There is a great debate about how best to help the Fins take that "next step". Some very knowledgeable and persuasive people making great cases for "their guy". I think Forrest Lamp helps both sides of the ball. If we were able to get 2 more first downs a game, that's 6 more plays, more time of possession, more rest for the D, and arguably field position. He's my choice if he's there at 22. If he's not, then the highest rated defensive player.
Same argument applies to a good LB, DE or CB. What if that defensive player reduces the number of 1st downs the opposing offense has by 2 per game? That's "more time of possession, more rest for the D (or in this case more time for the O), and arguably field position." Any good player on either unit should help both sides of the ball.
I agree in part. I would personally rather trade down for more picks. There are very good guards available in the second and third rounds like dion Dawkins, dorian Johnson, Isaac asiata or Nico Siragusa. However if we don't trade down I think Lamp is the safest pick at 22. I would draft either lamp or Jordan Willis at 22. Sent from my F3111 using Tapatalk
I like trading down too. But building the Oline is vital to play selection and keeping our QB healthy. OG is never a "wow" pick...but I think Lamp could be another Alan Faneca.
the scouting question is can they get away w quality guards later in the draft? That's where Gase earns his money
As others have said with the draf capital we've invested into the OL we should have a dominant OL When you look at the top 4 rounds of the draft since 2011 1st Mike Pouncey: oft injured pro bowler 2nd Jnathon "Don't cry for me" Martin-a 3rd Dallas "Turnstile twin" Thomas 1st Juwan James. Solid starter 3rd Billy "Turnstile twin" Turner 4th Jamil "I can't beat out even one of the turnstile twns" Douglas 1st Laremy "remind me to set a new password" Tunsil. WE can't just keep sinking high picks into the OL at the expense of the rest of the team
Just to follow on the LBs drafted by the phins in that span 5th Josh Kaddu 2012 4th Jelani Jenkins 2013 5th Jordan Tripp 2014
Well I dont really think that Lamp will make it down to us at 22. If he does there is going to be a heck of a conversation in the draft room I'd bet. I still feel that we should be taking the best LB or DE available that fits our system. Maybe even trade back for a couple picks if our guy isnt there. It is supposedly a deep draft so there could be some real value in that for us. However if Lamp is still on the board, it's gonna get real interesting.
We should have a strong OL, yes. However we don't. That's where evaluation comes into play, and we've obviously failed at that. Just because you used a high round pick on a guy, doesn't mean you're going to get the production you think. That being said, it doesn't mean you stop trying, and stop investing high picks into the OL. We obviously have a need there, so regardless of the past failed selections, and past mistakes of previous regimes you can't bail on investing in the unit. If our pick roles around, and Lamp is there, and he's our top rated guy available, it's obviously a need you have to fill regardless of the past. I do get what you're saying though, but if you do take Lamp, and that unit becomes a strength that opens up the run game more, and bolsters the pass pro to open that up more too, then have you really done something at "the expense of the rest of the team". Ultimately, it's about hitting on your early pick. Whoever it is has to come in and play, and play well or they're always going to be a "wasted" pick at the expense of the rest of the team. Generally speaking, yes, I agree with the OP though. Drafting Lamp could definitely help both sides of the ball. There's always an indirect impact. That comes even with a defensive player though. We shouldn't be making our decision based on that logic though. Yes it's a factor, but to me, it's not big enough to ultimately be the reason you take a guy.
We should go special teams with 22 no one would expect it and we can get a good player. /runsandhidesasiwasjoking
Don't forget Lamp is good friends with Doughty, so the Dolphins could have more inside knowledge on Lamp then the rest of the teams. I am positive Doughty loves him.
If we take Lamp, I think it will be a good pick who will help the team. My worry is similar to the Kenyan Drake/Leonte Carroo picks last year. Yes they are good players and will help our team, but LB has been neglected for so long it has become a serious weakness. Also I want to find whoever has been responsible for OL evaluation over the last 6 years and give them a good kicking. The only guys who've been worth anything are the "can't miss" guys Pouncey-James-Albert-Tunsil. Everyone else we've drafted or signed as a FA has been below back-up level.
Yep, they've been talking to one another about the draft process. Also, Doughty's wife and Lamp's girlfriend are best friends - so, he (and them) are definitely rooting for him to become a Dolphin.
If it was luck, the blind squirrel would have found a nut. Bad evaluation is the best answer. Bill Belichek planting a double agent to sabotage our OL is a more likely answer than luck.
I'll go a little further. Just take the past 10 drafts when it comes to putting a premium on the LB position in the NFL. And by premium I mean using either a 1st, 2nd or 3rd on them. Just about every organization spent a pick within those rds and hit on a backer with the exception of CHI, NYG, PHI and us. Sorry but Misi was and will always be Just A Guy. IMHO the LB neglect has been criminal.