In the 2012 NFL Draft the Miami Dolphins selected Ryan Tannehill, quarterback out of Texas A&M, with the eighth pick overall leaving many fans, including me, wondering if the pick will pan out or not. Since Dan Marino retired after the 1999 season the Dolphins have gone through quarterback after quarterback and had little success at the position and as a team.
While the jury is still out on Tannehill, as a Dolphins fan I am hopeful that he will have a story that is close to anther NFL quarterback, Tim Tebow. While I am no fan of Tebow, his story is pretty spectacular and that's what I'm hoping Tannehill will relate to.
Drafted Too Early?
When Tim Tebow was drafted in the 2010 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos he went in the first round. This was a surprise as many thought he would not go until the second round or later. This didn't seem to bother Tebow though as he used the criticism as motivation and was the starter by year two with the Broncos beating many teams, including my Dolphins 18-15 in a comeback to rival all comebacks.
Tannehill was thought to likely go in the first round of this year's NFL Draft, but like Tebow, many still ponder the question: did the Dolphins take him too early? Hopefully he too can silence the critics and get on the field before too long and show he has what it takes to make an impact in the NFL.
Looking for a Leader
Another similarity that I hope Tannehill shares with Tebow is leadership. Even though Tim Tebow is sketchy on the field in my opinion, there is no denying the fact that he is one heck of a leader both on and off the field. This is something that the Miami Dolphins have not had at the quarterback position since Dan Marino was last calling signals for the Fins.
Find a Way to Win
Again, I'm not a Tebow-maniac, but I do have to say that he seems to find a way to win quite a bit. Chalk it up to luck or skill, but a win is a win and in the NFL there are no points for style. So, even though Tannehill is still a bit new to the quarterback position, after only playing a year and a half there in college, hopefully he too can find a way to win.
More importantly I hope he can help the Dolphins find their way back to the playoffs, where they haven't been since 2008. While I don't expect him to be another Dan Marino, I will be a happy "Dolfan " if he can simply emulate Tim Tebow and get in games and make things happen despite what the critics think.
Jimmy Collins has been a loyal "Dolfan" and fan of the NFL since he was six years old when he met Dan Marino and several other Miami Dolphins players. Still a resident of South Florida, he attends numerous Miami Dolphins games each season and enjoys writing about the NFL and the Miami Dolphins in particular.
More from this contributor:
Why This Miami Dolphins Fan Can't Wait for "Miller Time" in 2012
Why This Miami Dolphins Fan is Happy Tim Tebow is Not on the Team
Five Games This Miami Dolphins Fan Wants the Team to Win in 2012
