham’s presence in the locker room and on the field brings a certain level of swagger and confidence that can inspire the rest of the team to elevate their play. Even if Beckham doesn’t return to his peak form, his experience and leadership could prove invaluable for a team that is eager to make a deep playoff run.
However, Beckham’s signing wasn’t the only instance of the Dolphins targeting former first-round picks. In recent years, the Dolphins have made several other similar moves, bringing in players who were once highly touted but had either underperformed or dealt with injuries. These signings have been part of a strategy to build a team that has depth, versatility, and the potential for explosive talent. Some of these acquisitions have paid off, while others have been less successful. Nonetheless, the Dolphins’ front office has shown that they are willing to take risks if they believe that a player can still make a significant impact.
Beyond Beckham, another notable example of this trend was the signing of former first-round pick Byron Jones. Jones, a cornerback who was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2015, signed with the Dolphins in 2020. After a solid career with the Cowboys, Jones was brought in to bolster the Dolphins’ secondary. His addition provided the team with a dynamic playmaker who could lock down receivers and make crucial plays in critical moments. Though his time with the Dolphins has been somewhat inconsistent due to injuries, Jones’ signing reflected the team’s willingness to take a chance on a player with proven potential, even if his career had been a bit up-and-down.
This strategy also speaks to the Dolphins’ overall philosophy under their current leadership. General Manager Chris Grier and Head Coach Mike McDaniel have made it clear that they are not interested in taking a conservative approach to team-building. Instead, they are aggressive in their pursuit of talent and aren’t afraid to take calculated risks on high-ceiling players. While some of these moves may not pan out, the Dolphins are playing the long game, hoping that their bold signings will eventually pay off in a big way.
The Miami Dolphins’ trend of signing former first-round picks, including their acquisition of Odell Beckham Jr., speaks to the franchise’s broader strategy of taking calculated risks in an effort to build a championship-caliber roster. By targeting players with high potential but uncertain recent performances, the Dolphins are betting on the idea that these athletes can bounce back and contribute at a high level. Whether or not this approach will lead to long-term success remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Dolphins are committed to taking chances and building a team that can compete at the highest level in the NFL. With the addition of players like Beckham, the Dolphins are signaling to the rest of the league that they are serious about their aspirations and are willing to go all-in to achieve their goals.
