1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

So, what do we think?

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by zwave21, May 11, 2014.

  1. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

    428
    504
    0
    Dec 31, 2012
    Not sure if it was just me but the draft went by extremely fast. It was the first under the Hickey regime and although it could be the only one if this season is a resounding dud. Personally, I think the team is too talented to not at least be in the playoff picture again. It was a much quieter Free Agency period this year and I think the objective is obvious...Give Tannehill every opportunity to win. Well, at least if he doesn't pan out it wasn't for a lack of help.

    Round 1: Ja'Wuan James - Some view it a reach, some didn't like the conservative nature with a few play makers on the board. Folks, this addressed our biggest need at a vital position for our offense. James was a stud RT, and I think he will be a very good pass protector in the NFL. He needs to improve run blocking but Coach Benton will have a fun time with him.

    Round 2: Jarvis Landry - One of my two favorite picks in this draft. Why? Old school tough WR. Nothing sexy about him just a hard worker who loves his craft. He is the better football player than ODB Jr. While he isn't the athlete or have the ceiling of Beckham he is a very good player. Landry will be a great safety net for Tannehill and we do NOT have a receiver like him on the roster.

    Round 3: Billy Turner - Love this pick but there were some high quality players on the board when this pick came up. Still, you can tell Coach Benton likes leaner more athletic lineman, which is great to see after stating were a zone base scheme with 320+lb OL. Turner a 3 time All-American at the FCS level played LT but I believe he'll slide in next to Albert at LG. Great thing with him is he provides versatility being able to play Tackle and Guard, he also give us insurance if something were to happen to Albert (knocks on wood). Turner is a nasty OL and a very motivated kid.

    Round 4: Walt Aikens - Kind of mixed on this pick as I don't know much of him. From what I've read is he started his career at Illinois but was kicked off the team and ended up at Liberty...surprised to take a red flag like that. He has good measurables from an athletic standpoint and very good size. Also has ability to play safety whih could be a huge plus. Another person to compete with our young CB's.

    Round 5a: Arthur Lynch - Again not a bad pick, as he fills a need for a inline TE. He has good size and decent athleticism. I see him as a poor man's Heath Miller at best in his career and that is a stretch. Again he was a leader for UGA and another player from my favorite conference.

    Round 5b: Jordan Tripp - Tripp joins Landry as my favorite picks of this year's draft. Another small school player but who put up huge numbers. Tripp is a superior athlete despite being a non-FBS player. His production at Montana was equally as impressive. He is a true 3 down LB and gives us a new dimension if he can develop quick enough. Said he can play both MLB and OLB, while I'd love to have him at MLB I think he may push Wheeler out the door.

    Round 6: Matt Hazel - Personally I was hoping we would look for a RB (Storm Johnson) at this point in the draft. But, it seems Hazel has a lot of positive buzz about him. Another small school prospect who is more of a technician than athlete at WR. He will provide another body in a very deep WR roster (nice to be able to say that).

    Round 7: Terrence Fede - not even going to pretend who I know Terrence Fede is besides he comes from Marist.

    UDFA (going off what I've read for signings):
    We have had some good success finding Undrafted Talent which is always nice to hear but also means we haven't hit on too many picks in round 1-7. I've addressed a few players who will push in camp to make this team.

    1. Brock Jensen QB NDSU - This is the man Billy Turner was protecting during his time at ND State. Jensen has more victories than any QB at his level, and he should be able to compete with Devlin and at best beat him out at the #3 man.

    2. Anthony Johnson DT LSU - Johnson is a player I was shocked was not drafted. I saw some mocks having him as high as round 3. He did fail a drug test at Combine but that seems like the cool thing to do these days. This is a guy who was #2 recruit behind Clowney out of high school, talent is there and we have right DL coach to teach him. I expect him to make team and push Earl Mitchell for playing time.

    3. Tyler Larsen C Utah St - a lean center from a zone scheme at Utah State. He was another player many thought would've been picked. He should be able to push Sam Brenner for backup center role.

    4. Damien Williams RB Oklahoma - a bigger back who is solid muscle. Had good measurables in workouts but was kicked off team at Oklahoma and was never the main go to guy in a 3 back rotation. The battle between him, Thomas, Gillislee should be interesting to say the least.

    5. Gator Hoskins H-Back Marshall - he is like a smaller version of Charles Clay where his height limitations aren't ideal for a NFL TE. I see him playing H-Back role in a backup to Clay, worst case he is a injury insurance.


    Overall, I thought this was a good draft with the potential to be a draft that five years from now if we are a successful franchise you could look back and say that was the foundation draft that got this rolling. This team already has a good mix of youth and experience. There should be zero excuses this season besides we just aren't good enough if we do not make the playoffs. Day one I was hoping if we were to make that pick to trade down, but rumors are AZ would've taken James with the 20 pick. Regardless, Hickey took his man and thus locking in a day one starter at RT from a premiere college division. In round 2, my hope was ASJ would fall at TE, but the Bucs snatched him early, after that I was looking for a WR and when Robinson came off the board I thought Moncrief was going to be the guy, but Landry is a quality pick and after letting it marinate he will pay dividends for this offense who lacks a true grit WR who isn't afraid to go across the middle. The Billy Turner pick was bold but it seems that a lot of teams are high on him, he will most likely play LG with James at RT, nice thing is they should have vets lined up next to them to help them adjust. The Aikens pick could turn out to be a good one but I'm not overjoyed with the selection. Lynch and Tripp was a quality 5th round in a deep draft. Hazel is ok in round 6 but that now makes 9 WR's coming into camp. Love the work in the UDFA so far, was hoping we would throw our hat in on Isiah Crowell, but I think Johnson and Williams have real opportunity to make the team. This draft featured a mix of need and value but you can see the scout coming out in Hickey. The biggest trend is leadership that most of our picks were Captains in college and relatively kept their nose clean besides Aiken. A lot of small school prospects which is a little scary but all were top players in their conference and looking at the projections on their draft status we got them at good value. I love the fact that out of our 7 picks there were 3 SEC boys on our roster.

    Grade: B with a real potential to end up being a B+ or A-.
     
    CashInFist, Fin D, GMJohnson and 10 others like this.
  2. ExplosionsInDaSky

    ExplosionsInDaSky Well-Known Member

    3,163
    2,325
    113
    Sep 13, 2011
    Good work man, nice read.
    I feel a bit better about this draft than I did last years draft. We seem to be really deep at WR now, and I like that we took further steps to tighten up the O Line. I think we will see more rookies contribute this year than we did last season. James looks like a lock to start right away and I wouldn't at all be surprised if Turner is eventually thrown in there. Landry can play right away as well depending on the progress of Hartline, the improvement of Matthews (who I like), and the decision on Brandon Gibson.
    Aikens has a chance to get some playing time as well, depending on competition in camp. Lynch is there to push Sims, and Egnew as well (someone has to step up out of those three), and I really like the Jordan Tripp pick. The guy draws comparison to Paul Posluszny which has me very excited about him. I honestly think he's a steal in this draft just based off of what i've read and seen so far. Passionate about the game, just a hardcore football player and those guys almost never fail in the NFL. I think he plays MLB from day one for us (hopefully i'm not jumping the gun on that). Seems to have the same kind of energy for the game as Luke Kuechly and Kiko Alonso...He's a great pick if that is the case.
    As far as Matt Hazel goes I know nothing about him, but with guys like him you really never know...Just another football player first with a position second.
    Terrence Fede is a guy that improved each season in college. Usually prospects like that tend to find homes in the NFL as well.
    Overall i'm very happy with the draft...We drafted protection for Tannehill, weapons for Tannehill, a skill position in the secondary, a pass rusher, and a potential starter at linebacker (in my opinion). We addressed every need and then some, and first and foremost we drafted football players over athletes.
     
  3. the 23rd

    the 23rd a.k.a. Rio

    9,173
    2,398
    113
    Apr 20, 2009
    Tampa Area
    it has always & continues to be about coaching.
    this draft was good in as much as it provides competition & potentially is an offensive line fix.
    coaching! coaching! coaching!:deadhorse:
     
  4. Galant

    Galant Love - Unity - Sacrifice - Eternity

    19,127
    11,058
    113
    Apr 22, 2014
    I'm wondering about the run game. Does it suggest the Dolphins are happy with the RB talent they have, or is the investment in blockers (everywhere!) an indication that the Dolphins are going to ignore the run game and try to become dominant with an all-out passing game?
     
  5. Unlucky 13

    Unlucky 13 Team Raheem Club Member

    51,926
    63,003
    113
    Apr 24, 2012
    Troy, Virginia
    It really seems that they're going all in as a pass first team, with the idea to use draws and similar plays out of the spread/shotgun. Time will tell if its the right call.
     
  6. Georgia Fin

    Georgia Fin Fin For Life

    3,004
    1,653
    113
    Nov 25, 2007
    West Georgia
    I like it. Lets actually block this year and Lazor's 4 WR sets should really help the run game and give us balance with big play capability.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  7. VanDolPhan

    VanDolPhan Club member Club Member

    13,057
    8,875
    113
    Nov 26, 2007
    Hamilton, Ontario Canada
    Matt Hazel is a tough player with strong route running. That seems to be the trend with the 2 WR pickups. Looks like they want guys they can move around positionally.
     
    Da 'Fins likes this.
  8. phinswolverinesrockets

    phinswolverinesrockets If he dies, he dies

    3,807
    1,282
    113
    Oct 31, 2013
    Houston

    Bingo!
     
  9. phinswolverinesrockets

    phinswolverinesrockets If he dies, he dies

    3,807
    1,282
    113
    Oct 31, 2013
    Houston
    Other than Shelley Smith, we didn't bring in one dominant run blocker. Our offensive line acquisitions were all about pass protection. Albert only gave up 4 sacks last year, which is why we had him higher than other free agents on our board. Same with James and Turner. Turner gave up 0 sacks last season and James only gave up 1. None of them are road graders. These specific picks on the offensive line, along with bringing in Moreno and drafting another blocking tight end, tells me we are going to be slinging it down field a lot. We will be using the pass to open up the run...the exact opposite of what Chip Kelley is doing over in Philly. I can see us keeping 6 receivers on the active roster (Jarvis Landry, Damian Williams, Rishard Matthews, Brandon Gibson, Mike Wallace, and Brian Hartline) and running a whole lot of 4-wide spread sets. Same playbook as last year, just a better play caller at offensive coordinator. The playbook last year was fine...Mike Sherman just didn't know what the hell he was doing. No read options, no roll outs, no passing to the rbs in the flats, hardly any 5 yards slants or drag routes over the middle, smh. Sherman was predictable, nothing but hitch routes, go routes, curl routes, and out routes, which is why every defensive coordinator played their corners 5 yards off the receivers. It was disgusting to watch week after week. Hopefully, Lazor isn't as clueless. Mix it up...find mismatches...realize your QB has 4.5 speed and use it. This offensive roster has so much potential.
     
    EverFin, PhinsRock and Killer Bees like this.
  10. jw3102

    jw3102 season ticket holder

    7,760
    3,486
    113
    Sep 4, 2010
    Maui, Hawaii

    I think you have to take Turner's stats in college with a grain of salt. He played against inferior players throughout his entire college career. Reports are that he seemed over matched when he played in the Senior Bowl against better players.

    He may eventually develop into a starter or backup in the NFL, but it would not surprise me in the least if he spends a lot of time on the inactive roster during the 2014 season.
     
  11. Alex44

    Alex44 Boshosaurus Rex

    20,810
    8,965
    0
    Jan 7, 2008
    Hollywood, Florida

    He struggles a bit with speed rushers due to not having the length to initiate contact early and drive them around the pocket. This isn't an issue at guard, and Ive heard NOTHING but good things about his play at guard in drills leading up to the draft.

    I'll only accept the small school excuse if you guys accept my SEC competition excuse for why Landry is going to be a stud.
     
  12. Brasfin

    Brasfin Well-Known Member

    2,435
    1,672
    113
    Apr 27, 2013
    Brazil
    I honestly think they want to have a balanced offense and be able to attack opponents' weaknesses... if the opponent's biggest weakness is defending the run, then they'd like to be able to run the ball at will. I think they like their RB's enough to not use any draft picks on the position.
     
  13. jw3102

    jw3102 season ticket holder

    7,760
    3,486
    113
    Sep 4, 2010
    Maui, Hawaii
    I hope your right, but performing well as a guard in drills and performing in games on Sunday are a totally different thing. He may turn out to be a complete surprise this year but I still anticipate he will spend more time on the inactive roster in 2014 than on the active roster. That doesn't mean he can't become a solid starter in the future.
     
  14. phinswolverinesrockets

    phinswolverinesrockets If he dies, he dies

    3,807
    1,282
    113
    Oct 31, 2013
    Houston
    You don't see him beating out Sam Brenner or Dallas Thomas at guard? Those are the other options. I think he easily beats them out. Some of the best offensive linemen of all time come from small schools (Larry Allen, Willie Roaf, etc.), not to mention Jahri Evans and a lot of the starters in today's game. I think he can transition. Either you can block or you can't.
     
  15. GMJohnson

    GMJohnson New Member

    14,291
    5,841
    0
    Jan 27, 2010
    Very much a meat and potato approach and I love it.

    The run game and pass pro should be much better this year, that alone makes this a good offseason. If I were Tannehill I would be ecstatic.
     
  16. GMJohnson

    GMJohnson New Member

    14,291
    5,841
    0
    Jan 27, 2010
    Certainly seems that way, and it's probably the best approach given what we have talent wise.
     
  17. 77FinFan

    77FinFan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

    8,215
    1,896
    113
    Mar 10, 2013
    Buckeye Land
    Of course it's important but Chris Spielman says something about it not being "X's and O's, but bro's." I'm not getting it right, but all the coaching in the world doesn't work w/out talent.
     
  18. Pauly

    Pauly Season Ticket Holder

    3,696
    3,743
    113
    Nov 29, 2007
    What I liked.

    1) We didn't go searching for 'value' by drafting players with significant injury risks.
    2) I liked drafting 2 OL in the first 3 picks,
    3) Coming away with a WR in a draft deep in WR talent was a good idea.

    What I didn't like.
    1) MLB wasn't specifically addressed. Behind the OL play I thought LB play, and MLB in particular, was our biggest area of weakness.
    2) I would have also liked to have seen a RB drafted. But then again we have a lot of later round RBs on our roster, maybe we could wait until next year to draft a good one.

    Overall I thought this was a reality based draft. Previous Dolphin's drafts over the last 10 years in hindsight seem to be based more on wishful thinking than on the reality of the team situation, No 'luxury' picks like Pat Devlin or Dion Jordon. No gambling on injury concerns.

    I also think that drafting James where we did was a good idea. OTs came off the board a lot faster than many pundits predicted so for me the notion that we could have safely traded back and have him fall into out laps seems a very dangerous assumption.
     
    zwave21 and PhinsRock like this.
  19. Pennington's Limp Arm

    Pennington's Limp Arm Well-Known Member

    1,528
    1,136
    113
    Mar 7, 2014
    Ontario, Canada
    A very, very coach friendly draft. That is my initial thought as you look at the group as a whole.

    A lot of team captains, a lot of 'character' players, a focus on driven young men, dedicated to their profession.
    Guys who get results when you watch the games and seem to understand the game. (High football IQ and toughness)

    Not necessarily a lot of weight given to combine results or sexy measurable. I think we landed some football players, not track stars.
     
    GMJohnson and PhinsRock like this.
  20. Onehondo

    Onehondo Senior Member Club Member

    2,671
    879
    113
    Dec 20, 2007
    Chesapeake, Virginia
    I was hoping for two offensive linemen in the 1st three rounds only difference being that I was hoping for a trade down in the 1st with Juwann James in the second and another in the 3rd with an impact player in the first. I am not disappointed in James as the 1st pick because he is a solid player. I believe James and Turner are going to be early starters. If Landry comes in and has an impact it would be a great draft. Not a flashy or spectacular draft by any means but the potential to be a very solid draft.
     
  21. Alex44

    Alex44 Boshosaurus Rex

    20,810
    8,965
    0
    Jan 7, 2008
    Hollywood, Florida
    Fair enough, I personally had him pegged as plug and play at guard before we drafted him so I was happy. I can see why others who didn't have that conviction wouldn't be happy.
     
  22. 77FinFan

    77FinFan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

    8,215
    1,896
    113
    Mar 10, 2013
    Buckeye Land
    I'm sure you do too but I hope and believe you are wrong about Turner. I think he will be at least fair, which will be an improvement. James will be rock solid and it seems that Landry can expect to see the field quite a bit. The little bit of film I saw on Tripp was impressive; showed some real quickness both in reading plays and then reacting. I expect Lynch to be as good or better than Sims/Egnew and I think Aikens shows promise as both a corner and safety.
     
  23. Galant

    Galant Love - Unity - Sacrifice - Eternity

    19,127
    11,058
    113
    Apr 22, 2014
    PhinsRock likes this.
  24. Fin D

    Fin D Sigh

    72,252
    43,684
    113
    Nov 27, 2007
    At this point, its very likely our first 3 picks become quality long term starters and if it plays out that way, then you have to consider this is a stellar first draft for Hickey.
     
  25. Brasfin

    Brasfin Well-Known Member

    2,435
    1,672
    113
    Apr 27, 2013
    Brazil
    For every one of those articles there's also one of these:

    http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...here-do-teams-stack-up-after-the-draft/page/2


    Obviously the writer knows very little about the Miami Dolphins... which "key defensive starters" does he mean? I'll give him Soliai, as we don't know if Mitchell will actually be an upgrade, but who else? Clemons and Carroll left but we got Delmas and Finnegan...
    I personally think the Dolphins draft was one of the ones in which the draftees will get the most playing time.
     
  26. Da 'Fins

    Da 'Fins Season Ticket Holder Staff Member Club Member

    34,737
    47,798
    113
    Dec 19, 2007
    Birmingham, AL
    Only time will tell. There are question-marks about most of the selections. Few "slam dunks" as they say. Most pundits are saying that the best picks were Tripp and/or Hazel. That's not always a good thing.

    The reality is, both James and Turner could be solid players for several years. Or they could both struggle.

    I like the fact that they went with the OL position, but we can't really judge the actual choices until they start to line up. And even then it sometimes takes players a year or two to develop and get acclimated to the NFL - There are a lot of quality starters in the league who did not start until year 3.

    The one area we might be able to be critical about is how they "worked" the draft. Would not have traded up so high for Turner and probably would have either drafted Cooks at 19 or traded down. However, if it turns out the two OL are really good - then that will be fine.

    Coaching does factor as well as the players themselves. They are going to have to prove themselves.

    I also really liked the Landry selection. He's an impressive, tough-minded player - not flashy but hard nosed and I actually hope he keeps his competitiveness and swagger and doesn't shrink back because it's the NFL. He could really become a leader in the WR corps within a year if he performs and maintains that competitive fire that he showed in college (I watched him in several games but was at the Alabama game and he really stuck out in a tough game).
     
  27. jw3102

    jw3102 season ticket holder

    7,760
    3,486
    113
    Sep 4, 2010
    Maui, Hawaii
    I don't see Brenner or Thomas as quality NFL offensive linemen, so obviously Turner will be given every opportunity to win the job. I don't claim to know a great deal about Turner and perhaps he will be a very productive player in the NFL during his career. I just don't know if he will be able to step in as a rookie and provide the type of play which will improve the overall play of the offensive line.

    I certainly hope he is as good as some people on here seem to think he is. Because if he isn't, the OL will again be a problem area in 2014 if Brenner or Thomas do end up having to be one of the starting guards.
     
  28. PhinsRock

    PhinsRock Premium Member Luxury Box

    James and Turner solidify the OL, Landry looks rock solid, they addressed CB & ILB, took a shot at DE in the 7th. Armchair GM's can harp all they want on moving up or down for any given pick, but Hickey drafted a solid meat & potatoes approach to fill as many major needs as he could with high caliber guys as opposed to shooting in the dark as Ireland did.

    To me this draft is very satisfactory for where we are talent vs. need to potentially take this team to the next level which has to be playoffs. I'll take what we have through this draft and FA, and happily go to TC with my ever present "Hope springs eternal" approach, and see what these new players, Tannehill, Lazor and the new OL coach can do with this bunch.

    IMVHO this group, players and coaches alike, have the ability to take us where we want this season, at least a playoff appearance, and if so, I'm content to build on that and believe we are on the right track. And not taking a RB when we added Moreno says to me Lazor thinks he can score points with the RB's we have, and I have no reason not to take that at face value.
     
  29. Da 'Fins

    Da 'Fins Season Ticket Holder Staff Member Club Member

    34,737
    47,798
    113
    Dec 19, 2007
    Birmingham, AL
    There is definitely potential in this class - both "plug in" needs but also some real raw-ness of potential. The more I look at these players the more I like them (I liked Taylor last year and if he is fully healthy and gets a good off-season of coaching, he has the chance to be a very good CB).

    I love the physicality of Walt Aikens. He will need a good bit of teaching and improved technique but I think he can make it on special teams (In fact, I think there were several players who could be performers on Special Teams - an important factor - Aikens, Tripp, Landry, Hazel).
     
  30. Limbo

    Limbo Mad Stillz

    2,476
    1,128
    113
    Mar 21, 2013
    The run game is still going to be an issue, imo. Potentially a big one, though hopefully I'm wrong. Moreno is on a one-year deal, has a full history of durability problems, and isn't exactly a stud carrying the ball. Yes he'll help immensely in the passing game; but as a workhorse or even reliable ballcarrier inside and outside...I don't see it with him or Miller, which is a bummer.

    But in the end this draft is about helping our young QB stay upright to throw to some reliable targets. Looks like Hickey did that, even if it was a tad conservative. The personnel goal is to leave the season with an answer to the question of whether or not Tannehill is the franchise guy.

    Love the Tripp pick. Though maybe it's just me hoping someone will take snaps from Wheeler. If he's on the field as much as he was last year...we have a problem...and he's just painful to watch. My money is on Jenkins breaking out bigtime, playing obvious passing downs to start but then finding a way to get him out there even more. I hope Tripp pushes both of them, and I think he will with this tenacity he seems to have.
     
  31. GMJohnson

    GMJohnson New Member

    14,291
    5,841
    0
    Jan 27, 2010
    I also like the attitude and intangibles of the new guys. Moreno and Finnegan both play with an edge, Landry too. From what I hear the other draftees were self starter-leader types. Hopefully these guys help bring a new level of consistency.
     
    MrClean likes this.
  32. MrClean

    MrClean Inglourious Basterd Club Member

    Even with Finnegan's drop in production the past 2 seasons, ya gotta like his grittiness last year to want to keep playing even with the broken orbital bone, before the team forced him to shut down and go on IR.
     
  33. MrClean

    MrClean Inglourious Basterd Club Member

    Maybe it's too much to hope for, but I'm hoping Tripp becomes the same type of player for us as another linebacker taken in the 5th round, but 154th overall, back in 1996.
     
    dolfan22 likes this.
  34. MrClean

    MrClean Inglourious Basterd Club Member

    The idiot, Ty Schalter, who wrote that for The Bleacher Report, is a major Detroit Lions fan, and really knows very little about the NFL in general. I've read a few of his articles in the past couple of years and he is BY FAR the worst, most ignorant football writer they have. In this case too, he is probably butt hurt because Delmas signed with Miami. If he were still a Lion, he'd be referred to as a borderline All Pro. LOL.
     
  35. MrClean

    MrClean Inglourious Basterd Club Member

    That is hardly a revelation. The same could be said about the vast majority of draft picks, Could it not? James in particular looks like a pretty safe pick to me. He may never be great, but his bust factor appears to be very low too.
     

Share This Page