For the group, in order to help refine our draft options against 'need' - i'd like to do a few threads on a couple positions .... starting with T.
Clearly our starting Tackles today are Long and Carey ...
We have Murtha as an ERFA
We have Garner as a RFA
We signed Kopa (pouched him really)
We have Marten as a journeyman, but not much else.
And McQuistan is a journeyman FA.
I don't put much stock in Marten and any ability to truly even be a back-up for us.
We know McQuistan 'can' play T, not strong at it - but is a low end versatile OL given limited options.
So, what do the examiners think of Murtha and Kopa ?? We know Murtha hasn't stayed healthy, has struggled a bit and may be better suited at G. We know Garner fits at G, and has stepped in at T. What about Kopa, since we stole him from SF (i think) late in the season??
IF Carey isn't healthy, do any of these players have the ability to step in and take over RT? All of these candidates have the minimum height of 6'6 and most are around the 310 mark.
With FA as it is .... we can count on Kopa and Marten being here, and reasonably sure that Murtha will remain as a ERFA. Garner could get a good deal based off of his versatility, and McQuistan shouldn't be a prime target for anyone.
Who is ready to step in at RT? IF the answer is no one, then it highlights the NEED for RT if Carey can not be counted on this year.
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I'm not sure many teams have extra starting caliber tackles on their bench. Its generally hard enough to find two that are worthy of starting, nevertheless capable backups. Anyone who would be satisfactory to us as a replacement for Carey would likely end up being offered a starting position elsewhere.
alen1 and Disgustipate like this. -
Good question, it's not a secret the Dolphins need a LG almost as bad as a starting QB.
Aside from Pouncey who is a quality draftworthy OG? -
If we're forced to draft a RT b/c Le Cheeseburger isn't fit for duty, then I'll be extremely pissed. I don't mind using a 1st on a RT, but using one to replace a 29 year old 1st rounder who's in the middle of a $42 mill contract would be somewhat infuriating.
djphinfan likes this. -
I say if they don't go QB with 15, take Castonzo, Carimi, or Solder and go the Jonathan Ogden route. Start them at LG, until they are ready to take over for Carey.
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I'm also a fan of massive David Mims, a small school sleeper with a ton of untapped potential. He reminds people of J'Marcus Webb whom the Bears stole in the 7th round (2010) and started 12 games. If we're going Oline in the first round, I'd honestly rather take Pouncey (or trade back for Danny Watkins) and then take Mims in the 6th and let him learn for a year (or immediately challenge for the RG spot like Webb did). -
RT prospect, David Mims:
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Small-school-OT-David-Mims-is-no-longer-a-sleeper.html
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If we can't trade back and hypothetically are taking Oline and RB with our 1st & 3rd round picks, which tandem would you guys most like to have? This is a good way to brainstorm b/c IMO there's an extremely high chance our first 2 picks (or 2 of our first 3) are RB & Oline.
I might be in the minority here, but I'd prefer Pouncey & Taiwan Jones due to our immediate need of an upgrade to the Oline and an infusion of speed and game-changing ability to the skill positions. IMO (if the backfield will be sharing duties) an elite COP back could have a greater impact than a power back. Plus, with how often backs get injured, it might be wise to stay away from using a 1st rounder on one. -
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was hoping to get a better sense of where Murtha, Garner or Kopa are in terms of development IOT assess our 'need' to draft a RT should Carey falter at either health or weight ... to get a sense of how important it would be to draft a potential starter at RT - so we could determine whether we 'had' to go early or could afford to take a chance late, much as you all mention.
I'm writing the G thread as i type here .... which features some of these same players ....ToddsPhins likes this. -
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Carey is ruining our ability to effectively mock our darn draft. Damn you Vernon Carey. Damn you. :lol: -
Do you think Watkins has the ability to plug and play at RT? -
Regarding Watkins, that's a tough question. I want to say yes because I think he's a quick learner and I think he's talented enough to do it but he's also a guy who still needs more learning so I am not sure. It would depend on how much he picks up the game in the off-season. He learns things quick though so it would not surprise me if he was to come in at RT for some team and start. Do I think he would start here? No. I think, despite Vernon Carey's injury issues, he's a pretty good RT and one of the better ones in the league. He should remain the starter while Watkins, if we were to draft him, could play at Guard and then take over Carey's spot whenever Carey is done.ToddsPhins likes this. -
I think a lot will depend on Garner's return and Jerry's growth...
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alen, i'll double tap this in the Guard thread, but considering this FOs past practices .... the guys that leap out at me as 'meeting' size criteria are: Ijalana, Moffitt and Hurd .... being at least 6'4" and 320 ... Watkins is a little 'light' and Pouncey is both a tad short and light ...