.jpg)
2 hours ago
1
The Miami Dolphins have traveled a bumpy road at quarterback in the last couple decades.
They were one decision away from things being much different.
Pro Football Focus took a trip down memory lane to do a 2008 NFL Draft redraft. Miami had the first pick that year.
The Dolphins chose Jake Long, an offensive tackle out of Michigan. In the redraft, PFF has Miami taking quarterback Matt Ryan out of Boston College.
"Jake Long looked like a worthy No. 1 overall pick during his first four NFL seasons, earning a 91.6 PFF overall grade while making the Pro Bowl every year," PFF writes. "However, injuries took their toll after that, and he never quite returned to form in his final few years.
"Miami’s quarterback, Chad Pennington, started only four games following the 2008 season after a series of injuries. So, the Dolphins draft Matt Ryan first here. The longtime Atlanta Falcons signal-caller won MVP in 2016 and posted an elite 93.4 PFF passing grade across 15 NFL seasons."
MORE: Jets hint at a new role for Justin Fields
Ryan, of course, also led the Falcons to a Super Bowl. There wouldn't be the meme-worthy Patriots win from down 28-3 if Atlanta hadn't ended up with Ryan as the No. 3 overall pick in 2008.
Matty Ice wasn't viewed as a surefire superstar, and the Dolphins felt they had a solid QB in Pennington, so they went with the safe pick of a star offensive tackle.
It hasn't aged well, though.
The butterfly effect of Ryan to the Dolphins would've been massive. But instead, reality played out the way it did, and Miami is still seeking a return to the Super Bowl.
MORE NFL NEWS:
English (US)