If we don't acquire one via free agency, I hope our first pick is WR. I know some will disagree, but my reasoning is a great WR will not only help our offense, but our defense as well. More than adding another rookie to our defense, IMO. We need to be able to keep up with the high flying offenses of this league. The longer we ignore the glaring need, the longer we flounder in mediocrity. Also, I have more faith in the FO's ability to find late round steals on defense than on offense at this point.
That's what I meant. Didn't he duck a practice and go to the mall or some such? I guess I worded that poorly as I'm not aware of any arrests or anything.
Spikes is a much better overall LB than Crowder, similar to Karlos Dansby(who I would also love to have on this team)
if you draft Dez bryant, you must sign anquan boldin....he would need that leader to keep him in check.. I thought anquan was a free agent after this year?
I would be happy to have either McClain or Spikes, But I don't know if there is a more complete MLB than Brandon Spikes. Spikes can do it all and not saying he does evrything better than McClain cause he doesn't. However Spikes can do it all and if a team was looking for a Middle LB than they should be thrilled to have Spikes or McClain.
I think Gresham TE will be the selection (not necessarily my first choice),a nice safety valve for Henne. Then we trade for Boldin WR.
This route certainly wouldn't do anything to make us worse. I wouldn't mind seeing it happen. It would be my first choice if McClain (and maybe Spiller) were off the board. 2nd round will have a shmorgasborg of leftover WRs and pass rushers to choose from. Benn (maybe), Decker, and Gilyard. The kid from Tulane looks pretty darn good and underrated (could be the dark horse). I'm utterly head over heels for Javier Arenas in the 3rd. If Dennis Pitta lasts to the 4th, I'd double up on TE's. If Shawn Nelson could last till then, so could Pitta. I still like Taylor Price WR Ohio till he shows me otherwise. Cam and a 4th might be a nice fit in Zona for Boldin. Is Anquan a FA? Posted via Mobile Device
I know some sites won't put Juniors in their Mocks until they officially declare ... and if those Mocks were created before Dez's final appeal was turned down, then it is probably the reason he wasn't included
I know what you're thinking brother, with the double up philosophy on the needs but getting half of it via free agency/trade. It would make sense considering what this FA is like but at the same time, I think it's something that should be avoided because that would be a lot of money tied up at a position that I don't think they value as highly as others due to their eye for talent and ability to create overachievers (see Bess, Camarillo, etc).
I think now that Henne is throwing the ball we're starting to see what guys should stay and what guys should go. As Camarillo recently said on a radio interview, there's nothing in this world easier to catch than a Chad Pennington ball. Greg says he thinks he might be the best in NFL history where that is concerned. Now that Henne is throwing the ball, we're seeing that these guys have to have NFL talent to catch the ball...and Bess, Ginn and to an extent Hartline (though he's young and forgivable) are not rising up. Greg Camarillo, however, is. Notice that this is the guy catching the ball and making key catches on certain drives. I can remember a key catch he made in the Buffalo game on an important drive that sort of helped kick start the stream roller. He made those critical catches against the Jets the first time around. He made a catch on the critical drive against the Saints and IMO the referees got the call wrong on the illegal forward lateral. Look at that one-hander he made to end the Patriots game...it was downright Gadsden-esque. I think this is something you have to get used to with a QB change. Not all WRs are going to jive with all QBs, or the other way around. We thought the WR landscape was one way while Pennington was throwing the ball, and now with Henne throwing the ball we're finding out that it's a different landscape. All in all if we got rid of Ginn and Bess next year, kept Camarillo, Hartline and Turner, and added guys like Antonio Bryant and Demetrius Williams...I think we'd be better off. This WR draft class is not convincing me. I see a lot of slot receivers and A-holes.
You know what I love about this mock draft? They have Arrelious Benn, Dez Bryant, Brandon LaFell, Morgan Burnett, Brandon Spikes, Sean Weatherspoon, Arthur Jones, Marvin Austin, Jerry Hughes, Sergio Kindle, Bruce Carter, Everson Griffen, Brandon Graham, CJ Spiller, and Jermaine Gresham all on the board when we pick. Even if you think this mock is BS. Put Bryant, Spiller, and Hughes in the Top 15. That means somebody like Rolando McClain, Terrence Cody, or Derrick Morgan will slide. There can be no doubt the Dolphins are going to get a heck of a football player in the 1st round come April. That puts a big smile on my face. One of those guys, Vontae Davis, and Jake Long? Wow. Things are definitely looking up. We have come a long way from Jason Allen, Jamar Fletcher, and John Avery.
You're right. The first round seems pretty deep and someone will fall. I'm torn on the receivers. Guys like Dez Bryant and Mike Williams have as much talent as you could ask for but a lot of headaches as well. Those are the only solid first rounders from a talent perspective that I see though. If you can get hold of a Brandon Spikes, Jermaine Gresham, Jerry Hughes, Jason Pierre-Paul, Greg Hardy, Morgan Burnett or Corey Wootton...that would be the direction I would be looking I would be looking right now. Jared Odrick has to be a possibility for NT as well. I would add C.J. Spiller to that list but only if we part ways with Ricky or Ronnie.
neither of whom has done anything in their careers, except Bryant and it looks like he was a one year wonder.
Bryant is better than you think, look back over his career and see who has been throwing to him and the numbers he has put, sure he has had character problems but seems over them now.
Antonio Bryant has averaged 54 yards a game despite a collection of the worst quarterbacks I've ever seen a receiver catch passes from over a long-spanning career. As for Demetrius Williams, I liked him coming out of the draft, I like his work with the Ravens, he's a deep threat and I think the Dolphins will need one for when they get rid of Ted Ginn.
I'm torn over Benn, going back to the original post, but I'll tell you why he'll be considered: YAC. He makes excellent gains with the ball in his hands. With regards Spikes and McClain, I'm mildly nervous about the continuing noises out of Miami, via Barry Jackson, about the comfort levels with Crowder and Ayodele. Clearly they like Crowder very much and see Ayodele as something of a captain, a coach out there. Personally I think McClain is fabulously instinctive and would thrive in a 3-4 like ours. There's a lot of decent NT's out there in free agency such as Johnny Jolly and Ryan Pickett to name but two, unheralded guys who fly a little under the radar. Seems like Fergie will stick it out for 2010. I think Miami likes Culver and Clemons. I like Burnett a hell of a lot. I don't think we go defensive end, so for me it's an OLB that can do it all, a tight end and a WR. Outside shot at a TB if Brown or Williams depart. Dwyer is very good, but Best and Spiller are the X Factor types. Remember, the reason that Wake doesn't play much is that he struggles against the run and dropping back in coverage. So you're looking at a 3-4 OLB that can drop, can play run and create some pass rush. When all's said and done, I think an edge rusher or Rolando McClain will be the picks. I think they'll stack up at WR in free agency after getting rid of Ginn. They might bring in two via FA and another in the draft and let the best 5 battle it out. On the edge, I'm ruling Greg Hardy out now. George Selvie has fallen out of R1 anyway, but he plays run the way Elton John plays sumo wrestling. So here's 5 names: Greg Romeus. Jerry Hughes. Corey Wootton. Brandon Graham. Antonio Coleman.
Two guys I won't count out are Jason Pierre-Paul and Brandon Lang. Pierre-Paul is raw, a bit of a one trick pony but I think it's understood why. He hasn't had a lot of time in Division 1 coaching and the fact is, he won't. I reported on Friday, I think, that he will be entering the Draft. He runs well IMO and he changes directions smooth. Question is, how instinctive is he? I'm not sure because I haven't seen him do a lot of dropping. However, five starts total in his USF career and I'm not counting him out. Brandon Lang may be a second rounder and I think that's fine. I still like his quickness off the edge, I still think he's instinctive and he reads plays well. He's also the most fluid outside linebacker dropping IMO. He needs to put on weight - he's probably around 245 I'd say - but I still like him. I think he's got potential. Brandon Graham I can see. Hard working guy who's quick off the edge. Makes you wonder about Jason Worilds when you read that type of description too IMO. Hughes I can see if he does well in the Senior Bowl LB drills, which I think he will. He's dropped some at TCU and hasn't looked bad. Romeus I've got on tape and I haven't seen a lot of him to be honest but from what I have seen, he's one of those guys who quietly disrupts the game. Wootton is a giant and that will attract them -- tall, long wingspan, changes directions well - he dropped in a short zone against Iowa last weekend and looked good out there. I also think teams will have questions surrounding his knee but he's played through it and hasn't looked too bad. Also, Boom, why rule out Hardy? I know he's been fully healthy once in the past 365 days but he's still very talented.
Hardy because of injuries and off field issues mate. I think he'll be seen as a risk. As for JPP, like I said in another thread, can they afford to carry him AND Wake who can only go forwards?
I can see injury concerns but I'm still not sold on the off the field issues until I get confirmation on them. The single issue/concern that I have read about Hardy is that he likes his green (and I'm not discussing money here) but that's never been confirmed. At Ole Miss, his issues have come with coaches from what I know. Maybe you know something that I don't but from what I've read countless times, he's either clashed with his coach or his work ethic has been questioned, yet he's out there producing every Saturday.
I just think post Joey Porter and being as close as this team is, they don't need a R1 flameout and Hardy strikes me as one. He's not focussed enough to satisfy the front office.
I suppose. I know Hardy's been a more responsible player this year and I know he's working harder - that according to his coaches. I know what you're saying and it makes a lot of sense but I don't want to rule him out because of his talent and I think talent-wise, he's a guy that Ireland looks for. A former basketball player who can drop, hold up against the run and still get after the quarterback well. Question is, how much faith do they have in their coaching staff getting him focused as well as keeping him healthy? When Jake Grove was signed, I nearly ran head-first into the wall because they signed an injury-prone OC. Now, he's been in one piece for the entire season. Leading up to the 2009 NFL Draft, both of us discussed(and many others) what kind of player Vontae Davis was. We both mentioned blown assignments, constant jawing from him on the field, he had those character issues brought up and sometimes I wondered if the guy was able to focus while playing football. Hell, I would bet most of us who watched him were thinking "what the hell?" when Ireland took him. Look at him now, he's focused, he's making plays, he's done well and looks like a legitimate NFL cornerback. I'm not counting out Hardy just yet.
Akin must be one of those "Do as I say, not as I do" type players. If they like Achin bc he's like a coach on the field, then I'd think that they would love McClain who do a little more on the field besides coach. LOL Posted via Mobile Device
I'm with you about JPP and Lang. JP could slip to the 3rd round and be a major steal Imo. People knocked one of my favorite guys last year (Victor Butler) for being too small, so if Lang can stay productive, I won't knock him for it. Posted via Mobile Device
I wonder if they feel comfortable with him because he did quite a bit in Dallas for them IIRC. He called the plays there and was the man in charge of the defense. I think Jason Pierre-Paul is going to be considered a first rounder or early second when it's all set and done. With so many teams drafting on potential, I think he has to be up there. I've read quotes from NFL personnel who believe Ricky Sapp is a first rounder and that's a guy who is talented but is about as durable as I am playing against 330 pound men.
I completely agree that JPP's 1st round talent, but not being able to play in the Senior Bowl week or having a ton of film to assess him by might drop him to the 3rd. If Sintim can last till mid 2nd, I could see JPP falling farther in such a talented pass rushing draft. Sapp still has some proving to do in the durability department, but he's doing pretty good about it this year so far. Not enough time frame to show consistency though. If he can stay healthy (like you say) then I'd have to put him up there, too. He had a great game vs NC St. Morgan is still my fave but I haven't seen enough of Wooten unfortunately. Posted via Mobile Device
I think once we see what Pierre-Paul measurements are at the Combine, he's going to stand out. 6'6", 260+ pounds, probably runs 4.7 and has an 81" inch wingspan to go with tree-trunk like arms.
still agreeing with you. LOL. I guess it all depends on how productive he is the rest of the year and if he shows improvement or not. Can he drop in coverage? Posted via Mobile Device
Lol, I think he can drop. In terms of fluidity, he's fine. He's not Brandon Lang but he doesn't look bad IMO. Changes directions well and he runs well laterally. He's got those big, long arms to disrupt the passing lanes so that's an advantage for him. I think the question is, how are his instincts? Another thing is, he'll sometimes sit and watch IMO. He'll see that the run is away from him, for example, and he'll just sit back and watch instead of pursuing.
Butler was one of my favorites too. Thought we might steal him in the 7th round but the Cowboys drafted him in the 4th. Three sacks and a forced fumble for the rookie so far.
I'm cool with ruling out Hardy. I don't know how long that guy can continue to be highly rated for what he doesn't do on the football field (play football). I'm done with the Greg Hardy fascination, and I'd be willing to bet they scratch him off their lists too. As far as Crowder and Ayodele go, I think they consider Crowder to be the coach on the field. Sparano even let it slip once that the guy is so smart he could be a coach. They really like him. I think his best gift would be as a plugger. I would pair him with a Brandon Spikes any day. If you're worried about Jason Pierre-Paul being just a pass rusher, and the conflict that might present with Cameron Wake, I'm not sure how Jerry Hughes comes into the mix. The Dolphins consider the DE position to be potentially the most valuable position on the defense, and the rarest one to find a truly great player that can make an impact in both phases. As such, they will continue to look at the top guys at that position every year, and if they fall in love with a guy there, they'll take him. I think by now they know Merling isn't going to be the next Richard Seymour. I think that's why the flirtation with Corey Wootton. I have a hard time seeing him out at OLB. I personally would have absolutely no issue with Jason Pierre-Paul or Jerry Hughes, just to get that straight. I don't think Cameron Wake stands in the way of either one of them. Something tells me though that a Bill Parcells influenced staff will not take a 6'1" (Brandon Graham) or a 6'0" (Eric Norwood) player for an OLB position. I have heard Parcells say flat out on camera that height is not something he will sacrifice at those positions. I may feel that Ricky Sapp is overrated, but who is to say how they feel about him? He has to be on the list. I can tell you who is not on the list and that is Terrence Cody. He's a fat guy that likes being fat. He hasn't shown me that he has any desire to be in athletic shape. He's the offensive equivalent of Andre Smith. Jared Odrick now...I really think this guy could play NT. They really liked Sedrick Ellis once upon a time, and I think Odrick will remind them of a taller (which to them means more attractive) Sedrick Ellis. He could play the nose, They have the 6'3" and 305 pound Jason Ferguson on the nose as it is. They need a guy that will make guys pay for single blocking him, and that can hold his spot on the field against a double team trying to move him out of the hole. I really think Odrick can do those things. With this injury to Justin Smiley, and we have no idea how long he'll be out, we can't rule out a guard...though I would still have to give it a low probability. Jermaine Gresham, I would give a very HIGH probability. And for that matter IF we are looking at a WR, I think Mardy Gilyard would be the only guy (even among the juniors) that "fits the profile". I know that Miami scouts were at Cincinnati practices before the season started, and that Jeff Ireland was personally present at the USF-CIN game in Tampa. So, he's on the list. That gives me....Brandon Spikes, Rolondo McClain, Jared Odrick, Jerry Hughes, Jason Pierre-Paul, Ricky Sapp, Corey Wootton, Jermaine Gresham and Mardy Gilyard.
Good points, CK. I could agree with most all of that. Still can't believe you're not a fan of Derrick Morgan though. LOL. Posted via Mobile Device
As what, a DE? I don't dislike him necessarily. It's just not a position I'm thinking a lot about in the first round. I like Wootton if we are thinking of that position. I'm not going to start listing all of the DE prospects just because I like one of them...
And I have to say that when I watch Sean Witherspoon play, I can absolutely imagine him manning an inside position in this defense.
me too although i wonder if he's too cerebral. mcclain has a bit more nastiness that might play more to the sparano/parcells mindset