DAVIE, FL — The Miami Dolphins announced their Day 3 picks during Rounds 5 and 6 of the NFL Draft from the Baptist Health Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University. The team’s Day 3 selections – which began on Saturday, April 29 at 12 p.m. ET – celebrated youth football in South Florida with several special guests on hand. The announcements were made by Jaden Piner from the Academy Award-winning film Moonlight, Miami Dolphins Alum and American Heritage High School Head Football Coach Patrick Surtain and Miami Dolphins Alum Troy Drayton.
Accompanying Surtain for the announcement of fifth-round pick (178th overall) defensive tackle Davon Godchaux from LSU was Miami Carol City Senior High School running back and Dolphins High School Player of the Year Nayquan Wright as well as Dolphins Team Mom of the Year Marisella Readon from the Boca Braves of the Gold Coast Pop Warner League. These three announcers were recognized throughout the 2016 NFL season by the Miami Dolphins and the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) for their commitment to being leaders both on and off the field.
Wright is a running back from Miami Carol City Senior High School and a member of the Chiefs’ 2016 Class 2A State Championship team. He received recognition as the Week 5 High School Player of the Week. Only a sophomore, Wright already has scholarship offers from Alabama, Miami (Fla.), Notre Dame, Florida State and Georgia.
Readon who was the Week 10 Team Mom of the Week award recipient. Readon has overcome tremendous adversity as she lost her son in early 2016, who would have been on the Tiny Mite team (7U), yet she still finds the time and energy to support her older son’s team. She is always there when you need her and the first to take the initiative and volunteer her time. Readon never misses a practice or game and is there, not only for her son, but for all the boys on the team. This year, her Jr. Pee Wee team had an influx of new players which meant new moms to the organization. She welcomed everyone with open arms and has made them feel like family. Recently, Readon was appointed to the Braves’ board as scholastic coordinator because of her commitment to the scholastic performance of her players.
Drayton, who currently serves as the Dolphins Youth Programs Manager announced sixth-round pick (194th overall) defensive tackle Vincent Taylor from Oklahoma State. Drayton was joined by the youth flag football team that represented the franchise at this year’s NFL Pro Bowl in Orlando The team is comprised of players who participated in the Dolphins Academy Summer Camps.
Drayton played tight end for the Dolphins from 1996-99 and appeared in 55 games with 53 starts. He caught 127 passes for 1,511 yards (11.9 avg.) and eight touchdowns. He was a second-round pick in the 1993 NFL draft by the Los Angeles Rams and played eight NFL seasons with three different teams.
Sydney Wade, Dolphins Communications, swade@dolphins.com (954) 452-7198