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Draft Had Soliai Sweating

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by njfinfan, May 1, 2009.

  1. njfinfan

    njfinfan The First Lady

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    http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/...liai-draft-nose-tackle-042909,0,4300788.story

    Backup nose tackle Paul Soliai was nearly as nervous watching last weekend's draft as he was two years ago when the Dolphins selected him in the fourth round out of Utah.

    He wasn't experiencing a déjà vu, but felt if the Dolphins didn't take another nose tackle that would mean they still had confidence in him after a turbulent second season.
     
    Bpk, evz, ToddsPhins and 4 others like this.
  2. Onehondo

    Onehondo Senior Member Club Member

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    I still think he is walking on thin ice because of his lack of production. If Joe Cohen beats him out in training camp he may be gone. The Dolphins need a good NT not an under achieving, underperforming backup. Solai has the size and potential but does he have the desire?
     
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  3. the 23rd

    the 23rd a.k.a. Rio

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    I think Soliai will make his bones this year.
    However, we still need another NT to enter rotation after Ferguson is gone,
    Should have two starter Quality NT's in the 3-4 & a backup.
    Maybe we can coach-up one of the super-sized DT's on our current roster .
    If not, will probably be the #1 article in the next draft or free agency.
     
  4. CrunchTime

    CrunchTime Administrator Retired Administrator

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    I think they would have drafted one if one they liked was available but they were not going to reach for one which would indicate it was not a priority need .

    They did sign an UDFA at the position and they may pick one up from late cuts so Solai will get some compètition.
     
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  5. Silverphin

    Silverphin Well-Known Member

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    On the flipside, it could also say a lot about what the FO sees in Paul Soliai.
     
  6. the 23rd

    the 23rd a.k.a. Rio

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    think they picked up another prospect/project @ NT yesterday
    might turn out to be canon fodder for mini camp, we'll see
     
  7. ToddsPhins

    ToddsPhins Banned

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    Exactly.... we had too many needs and CB/WR were deep with talent this year, where as NT and MLB weren't. Next year seems to be a good crop of LBs and NTs, so why force it this draft when we can probably get better value next year.
     
  8. Fin Fan In Cali

    Fin Fan In Cali Dolphin fan since 1970 Luxury Box

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    I think Paul should be still sweating, and looking over his shoulder.
     
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  9. Fin Fan In Cali

    Fin Fan In Cali Dolphin fan since 1970 Luxury Box

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    I think Soliai will be fighting to keep his roster spot this year. We shall see how camps go.
     
  10. PHINANALYST

    PHINANALYST Well-Known Member

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    he needs to be sweating ... about 30 lbs off !!
     
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  11. the 23rd

    the 23rd a.k.a. Rio

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    it was Louis Ellis 6'2" 320lbs out of a small college. was outstanding amongst the smaller schools. fits the prototype NFL NT, excellent quickness, good feet & very strong. may just be a diamond in the rough. will certainly be a developmental project @ NT. we'll know more after they get the pads on & start hitting. he's got time to learn if he's got what it take to play the position
     
  12. Mile High Fin

    Mile High Fin New Member

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    This is Soliai's make-or-break year for him.

    I hope the light clicks *on* for him fully this year, because then we're looking good for the next few years, since he's still pretty young guy.

    If not, we'll have to invest ANOTHER draft pick or FA money on the spot next year....
     
  13. like2god

    like2god Typical white person Luxury Box

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    I don't think it's a bad thing that he was worried about his position, I think all players should be worried about their spot. Once a player becomes secure, they tend to become complacent and then lazy. I want all of my players to go into the season feeling that they have something to prove and something to improve upon.

    Soliai seemed to get better as the year went on, hopefully he can continue with that momentum and become a force at NT. If he doesn't....

    ....Terrence Cody ;)
     
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  14. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    Cody will have to shed quite a bit of weight to play here IMO. Considering they are asking UDFA Louis Ellis to shed weight at 320, Cody will have to do the same, except that he's somewhere between 365-380. One thing that I think will help him with that is his lateral agility.

    Speaking of next years interior defensive line class, I think its going to be a very talented one. I also think its a big part of the reason the management did not go after one in this years draft. The overall class was weak this year but next year, the same can't be said.
     
  15. joeydolfan

    joeydolfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Cody is down in the 335 - 340 lb range so far Alen heading into the season...

    I read it on an update for the Alabama spring game... looks like he is getting serious about getting his weight under control to improve his stamina and agility....

    Cody is definitely a good prospect... but if I have a choice I take Suh hands down end of story....
     
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  16. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    Haven't heard that, thanks. Hopefully he continues to shed it, though I think a strong season will take him out of our range. I haven't seen Suh at all to be honest so I'm looking forward to catching at least one Nebraska game here on TV in Florida.
     

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