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How to Turn This Team Around

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by UCF FINatic, Jan 15, 2012.

  1. UCF FINatic

    UCF FINatic The Miami Dolphins select

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    I think turning this team around could be done pretty easily. In my opinion, we are only a few pieces of way from being on the playoff bubble. Here are the offseason steps that could turn our team around quickly.

    First thing is first, hire a head coach. Personally, I'd like to sign Pete Carmichael, Mike Zimmer, Dave Toub, or even retain Bowles. I think Carmichael might be my favorite potential head coach though. Carmichael is a young, up and coming coach coming from a successful organization. He has worked with one of the NFL's best offense and one of the best head coaches. I think hiring him would also allow our organization to sort of "save face" from the Fisher fiasco since we hadn't interviewed him prior to Fisher. That being said, Zimmer would be my second choice as head coach.

    In free agency, we would only need to make one big splash with either Ben Grubbs or Carl Nicks. Nicks would be more likely due to New Orleans cap situation and number of free agents. Either would greatly improve our offensive line and would even turn it into a strength of our team.

    Draft:
    1st round - WR Kendall Wright
    A lot of NFL insiders have Wright ranked ahead of Blackmon. Wright is a lot like Steve Smith of the Carolina Panthers. Our pick seems to line up with Wrights talent, it might be considered a slight reach to draft outsiders, but in the NFL insiders will think its a good pick. Wright will take the top off defenses and keep the double teams off of Brandon Marshall. By drafting Wright we could implement a spread offensive attack with many looks and many wide receivers. This pick could turn our WRs group from average to something special. Brandon Marshall, Kendall Wright, Brian Hartline, and Devone Bess all on the field at once is sure to create mismatches, spread the defense out, and wider running lanes. Selecting him would also allow us to run a offense similar to New Orleans.

    2nd round - QB Ryan Tannehill, QB Brandon Weeden, or QB Nick Foles
    This is where we will finally get our QB of the future. With Matt Moore finishing the season in decent fashion a pick here would allow us to groom a QB, while we see "if" Moore could be the answer. The Bengals and Andy Dalton were a pretty good pairing in round two and this QB draft looks even better. Tannehill should be there in the early phase of round 2 due to his injury in the offseason, Weeden could be there because of his age factor, and Foles could be there because of various reasons. I would be very happy if we grab Tannehill or Weeden here, because frankly either of them would be 1st round prospects if it wasn't for a small factor here or there (injury and age). Drafting them here will allow them to sit behind Moore and learn the ins and outs from Pete Carmichael.

    3rd round - OT Levy Adcock, OT Andrew Datko, OT Nate Potter, or OT Brandon Mosley
    Colombo should never seen an NFL field again. With this pick we will finally be able to plug a player into the RT position. We could have John Jerry compete with a drafted lineman for the RT position. With a line of Jake Long, Ben Grubbs/Carl Nicks, Mike Pouncey, Richie Incognito, and said rookie or John Jerry we will finally have a strong dominate line that Ireland has wanted since day one. Addressing this position will also give Moore more time in the pocket which would be vital if we work to employ a Saint's style offensive attack.

    4th round - C Michael Brewster
    Ireland loves doubling up on positions and this pick could allow us to potentially move Pouncey back to his natural LG position. I love Brewster and think he could walk in day one and start at Center for us. This would greatly improve our depth and options on the offensive line.

    5th round - HB Vick Ballard
    Daniel Thomas was only somewhat effective last year and was often injured. Behind him and Bush we don't have much depth. Ballard seems to be a halfback that Ireland would like as far as his height-weight and what he has done in college.

    6th round - OLB Jacquies Smith
    A defensive end at Missouri with prototypical size for a 3-4 LB (6'3 255 and 4.65 speed). Honestly I doubt he lasts this long but if he is there Ireland would grab him in a second.

    7th round - Christian Thompson
    Small school safety. Ireland loves taking smaller school prospects in the later rounds with good measurables. Thompson fits the bill.


    Overall, I think if we take these steps we could be looking at a really solid team this coming year. I don't think we are as far away as some people do. :up:
     
  2. Killer Bees

    Killer Bees Bringin' the Ruckus

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    Forward this to dolphins headquarters at Nova
     
  3. CallMeDaddy

    CallMeDaddy New Member

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    1. My top WRs are Blackmon(who I'd take in a heartbeat if he was there) and Jeffery, if they're not there then maybe if we trade down to get Wright I could handle it.

    2. I want nothing to do with Tannehill or Weeden, I think Tannehill is severely overrated coming into this draft and is very raw, Weeden cannot be our "QB of the future" because if we sit him for 2 years he's 30 or 31 and then if he doesn't pan out he isn't worth any trade bait because he's already too old for anyone to want him.

    3. honestly, I'd just feel a lot safer grabbing Kalil in the 1st and using our 3rd on QB Russell Wilson. I know getting an OL in the 1st round will piss a lot of people off but Kalil may just be the BPA at our pick and I would be excited to have him.

    4. I am 100% AGAINST this, Pouncey did a great job at the most important position on the offensive line, he has had some problems snapping the ball but teaching a center to snap the ball is the easiest thing to teach an OL and plugging him in at LG where we don't even know how well he would do in the NFL is more of a risk than I'm willing to take, he is already one of the better centers out there.

    5. I really wouldn't mind this I guess, as long as he doesn't take significant touches away from Thomas, I would rather use this pick on A playmaking TE that we have needed here for a while.

    6. I'm a big Missouri fan and I would be ecstatic to be able to get him this late, this guy has top notch speed and has great fluid motions, making it an easy transition to OLB for him. But he needs to get a better nose for the football and be a bigger playmaker.

    7. Don't know anything about him, I'll take him.
     
  4. JamesyEsq

    JamesyEsq Active Member

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    I think as long as we can take the form we finished the season into next season we will be okay.
     
  5. Tin Indian

    Tin Indian Rockin' The Bottom End Club Member

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    Pull a Ditka and trade the entire draft to Indy to get Luck. Just Kidding.

    Seriously, If we don't get a legitimate Qb we won't win consistently. It's all about the QB in this league with the way the rules are now.
     
  6. jsizzle

    jsizzle Banned

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    if we don't get a great coach, the QB does NOT matter.

    Look at Alex Smith. He was trash till Harbaugh got there. Now look.
     
  7. UCF FINatic

    UCF FINatic The Miami Dolphins select

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    1.) Both Blackmon and Jeffery are bigger possession receivers. I feel like drafting Wright would do more for our offense by opening it up and keeping the safeties back. Not sure if Jeffery and or Blackmon would be able to do the same. Also with some NFL insiders rating Wright as the top WR in the draft it is not a sure thing that he will be there if we trade down. Don't get me wrong I love Blackmon and Jeffery and think they will be great players but if you look at our WRs we are really lacking an explosive, fast, deep threat; Wright could provide that were as I am not sure the other two could.

    2.) While I will agree with you that Tannehill is overrated right now, he has all the tools to succeed in the NFL. Like you point out he is extremely raw after playing WR for a couple seasons before going back to his high school position of QB. If you draft a player like Tannehill and sit him for a year I think you would be greatly impressed with waht he could do the following year. As far as Weeden, yes he is old but my goodness he is a damn good QB. If he was 22 or 23 he would easily be a Top 10 pick. He has the talent where he could and succeed right off the bat, but if you sit him for a year he could easily be the guy. He does so many things that impresses me that it would be hard pressed to find a better QB prospect in terms of talent/value in this years draft.

    3.) Kahlil won't be there when we pick. If we go with a lineman we would be looking at DeCastro, Jonathan Martin, or Riley Reiff. Also the 3rd is really early for Wilson, we could grab him in the 4th.

    4.) He played LG for 3 years at Florida and excelled there. He only moved to Center in his last year there. Still Brewster could be used as a guard worse comes to worse.

    5.) I agree, but I think Clay has the potential to be that playmaking TE.

    6.) Yea, I found it funny that Aldon Smith sort of looked up to him instead of vise versa lol. He would be a great get, but honestly I see him gone before the 6th, we can keep our fingers crossed though.
     
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  8. MrClean

    MrClean Inglourious Basterd Club Member

    I honestly don't think Indy would do that trade, but it wouldn't hurt to offer it and see what they say. I'm thinking you could offer every pick this year and next and they'd still say no.
     
  9. BlameItOnTheHenne

    BlameItOnTheHenne Taking a poop

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    Not even a great coach...I'll take a good coach.
     
  10. Tin Indian

    Tin Indian Rockin' The Bottom End Club Member

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    I don't think of Alex Smith as trash but he is not a great QB - more a victim of circumstances through most of his career. But if you think the Qb does not matter you could not be more wrong. Belichick was a losing coach about to be run out of New England when his 5th round flier turned into one of the all-time greats at the position. Not enough for you? how aboout Indy this year The last 10 years with Manning they have 10+ wins this year Manning doesn't play, by the way same coach, and they win 2.

    With the rule changes in place over the last few years the Qb is more important than ever. How many guys went over 5,000 yards this year? How many had 40+ Td passes? A great Qb makes an average coach look brilliant.

    Qb doesn't matter? Yeah right.
     
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  11. BlameItOnTheHenne

    BlameItOnTheHenne Taking a poop

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    Jim Caldwell made a Superbowl. That alone can tell you the importance of having an elite QB.
     
  12. Fin D

    Fin D Sigh

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    1. Find a long term franchise QB.

    There are no other steps.
     
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  13. GridIronKing34

    GridIronKing34 Silently Judging You

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    I would like that draft, but I prefer Zimmer to Carmichael Jr.
     
  14. MonstBlitz

    MonstBlitz Nobody's Fart Catcher

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    Thanks for the write up, lot of good stuff there. But I just can't agree with any plan that involves waiting till the 2nd round to take a QB. And not just superstition either, but the fact that usually the QBs that last to round 2 don't have what it takes to be a franchise QB. I could be wrong, but I'd rather see them trade up to get the QB.

    Turning a franchise around is as simple and as difficult as finding a franchise QB.
     
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  15. PSG

    PSG Clear Eyes. Full Hearts.

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    1. If Blackmon is there when we pick, I don't know how you pass up on him. If not then I'd take Jeffrey, then Wright. Although I do see your point about Wright stretching the field. But I just don't think he is good or complete a WR as the other two.
    2. None of the QB's you mentioned, outside of maybe Weeden, do anything for me. I'd rather sign Flynn as FA and use our 2nd somewhere else. DL maybe.

    Everyone else I like or don't know enough about to comment. Love Ballard in the 5th BTW.
     
  16. Pandarilla

    Pandarilla Purist Emeritus

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    Kendall Wright? Wrong

    1. Alshon Jeffrey

    2. BPA

    3. Ganaway, RB from Baylor

    4-7. Small School Playmakers
     
  17. Laces Out

    Laces Out Well-Known Member

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    Wasn't impressed with Jeffrey. Sure he is a big body, but a little corner pressed the hell out of him and was successful.

    Would prefer another explosive WR, the threat alone should helpful. Forgive me but who/what is BPA?
     
  18. steveincolorado

    steveincolorado Spook, Storme & Pebbles

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    Might want to think about another corner to replacing that worthless SS24.
     
  19. Rick 1966

    Rick 1966 Professional Hipshooter

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    There is no sure way to turn the team around this off-season. There are moves that will give us a chance, but it's really a crapshoot because we don't have any sure-fire coaching candidate we should hire or a can't-miss, immediate-impact player we can pick up via the draft or free agency. If the factors align just right, we could be a playoff team, but I wouldn't bet money on it.
     
  20. GridIronKing34

    GridIronKing34 Silently Judging You

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    Hardly worthless. Maybe not an elite #1 cornerback, but he's a good compliment to Vontae Davis.
     
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  21. steveincolorado

    steveincolorado Spook, Storme & Pebbles

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    Sorry my friend, but he is worthless. He can't cover nor tackle=worthless.
     
  22. Pandarilla

    Pandarilla Purist Emeritus

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    I don't follow SC, but he owned that CB in the Bowl game, even catching a hail mary. He's a playmaker, pure and simple.

    BPA is Best Player Available, would've said BPA for both rounds, but Jeffrey deserves to be considered over another tackle. Hell, I'm watching Mckinnie block Flacco's backside, while I screamed for Mckinnie in the offseason. Everyone said he was too overweight, both him and Waters now making Irish look stupid.

    Same reaction I get from the board when I said slide Carey to RG. Then the following year, he's there.

    It'll take some sort of inception to turn this team around.
     
  23. CallMeDaddy

    CallMeDaddy New Member

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    1.) I'd draft him over Jeffery but not Blackmon. Blackmon just has too many skills to be passed up for, if Marshall gets double teamed then we have Blackmon on the other side getting single covered and easy first downs. I'm still pissed that we took Ted Ginn over any of the other WRs in the draft, not saying Wright will turn into Ted Ginn but I'd rather play it safe with Blackmon.

    2.) I wouldn't be mad if we got Tannehill or Weeden but I would feel much better trading up for RGIII(I know it's unlikely) or drafting Wilson.

    3.) I think Minnesota will grab Kalil in the 1st but I would just grab BPA at our spot, that might be Blackmon, or that might be DeCastro.

    4.) I know he had played LG for 3 years before his brother was drafted, but he had a great year under center and I think it would be kind of dumb for this organization to move Pouncey out of the most important position on the OL when he has already proven that he can play there. If it ain't broke don't fix it, and Pouncey definitely isn't in need of fixin.

    5.) I like Clay, I liked him since we drafted him and was hoping for him to succeed from day 1, hopefully he can learn to be a full time tight end because he's been playing H-Back all of college and the NFL>

    6.) Smith has all the talent in the world athletically, he will make an easy transition to OLB, Misi took a year or so to make the transition but Smith will be making the transition right away. Some people are going to be mad that he isn't the best run stopper but he can do everything else. And if we do draft Smith, if people thought they were annoyed with Dansby saying "man" every second in his interviews Smith ends every sentence with "Y'know?" It's gonna be a loud locker room.
     
  24. Laces Out

    Laces Out Well-Known Member

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    Dude couldn't get off the press of a guy who is MAYBE 5'9" in cleats, what do you think a taller CB in the NFL is gonna do?

    Either way, I would STILL pass on Jeffrey in favor of Kendall Wright from Baylor due to the speed factor.
     
  25. jw3102

    jw3102 season ticket holder

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    Every single mock draft I have seen has Kalil going in the first five picks in the 2012 draft. Several have him as the second or third pick. There is no way the top offensive lineman in the entire draft is going to last under the Dolphins pick. Most of the mock drafts do have the Dolphins taking an offensive lineman with this pick, They obviously are aware that Ireland has absolutely no idea of how to draft offensive play makers.

    The only real offensive play makers on the Dolphins at this time are Marshall and Bush and neither one of them was drafted by the Dolphins. Since Ireland became the teams GM four years ago, he has yet to draft a player on offense that is considered to be a serious offensive threat, which opposing teams have to prepare for during the week. Since Ross decided to keep Ireland around, I have to figure that the Dolphins will once again draft no offensive play makers, no future QB, and a bunch of players who will make sure the Dolphins remain in the bottom tier of NFL teams.
     
  26. Phyl

    Phyl New Member

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    But we'll have great blocking for mediocre skill players!
     
  27. GridIronKing34

    GridIronKing34 Silently Judging You

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    Considering we had a running back and wide receiver 1,000 yard combo for the first time in franchise history, I wouldn't say our skill players are mediocre.
     
  28. jw3102

    jw3102 season ticket holder

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    Maybe, because there is no guarantee that the offensive lineman Ireland drafts in the first round will be effective in the NFL. Two years ago he selected John Jerry, instead of Jimmy Graham, and Jerry spent most of this past season on the bench while Graham was an all pro TE for the Saints.

    Ireland"s record of selecting offensive lineman in the draft or in free agency is mediocre at best. Long, who was a can't miss as the first pick in the 2008 draft and Pouncey, who might develop into a very good center, are the only real offensive linemen Ireland has drafted who are quality NFL linemen. With all money the Dolphins have spend on offensive linemen in free agency and offensive linemen in the draft in the last four years, this unit still remains a major area of concern for the Dolphins.

    Ireland has done such a lousy job of rebuilding the line, the Dolphins will once again probably have to use their first round draft pick on another offensive lineman, instead of being able to select a serious offensive play maker with their top ten pick.
     
  29. jw3102

    jw3102 season ticket holder

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    If you read my comments, I agreed that Marshall and Bush were the only true play makers on the team. My point was that Ireland did not draft these players and he has failed to actually DRAFT a legitimate offensive play maker since he came here four years ago. It was not Bush and Marshall I was referring to as the mediocre players on offense. It was ALL the skill position players Ireland has drafted in the last four years I was commenting about.
     
  30. CitizenSnips

    CitizenSnips hmm.

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    Since Alex Smith was drafted the niners have:

    drafted vernon davis at 6th.
    Gore established himself as a great rb.
    They drafted two Olineman in the first round of the draft two years ago.
    Patrick willis came along and turned that defense into a top 3 in the league.
    They took Michael Crabtree.

    Im not taking everything away from Smith or harbaugh, but the pieces were always there. Kudos for the niners for finally making due on their potential i guess.
     
  31. mracer

    mracer New Member

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    I think Morano played a larger role in that pick. :angry::angry: That idiot had a chance to coach Jerry during the senior bowl and was convinced he was going to be a solid pick. :deadhorse: Hopefully, Jerry can turn it around but there is no way he's going to be as good as Graham.:pity:
     
  32. CallMeDaddy

    CallMeDaddy New Member

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    The pick may have been Sparanos but Parcells didn't like Jimmy Graham, he felt that he wasn't a good enough blocker to be an NFL tight end. Gotta admit though, Jerry did a great job at LT while long was injured.
     
  33. PhinsRDbest

    PhinsRDbest Transform and Transcend

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    the next dimension
    My Fantasy off-season:
    Step 1 - Hire Rick Dennsion
    Step 2 - Switch to zone blocking scheme
    Step 3 - Trade Jake Long, 1st, 2nd, & 3rd rounder 2012, 2013 1st & 2nd rounder to Colts to draft Andrew Luck
    Step 4 - Sign inexpensive FA O-lineman who have knowledge or fit the zone blocking scheme
    Step 5 - Resign Soliai and Langford
    Step 6 - Sign FA Anthony Spencer or Jarret Johnson

    I know buzz killers, won't happen, but that's how I would turn this team around.
     
    Fin D likes this.
  34. The_Dark_Knight

    The_Dark_Knight Defender of the Truth

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    Yea, how did that work out for Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers today? :wink2:

    Offense sells tickets, defense wins championships. Now I'm not saying we don't have to address our offensive issues. I'm not saying that one bit, but Alex Smith and the 49ers and Joe Flacco and the Ravens, and Eli Manning and the Giants with their adequate offenses and tremendous defenses put away 2 star quarterbacks, one with a record performing season and one a defending Super Bowl Champion.

    The absolute solution to winning football games consistently and the path to championships is time of possession and defense. San Francisco used that against New Orleans, New York used that against Green Bay and Baltimore used that against Houston.

    Everyone talks about quarterbacks. Quarterbacks, quarterbacks quarterbacks. Well, having a great QB is all fine and dandy, but if that quarterback is flat on his back from being sacked 5 times a game, or running for his life when his pocket collapses, being a great quarterback doesn't mean squat. Rodgers couldn't do anything against the Giants' swarming defense and Brees wasn't able to handle San Francisco's overwhelming defense.


    Personnel wise, we have a decent defense. I'm not convinced Nolan's defense is the answer though. Personnel wise, I think we have a decent offensive unit, I just question Daboll's offense.

    When I look at Jim Harbaugh and what he did in San Francisco...with the SAME people that were there last year...and taking them to the NFC Championship, that should send a crystal clear message to everyone that while hot shot personnel are great, great coaches are even better.
     
  35. MrClean

    MrClean Inglourious Basterd Club Member

    He wasn't a full time starter as a freshman so didn't play 3 full seasons at guard, and he played RG before moving to center as a senior.

    http://www.nfldraftscout.com/members/ratings/profile.php?pyid=71387
     
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  36. UCF FINatic

    UCF FINatic The Miami Dolphins select

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    Good catch, I always thought he played LG at Florida... so that came as a bit of a surprise.
     

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