Miami moved down ten spots in the fifth round in 2012 and…
Miami moved down ten spots in the fifth round in 2012 and received an additional seventh-round pick, turning the package into Josh Kaddu and Rishard Matthews. Tennessee used No. 145 on tight end Taylor Thompson, whose NFL impact was limited. Matthews became the standout asset, eventually producing 3,160 career receiving yards and 21 touchdowns, making Miami the clear winner.
Tennessee Titans Received
- pick 2012 5th round pick (145th overall, Taylor Thompson )
Miami Dolphins Received
- pick 2012 5th round pick (155th overall, Josh Kaddu )
- pick 2012 7th round pick (227th overall, Rishard Matthews )
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
During the 2012 draft, Tennessee moved from No. 155 to No. 145 and sent Miami an additional seventh-round choice, No. 227. The Titans used the higher pick on Taylor Thompson. Miami selected Josh Kaddu at No. 155 and Rishard Matthews at No. 227. The transaction therefore became a straightforward test of whether Tennessee's targeted move up produced more value than Miami's two-player return.
Tennessee Titans Return
Thompson was an unusual prospect with athletic upside, but the conversion to NFL tight end never produced substantial value. He spent several seasons with Tennessee and had moments as a role player, yet he did not become a consistent offensive starter or a major receiving threat. Trading two selections for that outcome left the Titans needing much more production to justify the move.
Miami Dolphins Return
Kaddu did not become a major contributor, but Matthews transformed the Dolphins' side of the exchange. The seventh-round receiver developed into a legitimate NFL starter and finished his career with 230 receptions, 3,160 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns. A significant portion of his early production came in Miami before he later had productive seasons in Tennessee. Landing a multi-year starting receiver with the extra seventh-round pick was an excellent result.
Value in Hindsight
This deal is a reminder that moving down can create disproportionate upside when the extra selection hits. Tennessee paid for a specific developmental target. Miami accepted more draft variance and landed the best player in the transaction by a wide margin.
Final Verdict
Miami Dolphins Win. Miami earns an A- because Matthews delivered exceptional value for pick No. 227 and overwhelmed the rest of the exchange. Tennessee receives a D because Thompson's limited production did not justify the cost of moving up.