The NFL Draft is a high-stakes chess match, and for new Miami Dolphins General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, the pressure is on. As he prepares to oversee his first draft from the big chair, Sullivan is carrying a crucial lesson from his time with the Green Bay Packers: prioritize consistency over flash.

In his pre-draft news conference, Sullivan recalled a former colleague's advice: "Be careful about trying to hit the home run and make sure you just hit the double off the wall." This philosophy is particularly relevant for a Dolphins franchise with a painful history of first-round misses on players like Dion Jordan and Noah Igbinoghene. With two precious first-round picks this year, Sullivan vows not to "swing and miss." His goal is clear—use all 11 selections to find reliable, winning players who can fortify the roster.

Adding an intriguing layer to the Dolphins' war room is the continued presence of Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman. Initially brought in by owner Stephen Ross to assist in the GM and head coach search, Aikman will remain as an advisor. Sullivan confirmed Aikman will be at the team facility during the draft, serving as a "great sounding board," though he won't be consulted on the final decisions before picks are made.

The anticipation is clearly getting to the first-time GM. Sullivan shared that the draft process has even invaded his sleep, joking, "The last two nights in a row, I’ve woken up in the middle of the night literally with my hand — like I’m dreaming that I’m taking a tag off the board." It's a vivid illustration of the weight and excitement that comes with shaping an NFL team's future. For Dolphins fans hoping for a turnaround, Sullivan's disciplined approach could be the first step toward building a more consistent contender.