2013 Miami Dolphin Offseason Blueprint

This might be the most positive I have felt about our team in a long time. I know some will laugh but except for the 2008 version this team is the closest we had to a potential contender. That team don't get me wrong was great and Pennington played out of his mind, but he was 33 years old when we got him and it was a stopgap not a building block. Tannehill on the other hand gives us a chance as long as he progresses but something tells me he could really peak at a high level with his athleticism and arm. Regardless of what Omar Kelly says on how good Quarterbacks can win with spare parts, I don't feel the same and the proof is there. Manning = Harrison/Wayne, Rodgers = Jennings/Driver/Nelson/Jones , Brady = Welker/Gronkowski/Hernandez/Lloyd, and the list goes on... But the one thing our team is lacking more than just a playmaker is viable options down the depth chart which we can mix and mash from homegrown prospects and Intelligent FA's.

Free Agency:

How to address our own players

Matt Moore QB - Really feel he might be the best backup in the game. That Jet performance this year was something else coming off the bench and not missing a beat. My hope is we can keep him around but he is too talented to not get another shot as a starter. My bet is in Cleveland and taking the job from Weeden.

Reggie Bush RB- Reggie has been great plain and simple but was never used correctly. He blew my expectations as a ball carrier and the toughness he showed. But I hate the dancing and this is Lamar Miller's type of system to thrive in. Regardless, depending on the WR situation I wouldn't be opposed to him being brought back and used more as a receiver.

Brian Hartline WR- Hartline had a good year not great but good. I mean 1,000 yards is nice to have but those were inflated by that Arizona game. But we need touchdowns and for a guy with less than 6 in four years ehh... Im not sold we need to bring him back. So, I say pass on Hartline.

Anthony Fasano TE- Love Fasano just a real football player. But his breed is becoming instinct by the new wave of athletes playing the position. Still he has substance and is useful. I bring him back on a 3 year deal to be an H-Back hybrid but not the main TE.

Jake Long LT- Sad to say it but he was great . Not so much anymore and regardless of price I don't feel the need for Long as he won't be getting any better. But, for the fan in me i wish him the best and hopes he makes me eat my words.

Randy Starks DT- Don't believe anyone is more important to resign than this guy. He is really consistent and he is a team guy who loves the city. To this day i think he was Jeff Ireland's best find, even if Parcells was calling the shots. I lock him up toa 3-4 year deal and worst case Franchise tag.

Sean Smith CB- Has never put it all together. I am not saying he needs to go but just not the ball hawk nor physical corner I think we all expected. At the right price I bring him back but rumors are he wants some serious $$$. I let him walk.

Chris Clemons FS- Started to put it together this year and I think he complements Jones well. Not a true ball hawk but solid. I think continuity in our safeties will be important with a much need remake of the CB position. 4 year deal.

Now to cuts, restructures:

Cuts

Dan Carpenter K - I know this move will cause a stir but honestly he isn't worth the contract we gave him. I give Kaeding the job and bring in some competition. Low cost option for Kicker may seem cheap but I want TD's not field goals and I think money should be spent to get the TD's.

D. Patterson/ R. Marshall CB - keeping both is pointless as i feel they are similar skill set and contract. Either way for the right price I try to keep both, but not without restructuring their contracts. Preferably Marshall is younger and I feel a better No. 3 CB to cover the speedy slots. Still with two new top CB's and either Marshall/Patterson as a 3, makes me feel better.

Richie Incognito LG- Great team player and brings the edge I like but he just isn't the right price for this scheme. I want to keep him but restructuring would give us more $$$. I hope we can do it cause continuity for our o-line is needed for success.

Karlos Dansby MLB - Great year and try and restructure. He is a leader on and off the field. I want him around but his contract is ****ty and could help free up more money. either way this would be great to do but isn't a must just make sure he is around.

Free Agency:

QB- B. Leftwhich (PITT) = Not saying he is the best option but I feel he has played in the league for a decade now and think he'd be a good mentor for Tannehill and has worked behind a pretty decent QB. Either way let him compete and try to beat out Devlin and a Rookie for the back up spots.

RB- Brandon Jackson (GB) = Nothing more than a veteran to help in the pass blocking area just in case we haven't fixed it with Miller and Thomas. Solid vet who played with Philbin so the familiarity wouldn't hurt. I want to see if this Gray kid who was on PUP last year can push Thomas cause he is disappointing to say the least.

Much needed WR's - I like the draft for WR's and wouldn't be opposed to taking 2 in the draft. But, I feel with our first 6 picks we could get some serious contributors and we have many needs. So I want at least 2 in free agency (one stud and one to challenge with Bess, Binns, and Matthews)

WR- Mike Wallace (PITT) = We've tried speed guys (Ginn, Gates) but they weren't football players. This guy isn't a Marshall type of WR but he has the speed to open up the offense and what he does great is get in the ENDZONE. 34 TD's already and he doesn't seem to be a threat to chemistry. Pay him what he wants and get what we want more W's.

WR- Ramses Barden (NYG) = Loved him coming out of the draft with that size. I would like to see him be a outside guy nd red zone threat. Could be a v 2.0 of Gadsen hopefully with more consistency and speed.

TE- Dustin Keller (NYJ) = Like him on many fronts. Always nice to steal from a Rival, and he is talented but his injuries lately worry me. But he can block and run the seam like we desperately need. Use him as a #1 with Fasano as the hybrid then see if we can get a rookie for the right fit and hope maybe Clay or Egnew pan out to be football players and not athletes. Plan B's for if Keller doesn't work out I'd go with either M. Bennett/ J. Cook/ B. Myers.

T- None really impress me that much but if we do take one I hope it is Vollmer or Baker. Still, I want to keep Jerry on the right plan and I think our O-Line coach Turner believes in the kid. Still he isn't the guard we need and I liked him at tackle in 2011. I move him to RT and J. Martin to LT and hopefully he hits the weights hard.

G- Really depends on Incognito but hypothetically say we cut him for $$$ reasons we need two new one's with Jerry moving to RT. And what we need is zone scheme blockers with ability to pull. I like Levitre from Buffalo but he is going to get paid and I feel we don't need to overspend on OL like we have in the past.

Donald Thomas (NE)= Don't know if Ireland will admit the mistake to let him go but he had a real solid year and is athletic enough to pull. Wouldn't mind bringing him back at the right price. Still, I am prepared to go draft for both guards if we let Incognito go.

DE- Possibly Michael Bennett (TB) but he isn't a must have, I think we could get good value in the draft but Odrick if is serious about losing the weight could be better but he isn't the pass rushing threat we need opposite Wake. I still think Vernon can develop but he almost looks like a good OLB if Misi goes back to being ****.

DT- See Randy Starks above.

LB- Maybe a throw in depth guy but I like our group there but they are getting up there in age, definitely think a rookie to develop would be ideal.

CB's- Just as important as WR and I think FA has some good options but still want to draft one to develop doesn't have to be a first rounder either.

Derek Cox (JAX) - really great numbers when he plays but that is when he plays. I like his intangibles and skill set although and wouldn't mind taking a chance on him which if it pays off would reap dividends. He can be the #1 guy we were hoping Smith would become.

EJ Biggers (TB) - a miami product and has played well being thrust into duty for the Bucs this year. I think he has high ceiling and could really develop with the right coaching and I like what Coyle does for the Secondary.

Plan B's: Keenan Lewis (PITT) - like what I saw as a first year starter but might be overpaid without much of a track record and only one career interception reminds me of someone were letting go.

Leodis McKelvin (BUFF) - guy always found a way to hurt us with the Bills, still never really put it together. But he skills and return ability makes me think he'd be worth a shot.

S- Resign Jones to a 5 year deal and give us the safety we've needed a la Brock Marion.

K- Resign Kaeding and bring in a rookie to compete.

The Draft:

With the news of a compensatory pick coming for K. Langford and the news may be b/t 3-5 range. Let's put it at 4th rouder. So as of right now we have 1-1; 2-2's; 2-3's; 2-4s; 1-5; 2-7's. I really like the set up we have for our foundation between our cap number and picks. But we must build through the draft and cultivate like the Pats', Packer's, etc.

Our main needs with FA signings factored in:

WR
CB
OL
DE
TE
LB

Round 1:12 - Dion Jordan (ORE) DE - I don't know if he'll last this long but I feel like somone will fall in love with Ansah over Jordan and take him way too high. Jordan reminds me of a mix of Aldon Smith/Jason Taylor. The size is what stands out as he is long and some question his strength but his versatility doesn't have him rush the passer every time. I like his tenacity and think he can be the hybrid who could develop into a pure pass rusher. Hit the weights and get him to the 275 range and I think he'd be a nightmare.

Plan B: C. Patterson (TENN) WR- I love his skill set but with Wallace brought in and the depth at WR I think he'd be a luxury. I don't know if he is a one year wonder but he could be the gamebreaker that would be in the mold of Julio Jones.

Round 2: 42 - Keenan Allen (CAL) WR- I get the feeling people aren't sold on Allen and don't feel his pro day will blow anyone away. Still for a guy who has been at 12 for us the past 4 months to get him in the second round is a great value at a need. With Wallace's speed and the home run threat, we let Allen run underneath and eat good in the West Coast. His size and skill reminds me of a Michael Crabtree type of player and having a player run a solid slant in the west coast is a must have and we don't have it.

Plan B: D. Trufant (WASH) CB- Doubt he lasts this long with that impressive combine but hey we have seen wilder things in the draft. His skills and bloodlines make me think he could develop into a real #1.

Round 2 : 54- Jamar Taylor (BOISE STATE) CB - Now we get a guy to develop into what we need is a ballhawk. His combine wowed me for sure and being in Boise didn't help his exposure, but that will help him last. I think WR and CB have some serious depth this year and can find contributers four rounds deep.

Plan B- Travis Kelce (CINCY) TE - Think the kid is the real deal as a blocker and receiver. I just don't know how high his stock will rise over the next month but if he is on the board I take him and have him be what we thought Egnew was going to be.

Round 3: 77- Kyle Long (ORE) OG/OT- Played Guard and Tackle in college and that would be great because we need versatile linemen and with Pouncey being the man and Martin's ability to play on the right or left and with Jerry at G/T I think Long would be a great addition. His athleticism is exactly what we need and is right weight and size for the a zone scheme. He played Defensive End to begin his career after pitching didn't work out and when your Dad is Howie Long and Brother Chris is been a great DE in STL, I feel fine even though he only started one year.

Plan B: Logan Ryan (Rutgers) CB- Like the kids tenacity and ability to get physical with receivers. Rutgers has produced some solid CB's over the past few years and I think he could be the best to come through. Still wouldn't want to wait this long to address CB, but if he is there pull the trigger.

Round 3: 82 - Vance McDonald (Rice) TE- This kid is rising like crazy and it might be a stretch to think he lasts this long but there is no can't miss prospect at TE, besides Eifert. His combine was scary for the lack of attention he has gotten. He reminds me of a poor man's Jason Witten but with better straight line speed. If he can become half the player Witten has been I think we will all be happy. Plus his strength and ability to block thinks he could be the real deal in a year or two.

Plan B: Markus Wheaton (Ore St.) WR- reminds me of a replica of Wallace and with the speed and the numbers he put up (90+ catches) with shotty QB play. I think he could be a real gem in round 3.

Round 4: 108- Stedman Bailey (WVU) WR- I know his teammate Tavon Austin is the talk of the combine but he is too fragile for me. Reminds me of Percy Harvin whose skills I love but injuries and attitude I don't. I watched WVU highlights and came away with Bailey as the better WR and value for his play. He could develop behind Bess and become the slot guy with better straight line speed. Plus he make over the shoulder catches look silly easy and gets TD's.

Plan B: Gavin Escobar (SD ST) TE- Disappointing combine but he plays faster on tape. He seems like the jump ball TE threat we desperately need. The Gonzalez comparisons are a stretch but he does look pretty good. Not sure about his blocking although.

Round 4: Compensatory - Jon Bostic (UF) ILB- Little bit undersized but man can he lay a hit. Watching that Florida defense play was ridiculous with the speed and tenacity they hit with. Just to say I would take anyone from that defense (Floyd, Elam, Jenkins, etc.) They have the swagger about the, and really lay some licks down. He could develop on passing downs and ail Dansby when/if he gets dinged up. His speed also makes me think he could spell OLB's as well. Regardless he is the future but would be wise to get him involved in ST to start.

Plan B: Chris Harper (KSU) WR - Like the way he catches the ball and his combine was pretty impressive as well. Could be a good guy to develop into a number 2 for the future. More of a luxury pick but would make sense if we wait a bit on WR.

Round 5: 139 Alvin Bailey (ARK) OG: All-SEC guard and anyone who tries to block those monsters in the south can play on my team. May need to shed a little weight but a line of Martin, Long, Pouncey, Bailey, and Jerry gets me excited especially with the versatility and athleticism. All under 25 years old and can develop with each other for next decade hopefully.

Plan B: Kevin Reddic (UNC) LB- Think he never played up to his potential and will hurt his stock. Does have some trouble issues in the past but nothing too major. Either way I like the defensive prospects that UNC has produced and as a Butch Davis guy he knows how to recruit talent. If no on Bostic in 4, then this should be a good fill in.

Round 7: 11 - Brandon McGee (UMiami) CB- Never lived up to his atleticism but he is a homewtown product and I like our two guys we got last year (Vernon/ Miller) and I liked the guy we should've got (TY Hilton). I think he can be taught the right way to play and reminds me of Sam Shields who had a breakout year this year in GB. He went undrafted and its possible McGee will too but his is too talented not to take a late round chance on.

Round 7: 18 - Jordan Rodgers (Vandy) QB- I like how GB consistently drafts QB's and develops them only to flip them into additonal picks like Matt Flynn. I think Rodgers gets the nod due to his name and bloodlines but he has a good arm and could potentially develop.

So to wrap it up lets get a depth chart together:

QB- Tannehill, Leftwhich, Devlin/Rodgers - I expect a big jump fro Tannehill this year now not gaudy numbers but could see him following a Flacco esque statistic path. I let Leftwhich, Devlin, Rodgers battle it out but my hope is we have a veteran to ease Tannehill's development.

RB- Miller, Thomas, Gray, Thigpen/Undrafted rookie - This is Miller's team and I was so pissed we didn't use him more last year. His speed reminds me of Shady McCoy and his one cut of A. Foster, not saying he'll be that good but he is talented. Thomas is a disappointment but you don't give up on Second Round investments after two seasons, still he better get it together cause the talent is there. Gray is a question but seems like he could pan out after keeping him all year. Thigpen is a great returner but we need some receiving our rushing help as well and if we bring McKelvin in through FA he is not a must have anymore.

WR- Wallace, Allen, Bess, Bailey, Barden, Matthews, Binns - So in one offseason we turn a weakness into a major strength. I love the potential of this group for the first four guys, depending on if we keep 5/6 WR's the mix of Barden, Matthews, Binns can battle it out. My guess is Binns/Matthews from their exposure to the system and Barden seems a little stiff. But I love how Wallace and Allen could feed off each other. Wallace is speed and can stretch the defense and Allen is a WCO ideal fit as his underneath routes are his strength and I believe he can be a YAC type guy we desperately need. Now Bess who is a personal favorite is great hopefully comes back to full health this year. With him back in the slot primarily I think he can put up some great numbers and really thrive like we all know he can. Bailey could also push Bess but I think he could learn a great deal and become his successor with more athleticism. Still with Wallace and Allen on the outside and Bess and Bailey manning the slots I think Tannehill won't have to worry about lack of weapons but keeping them all happy.

TE- Keller, Fasano, McDonald, Clay, Egnew - Keller comes in and gives us the seam threat with solid blocking we need. Fasano comes back on a two year deal and mans the H-Back role unless Clay gets his act together. Then McDonald gets the chance to work into the mix, and develop. I expect him to be the go-to guy in year 3 though. Clay can still be useful if he can get it together. Egnew is pretty much a presumed cut unless some sort of relevation happens. The Packers/Pats go 3-4 TE's deep I want the same thing. Talent with versatile parts is what the great teams have.

RT- Jerry, Garner - Jerry I think is more natural fit at Tackle with his strength. If he can keep his weight down I think he could develop to a Pro Bowl level, the key is keeping him motivated and I love our coach to do that. Garner is a great fit for our team with his versatility and a spot starter for injury. I just can't trust him to be the main guy, but have faith if Jerry busts that Garner can patch it together.

RG- Bailey or Incognito (Restructured) , Samuda - Depending on how the Incognito situation pans out and if we draft a replacement. If Incognito stays I move him to the Right side to help aid Jerry. If Bailey is the guy I like the SEC right side with Pouncey, him, Jerry. I think he will be the pulling guard we desperately need. Samuda intrigues me as he is a little short but staff seems to think highly of him.

C- Pouncey, Samuda - Pouncey will be the best center in football. He is too athletic and stays healthier than his brother who gains more exposure and hype. It really is b/t the two of them for the AFC pro bowl the next ten years. Samuda is versatile enough to play center as well.

LG- Long, FA- I plug Long in from Day one on the left side as that is where he played in college. The size and athleticism between him and Martin gets me excited, their lakc of experience worries me a bit but I like our staff to get them up to speed. I bring in a vet behind him who can help ease his transition and play if Long isn't ready day one.

LT- Martin, FA - It's Martin's side now and he can thank Long's decline for the reassignment from the right side. Martin is definetly more comfortable on the left and it showed when he filled in for Long when he got injured. He's a smart kid with plus athleticism but he needs to hit the weights hard. I can't take seeing him get bowled over time and time again this year. Still I think he has the drive to make it work. Bring in a vet as insurance just in case.

DE- Wake, Shelby - Wake is a monster plain and simple. He is our best player and please don't try to argue. Still he is on the wrong side of 30 but I still believe he doesn't have the wear and tear of most guys his age. Getting him some help on the other side really would pay dividends. Shelby I like as a rotational guy who could develop.

DT- Starks, Solai, Randall, Odrick (passing downs) - Starks is back and I couldn't be happier. Him and Solai are a terror and really benefit our LB's make tackles. Randall I like what I saw from him in the times he played last year. I think he will fill in for McDaniel as the third guy extremely well and won't be injured so often. Odrick to start the year I want at DE but on passing downs move to DT, still as our DE's develop I could see him coming down inside for good.

DE- Odrick, Jordan, Vernon - Odrick will play on running downs and let Jordan get his legs underneath him. But, he won't be able to hold him off for long. I see Jordan coming into his own year 2 but with the versatility to cover receivers makes him so versatile its scary. I don't know if Vernon is a DE/OLB but he is training with Wake, hey who knows maybe he really develops into a pure pass rusher cause I like his skills and motor. But, part of me believes he could become a good OLB with pass rush ability. Still never can have to many pass rushers.

OLB- Burnett, Misi, Kaddu, Trusnik, Bostic- Burnett has been great since he has come from San Diego, but he is in his 30's. Misi I still don't know about but he did defiently look more natural at OLB last year. Kaddu is someone I have some hope for. He is an Oregon guy who like Jordan is extremely athletic, the coaches believe he will make a big jump in year 2 and I hope that is the case. Trusnik is a great on special teams and can fill in but I prefer someone more athletic. Bostic will focus on MLB but could fill in or move to OLB if he can't handle the middle.

MLB- Dansby, Bostic- Dansby is our leader on defense and while he may be more talk than walk he did have 130+ tackles last year. Again he is in his 30's and will be declining. Hopefully we can restructure him to gain a little more cap room but either way he will be our guy. Bostic will benefit from Dansby's experience and both are SEC guys with speed and instincts. I believe Bostic could develop into a Jon Beason type player with that tenacity.

CB- Cox, Biggers, Marshall, Taylor, Carroll, McCann, Wilson - Cox stays healthy he can be the lock down guy we have coveted. Biggers is getting better with each game and I like the fight he has and doesn't back down. If we can restructure Marshall I feel he can be the slot corner we desperately need especially against NE. Taylor is our project to develop, let him get his feet wet then in year 2/3 let him take over. Carrol/Wilson/McCann we let battle it our for last one/two spots but my guess is Carroll and McCann and Wilson could move to safety where I like him better.

S- Jones, Clemons, Wilson, Amaya - Jones is a stud and I am happy we gave him a few years to figure it out. We need to lock him up long term. Having him and Clemons back together will help aide the CB turnover. Clemons really benefited from Coyle's system letting him play more center field than in the box. Wilson/Amaya or a rookie can battle it our for depth but with Marshall having experience at FS I feel he could fill in if an injury occured.

K- Kaeding/ Rookie - Kaeding i have always liked and has more consistency than Carpenter and less price is why I let him go. The state of Florida has a couple outstanding kickers coming out and I would even take one of them in the 7th but I like competition for kickers.

P- Fields- One of the leagues best and helps us on a weekly basis win the field position battle.

KR/PR- Thigpen, McKelvin - Depends on if Thigpen can become more of a threat on offense cause McKelvin always killed us on ST in Buffalo.



I believe this could be a team not only for this year but for years down the road could be an instant contender.

Love some feedback on this one guys so let me know what you think!

 

Yeah, I can definetly say there could be some stretches but I feel Allen's stock is falling without the combine performance and questions about his knee. If we get Wallace in FA then I feel we need a possesion/route runner to complement him (Allen, Hopkins, Patton). If we go Jennings then speed is the need (Patterson, Austin).

Now that Starks is franchised I really hope we restructure some contracts especially if we can't lock down Starks to a long-term in the meantime.

I just hope we fill in quality and depth at CB/WR big time as we know how injuries can leave us with a Nanee as a starting WR and a Carrol as our #2 CB.

Thanks for the feedback though guys!