Post Draft 2013 Season Outlook

Been awhile since I posted (pre-draft) but the draft did nothing but increase my enthusiam for the season. Obviously this whole stadium mess is a bit fo a damper but I think there are other options even if it means staying near Miami but not necessary in the city.

But wow, what an offseason haven't been this impressed with a haul of this magnitude in well....forever! Being a dolphins fan is a tough thing especially one who saw the tail end of Marino and the Fiedler years and only one playoff win...ugh thats hope that trend is coming to an end.

Draft Evaluation:

Dion Jordan- When I heard we traded up I was playing softball and I thought for sure it was for Lane Johnson and I was a little disgusted to overvalue a OL again (no I am not saying it isn't important but not another TOP 3 OL). When I saw Jordan's name come up my mind began racing...could Wake actually have a competable partner at DE? Why yes! Could we have a physical specimen who can rush like Aldon Smith and cover like a LB? Why yes! Great pick and I know he isn't a perfect scheme guy but talent and ability like his isn't an everyday thing. To me he could be the best player out of this draft how many times can we say we've gotten that? Still I am not saying he will be a dougle digit sack guy from day one but I do see him being a game changer in many facets...but he needs to put on some bulk and strength. Oh btw that value for that trade was ridiculous in our favor.

Jamar Taylor -When I saw Banks, Slay, and Alford off the board early in round 2 i was like oh well...guess CB will have to take a backseat but when I saw Taylor on the board and we drafted him I couldn't have been more pleased. This guy has chance to be a stud. Now he isn't a Revis type player like Milliner but he can be a good starter and everything we hoped Vontae and SS24 shoulda been. I hear the kidney rumors but I am not buying it. He is a great zone fit and plays with an edge.

Dallas Thomas - Like this pick as well for his versatility. What do the Patriots have on their OL, versatility and consistency...two things I want us to have. Garner is a great utility tool but not a starter. Thomas who has played LT in the SEC but is better suited for a LG is going to be a good fit. He can pull and get to the second level, and comes from my favorite conference. Additionally, I think he could push for a starting spot in year 1. But seeing he is recovering from an injury I think he might come in year 2 ready to go.

Will Davis - Wasn't too sure of this pick and don't know if I am. I love the idea of doubling down on CB's but think we coulda stayed pat besides trading back in to get Davis. I did like his style of play especially against Patton this year. The fluidity in his hips is mezmerizing. Besides that I don't feel he is a starter in year one but can develop into a pretty good CB. I love that he and Taylor are ball-hawks with good interception stats.

Dion Sims - Love this pick. I remember when I watched him this year I was like goodness that boy is BIG. He reminds me of a little more old-school tight end who actually values blocking. But, the fact he played 280 at MSU and is down to 265 already entrigues me. The reason is he has basketball skill set and will be a great red-zone threat. If he can stay leaner and more athletic his size and quickness with Keller gives us two TE options. Plus a in-line blocker to replace Fasano (who was an overratted blocker).

Mike Gillislee- Wow! Two years in a row we get RB's who dropped and honestly had at least 2nd round talent and value. Gillislee is a stud, and a workhorse this year at UF. While he isn't elite in one trait he is steady. You know who else was steady....Emmitt Smith. Now I'm not saying we got an Emmitt Smith clone, but I am saying that steady is not a bad thing for a back. Him and Miller with Miller be the go to with his gamebreaking ability gets me excited for a revamped and youthful run game.

Jelani Jenkins- I remember this kid coming out of high school as a #1 recruit in the nation. He has some durability concerns but his athleticism i think will come in handy against the Gronks, and Hernandez's we will see twice a year for the next decade. He could even push for a starter in year one cuz I am still not a Misi fan.

Caleb Sturgis- well he was my favorite kicker but in the 5th? He better be worth it and after reading Armando's tweets from day one of Rookie Minicamp, I feel Carpenter might start packing his bags. Hopefully, he is as cluch as Muschamp rave's about him. Still, Carpenter is overpaid and Sturgis could be our kicker for next decade...which I am fine with.

Don Jones- God his highlight tape screams he plays fast and angry. Yes I know he is an Arkansas St. guy which doesn't come from highest competitive conference but this guy plays hard. Supposedly they want him to play Nickel CB which is fine by me especially playing the teams like Pats. Still could become a safety to replace Clemons if he leaves.

One Undrafted FA to keep an eye on is: Chad Bumphis from Miss St. Guy put up good stats and looks like a good slot WR, something we lost in D. Bess who was a UDFA.

Regardless I give our draft a B+, I really feel we address a lot of needs with this draft as well as some talent. My only regret is we didn't draft a WR, after losing Bess and especially with Patton on the board in round 3, that guy could've been a stud in this offense a lay James Jones in GB. Still, looking at this draft I see potential for 3 year one starters, and a possible 5-6 starters for the next few years. I was nervous about our line with not tacking a tackle but I am glad we didn't trade for Albert and signed Clabo cheap and add some veteran presense and nastiness to our line.

Now to analyze the roster:

QB- Tannehill, Moore, Devlin - Make no question this is Tannehill's team. And from what I have heard he is taking hold of the leadership role. The talent is there and there is no doubt about that. But, can he take the next step... we shall see. I hope we use more of T-Hill's athleticism this season as he was a former WR. Moore is a great backup and I feel comfortable any game he may have to fill-in. Still I was shocked we re-signed him but pleased. Devlin will keep progressing and hey who knows.

RB- Miller, Thomas, Gillislee, Gray, Thigpen- My take is Miller is #1. Thomas doesn't seem to be anything but a bust and I think Philbin is fed up with him or close to it. Gillislee is the wild-card he could push for the 3rd down role and take some of Miller's carries. Regardless he has the best pass block of all the backs. Thigpen is a hybrid, he can play WR/RB. He is too valuable as a returner. Gray I really don't know much about but they must see something in him. Thomas I believe could get cut if he doesnt get his act together.

FB- Clay, Lane- Clay is so frustrating cause he has the ability but can he put it together. He is a good receiver and has experience running the ball. But he isn't a great blocker but we really don't need that with our running scheme. I would like to see him step up as a H-Back but who knows. Lane was a good feel good story to begin the year but really doesn't offer that much as a blocker and is ok as a runner.

WR- Wallace, Hartline, Gibson, Matthews, Binns, Fuller, Tyms, Bumphis, Sinkfield, etc. Wallace is the #1 and hopefully he plays up to his contract. Hartline as a #2 makes me happy and is T-Hill's go-to guy. Gibson I know a lot didn't like the move...but why? He outproduced Bess last year in one important category...TD's. How do we win with TD's. We had 3 TD's total from our WR's which is PATHETIC. Wallace gets in the endzone and Gibson hopefully will too. He also can play slot of outside, versatility is what GB has in WR's and hopefully we will too. I liked what I saw from Matthews last year, and I think his progresson made Bess expendable. But he will compete with Binns, Fuller and the rest of the bunch. My money is on Matthews as the 4. Now i don't know much about Tyms or Sinkfield. But Fuller is an A&M guy and he has a pedigree with T-Hill. Bumphis as I touched upon looks like a good slot guy.

TE- Keller, Sims, Egnew - Keller was a great sign and when we traded Bess i was sad until I remember Keller can line up in the slot and do just about everything Bess did. He will be the receiving threat we haven't had in...who knows lol. Sims i love his potential and size. He comes from a basketball backgorund and hopefully he can be our red zone jump ball threat that we do not have. Egnew well... it can't get any worse. Word is he has been working hard in the offseason and hopefully it shows. His athleticism and size aren't going anywhere so hopefully he can put it toghether.

LT- Martin, Jerry/Thomas - Martin is the starter and I for one am excited. Why? Cause we aren't wasting too much money on that postiion. Now that doesn't mean I dont have some worry but I am glad we made the right decision. He protected Luck to earn All-American honors so why can't he do it for Tannehill. He needs to add stregth that is apparent but I heard he looked bigger at workouts. If you watch him at LT he is so much more natural there it isn't even close. Jerry/Thomas as the backup, I believe Thomas will be a primary guard but if Martin goes down he could fill-in. Jerry played decent LT two year back and I just don't know about the kid he has talent but is too big for guard.

LG- Incognito, Thomas- Richie better watch his back. In last year of contract and is expensive. Adiditonally, he isn't a scheme fit for our zone. So if Thomas comes to play from day one he could end up starting. But, I hope we give Thomas a year to season and let Richie play out his contract.

C- Pouncey, Samuda- Pouncey is a beast and top 3 at his position. Samuda is versatile and can play Center and Guard, but is undersized. I like his tenacity though.

RG- Jerry, Louis- Jerry is the returning starter but he will have to fend off not only Louis but if Thomas beats out Incognito they could shift him to RG which he's played in the past. Still, I like Louis if he comes back healthy. He plays well this year then sign him to extension and go with two guards in him and Thomas with youth and athleticism we haven't had at the position in god knows how long.

RT- Clabo, Garner/Jerry - Love the Clabo signing. Did think it was going to be Winston but I can stay content here. Still he is a one year option and hopefully we can find a replacement in the meantime. I know people think Yeatman is the potential but I just don't see it. Garner and Jerry can battle it out for the backup spot.

DE- Wake, Odrick, Jordan, Vernon, Selby- Wake is a monster and so underrated it makes me sick. Odrick will stay at DE while Jordan developers especially on rushing downs. But he should slide inside at DT as season progesses cause with Solai and Starks FA's next year he will be there for one of them. Jordan needs to bulk up but when he puts it together with Coach Rogers tutledge I see him as a monster. Vernon and Selby can spell for the rotation. I still believe Vernon can be a real contributor at DE or LB.

DT- Solai, Starks, Vaughn, Randall- Love this group. Great size and strength. Our DL is our strongest unit and really sets the tone but we have something now we didnt... depth. In the 4th quarter we should have Wake fresh with the options we have and Starks can have someone spell him cause he got tired the end of last year. I am interested to see how Randall progresses and he could be the sucessor to Solai. Vaughn is a depth guy like McDaniel was, don't expect to much.

OLB- Wheeler, Misi, Kaddu, Trusnik, Jenkins- Wheeler is a great addition. I know he hasn't been too consistent but he plays with his hair on fire and is what we've missed. He can also blitz and cover something we've lacked. Misi is good vs. the run but there's just something I don't like about him. Still he should be the starter unless someone pushes him. Enter Kaddu and Jenkins. Two guys with athletic ability and good measurables. Kaddu is built like a smaller Jordan and can rush the passer. I hope he can make the jump in year two. Jenkins is a coverage specialist and should be on the field in passing downs. Trusnik is a plug and play if need be but great ST contributor.

MLB- Ellerbe, Spitler/Jenkins - Ellerbe was the shock of the offseason for me. I thought for sure the one group who was safe was LB. But I am happy we got younger, more athletic, and meaner. Dansby was a lot of "talk" he did put up stats but wasn't the playmaker I envisioned. Ellerbe really filled in for Ray Lewis to the point if it wasn't for the dreads they could've been mistaken. I hope the payday doesn't take away from his drive but we shall see. Spitler is a good back and ST player. If Ellebe goes down I hope we use Jenkins to fill in based off of ability and athleticism.

CB- Grimes, Taylor, Marshall, Patterson, Davis, Carroll, etc. - The group that needed the most work. Yes I know about WR but we knew we were going to get better at that. But, SS24 was a waste and after trading Vontae that '09 class was a waste. I love the Grimes signing depending on his health but he is a stud when healthy. Brings a swagger about our secondary we haven't had since Surtain/Madison days. Marshall was a disappointment due to injury but I still didn't see what the coaching staff did in him, to make Vontae expendable. But, he is a good nickle CB and i think it's between him and Patterson. Can't keep both due to their cap number but my money is on Marshall. Carroll is a joke, and rarely make a play even when in position. Think his time has run up. Now to the rookies...Taylor is a great pick. I think he will be the #2 CB and hopefully Grimes comes back healthy and we can re-sign him for 2-3 more years. I think Davis is a bit of a project but could be a real ballhawk. I believe he'll start as 4th CB but could work his way up. Regardless I am happy with the changes made and hopefully we can go 5-6 CB's deep to cover all the passing in this league.

FS- Clemons, McCray, Wilson- Clemons had a really good year but was it a fluke? I think Ireland played this one well...one year deal if he performs then resign him for longer. If not well it wasn't a waste. McCray has a lot of people excited and he impressed last training camp but got hurt. He has good size and seems to be a ball-hawk we sorely lack at Safety. Wilson is a hybrid but could be pushed by the new talent on the team.

SS- Jones, Jones- Sounds like a lawfirm. Reshad is a stud and I feel he could really become elite. He has all the talent and athleticism. I love how Coyle works with his DB's. Don Jones, he might be a man without a natural position but he is too athletic to not earn a role. I think he will play some CB and possibly FS if Clemons moves on.

K- Sturgis- think he beats out Carpenter quite handily. Plus he's cheaper.

P- Fields- one of the leagues best.

LS- Denney- solid player and the seasoned vet.

I love the way Philbin and Ireland have rebuilt this team so quickly. Year one to win 7 games was an accomplishment with the lack of talent we had. But, year 2 I expect us to compete. I don't see why the playoffs are out of the question. If we can make it out of those first 5 games 3-2 or better I feel that shot is realistic. But we could end up 1-4 just as easy. The one thing I look at with this roster is competition and depth something I feel we haven't had ina long time. This is Philbin's team and he has Tannehill running the show, the way it should be. I just hope that Sherman can open up his creativity on offense take advantage of the mismatches our team could offer with RT's athelticism and arm. Our RB's speed and vision. Our WR's have a legit speed threat with good posession and route runners. Our TE's have speed and size to run the seam and middle of the field. Hopefully our line can not only produce but gel for the future. in regards to Incognito/Clabo all our other OL are under 28yrs old.

Our Defense I expect to play faster and attack more which are both positive especially playing Tom Brady twice a year. Our LB's our violent and fast and hopefully our secondary comes to play and can create something we've lacked ....TURNOVERS.

The AFCEast is changing. The pats aren't a juggernaut on offense anymore, and Brady is getting older. But i don't see them being the 13-3/14-2 type teams of the past. The Jets are rebuilding and still have no QB that can win the division. The Bills well they are the Bills, and it will come down to Manuel but I see them a few years away.


Let me know you thoughts guys!!!

 

Hahaha sorry guys, company league. Get out of work early on Thursdays. But have no fear I did have my cell phone in my pocket with updates. I even had a friend text me when we traded up enjoy Lane Johnson and I spiked my glove.

Let me know your thoughts.