The Dolphins will have the No. 8 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft after winning a coin flip Friday morning. The toss was to break a tie between Miami and the Panthers after each team finished 6-10 and had a similar strength of schedule.
Carolina will pick ninth overall.
The difference between the picks might not seem like much, but every little bit helps as the franchise tries to shape itself into a contender.
“I think it makes a big difference,” Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland said, according to the team's website. “I’ve never been into a draft where I didn’t feel like if you’re at the 10th pick there are nine players and if you’re the 22nd pick there’s usually 20 players so you’re usually right behind it. So the higher up the board I can get, as long as it’s with the flip of a coin, I’ll take it.”
Many draft analysts speculate that Miami will either address their need for an offensive tackle or a defensive end with their early first round pick. The scouting combine currently being held in Indianapolis and what the team does in free agency will influence where the Dolphins go with that pick.
The NFL Draft takes place in New York City April 26-28.
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