Miami Dolphins: Top 5 Non-First Round Draft Picks Since 1990
3b. Patrick Surtain, CB – 1998
Choosing between the next two guys on this list is impossible for me. Both were favorites of mine and had very similar careers with the Dolphins. Moreover, the duo was instrumental in upholding the Dolphins long-standing tradition of great defense.
Patrick Surtain and Sam Madison both came to the Dolphins in the second round of the NFL Draft, one year apart. Both players had 30+ interceptions during their years with the team, and both regrettably finished their careers outside of Miami.
If I had to put one guy above the other, I would have to give a slight edge to Madison. Patrick Surtain was an amazing corner during his time with the Dolphins, and was a bit more versatile than Madison. Surtain had seven and a half sacks during his career to Madison’s two.
What separates the two in my mind is the fear that they put into opposing quarterbacks. Both men were great corners, but I feel like Madison was overall more feared than Surtain. Surtain finished his career with one fewer interception than Madison, and was an amazing player in his own right. The differences between the two are really minute. It’s splitting hairs, but I have to give the slight edge to Madison.