Miami Dolphins take Christian Wilkins in first round

The Dolphins had a shot at a quarterback.

But they’ve taken only three in the first round in 42 years, and that didn’t change Thursday.

Miami passed on Dwayne Haskins at No. 13, and didn’t trade down as many expected, instead taking two-time collegiate champion defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.

Wilkins introduced himself to the NFL by screaming as he emerged from the green room, and then shoulder-bumping NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, the most affection that any NFL player has ever shown Goodell.

A live look from Nashville.#FinsUp pic.twitter.com/9RlY1WIj3d

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) April 26, 2019

“Man, I’m just so excited, man,” Wilkins told pseudo-interviewer Deion Sanders. “This is awesome.”

Clemson University thought so, too.

That moment Christian got the call from the @miamidolphins 🐅🐬😎#NFLDraft | #ALLIN pic.twitter.com/SStlrAhnpv

— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) April 26, 2019

He tends to be excited a lot…..

The Dolphins are drafting Christian Wilkins. pic.twitter.com/bVMWod9J4b

— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) April 26, 2019

NFL Network analysts were excited too. A couple of them said they had Wilkins much higher, touting his athleticism and leadership.

“I really love this pick, because he relies on his quickness,” former Panthers receiver Steve Smith said on NFL Network. “He has active hands.”

Welcome to Miami, Christian Wilkins!#FinsUp x @NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/MbwIUdeXoI

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) April 26, 2019

Dolphins GM Chris Grier addressed the media, and said that they considered the quarterbacks available, but that “Christian was higher on the board for us, the highest player on our board.” He spoke highly of Wilkins’ intelligence, noted that Wilkins had an “elite skill set for his position,” and referenced Wilkins’ charisma.

“He told us it was the best decision we ever made when we picked him,” Grier said.

Dolphins players welcomed him on Twitter.

Welcome to Miami @cwilkins42 ✊🏽

— Kenny Stills (@KSTiLLS) April 26, 2019

DRAFT WINNERS !! Let’s go bruh !! pic.twitter.com/jvNDSfGGTi

— Raekwon McMillan (@Kwon_daTRUTH) April 26, 2019

Wilkins addressed the media by videoconference.

He was, um, excited.

Christian Wilkins is putting on a show on this videoconference.

"They are not just getting a guy on the field who is going to be disruptive, but I'm a guy you want in your organization to make it a better place. I'm so fortunate to be part of this organization."

— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) April 26, 2019

Christian Wilkins just flashed his wrist to show us his "ice" on the video conference. Cracking jokes.

— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) April 26, 2019

Why did Christian Wilkins want to come to Miami?

"I know they got no state income tax there! You all just lost D-Wade too, so you all need someone to fill that void, so hopefully Miami will love me like they love D-Wade."

— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) April 26, 2019

Christian Wilkins graduated in 2 1/2 years

"It's really all about being consistent, and staying true to what you believe in, and that's what I did with my academics. I knew I didn't want to go to the NFL without my college degree."

— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) April 26, 2019

Christian Wilkins:

"I'm 23 with a Master's degree. That sounds like a Drake line."

— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) April 26, 2019

Now Christian Wilkins is quoting George Washington Carver.

This is quite an opening.

— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) April 26, 2019

The national media liked it too…

Christian Wilkins is a pretty perfect first pick for Brian Flores’ tenure in Miami. Three-technique lineman. High character. Energetic personality. And is the perfect value/need combination. Without knowing much about how anyone turns out… that one absolutely “feels" right.

— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) April 26, 2019