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No Guard No Playoffs

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by Newmpiece, Mar 25, 2015.

  1. Newmpiece

    Newmpiece Banned

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    Hey guys I made an account a while ago and have trolled the forums but never really posted. I wanna start off by saying I am incredibly excited and optimistic about the direction Mike Tannenbaum is taking this organization and the shrewd moves he has made this offseason. However, there is one glaring whole that has yet to be addressed and that is the interior of our offensive line. I feel there are two options that could fill this need and push our offense to the next level so we can finally make the playoffs. Signing Dan Connolly or trading for Evan Mathis would be one but I have not heard anything about either of them recently so I do not see that happening. The other would be drafting Brandon Scherff or La'el Collins with the first round pick. White and Cooper will not be there when we pick so I think this is really our only option. If we go BPA and decide to pass on both of them I am interested to see if any of you think there are any other options. Are there any second round guard prospects that are talented enough to start 16 games for us? Could J.D. Walton make a move to guard after being a mediocre center his entire career? Something has to happen because if we start the season with Dallas Thomas as a starter then RT will again be one of the most sacked quarterbacks in the league and this offense won't take the leap necessary to push us into the playoffs.
     
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  2. cbrad

    cbrad .

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    OG is definitely the most glaring hole right now. Waiting for some more Tannenbaum magic soon, because I don't want to see this team go into the draft without signing any good FA guard.
     
  3. invid

    invid Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Despite less success there, Mike Pouncey may remain as the RG when all is said and done. So C might be the need, not guard. We'll have to wait and see.
     
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  4. rafael

    rafael Well-Known Member

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    I agree we need to solve the G position, but if it's solved it will probably come in FA rather than spending yet another 1st round pick on a G.
     
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  5. Piston Honda

    Piston Honda Well-Known Member

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    Miller didnt run for 1100 yards at 5.1 per carry on his own or by accident. The OL problems were primarily in pass pro and primarily at OT after Albert was injured. Getting better at any position is always helpful but the "need" at OG is comically overblown.
     
  6. VanDolPhan

    VanDolPhan Club member Club Member

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    Turner is going to win that RG spot. I have no doubt about that short of injury. It's also a deep draft of guards and tackle to guard prospects. They'll probably add one in the mid rounds and pick up a veteran from the post draft cuts. Remember Baum is always tweaking his roster right into August.

    Were fine at the tackle spots and they seem to finally realize Jason Fox can fill in for Albert.
     
  7. rafael

    rafael Well-Known Member

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    Pouncey was one of the worst Gs in the league last year. I don't know what else there is to see there.
     
  8. Dol-Fan Dupree

    Dol-Fan Dupree Tank? Who is Tank? I am Guy Incognito.

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    1st round pick on a G doesn't necessary mean solving the position. At least for 2015.
     
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  9. rafael

    rafael Well-Known Member

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    Agree, it was just suggested in the op.
     
  10. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    I think pouncey could be a good guard but he would have to add about twenty to thirty pounds. Center requires more speed guard more strength. Since he didn't bulk up in the off season I see him sticking w center
     
  11. DolphinGreg

    DolphinGreg Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    I agree. At this point we just want to find the players that can play competent football and get those guys next to each other so they can build some chemistry. I for one am sick of seeing this team reach high in the draft just to ensure they get a quality offensive lineman so they can plug a glaring hole. Jake Long stopped us from getting Matt Ryan when we needed a QB. Taking Mike Pouncey and Ju'Wann James was also frustrating knowing that we're buying bricks and mortar and other teams are already to the point where they're ordering new office furniture.

    One thing I know is that this team already has 60% of their line built up from 1st round picks and/or big-money contracts. That's ridiculous. They certainly shouldn't do it again.

    Pouncey's 2014 was disappointing but he was also rushed back from a lower body injury and wasn't in great football shape. Pouncey seemed like he lost his physical edge last year and that's typically the case with guys who are fresh off some sort of lower body injury.

    If we can get a solid center, I can see a healthy Mike Pouncey bulking up, working on his strength and trying Guard for another season but that might be a mistake. I'd rather have Pouncey stay slim, continue doing what's he's done well since he entered the league, and go find a prototypical Guard somewhere in the 2nd, 3rd or 4th round of this draft.

    That said, the coaches seem pretty high on Dallas Thomas and there is buzz around Billy Turner. If only one of those guys pans out, and we're able to add a quality player in the draft, we're in pretty good shape I'd say.
     
  12. PhinsMondayNitro

    PhinsMondayNitro Active Member

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    No running game.. no playoffs!
     
  13. MikeHoncho

    MikeHoncho -=| Censored |=-

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    The23rd, is that you?

    I agree though. Dallas Thomas... how that guy is on the roster, is beyond me.
     
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  14. rafael

    rafael Well-Known Member

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    He's not a power player. His best attribute is his quick feet. Having him put on weight could rob him of that and you'd end up with a slower, still not powerful enough G. That would be as ridiculous as drafting a potentially elite LB with the 3rd pick and then making him gain weight and play as a slower not powerful enough DE. :shifty:
     
  15. Dol-Fan Dupree

    Dol-Fan Dupree Tank? Who is Tank? I am Guy Incognito.

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    had a running game last year
     
  16. Limbo

    Limbo Mad Stillz

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    "The only thing keeping us from the playoffs is a guard," said no one ever...well, until now.
     
  17. ExplosionsInDaSky

    ExplosionsInDaSky Well-Known Member

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    No protection for Tannehill, no playoffs. We need to draft the best available offensive lineman in the draft if we aren't going to sigb Connelly.
     
  18. Phins Up Wins Up

    Phins Up Wins Up Banned

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    And the fact this draft is deep with 2nd round guards. There aren't a lot of OG 1st round worthy players this year. The best guards would be a reach at 14. If you want a G then trade back or just get one in the 2nd round. No need to take one at 14. Thats why a WR, MLB, or CB would be best in the 1st round and a G in the 2nd or maybe they trade back and get a 3rd round pick for a guard.
     
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  19. jdallen1222

    jdallen1222 Well-Known Member

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    Yea, let's make Dion Jordan a DE while we're at it. I wouldn't be totally shocked with this coaching staff if they continued with **** like this.
     
  20. jim1

    jim1 New Member

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    There will be flashier options at #14 on draft day but in terms of talent, positional flexibility and need positions La'el Collins would be a great pick imo.
     
  21. finfansince72

    finfansince72 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    I think we can find a vet to compete with Turner for the starting job and draft a player later in the draft. I don't think our pick is a good spot for a guard. If we were picking really late in the first round? Sure. We need elite players on this team at our skill positions I'd rather see us go in that direction. Guard is obviously a need and why we haven't cut Dallas Thomas yet is beyond me, he's a bust, its over lets move on.
     
  22. SuperMarksBros.

    SuperMarksBros. Active Member

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    sigh
     
  23. jim1

    jim1 New Member

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    I'd be happy with Melvin Gordon, Eddie Goldman, Trae Waynes and to a lesser extend one of the bigger WRs Parker or Strong. If the team is comfortable with DGBs issues and history that could be one heck of a pick and roll of the dice- that being said, even though OL is a relatively boring way to go we need a Guard (badly) who can also play LT if in case Albert isn't ready to go, so James can stay at RT. And there you have it, La'el Collins, perfect fit. Truth be told I wasn't high on Collins as a LT even though I like him as a RT/OG prospect a lot, but he apparently has been showing better quickness at his lower 305 lb weight- bottom line he's a player, a road grader who can pass block effectively as well, played LT for LSU. He makes a lot of sense at #14 imo, a quality player who can cover us at OG and LT if need be, just what the doctor ordered.
     
  24. ExplosionsInDaSky

    ExplosionsInDaSky Well-Known Member

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    Dude, he's right...La'el Collins is praised for his pass blocking abilities. I tend to lean towards BPA usually when it comes to the draft, but I think need should ultimately be considered with this pick. Most mocks have Collins going in the 12-20 range so it kind of makes sense for us to draft him. I know most of us (including myself) would rather piss glass than watch us draft another offensive lineman, but we simply couldn't get it done...AGAIN....last year. The entire line fell apart after the Albert injury, and I just think if we are going to build an elite offensive line, it has to be done methodically through the draft until we get it right. Branden Albert was a great addition, but the patchwork pieces (Smith, Colledge) just didn't get it done. We could take another young promising prospect in this draft and just be done with it after that.
    With Albert,Turner, Pouncey, (Rookie), and James, we would have young yet established core that could grow together for many years. It would be great to finally just have a solidified offensive line on this team, so that Tannehill could work.
     
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  25. the 23rd

    the 23rd a.k.a. Rio

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    the ABC's, everything begins in the trenches... win the line of scrimmage & you have a run-game. if you are running the ball, the passing game opens. if you are running & passing your defense is off the field & fresh when called upon to win their side of the ball. if you have a F/A available, make the deal. if not, go for it in the draft. we go nowhere without an offensive line. in descending order> O/L, W/R, PowerBack, ISLB

    finish the work started on the line, if you want to make the play-offs.
     
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  26. Conuficus

    Conuficus Premium Member Luxury Box

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    Well away from here
    Lmao
     
  27. Piston Honda

    Piston Honda Well-Known Member

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    Or get a 2nd RB who can help Miller carry the load. Or avoid losing the entire back seven to injury. I'm glad people have come around to appreciating the need for OL talent but it's a year or two late. We're much better off adding a CB, MLB or pass rusher early in the draft.
     
  28. PhinsMondayNitro

    PhinsMondayNitro Active Member

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    I want a 2008 style running game! Ronnie 10 TD & Ricky 4 TD. Wish we would sign a veteran RB like Steven Jackson or Stevan Ridley to compliment Lamar Miller. Control Time of possession, limit turnovers, take the burden off Tannehill.
     
  29. VanDolPhan

    VanDolPhan Club member Club Member

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    That's what we call overkill. There is plenty of day 1 starting quality guards and tackle/guards that should stretch well into the 3rd round. It's a banner year.

    This team needs to start spending first rounders on skill positions.
     
  30. Newmpiece

    Newmpiece Banned

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    I agree completely everyone wants playmakers but we can give Tannehill all the playmakers in the world if he doesn't have time to get them the ball then it won't matter. If we sure up the line with Collins then we shouldn't have to worry about Oline for the next several years and we will finally be able to see how good Tanny can really be.

    As for moving Pouncey to guard I just don't think it would work...we already signed Walton and I don't see how we would sign/draft another center this offseason and there is no way he should be a starter
     
  31. Clark Kent

    Clark Kent Fighter of the Nightman

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    La'el Collins would be a great draft pick for a number of reasons. The most important being flexibility. Brandon Albert is officially "injury prone" after these last few seasons. Collins can play G and be groomed to take over LT in the future. I'm open minded at 14 depending on who's on the board and how the roster fills out based on the plan being put together by Tannenbaum/Hickey.
     
  32. MrClean

    MrClean Inglourious Basterd Club Member

    Yet another? When was the last time we took a guard in the First? Roy Foster?
     
  33. MrClean

    MrClean Inglourious Basterd Club Member

    Only if good pass protection is not all that important to you.
     
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  34. Pandarilla

    Pandarilla Purist Emeritus

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    You guys think Suh helps toughen up our o line?

    I do, call it a gut feeling.
     
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  35. rafael

    rafael Well-Known Member

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    Yet another OL, in this case a G. The starter with the least impact.
     
  36. MrClean

    MrClean Inglourious Basterd Club Member

    When crappy pass blocking guards result in RT17 getting planted repeatedly, that is a pretty significant impact on the game.
     
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  37. RGF

    RGF THE FINSTER Club Member

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    Got a feeling Tannehill`s not laughing.
     
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  38. 2socks

    2socks Rebuilding Since 1973

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    in 2007 is was rated the 16th guard in the league. Considering how many there are in the league that's pretty good, No??
     
  39. 2socks

    2socks Rebuilding Since 1973

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    Piston, come on Man, everyone know's he used his star Trek taser, Broke though now
     
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  40. Fin D

    Fin D Sigh

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    I don't think anyone thinks we don't need another guard.

    I think what some of us are saying is we don't need to spend high on a guard.

    We can bring in an average FA guard and be just fine. In fact, what some are saying is that if you had a line with 4 solid players adding a really good guard over an average guard would not result in a large overall positive net performance from the line as a whole.

    Our biggest problem last year is that after Albert went down our tackles were an issue and Pouncey wasn't very good at guard either.

    Point is, to see a dramatic improvement in our line this year, we just need people to stay healthy and get average play form the guard spots.

    Actually, my biggest concern is Pouncey making the line calls at center. I have nothing concrete to back up my fears, but I wonder if he's good at it. We do know he has questionable judgement.
     

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