Miami sent picks No. 103 and No. 196 plus a 2013…
Miami sent picks No. 103 and No. 196 plus a 2013 sixth-rounder to San Francisco for No. 97 and selected Lamar Miller. Miller became the Dolphins' primary runner, topping 1,000 rushing yards in 2014 and finishing four Miami seasons with substantial rushing and receiving production. The 49ers recycled much of the return into additional draft moves, but none of the resulting value matched Miller's sustained offensive impact in Miami.
Miami Dolphins Received
- pick 2012 4th round pick (97th overall, Lamar Miller)
San Francisco 49ers Received
- pick 2012 4th round pick (103rd overall subsequently traded, Frank Alexander ), 2012 6th round pick (196th overall subsequently traded, Jonte Green ) and 2013 6th round pick (180th overall, Nick Moody)
Trade Analysis
Why Miami Moved Up
The Dolphins saw Miami-area running back Lamar Miller available early in the fourth round and traded with San Francisco to secure him. Miami sent No. 103, No. 196 and a 2013 sixth-round pick for No. 97. For a six-slot jump, the Dolphins paid meaningful but still manageable later-round capital.
What Miller Became in Miami
Miller gradually took over the backfield and became one of Miami's most reliable offensive players. He rushed for 709 yards in 2013, broke 1,000 yards in 2014, and added 872 yards with eight rushing touchdowns in 2015. He also contributed as a receiver and averaged better than four yards per carry in each of his final three Dolphins seasons.
How San Francisco Used the Return
The 49ers did not simply select three players with Miami's original assets. They continued moving the picks, including trading No. 103 to Carolina and later moving No. 196. The chain generated additional draft capital and several later selections. That flexibility is why San Francisco's grade stays above a failure, but the resulting players never produced a comparable impact for the 49ers.
Why Miami's Premium Was Worth It
Fourth-round trades are judged heavily by whether the target becomes a real starter. Miller did, and he gave Miami four seasons of increasing production before leaving in free agency.
Final Verdict
Miami Dolphins Win. Miller's sustained starting value earns Miami an A-. San Francisco receives a C+ for creating additional capital, but the trade tree never produced a player as valuable to the 49ers as Miller was to the Dolphins.