Miami moved down two spots in the first round of the 1987…
Miami moved down two spots in the first round of the 1987 draft, sending No. 14 to Minnesota for No. 16 and a fifth-round choice. The Dolphins turned those picks into defensive end John Bosa and receiver Kitrick Taylor. Bosa supplied 7 sacks in 31 NFL games, while Taylor had a modest pro career, leaving Miami with useful but limited value from the extra capital.
Miami Dolphins Received
- pick 1987 first round pick (#16-John Bosa)
- pick 1987 fifth round pick (#128-Kitrick Taylor)
Minnesota Vikings Received
- pick 1987 first round pick (#14-D.J. Dozier)
Trade Analysis
Why Minnesota Moved Up
Minnesota wanted D.J. Dozier badly enough to climb from No. 16 to No. 14, and Miami accepted the smaller move down in exchange for a fifth-round choice. The swap gave the Vikings their preferred runner while allowing the Dolphins to preserve a first-round selection and add another chance later in the draft.
What Minnesota Received
Dozier played 43 NFL games and rushed for 691 yards with seven touchdowns, adding 301 receiving yards and two scores. He gave Minnesota some useful backfield work, but he never developed into the kind of long-term centerpiece normally hoped for from a top-15 selection. His production makes the move defensible without making it a major success.
What Miami Received
Miami used No. 16 on defensive end John Bosa and the fifth-rounder on Kitrick Taylor. Bosa appeared in 31 games, started 21 and recorded seven sacks. Taylor contributed as a receiver and returner but did not become a lasting offensive fixture. The extra selection helped Miami spread its risk, yet the two-player return still lacked a true difference-maker.
How the Value Settled
Neither side surrendered a star or landed one. Minnesota got the player it targeted and received more total offensive production from Dozier than Miami got from either individual selection. Miami, however, moved only two spots and came away with two NFL players, including a starting defensive end for part of Bosa's brief career.
Final Verdict
This is an Even Trade. Both teams earn B grades because the process and realized value were reasonable, but neither return changed the franchise's trajectory. Minnesota's move up produced a useful runner, while Miami's move down produced depth and some defensive value without uncovering a long-term cornerstone.