Philbin pleased with DE Vernon's progression

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

The transition from Year 1 to Year 2 is arguably the most important step in a player's development in the NFL. (photo: June Rivera, Flickr)

With the grace period over, sophomore players are looked at with harsher criticism than they were as rookies and are expected to handle a more complex schematic and, hopefully, a heavier workload.

Miami Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon is feeling that pressure now, and according to his head coach, he's handling it just fine.

Dolphins add local defensive end, receiving TE in 3rd

BY SEAN DONOVAN

With the first of their two third-round choices in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Dolphins took defensive end Olivier Vernon from the University of Miami at No. 72 overall.

The Dolphins hope that Vernon can develop into a pass rusher than can complement star linebacker Cameron Wake. At 6-foot-2, 260 pounds, Vernon is an athletic, physical end who didn't produce to his expected potential as a Hurricane, partly due to an improper benefits suspension that took the first six games of his 2011 season.

Vernon is the first Miami player selected by the Dolphins since offensive tackle Vernon Carey in 2004.

With the second of their two third-round draft picks, the Dolphins went with Missouri tight end Michael Egnew at No. 78 overall. Miami traded its No. 73 pick to the Chargers for their No. 78 and No. 183 picks.

Egnew is a tall, fast, extremely athletic tight end who saw time at receiver at Missouri. In 2010, he was a consensus All American after he had 90 receptions for 762 yards and five touchdowns.