Our RB and WR and QB upgrade choice for this offseason and why them ?

I think that we may see less coaching turnover this year b/c of the CBA uncertainty. Usually you can count on 8 or 9 coaching changes each off-season, but I expect that the owners will be more focused on limiting expenses if there's a chance there won't be a season. Even if they believe that only part of a season will be lost, it might make more sense to bring the old coaches back in an abbreviated TC/season situation than it would to try and implement a new coaching staff and system.

 

True, but like I said, I think he gets one more year, with Tebow.

It's a weird situation in Denver. Yes, they are losing and McDaniels seems over his head but you also have arguably one of the two or three biggest draws in the sport sitting on your bench. Who knows if another coach believes in him? (although that would be a condition of getting the job, that you must play Tebow)

 

If you were the Colts GM Manning would be playing for another team right now.

 

Then I hope we prioritize gobbling Logan up!!!!!

You're right. It's not that simple, but that doesn't mean we cant simplify things to get Little involved and let him make plays. Not all draft picks pan out as it is, so if one is going to bust, I'd rather it be on a serious competitor with elite talent.

Greg's an enormous upgrade over Wallace on STs. He's a man among boys, and IMO he'll have a better NFL career than college (similar to Hakeem Nicks). If you want the best down field run blocking for Ronnie and Hunter, then Greg should be one of the 1st desires on your list. See the play below: [video=youtube;3Opwbonx3FU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Opwbonx3FU&feature=related[/video]

Being 15 minutes from UNC, I got to see him play more often..... and he plays with some serious intensity, like a man possessed. I look at him like Dez.... or Dez's situation entering the draft. Dez only played 2 years then basically didn't play for a year prior to the draft, but that's not stopping him from making plays this year. I don't think Little has Dez's receiving talent, but I don't think he's terribly far behind it. He's a natural, and I'll take a kid with elite natural ability with less experience over a kid who's played 4 years at WR but has less natural ability (Wallace). I like Moore too, but I don't think anyone could argue that Little couldn't have made that same play against Oakland. For Little to do what he did in his first "real" year at WR is special. Not many guys could have done that. You're gonna laugh, but his tattoo puts him over the top for me wanting him in Miami. It reads: "Hustle - he uses strength to lift everyone". You know this is a kid who will give it everything and won't settle for mediocrity.

This is how I look at it: If Dez can contribute after missing a year and only playing 2 seasons at Ok St; Demaryius Thomas can contribute after coming out as an unpolished Junior in Ga Tech's run offense; and Arrelious Benn can contribute after coming out as an unpolished junior based on how Illinois used him...... then I really don't see any reason why Little couldn't contribute considering his incredible innate ability with Brandon Marshall helping draw some of his coverage. He has big, soft, strong hands and is a natural catcher who can pluck the ball with ease rather than having to use his body. His hand-eye coordination is outstanding. He can fight & adjust for the ball and highpoint extremely well. His balance & body control are awesome. All the tools are there to be special IMO. His only real question is route running and understanding coverages, but for this "question mark" I divert to what he said coming out of high school: "My strengths are my pass routes and getting open. I'm good at converting routes when they need to be changed and because I understand defenses better, it's an advantage for me. I could always polish up my routes and become smoother. I could always work on catching the ball better, but I don't drop much. I prefer wide receiver over running back because I can dominate and take over a game from there." If he thinks this is his strength, then I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

*High School: SuperPrep All-America • USA Today All-America selection • Ranked the No. 6 athlete in the country by SuperPrep • Member of Tom Lemming's All-America team • Has been hailed by most recruiting analysts as the most versatile player in the country• He's still as talented now as he was in High School.

He was also one of the top WRs during the Army All-American Bowl week.

For anyone who hasn't seen him play, you might enjoy this:

[video=youtube;VRKB-KIQMg4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRKB-KIQMg4[/video]

*Little even played basketball at UNC as a Freshman. The kid's nickname "Freak" is well deserved.

[video=youtube;FNBsM3XavXA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNBsM3XavXA&NR=1[/video]

*Nice dunk here. If he can play above the rim, he can outplay DBs for jump balls.

[video=youtube;QUjqWLwSpL8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUjqWLwSpL8[/video]

I'm not trying to sell anyone on him, but this is just how I view him and why I want him here. If we can't get him the ball in our dink and dunk offense, then there's a problem.

Good point. One could also say that Walker might love the opportunity to play opposite Marshall where he'll see easier coverage. He could thrive here.

I don't think he's Ford speed. I dont think anyone is. But he's more elusive than Jacoby.... and he has slightly better balance than Jacoby. He's seemed a little slower in a few games but I'm not sure if that's bc he tweaked his knee or anything b/c I've seen him outrun everyone on the field in a near DeSean Jackson type manner. I like the kid a lot! His vision, balance, and body control are elite IMO. He has great hands and adjusts to the ball well too. Add in 4.35 speed, toughness, and super-competitiveness.... and that's pretty rare for me. I also believe he could be one of the top returners in the NFL. He's an X factor that we're sorely missing. Added: Jerrel has also proven that he can play against the big boys (he's made some big plays against Ohio State, Oklahoma State, and even had an 11 catch, 102 yard, 2 TD performance vs Georgia as a Freshman. I think Little is an X factor too.

He shows some speed and a serious burst into 2nd gear at the 59 second mark, although the opening play is pretty nice too.

[video=youtube;-IXUj6O2q54]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IXUj6O2q54&feature=related[/video]

His speed on the punt return at the 37 second mark reminds me of DeSean Jackson's:

[video=youtube;EkvAR-KYjeg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkvAR-KYjeg[/video]

His burst on the 100 yard Oklahoma State KO return at the 6 second mark isn't bad.

[video=youtube;wQN7SQ63vuE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQN7SQ63vuE[/video]

For anyone who hasn't seen him (besides above), here's his highlight reel:

[video=youtube;63lbmKiBWl0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63lbmKiBWl0[/video]

I agree. Hunter could greatly help alter the dynamics of our offense. I don't think Hartline and Bess are slouches. I just feel that all of them are playing to a disadvantage b/c we don't have a vertical threat amongst them to help open up the field as much. We basically have 3 possession receivers as our starters, and I'm not a huge fan of that.

I agree about going after Robinson or Walker first. But I'd still want to add either Jernigan or Little. I'd at the very least take one of them in round 4........ and if the other were still on the board in 5, I wouldn't hesitate taking him.

I like Jerrel more than Dexter McCluster, and IMO he has a stronger frame/base than McCluster and could easily add on an extra 10 pounds. I'd honestly want Jernigan or nothing. I don't see anyone replacing his skill set. He's a dangerous, legitimate threat at receiver- maybe a cross between Steve Smith and DeSean Jackson (maybe on a slightly lesser scale). I don't see Jock being anything more than a KO/punt returner. I'd spend a 7th on him as a returner (or go after him in FA), but I wouldn't draft him thinking he'll upgrade our receiving corps. His helmet is taller than he is. lol.

I agree with you on Binns too. I think he's underrated similarly to how David Gettis was underrated.

I really want Jernigan as our X factor at WR/return specialist.... and I'd use a 3rd on him...... and if Little were on the board in round 4, he represents too much talent and potential to pass up on IMO. I'd still take them both. 2 years from now: Marshall-Little-Bess-Hartline-Jernigan-Moore would be an outstanding group. IMO Little could end up good enough to replace Marshall so that we could trade Brandon for a high pick, and we'd still be left with a talented 5 and room in the budget for a nice FA pickup.

What would our offense look like with:
-Mankins at LG.
-Hunter and Ronnie at RB (provided we could trade back our 1st).
-Fasano and DJ Williams at TE (second 2nd round pick)
-Marshall-Bess-Hart-Jernigan-Little-Moore at WR
-Jernigan as our returner

Henne would absolutely s#!t himself!!!! We'd be completely balanced.

 

I just can't get with Jernigan. The one thing in all those videos that I'm still not seeing is the kind of killer speed that a 5'9" and 190 lbs guy would need to be highly successful at the next level.

I see the videos. I don't see the speed. Knowing that Bowling Green probably doesn't have more than 1 player that can break under a 4.60, isn't it slightly disturbing that Jernigan was only slightly outrunning that much bigger #32 on the play that you brought up?

You'll have a lot easier time convincing me about Greg Little than about Jerrell Jernigan. I had Little tabbed to be one of my guys that I'd watch closely this year because I really DID like what he did at UNC before this year. A little out-of-sight, out-of-mind tends to set in when you don't see the guy for a whole year, but I originally had him right up with Leonard Hankerson as a senior to watch for this year.

Hey, I'd love those additions. I'd probably just go with Greg Little as the only add among the WRs, though. Grab Laurent Robinson on the cheap and have him duke it out with Marlon Moore. And I think Ronnie is done. RIcky will be the guy that comes back. I'm totally fine with pairing Ricky with a Kendall Hunter.

 

I see what you're saying b/c at times he doesn't look that fast..... but then at times he seems like he kicks it into an extra gear. If he doesn't time well, then I'd see no reason having an extra Bess type on the roster..... but if he runs a sub 4.4, then I seriously consider him (after seeing how he does Senior week and if he can track the deep ball well). Between he and Little, I'd probably rather have Little too, just for the sake of Little's potential to become a #1. I'd be very happy with Marshall-Robinson-Bess-Hartline-Moore-Little.

How do you feel about DJ Williams? Is there anyone else who has speed, brains, and playmaking ability who isn't 230 lbs?

How would you feel about having Wisniewski, DJ Williams, Kendall Hunter, Greg Little with our 1st 4 picks? (provided we can trade back)

I could go with Ronnie or Ricky next year...... as long as we could Hunter.

 

I have a hard time envisioning a scenario where we can get those four with our first four picks, even if we try and trade back.

I like Wisniewski. I'm not totally in love with D.J. Williams but the availability is not very good at that position. I love Kendall Hunter. I like Greg Little.

We might be able to get a 2nd TE on the free agent market though. What we could really use in this offense should NOT be hard to find. It's only been hard because they've refused to look very hard. I don't think cycling through UDFAs off someone else's garbage pile qualifies as really looking, it may not be hard to find but that's taking the idea of slumming it to a new level.

 

Sometimes I have to say that I can't afford to look at all the underclassmen, simply because there are too many seniors and not enough time or certainty about who is coming out. That said, Justin Blackmon is the equivalent of Neo from The Matrix. Do not hope to get hold of him unless you own a very high pick in the draft. That is all.

 

So you're saying we likely won't be able to get him if he comes out? (which I think he should)

And that doesn't even consider that we probably wouldn't be interested.

 

I don't think it's likely either, but stranger things have happened, no? Let's hypothetically say we trade back and have 2 seconds and pretend that we use the latter 2nd on Hunter and the 4th on Little. Who do like for the other 2nd and 3rd round pick?

Herzlich? Would you take take Marvin Austin in the 2nd for value despite us being loaded at DE?

How about a big NT in the 3rd to play behind Soliai so Starks can permanently stay put at end? Kendrick Ellis?

 

Miami will not get a crack at him. Unless he's a ******ed son of a whore.

 

I've already given up hopes on Blackmon. lol.

I should probably stop thinking about WRs altogether bc it only ends up disappointing me afterwards when I watch these guys get drafted by other teams.
First it was DeSean Jackson.... Then it was Hakeem Nicks, Mike Wallace, Mike Thomas, and Austin Collie..... and last year it was Dez, Mike Williams, Jacoby Ford, and David Gettis.
We'll probably just draft 2 more possession guys.

 

How low do you think Kendall Hunter is going to go in this draft? I think it's POSSIBLE he drops out of the 1st round, but as soon as we get into the 2nd round and some teams have already picked one player in the draft, he's going to be coveted, I think. I don't know if I see just figuring you can take him with the "later" of our 2nd round picks.

Herzlich would be tremendous value almost wherever you can get him so long as you're convinced he's cancer free.

I wouldn't take Marvin Austin. First off I don't think we need more DL talent. Second, I think some genuine character issues have been raised about him, and I'm not convinced about where exactly he'd fit in this system.

We have Paul Soliai, Kendall Langford, Jared Odrick, Randy Starks and I assume we'll get Phil Merling back and we'll see whether he's worth keeping or not. They have an offer on the table for Tony McDaniel but he's probably not going to accept it, he'll try and cash in as a free agent. Do we really need to look high? Remember the true blue nose position that Soliai occupies is like a 50 to 60% position...tops. It's good to have a backup, but a lot of teams current and historical have not even kept one on active roster. They were OK with having one on the practice squad, or a guy that could move over and fill in for a while. This is a consistent running disagreement I tend to have with the masses, the need to draft another true blue nose high in the draft when you already have one that you can count on as a starter. I think you can get away with low priced options for the backup nose guard, if you even have one. Miami has Ryan Baker. Randy Starks can play there. In the future, who knows, Jared Odrick may even be able to play there situationally, Conuficus certainly believes so.

I say...JUST SAY NO...to the idea. That's one area I don't mind the whole flipping over rocks approach, long as you've got your reliable starter (Soliai).

01. I think you have to start thinking about Yeremiah Bell's future with the team at Strong Safety, and the possibility he starts taking injuries.
02. I think you have to find a #2 Tight End in free agency, and not necessarily the one-dimensional pass catcher everyone assumes.
03. I think it'd be nice to grab a free agent Wide Receiver on the cheap, someone motivated that you can count on to come in and be a role player with his speed and long ability.
04. I think you need to figure out the Left Guard position because it's a relatively important one and Incognito ain't cuttin' it in, he should battle John Jerry for the Right Guard spot.
05. I think we'll breathe a nice sigh of relief when Nate Garner and Will Allen get back.
06. I think after taking a serious knee injury before he even played a down of football, you can't count on A.J. Edds, and you need to draft or bring someone in that can compete with him...or maybe even replace Crowder.
07. I think I'd like a speed rush specialist that I'd feel more comfortable with replacing Cameron Wake if he were to get hurt (knock on wood).
08. I think grabbing a young Center is a priority, a guy that will tutor on as the #2 behind Joe Berger, learning all the calls, learning to read defenses, learning the playbook, then maybe take over in a year or two.
09. I think grabbing a young Quarterback is a priority, especially if you grab a new OC and QB Coach combo, you want to give your new coaches the kind of guy they like, and the opportunity to groom him.
10. I think they badly need a Running Back to replace a departing Ronnie Brown. A guy with breakaway speed and good vision should be a priority with the way our WRs and TEs block on the perimeter and downfield.
11. I think they need a Full Back, because Lou Polite has been an inadequate lead blocker in two out of three years with the team, and he presents NOTHING in the passing game.
12. I think even when Nate Garner gets back you'll need a guy that you can count on to play Left Tackle if Jake Long goes down, Andrew Gardner just didn't cut it.
13. I think they need to continue their never-ending search for a dynamic kick and punt return guy.

 

I think Carey moves inside next season and Jerry takes his spot.

Roberto Wallace will be turned into a TE.

Bess is too good not to start opposite Marshall.

The draft will be dictated by our free agency.

Apparently not a good draft for O-linemen. Which doesn't bode well for us.

If we can draft a potential franchise QB, we should. I believe Henne's our guy, but there's too much value in this year's draft not to nab one if he's there. Remember, When's the next time you plan on the Phins picking in the top 5?

Should be an extremely offense heavy draft as I could care less if we draft anyone on defense.

Ronnie's situation is extremely dicey.

 

My main offseaon mission will be about securing four players, 2 free agents, 2 high draft picks that project to start.

Running back....Draft pick...If ronnie is out, then this player is at the utmost importance to make sure we are not moving backwards on offense, the talent has to be so good that I have first round intention's.

Inside linebacker..free agent, there is enough youth in the unit, iam targeting free agency to fill that spot..dont need a star, just an upgrade.

Guard...free agent...one of the best on the market..done.

Fulltime returner/scat back.. Draft pick...I wanted Mccluster or Arenas last year {had them as my third but they both went higher, Gronkowski took prescedent in the 2nd}, so you know iam iam fed up, iam treatin the position like a starter and I want him to be a scatback if possible.. if I can get back my late 2nd rounder I will use it on this position to make sure I aquire some serious talent.

I could be flexible depending on availability issues, but I feel like my youth can have a better chance to start and succeed in those 2 positions.

I know we need a speed tight end, but fulltime returner has taken over in importance imo






I got 4 shots, 2 vehicles, and no room for error.

 

Don't get me wrong. I think Hunter has a boatload of talent, but for me personally, I'm taking into account how many backs there are in the NFL, how much overall talent there is in this draft, how often Hunter was utilized in the passing game, and how he will be viewed- COP vs #1 back. How many teams will take a COP back in the top half of the 2nd round who doesn't have elite speed like Best or Charles? Jamaal Charles fell to the 3rd and he put up arguably better #s as a Senior while running a 4.38. Rice was a late 2nd despite 2300 yards from scrimmage and 25 TDs as a Senior. Slaton- 3rd (5800 total yards w/ 55 TDs). Hunter has 4600 & 39 TDs. LeSean McCoy- late 2nd. Shonn Greene- 3rd. Ben Tate- late 2nd after running a 4.34 at 220 lbs. I could definitely agree with you about not chancing him with a late 2nd, but I don't see him going in the 1st round w/o running a sub 4.3 like Spiller, Best, or CJ.

I'm actually not for taking Austin either; I share your sentiments about his character issues..... but you know how some teams are with stockpiling talent at certain positions (or are always looking to upgrade at the position.... even if it's upgrading depth or replacing McDaniel). If Con thinks Odrick can play nose, then that's all the reassurance I need. I was thinking about a guy who's big and strong enough to play nose, but who can also play end as well like Kendrick Ellis.

I very much agree with all the above.

1. Do you give Rashad a year before throwing high priority at the position?...... or do you nab DeAndre McDaniel (or your guy of choice) if he falls to the late 2nd?
2. If Houston keeps Daniels, would you go after James Casey?
3. agree
4. agree
5. yes yes yes
6. Would you take a healthy Herzlich over McDaniel? (probably a stupid question. lol)
7. If Houston uses their 1st on a DE, does that make Barwin available since he should be playing OLB instead of DE?
8. Do Berger and full-time Center Incognito (with Mankins and Jerry next to them) offer enough to buy us a year before addressing the position?
9. Are you saying this b/c you're not sold on Thigpen fitting in here (or Brandstater)? Just curious.
10. Are we getting our hopes up on Hunter when Miami may go after the big, full time back?..... or do you think Hunter can share carries with dare I say, Lex as the big back?
11. That's disappointed me this year too. Are there any Hbacks who would qualify? James Casey again?
12. That's where I was thinking about DeMarcus Love, especially if we couldn't land Mankins. We could plug him in at LG, then move him to RT when the time comes.
13. Jernel Jernigan?

 

Well, at least I agree with 2 of your 8 statements, so that's something...

 

4 players- 4 upgraded positions. It doesn't sound like a lot, but it would definitely make us a better team..... especially if 3 of those players are Mankins, an explosive, quality COP back like Hunter (or Murray- sorry Con, had to throw him in there to annoy you!, and a premium returner (who possibly doubles as a vertical WR threat). Those 3 alone would make us better, no?

 

(That's not directed at you Panda)

Which two..... lemme try and guess: drafting a QB?.... and dicey Ronnie?

 

I'd like 1 top 4 pick spent on defense- someone who's a legit playmaker.... ILB, Safety, or pass rusher. Or 2 picks if a 2nd playmaker falls who is too good to resist.

 

Well stated. You could be right.

1. You seem to be assuming Clemons is safe at FS. Not 100% sold on DeAndre. Wouldn't rule him out, nor target him.
2. Sure why not, but why would he be available? He's too young to be a UFA.
6. Probably.
7. No, I doubt he gets cut.
8. Buys us enough time not to target a high profile immediate day one starter, but the position needs to be addressed.
9. Are you sold on Thigpen after what he's showed us in the last two years?
10. I'm not focused purely on Hunter. There are other fish in the sea, but we do need youth and big play ability.
11. I think they need a real FB in addition to a #2 TE.
12. Doesn't have to be a high pick. If Jake Long has proven anything it's that it's damn near impossible to get him off the field.
13. A high pick for a return guy? That didn't fare Cam Cameron very well...

 

Draft dictated by Free Agency, and dicey Ronnie.

 

Sorry if it appeared that way. He's no longer a Tiger so I'm not partial to him. lol. I don't think Clemons is safe, but didn't Rashad also play well in his start at FS? I'd rather look at SS considering Bell's age and worry about FS in 2012 (unless Rahim Moore is available in the 3rd to 5th round).

With Daniels (if they keep him), Dreessen, Anthony Hill, and Garrett Graham (who they just used a 4th on), I thought he might be tradable or even cuttable.

I don't think they'd cut Barwin either, but tradable? This is me just wishing b/c I still love his potential as an OLB.... or even making him into an ILB.

to put it politely....... hell no. lol

Is Sheets lurking in the background? How would you feel about us going into 2011 with Ricky, Lex, a healthy Sheets, and Cobbs?

You're right. I was hoping we could kill 2 birds with 1 stone, but we probably place too much emphasis on the position to be able to do so.

I agree, although if we don't land a top LG in FA, then I believe that changes things. Then I'd want to target a LG early who can slide over if necessary (or replace Carey).

you know I threw that last one in just to bust your chops.

 

I'll bite...Bring it.

I think Carey moves inside next season and Jerry takes his spot.
Only makes sense with Carey, Jerry has played the tackle in college, but maybe not
Roberto Wallace will be turned into a TE.
They tried to salvage Wilford by doing the same, Wallace is already bigger, stronger, thicker and faster than Wilford. My only reservation would be catching the ball in traffic, but it's gonna be sink or swim with him sooner or later.
Bess is too good not to start opposite Marshall.
Just a fact, not that he compliments Marshall's skillset very well
The draft will be dictated by our free agency.
It always has under the trifecta
Apparently not a good draft for O-linemen. Which doesn't bode well for us.
Just a schmutzy statement from me from what I've read. Could concede this point easily
If we can draft a potential franchise QB, we should. I believe Henne's our guy, but there's too much value in this year's draft not to nab one if he's there. Remember, When's the next time you plan on the Phins picking in the top 5?
I stand by mah story!

Should be an extremely offense heavy draft as I could care less if we draft anyone on defense.
IMO, yes, easily...Our defense is good and young. Don't nitpick, don't tinker, don't pass on a potential offensive playmaker for want of an epic defense.
Ronnie's situation is extremely dicey.
He's the better option between him and Ricky based on age alone. He may or may not garner a 2nd or 3rd rounder in a trade. He may get injured, tank seasons if given contract extension not to his liking. It should be a situation worth monitoring as his stock has grown questionable, but is that due to his skill level diminishing or our O-line and utilization of those skills.

 

What's the overall consensus on a guy like Noel Devine via the Draft???

 

if we can trade back and recoup our 2nd, then I think the draft will be less dictated by FA than if we're stuck with our initial 1st rounder.

 

I don't think it's deep at Oline..... but there are a few nice prospects early on who would satisfy our need at LG or C. After all, we don't need to draft 10 interior linemen...... 1 quality one will suffice IMO. LOL.

 

What I meant is, right now Reshad Jones has his hands full competing with Chris Clemons to be the Free Safety of the Miami Dolphins. He hasn't even worked at Strong Safety. So, he's not really part of the equation in terms of Yeremiah Bell's replacement, because he hasn't even worked there. We don't know that he's not going to end up the starter at his more comfortable Free Safety position...and if he's not beating Chris Clemons for that spot, then are you that enthused about him at Strong Safety? Unless of course Clemons turns into a Pro Bowler, which I tend to doubt.

Maybe, but that would still mean they're likely to go to camp with him. He's not at all an expensive player. We need someone we can count on for 2011, guys that get cut on the eve of the season don't tend to qualify on that front.

If wishes were fishes. This is an example of a line of speculation that I find it pointless to follow. The 0.0002% of the time that it ends up happening isn't reward enough.

That's what I thought. Surprised you didn't bite on the juicier implication of what I was suggesting, that a new OC/QB Coach combo would not be comfortable with Chad Henne and might ultimately want to replace him. I think that could very well be the case.

I'd feel like I just guzzled an entire bottle of Sriracha sauce: queasy and uncomfortable, with an intense fear of the consequences tomorrow.

I think every team should have a true Full Back.

 

I like Devine..... I'd like him even more if he could put on 12 pounds before the combine w/o losing any speed. Personally, I'd rather spend a higher pick on Hunter and get someone whom I trust more. I'd "possibly" rather give Sheets a shot first if he's healthy. I see guys like Cedric Peerman & Sheets not seeing any NFL action and it scares me away from Devine a bit.

 

gotchya. Ok, I'm on the same page. Now I agree with your earlier post.

Good point. He'd have to be an afterthought acquisition.

Fair enough.

Nope... not biting..... at least not yet. I could see a new OC bringing in a mid round guy like you said, but I don't see an OC handcuffing himself in his first year by placing his eggs in a rookie's basket when Henne's further developed (I see a night and day difference between Henne and Mallett in their decision making etc). That sounded kinda gay.

so what you're saying is you wouldn't be fond of the idea?

True that. I certainly notice a difference when watching Pro-Bowl caliber Polite vs his "non" form.

 

A Dez Bryant reference? lol ... he did have that dui , which proves he is at least a dumbazz ...

 

Carey's still one of the best RTs in football and John Jerry's best position is Guard. Not sure why you'd want to screw with that, especially given the money Carey is making. If it came down to what you're suggesting, I'd rather just cut Carey and save the money, find a real Guard to play Guard.

Not big or physical enough IMO. They tried to salvage Wilford in that way because of all the cash they dumped on his front lawn.

Like many, I think you're too obsessed with the concept of the "start". Prior to this game, Hartline had been in on 350 pass plays compared with Bess' 250 pass plays. And of course Brandon Marshall had been in on 360 pass plays. That's really not a big disadvantage for Bess. Hartline is a better blocker from 2-WR formations. As Sparano pointed out, they asked Hartline 6 times in the game to go up one-on-one with a Defensive End and block him on a run. And he did it. Bess isn't doing that. Bess is a good blocker in his own way, but Hartline fits the 2-WR formations better than Bess does, and plus I find it hard to complain about the dude he's produced 570 yards with about 60 or 70 more yards worth of pass interference and holding penalties, on about 350 plays. He's only in his second year, Bess is in his third. Remember last year when people were still mixed on Bess, and how he came into this year and he's done nothing but rock? Imagine Hartline does the same thing next year. I like things the way they are. They're both contributing about 2 yards per pass play that they're out on the field, and those are good numbers. Very good numbers.

One of the two statements I agreed with.

The Tackles have some chinks in the armor (although I personally think Anthony Castonzo could be another Jake Long), and as usual there aren't enough really good Center prospects, but there are a number of Guard prospects in this draft that I really, really like, and that guys I know that I trust also really, really like. Way more than usual.

I'm cool with drafting a guy but there's one "franchise" player at that spot in this draft and that's Andrew Luck...and balls to you if we get a crack at him somehow. I'm not drafting Jake Locker, and I've yet to warm up to Ryan Mallett as the leader of an offense and franchise.

The draft should not be about what you need now but what you anticipate needing in the future. In the future, Miami's going to need replacements for Yeremiah Bell and Channing Crowder. They're going to need more outside pass rush depth. When you say it should be extremely offense heavy, it seems to imply that we don't use our top pick or one of our top picks on defense, and I have no idea why the Dolphins should set limits for themselves like that when there could be players available that set the defensive unit up for a decade. Channing Crowder plays "decent" at a position where a guy that played fantastic could keep the defense playing well for a long time. Yeremiah Bell is the same.

The second statement I agreed with. I think he's done as a Dolphin after this year. Fittingly, he'll be the next in a long string of media voted "good guy" award winners that gets ousted.

 

I still can't help but like Noel Devine. The thing I like about him for Miami is, unlike Kendall Hunter, Noel Devine is not a cutback runner. That's not how Noel Devine has enjoyed the success he's had. The reason that's a good thing is, Miami's ground attack is not a cutback ground attack.

So he is still a guy that's very much on my radar even though I feel like some other people are dinging him a lot.

 

I like Divine also and would help as a change of pace RB IMO.Couldn't you see him in that capacity?
Is he big enough to tote the rock or would a Ronnie /Divine combo sound a lot better? Sorry Ricky lovers but one has to go.
I was saying the other day we could use a agile/quick RB to hit the hole and corner in a hurry.Divine would be...,well divine

 

I even get the feeling they're underutilizing Ronnie in order to maybe sign him at a lesser contract. I think you're right, I'm just dreading the Ladanianesque revival he'll have with another team.

 

If it were as easy as you're implying with Roberto Wallace then every big WR that isn't making it would be moved to Tight End. I mean, imagine Pat Turner going up against a LB or S?

The point is good football players tend to be good football players. You're usually not going to find a guy that can't even crack a roster at one position, you beef him up and put him at another position, and now he's awesome and making plays. And when that does happen, it's usually because the player was already stylistically compatible with that move, not just physically compatible with it, stylistically compatible with it. What in Roberto Wallace's game, not his size, not his speed, in his GAME, have you noticed that makes you think wow I'd like to see that guy at Tight End? Have you seen an inordinate physicality for the receiver position? Have you seen a really keen awareness of zones and defensive strategy? Have you noticed a really firm grasp of the playbook, the kind you would need to have in order to have mastered both sides of the playbook, both the run and the pass?

The kind of player that's going to make that switch is a David Martin. He was an extremely physical wide receiver that possessed a lot of skills and could really impress you at wide receiver, but ultimately his physical speed limitations did not make him viable for that position. That's why you move him inside where that particular physical limitation is not exposed as much, and you allow the other positive qualities that he already had to start shining.

By taking Roberto Wallace, who is a physical specimen even for the WR position, but not really good at anything, and moving him inside to Tight End...you're doing it backwards. He's going to be treated like a 3rd WR. And he's going to be just as effective in blocking as a 3rd WR. All you are in effect doing, is changing where he lines up...and that's a negative. Taking a guy with his speed and lack of physicality and making him work the inside of the field where speed matters LESS, not MORE, and exposing a not physical guy to the most physical players in the defense? That's backwards. You're exposing his weaknesses even more, and relegating his strength to irrelevance.

As for Carey, who cares if he played like half of one year at guard in college. The guy's been a tackle forever. That's the position he knows, that's the posiiton he's good at. Moving him inside is not going to prolong his career. I've never even heard of that theory, much less seen any evidence for it. Meanwhile, John Jerry hasn't given us any reason to think that he's a better tackle than guard. So again, I think you're just outsmarting yourself on that one.

I've seen no indications that having smart, physical, defensive playmakers lead strong defenses, is an outdated philosophy.

 

Anyone know anything about Bass and Heitmann in San Francisco? Both are larger Cs especially Bass. Since we really don't put our C out to the second level I could see the team going for a guy as big and strong as Bass if he can pass protect well. He'd certainly help against Wilfork and every other huge NT Miami faces.

 

Good point about positional changes. If Wallace's strength is his 4.4 speed for his size, then he should be playing WR. If he can't cut it there, then he's done.

And if he can't cut it there, it's NOT b/c he doesn't have the physical gifts to do so...... which is why I have a hard time believing he can take on an entirely new position, learn & understand it better than he did WR, and succeed.

Basically, the same reasons that are preventing him from being a reliable WR will also prevent him from succeeding at TE..... only at TE we'll be exposing his physical weaknesses rather than highlighting his strengths (speed).

 

Dude is already a ton thicker than Turner will ever be. The problem is I don't know how physical a blocker he is. On stature alone though, he's a prime candidate to make the switch to seam busting TE though.

Really? you've never heard of a tackle being switched to guard when his nimbleness is fleeting?

We'll see on both counts come next year...Feel free to crap on my post then.

 

Well stated. In fewer words than I managed.