Dave Hyde

8:24 a.m. EST, December 27, 2012

1. Every year when the Pro Bowl comes out people count up the number of players on specific teams to gauge who has the most talent (Houston had eight players). I'm fascinated by another number, too. I count where players are taken to adopt draft philosophies.

How many Pro Bowlers come in the top 15 of drafts? What are the odds of finding elite players out of the first round?

In other words: Would you trade down if you had, say, the No. 12 pick in 2010 for two lower picks?

This year confirms what is said every year: Greatness goes very early in the draft. Let's break down the numbers:

* 41 percent of the Pro Bowl players (32 of 78 every-down selections (no special teamers) were picked in the Top 15 of the draft.

* 58.9 percent (46 of 78) of them were taken in the first round.

This is why the first round of the draft is so important - and also why it shapes how teams should draft. For instance, the Dolphins were the team that traded their 12th pick in 2010 for two lower picks. They got two pretty good players, too, in Jared Odrick (28th) and Koa Misi (second round).

In so doing, they bypassed the chance for greatness. Seattle safety Earl Thomas (14th overall) and Jason Pierre-Paul (15th) were there to be taken.

...

5. The only drafted Dolphin to make the Pro Bowl? Guard Wade Smith. Drafted in the third round in 2003. Cut by Nick Saban. Now with Houston.

The only drafted Dolphin to make the Pro Bowl? Guard Wade Smith. Drafted in the third round in 2003. Cut by Nick Saban. Now with Houston.

...and here is the problem with Ireland. He has stayed away from big name, big talent guys. Occasionally he takes a chance like he did with Bush and Dansby but those are really rare. He's more in his comfort zone trying to mine gems from lower rounds, low level discard FAs, injured guys, Canada etc.