The 2014-15 Miami Dolphins thread

[treeduck]

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/ee/73/c9/ee73c9e8a9be5f03da0dd5148bd01de0.jpg

No wonder babycat is so attracted to him.

Eh?

No?

Well, the dude's a legend..! :ebert:

He looks like an Art Garfunkel understudy.

I hadn't thought of that...

It was the damned 70s...everyone looked like that.

:LMAO: !

Even me!

Really? I had no idea..!

Yeah my hair drops once it reaches a certain length.

[Babycat]

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/ee/73/c9/ee73c9e8a9be5f03da0dd5148bd01de0.jpg

No wonder babycat is so attracted to him.

Eh?

No?

Well, the dude's a legend..! :ebert:

And his face is remarkably free of large moles. So he's got that on Drew.

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2013/0124/radio_qbs_suber_bowl_13.jpg

Super Bowl 13! :D

No that was the Steelers in 1979 over the Cowgirls.

Dang - nearly had it! :)

[treeduck]

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/ee/73/c9/ee73c9e8a9be5f03da0dd5148bd01de0.jpg

No wonder babycat is so attracted to him.

Eh?

No?

Well, the dude's a legend..! :ebert:

And his face is remarkably free of large moles. So he's got that on Drew.

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2013/0124/radio_qbs_suber_bowl_13.jpg

Super Bowl 13! :D

No that was the Steelers in 1979 over the Cowgirls.

Dang - nearly had it! :)

It's 44.

[laughedatbytime]

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/ee/73/c9/ee73c9e8a9be5f03da0dd5148bd01de0.jpg

No wonder babycat is so attracted to him.

Eh?

No?

Well, the dude's a legend..! :ebert:

And his face is remarkably free of large moles. So he's got that on Drew.

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2013/0124/radio_qbs_suber_bowl_13.jpg

Super Bowl 13! :D

No that was the Steelers in 1979 over the Cowgirls.

Dang - nearly had it! :)

It's 44.

Ahem, XLIV.

[treeduck]

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/ee/73/c9/ee73c9e8a9be5f03da0dd5148bd01de0.jpg

No wonder babycat is so attracted to him.

Eh?

No?

Well, the dude's a legend..! :ebert:

And his face is remarkably free of large moles. So he's got that on Drew.

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2013/0124/radio_qbs_suber_bowl_13.jpg

Super Bowl 13! :D

No that was the Steelers in 1979 over the Cowgirls.

Dang - nearly had it! :)

It's 44.

Ahem, XLIV.

Aye!

[laughedatbytime]

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/ee/73/c9/ee73c9e8a9be5f03da0dd5148bd01de0.jpg

No wonder babycat is so attracted to him.

Eh?

No?

Well, the dude's a legend..! :ebert:

And his face is remarkably free of large moles. So he's got that on Drew.

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2013/0124/radio_qbs_suber_bowl_13.jpg

Super Bowl 13! :D

No that was the Steelers in 1979 over the Cowgirls.

Dang - nearly had it! :)

It's 44.

Ahem, XLIV.

Aye!

Goodell will probably want to put a Super Bowl in Rome.

 

Hey, if we're using their numbers....

[LedRush]

[treeduck]

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/ee/73/c9/ee73c9e8a9be5f03da0dd5148bd01de0.jpg

No wonder babycat is so attracted to him.

Eh?

No?

Well, the dude's a legend..! :ebert:

And his face is remarkably free of large moles. So he's got that on Drew.

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2013/0124/radio_qbs_suber_bowl_13.jpg

Super Bowl 13! :D

No that was the Steelers in 1979 over the Cowgirls.

Dang - nearly had it! :)

It's 44.

Ahem, XLIV.

Aye!

Goodell will probably want to put a Super Bowl in Rome.

 

Hey, if we're using their numbers....

He's probably working on that as we type...

[laughedatbytime]

Knowshon Moreno signs with team with bad OL, no QB to make up for possible deficiencies.

 

He'll be crying before EVERY game by week 6, I'm afraid.

[laughedatbytime]

Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN.com: Zack Martin, OL, Notre Dame

 

Bucky Brooks, NFL.com: Xavier Sua-Filo, OG, UCLA (Disclaimer: This was a mock without any quarterbacks taken in the first round)

 

No one will blame new GM Dennis Hickey for expending a top pick on an offensive guard after witnessing the Dolphins’ offensive line woes a season ago. Su’a-Filo is a standout blocker with the toughness and physicality to take on the big-bodied defensive tackles that dominate the AFC East.

 

Chris Burke, Sports Illustrated: Zack Martin, OL, Notre Dame

 

Is this too obvious a selection? Rarely do a team and a prospect so perfectly line up this far in advance of the draft. Albert was almost a must-have at left tackle. Martin would plug a gap either on the right side or at one of the guard spots — all places Miami needs help.

 

Charles Davis, NFL.com: Zack Martin, OL, Notre Dame

 

Dolphins hold their breath that Baltimore doesn’t take the durable technician out of South Bend.

 

Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com: Zack Martin, OL, Notre Dame

 

Miami moved quickly to sign Branden Albert, but there is still plenty of work to be done to rebuild this offensive line.

 

Pat Kirwan, CBSSports.com: Zack Martin, OL, Notre Dame

 

The Dolphins did sign Brandon Albert to play left tackle but Martin can play anywhere on the line. The Dolphins need versatile linemen to repair all the damage from last year.

 

Mike Hugeunin, NFL.com: Zack Martin, OL, Notre Dame

 

He can play LT, RT or G, and would help Dolphins rebuild their line.

 

Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com: C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama

 

They spent big on linebackers last year and didn’t get much bang for their buck. Mosley could help in a big way.

 

Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com: Zack Martin OL, Notre Dame

 

With Branden Albert signed to take over at left tackle, the Dolphins can instead shift their draft-day focus towards boosting the play inside at guard. Zack Martin, unrelated to Jonathan Martin by genetics or style of play, is a coach’s dream. While perhaps lacking the body type scouts prefer at tackle (where he started 50 of his 52 career games for the Irish), Martin slides well laterally and controls opponents with fierce hand usage.

 

http://www.thefinsiders.com/blog/2014/2014-mock-draft-roundup-3-0

[treeduck]

Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN.com: Zack Martin, OL, Notre Dame

 

Bucky Brooks, NFL.com: Xavier Sua-Filo, OG, UCLA (Disclaimer: This was a mock without any quarterbacks taken in the first round)

 

No one will blame new GM Dennis Hickey for expending a top pick on an offensive guard after witnessing the Dolphins’ offensive line woes a season ago. Su’a-Filo is a standout blocker with the toughness and physicality to take on the big-bodied defensive tackles that dominate the AFC East.

 

Chris Burke, Sports Illustrated: Zack Martin, OL, Notre Dame

 

Is this too obvious a selection? Rarely do a team and a prospect so perfectly line up this far in advance of the draft. Albert was almost a must-have at left tackle. Martin would plug a gap either on the right side or at one of the guard spots — all places Miami needs help.

 

Charles Davis, NFL.com: Zack Martin, OL, Notre Dame

 

Dolphins hold their breath that Baltimore doesn’t take the durable technician out of South Bend.

 

Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com: Zack Martin, OL, Notre Dame

 

Miami moved quickly to sign Branden Albert, but there is still plenty of work to be done to rebuild this offensive line.

 

Pat Kirwan, CBSSports.com: Zack Martin, OL, Notre Dame

 

The Dolphins did sign Brandon Albert to play left tackle but Martin can play anywhere on the line. The Dolphins need versatile linemen to repair all the damage from last year.

 

Mike Hugeunin, NFL.com: Zack Martin, OL, Notre Dame

 

He can play LT, RT or G, and would help Dolphins rebuild their line.

 

Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com: C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama

 

They spent big on linebackers last year and didn’t get much bang for their buck. Mosley could help in a big way.

 

Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com: Zack Martin OL, Notre Dame

 

With Branden Albert signed to take over at left tackle, the Dolphins can instead shift their draft-day focus towards boosting the play inside at guard. Zack Martin, unrelated to Jonathan Martin by genetics or style of play, is a coach’s dream. While perhaps lacking the body type scouts prefer at tackle (where he started 50 of his 52 career games for the Irish), Martin slides well laterally and controls opponents with fierce hand usage.

 

http://www.thefinsid...aft-roundup-3-0

Pretty much all O-line except Prisco, who is clueless anyway.

[laughedatbytime]

They misspelled Aaron's name but other than that, good article.

 

The Miami Dolphins have signed free agent wide receivers Kevin Cone and Michael Rios and quarterback Jordan Rodgers to one-year contracts.

 

The 6-2, 216-pound Cone joins Miami after spending the past three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons (2011-13). Cone has appeared in 29 career games over the past two years after spending his first season with the Falcons as a member of the team’s practice squad. In 2013, he saw action in all 16 games and recorded one catch for 12 yards, while finishing tied for second on team with seven special teams tackles. He was originally signed by the Falcons as an undrafted college free agent on August 2, 2011. Cone began his collegiate career at Shorter College (2007) in Rome, Georgia before transferring to Georgia Tech, where he caught five passes for 89 yards and one touchdown. Born March, 20, 1988 in Stone Mountain, Georgia, Cone attended St. Pius High School in Atlanta, Georgia.

 

The 6-2, 203-pound Rios comes to the Dolphins after spending time with the Arizona Cardinals in 2013. He originally joined the Cardinals as an undrafted college free agent on April 29, 2013, but was waived prior to the start of training camp on July 24, 2013. Rios concluded his collegiate career at Marist as the school’s all-time leader in touchdown receptions (17) and also set school records for the most yards in a season (1,173) and most touchdowns in a season (10). He finished his career with 86 receptions for 2,017 yards and 17 touchdowns. Born June 9, 1990, Rios attended Belen Jesuit High School in Miami, Florida

 

The 6-1, 212-pound Rodgers joins Miami after spending portions of 2013 with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rodgers spent 12 weeks on the Buccaneers’ practice squad after being signed by the team on October 7, 2013. Prior to joining Tampa Bay, Rodgers was a member of the Jaguars during the 2013 off-season. Originally, he was signed by the Jaguars as an undrafted college free agent on April 28, 2013. A team captain, two-year starter and three-year All-SEC Academic Honor Roll performer at Vanderbilt, he finished his career with the Commodores having completed 299 of 535 passes for 4,063 yards and 24 touchdowns. Born August 30, 1988 in Chico, California, Rodgers attended Pleasant Valley High School in Chico, California.

 

http://www.miamidolphins.com/news/article-1/Dolphins-Sign-Three-To-Roster/86ebb64f-2b14-4956-9b14-7022a9d4de86

[laughedatbytime]

2008 Draft Do Over...the Fins take...Matt Ryan?

 

There's nothing like looking back at a draft to see where the coaches and scouts got it right or wrong with their evaluations. Although evaluators don't have the benefit of hindsight when making selections at the time, I've been able to monitor the progress of the top prospects in this draft throughout their respective careers. Here's how I would re-do the 2008 NFL Draft based on what I know about the players and teams since that point:

 

1. Miami Dolphins

Pick: Jake Long

Do-Over: Matt Ryan

Comment: Given another chance to select a franchise quarterback over the "best player available," Bill Parcells would definitely take the signal caller in Miami. Ryan has been a standout performer since entering the league. Most important, he has consistently guided his team into the postseason with his steady hand at the position.

 

2. St. Louis Rams

Pick: Chris Long

Do-Over: Jake Long

Comment: Chris Long has been a productive player off the edge, but the selection of Jake Long would've solidified a position that's been one of the Rams' biggest weaknesses on offense.

 

3. Atlanta Falcons

Pick: Matt Ryan

Do-Over: Joe Flacco

Comment: It's hard to poke holes at Joe Flacco's suggestion that he is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL when you look at his Super Bowl ring and overall winning percentage. He consistently leads his teams into the playoffs, which is a significant deal in a league that's all about winning.

 

4. Oakland Raiders

Pick: Darren McFadden

Do-Over: Chris Johnson

Comment: The late Al Davis would take the CJ2K in a draft do-over based solely on his superior speed, quickness and burst. Johnson is one of the elite runners in the NFL, with six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to open his career.

 

5. Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Glenn Dorsey

Do-Over: Jamaal Charles

Comment: The Chiefs grabbed Charles in the third round of the 2008 draft, but he has been the crown jewel of the class. The perennial Pro Bowler is arguably the most explosive running back in the NFL, with a game that's built on speed, quickness and burst.

 

6. New York Jets

Pick: Vernon Gholston

Do-Over: Ray Rice

Comment: After whiffing on Gholston in the original draft, the Jets would opt to add a rugged runner to complement their "Ground and Pound" attack under Rex Ryan. Rice is more than capable of filling the bill with a hard-nosed running style that shines in cold weather.

 

7. New Orleans Saints

Pick: Sedrick Ellis

Do-Over: DeSean Jackson

Comment: Imagine the numbers Drew Brees would put up with a legitimate speedster on the perimeter. While Jackson's prickly personality would test the patience of the Saints' coaching staff, the opportunity to add a player with a track record of delivering big plays (Jackson leads the league with 35 40-plus yards receptions since 2008) would make the risk-reward proposition a worthwhile gamble.

 

8. Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: Derrick Harvey

Do-Over: Ryan Clady

Comment: Clady is one of the premier offensive tackles in the league. It's possible that his steady presence at left tackle would've improved dismal quarterback play that plagued the Jaguars in recent years.

 

9. Cincinnati Bengals

Pick: Keith Rivers

Do-Over: Aqib Talib

Comment: Marvin Lewis has been successful rehabbing troubled playmakers throughout his tenure in his Cincinnati. While Talib's immaturity would require some added attention, there's no doubt that his skills as a ball hawk would've helped the Bengals defense hold up against the elite offenses in the AFC.

 

2014 NFL Draft Winds

College Football 24/7 takes a look at the rumors connecting draft prospects with NFL teams leading up to the 2014 NFL Draft.

 

» AFC East | North | South | West

» NFC East | North | South | West

 

More:

» Tracking teams' interest in top prospects

10. New England Patriots

Pick: Jerod Mayo

Do-Over: Matt Forte

Comment: It's hard to suggest that Mayo has been a disappointment with the Patriots when you look at his production, but I'm sure Tom Brady would love to have a versatile weapon like Forte in the backfield. The Pro Bowler capably anchors the ground game with his slippery running style, while also adding key production as a dangerous receiver out of the backfield.

 

11. Buffalo Bills

Pick: Leodis McKelvin

Do-Over: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

Comment: Rodgers-Cromartie has been maddeningly inconsistent as a cover man throughout his career, but he has the talent and potential to be the premier shutdown corner in the league.

 

12. Denver Broncos

Pick: Ryan Clady

Do-Over: Duane Brown

Comment: Critics snickered when Brown emerged as a first-round selection in the original draft, but he has rarely given up sacks or holding penalties since entering the league. That's exactly what coaches want from a franchise offensive tackle selected near the top of the board.

 

13. Carolina Panthers

Pick: Jonathan Stewart

Do-Over: Jerod Mayo

Comment: Mayo would've been a perfect fit in the Panthers' 4-3 defensive scheme. He is an instinctive playmaker with a knack for finding the ball at the point of attack.

 

14. Chicago Bears

Pick: Chris Williams

Do-Over: Branden Albert

Comment: Williams' struggles in Chicago would lead the team to nab Albert in a do-over. The big-bodied offensive tackle has quietly been one of the best at his position throughout his career.

 

15. Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Branden Albert

Do-Over: Dustin Keller

Comment: Keller wouldn't make Chiefs fans forget Tony Gonzalez, but he certainly would've given the team an explosive weapon in the middle of the field.

 

16. Arizona Cardinals

Pick: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

Do-Over: Jordy Nelson

Comment: Nelson would've been a perfect complementary receiver to Larry Fitzgerald in the passing game. He is a big, physical receiver with the speed and burst to blow past defenders in one-on-one matchups on the backside.

 

17. Detroit Lions

Pick: Gosder Cherilus

Do-Over: Chris Long

Comment: Adding a productive, high-motor pass rusher to one of the best defensive lines in football would've taken the Lions defense to another level.

 

 

18. Baltimore Ravens

Pick: Joe Flacco

Do-Over: Calais Campbell

Comment: Ozzie Newsome has done a great job of identifying "football players" in the draft. Campbell doesn't garner significant attention on the national scope, but he has been one of the top defenders in the league the past two seasons.

 

19. Carolina Panthers

Pick: Jeff Otah

Do-Over: Chris Williams

Comment: Williams was a disappointment in Chicago, but he has had a solid career since moving inside to offensive guard. The Panthers love to feature a big, physical offensive line, which makes this move a sensible one in a draft do-over.

 

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pick: Aqib Talib

Do-Over: Martellus Bennett

Comment: Bennett was considered an underachiever during his first few seasons in the NFL, but his recent emergence as a top tier tight end suggests that he has the talent to anchor a passing game as a deep middle threat.

 

21. Atlanta Falcons

Pick: Curtis Lofton

Do-Over: Same

Comment: Lofton has been one of the most productive tacklers in the NFL since stepping into the league. Although the Falcons allowed Lofton to leave as a free agent in 2012, the team would love to have his rugged presence in the middle of a defense that has slipped considerably since his departure.

 

22. Dallas Cowboys

Pick: Felix Jones

Do-Over: Carl Nicks

Comment: Nicks became one of the top interior blockers in the NFL after being overlooked on draft day. He would command significant attention in a draft do-over due to his strength, power and polished overall blocking ability.

 

23. Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick: Rashard Mendenhall

Do-Over: Brandon Flowers

Comment: Flowers is the ultra-competitive cover corner that has traditionally played in Pittsburgh. The Pro Bowler brings toughness, tenacity and physicality to the position.

 

24. Tennessee Titans

Pick: Chris Johnson

Do-Over: Pierre Garcon

Comment: CJ2K was sensational for the Titans, but developing a playmaking receiver would've helped advance the careers of Vince Young and/or Jake Locker as franchise quarterbacks.

 

25. Dallas Cowboys

Pick: Mike Jenkins

Do-Over: Thomas DeCoud

Comment: DeCoud would've given Jerry Jones the hard-hitting safety the Cowboys have missed over the past few seasons.

 

26. Houston Texans

Pick: Duane Brown

Do-Over: Red Bryant

Comment: Bryant would've given the Texans the big body needed to play on the interior of an aggressive 3-4 defense.

 

27. San Diego Chargers

Pick: Antoine Cason

Do-Over: Orlando Scandrick

Comment: Scandrick entered the NFL viewed as one of the best athletes in the draft. He has developed into a top cover corner in Dallas despite playing primarily as a nickel corner throughout his career.

 

28. Seattle Seahawks

Pick: Lawrence Jackson

Do-Over: Cliff Avril

Comment: Avril played a key role on a Seahawks defensive line that wreaked havoc on foes on the way to victory in Super Bowl XLVIII. Imagine if he played in the Pacific Northwest from the start of his career.

 

29. San Francisco 49ers

Pick: Kentwan Balmer

Do-Over: Tracy Porter

Comment: The 49ers attempted to upgrade their defense by adding another weapon along the frontline, but grabbing a sticky cover corner with terrific ball skills would've been a better option.

 

30. New York Jets

Pick: Dustin Keller

Do-Over: Jermichael Finley

Comment: The Jets were looking for a deep middle threat when they selected Keller at this point. Finley has been a superior player for most of his career, so nabbing the big, athletic pass catcher at the bottom of the round would've been a sensible decision at this point.

 

31. New York Giants

Pick: Kenny Phillips

Do-Over: Darren McFadden

Comment: The oft-injured McFadden has shown flashes of greatness as a runner, but he has failed to play a full season as a pro. Regardless, McFadden's considerable talent would make it hard for a team to bypass him at the bottom of the first round.

 

http://www.miamidolp...14-7022a9d4de86

 

Hey, what happened to the Patriots pick?

 

:rfl:

Edited April 4, 2014 by laughedatbytime

[treeduck]

2008 Draft Do Over...the Fins take...Matt Ryan?

 

There's nothing like looking back at a draft to see where the coaches and scouts got it right or wrong with their evaluations. Although evaluators don't have the benefit of hindsight when making selections at the time, I've been able to monitor the progress of the top prospects in this draft throughout their respective careers. Here's how I would re-do the 2008 NFL Draft based on what I know about the players and teams since that point:

 

1. Miami Dolphins

Pick: Jake Long

Do-Over: Matt Ryan

Comment: Given another chance to select a franchise quarterback over the "best player available," Bill Parcells would definitely take the signal caller in Miami. Ryan has been a standout performer since entering the league. Most important, he has consistently guided his team into the postseason with his steady hand at the position.

 

2. St. Louis Rams

Pick: Chris Long

Do-Over: Jake Long

Comment: Chris Long has been a productive player off the edge, but the selection of Jake Long would've solidified a position that's been one of the Rams' biggest weaknesses on offense.

 

3. Atlanta Falcons

Pick: Matt Ryan

Do-Over: Joe Flacco

Comment: It's hard to poke holes at Joe Flacco's suggestion that he is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL when you look at his Super Bowl ring and overall winning percentage. He consistently leads his teams into the playoffs, which is a significant deal in a league that's all about winning.

 

4. Oakland Raiders

Pick: Darren McFadden

Do-Over: Chris Johnson

Comment: The late Al Davis would take the CJ2K in a draft do-over based solely on his superior speed, quickness and burst. Johnson is one of the elite runners in the NFL, with six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to open his career.

 

5. Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Glenn Dorsey

Do-Over: Jamaal Charles

Comment: The Chiefs grabbed Charles in the third round of the 2008 draft, but he has been the crown jewel of the class. The perennial Pro Bowler is arguably the most explosive running back in the NFL, with a game that's built on speed, quickness and burst.

 

6. New York Jets

Pick: Vernon Gholston

Do-Over: Ray Rice

Comment: After whiffing on Gholston in the original draft, the Jets would opt to add a rugged runner to complement their "Ground and Pound" attack under Rex Ryan. Rice is more than capable of filling the bill with a hard-nosed running style that shines in cold weather.

 

7. New Orleans Saints

Pick: Sedrick Ellis

Do-Over: DeSean Jackson

Comment: Imagine the numbers Drew Brees would put up with a legitimate speedster on the perimeter. While Jackson's prickly personality would test the patience of the Saints' coaching staff, the opportunity to add a player with a track record of delivering big plays (Jackson leads the league with 35 40-plus yards receptions since 2008) would make the risk-reward proposition a worthwhile gamble.

 

8. Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: Derrick Harvey

Do-Over: Ryan Clady

Comment: Clady is one of the premier offensive tackles in the league. It's possible that his steady presence at left tackle would've improved dismal quarterback play that plagued the Jaguars in recent years.

 

9. Cincinnati Bengals

Pick: Keith Rivers

Do-Over: Aqib Talib

Comment: Marvin Lewis has been successful rehabbing troubled playmakers throughout his tenure in his Cincinnati. While Talib's immaturity would require some added attention, there's no doubt that his skills as a ball hawk would've helped the Bengals defense hold up against the elite offenses in the AFC.

 

2014 NFL Draft Winds

College Football 24/7 takes a look at the rumors connecting draft prospects with NFL teams leading up to the 2014 NFL Draft.

 

» AFC East | North | South | West

» NFC East | North | South | West

 

More:

» Tracking teams' interest in top prospects

10. New England Patriots

Pick: Jerod Mayo

Do-Over: Matt Forte

Comment: It's hard to suggest that Mayo has been a disappointment with the Patriots when you look at his production, but I'm sure Tom Brady would love to have a versatile weapon like Forte in the backfield. The Pro Bowler capably anchors the ground game with his slippery running style, while also adding key production as a dangerous receiver out of the backfield.

 

11. Buffalo Bills

Pick: Leodis McKelvin

Do-Over: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

Comment: Rodgers-Cromartie has been maddeningly inconsistent as a cover man throughout his career, but he has the talent and potential to be the premier shutdown corner in the league.

 

12. Denver Broncos

Pick: Ryan Clady

Do-Over: Duane Brown

Comment: Critics snickered when Brown emerged as a first-round selection in the original draft, but he has rarely given up sacks or holding penalties since entering the league. That's exactly what coaches want from a franchise offensive tackle selected near the top of the board.

 

13. Carolina Panthers

Pick: Jonathan Stewart

Do-Over: Jerod Mayo

Comment: Mayo would've been a perfect fit in the Panthers' 4-3 defensive scheme. He is an instinctive playmaker with a knack for finding the ball at the point of attack.

 

14. Chicago Bears

Pick: Chris Williams

Do-Over: Branden Albert

Comment: Williams' struggles in Chicago would lead the team to nab Albert in a do-over. The big-bodied offensive tackle has quietly been one of the best at his position throughout his career.

 

15. Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Branden Albert

Do-Over: Dustin Keller

Comment: Keller wouldn't make Chiefs fans forget Tony Gonzalez, but he certainly would've given the team an explosive weapon in the middle of the field.

 

16. Arizona Cardinals

Pick: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

Do-Over: Jordy Nelson

Comment: Nelson would've been a perfect complementary receiver to Larry Fitzgerald in the passing game. He is a big, physical receiver with the speed and burst to blow past defenders in one-on-one matchups on the backside.

 

17. Detroit Lions

Pick: Gosder Cherilus

Do-Over: Chris Long

Comment: Adding a productive, high-motor pass rusher to one of the best defensive lines in football would've taken the Lions defense to another level.

 

 

18. Baltimore Ravens

Pick: Joe Flacco

Do-Over: Calais Campbell

Comment: Ozzie Newsome has done a great job of identifying "football players" in the draft. Campbell doesn't garner significant attention on the national scope, but he has been one of the top defenders in the league the past two seasons.

 

19. Carolina Panthers

Pick: Jeff Otah

Do-Over: Chris Williams

Comment: Williams was a disappointment in Chicago, but he has had a solid career since moving inside to offensive guard. The Panthers love to feature a big, physical offensive line, which makes this move a sensible one in a draft do-over.

 

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pick: Aqib Talib

Do-Over: Martellus Bennett

Comment: Bennett was considered an underachiever during his first few seasons in the NFL, but his recent emergence as a top tier tight end suggests that he has the talent to anchor a passing game as a deep middle threat.

 

21. Atlanta Falcons

Pick: Curtis Lofton

Do-Over: Same

Comment: Lofton has been one of the most productive tacklers in the NFL since stepping into the league. Although the Falcons allowed Lofton to leave as a free agent in 2012, the team would love to have his rugged presence in the middle of a defense that has slipped considerably since his departure.

 

22. Dallas Cowboys

Pick: Felix Jones

Do-Over: Carl Nicks

Comment: Nicks became one of the top interior blockers in the NFL after being overlooked on draft day. He would command significant attention in a draft do-over due to his strength, power and polished overall blocking ability.

 

23. Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick: Rashard Mendenhall

Do-Over: Brandon Flowers

Comment: Flowers is the ultra-competitive cover corner that has traditionally played in Pittsburgh. The Pro Bowler brings toughness, tenacity and physicality to the position.

 

24. Tennessee Titans

Pick: Chris Johnson

Do-Over: Pierre Garcon

Comment: CJ2K was sensational for the Titans, but developing a playmaking receiver would've helped advance the careers of Vince Young and/or Jake Locker as franchise quarterbacks.

 

25. Dallas Cowboys

Pick: Mike Jenkins

Do-Over: Thomas DeCoud

Comment: DeCoud would've given Jerry Jones the hard-hitting safety the Cowboys have missed over the past few seasons.

 

26. Houston Texans

Pick: Duane Brown

Do-Over: Red Bryant

Comment: Bryant would've given the Texans the big body needed to play on the interior of an aggressive 3-4 defense.

 

27. San Diego Chargers

Pick: Antoine Cason

Do-Over: Orlando Scandrick

Comment: Scandrick entered the NFL viewed as one of the best athletes in the draft. He has developed into a top cover corner in Dallas despite playing primarily as a nickel corner throughout his career.

 

28. Seattle Seahawks

Pick: Lawrence Jackson

Do-Over: Cliff Avril

Comment: Avril played a key role on a Seahawks defensive line that wreaked havoc on foes on the way to victory in Super Bowl XLVIII. Imagine if he played in the Pacific Northwest from the start of his career.

 

29. San Francisco 49ers

Pick: Kentwan Balmer

Do-Over: Tracy Porter

Comment: The 49ers attempted to upgrade their defense by adding another weapon along the frontline, but grabbing a sticky cover corner with terrific ball skills would've been a better option.

 

30. New York Jets

Pick: Dustin Keller

Do-Over: Jermichael Finley

Comment: The Jets were looking for a deep middle threat when they selected Keller at this point. Finley has been a superior player for most of his career, so nabbing the big, athletic pass catcher at the bottom of the round would've been a sensible decision at this point.

 

31. New York Giants

Pick: Kenny Phillips

Do-Over: Darren McFadden

Comment: The oft-injured McFadden has shown flashes of greatness as a runner, but he has failed to play a full season as a pro. Regardless, McFadden's considerable talent would make it hard for a team to bypass him at the bottom of the first round.

 

http://www.miamidolp...14-7022a9d4de86

 

Hey, what happened to the Patriots pick?

 

:rfl:

Sedrick Ellis was a disappointment. I suppose he was a consistent starter but that's all you could say...

[treeduck]

Dolphins would love to find their starting right tackle in the draft

 

Posted by Michael David Smith on April 6, 2014, 7:00 PM EDT

http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/zackmartin.jpg?w=250

Nothing is more important to the Dolphins this offseason than rebuilding an offensive line that was as bad on the field as it was dysfunctional off the field last year. The biggest step in that rebuilding effort was signing Branden Albert as the starting left tackle. The next step may be drafting the starting right tackle.

 

The Miami Herald runs through some of the possibilities for the Dolphins with their first-round draft pick, No. 19 overall, and right tackle looks like a strong possibility. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, a Michigan graduate and booster, “thinks the world of Taylor Lewan,” and it appears that Ross isn’t the only one who’s high on the former Michigan offensive tackle.

 

However, most mock drafts have Lewan going off the board before the 19th pick. If Lewan isn’t available, Notre Dame tackle Zack Martin would get strong consideration from the Dolphins as well. If the Dolphins can’t get either Lewan or Martin at No. 19, they’d be expected either to trade up to get one of them, or stay put and take a tackle like Alabama’s Cyrus Kouandjio, Tennessee’s Antonio Richardson or Virginia’s Morgan Moses.

 

Whatever the makeup of the Dolphins’ offensive line this year, it can’t help but be an improvement over last year, when Jonathan Martin left the team, Richie Incognito was suspended for bullying Martin, and the whole line faltered on the field. The Dolphins’ line was a mess, and the draft will be another step in cleaning up that mess.

[laughedatbytime]

Dolphins would love to find their starting right tackle in the draft

 

Posted by Michael David Smith on April 6, 2014, 7:00 PM EDT

http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/zackmartin.jpg?w=250

Nothing is more important to the Dolphins this offseason than rebuilding an offensive line that was as bad on the field as it was dysfunctional off the field last year. The biggest step in that rebuilding effort was signing Branden Albert as the starting left tackle. The next step may be drafting the starting right tackle.

 

The Miami Herald runs through some of the possibilities for the Dolphins with their first-round draft pick, No. 19 overall, and right tackle looks like a strong possibility. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, a Michigan graduate and booster, “thinks the world of Taylor Lewan,” and it appears that Ross isn’t the only one who’s high on the former Michigan offensive tackle.

 

However, most mock drafts have Lewan going off the board before the 19th pick. If Lewan isn’t available, Notre Dame tackle Zack Martin would get strong consideration from the Dolphins as well. If the Dolphins can’t get either Lewan or Martin at No. 19, they’d be expected either to trade up to get one of them, or stay put and take a tackle like Alabama’s Cyrus Kouandjio, Tennessee’s Antonio Richardson or Virginia’s Morgan Moses.

 

Whatever the makeup of the Dolphins’ offensive line this year, it can’t help but be an improvement over last year, when Jonathan Martin left the team, Richie Incognito was suspended for bullying Martin, and the whole line faltered on the field. The Dolphins’ line was a mess, and the draft will be another step in cleaning up that mess.

What, no receiver?

[treeduck]

Dolphins would love to find their starting right tackle in the draft

 

Posted by Michael David Smith on April 6, 2014, 7:00 PM EDT

http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/zackmartin.jpg?w=250

Nothing is more important to the Dolphins this offseason than rebuilding an offensive line that was as bad on the field as it was dysfunctional off the field last year. The biggest step in that rebuilding effort was signing Branden Albert as the starting left tackle. The next step may be drafting the starting right tackle.

 

The Miami Herald runs through some of the possibilities for the Dolphins with their first-round draft pick, No. 19 overall, and right tackle looks like a strong possibility. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, a Michigan graduate and booster, “thinks the world of Taylor Lewan,” and it appears that Ross isn’t the only one who’s high on the former Michigan offensive tackle.

 

However, most mock drafts have Lewan going off the board before the 19th pick. If Lewan isn’t available, Notre Dame tackle Zack Martin would get strong consideration from the Dolphins as well. If the Dolphins can’t get either Lewan or Martin at No. 19, they’d be expected either to trade up to get one of them, or stay put and take a tackle like Alabama’s Cyrus Kouandjio, Tennessee’s Antonio Richardson or Virginia’s Morgan Moses.

 

Whatever the makeup of the Dolphins’ offensive line this year, it can’t help but be an improvement over last year, when Jonathan Martin left the team, Richie Incognito was suspended for bullying Martin, and the whole line faltered on the field. The Dolphins’ line was a mess, and the draft will be another step in cleaning up that mess.

What, no receiver?

They might be smarter going for a girl kicker.

http://www.playerpress.com/ckfinder/userfiles/images/Dee%20Dee%20Bonner%20-%20Heisman%20Pose.jpeg

[laughedatbytime]

Her?

 

http://www.metro.us/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Silberman.jpg

[treeduck]

Her?

 

http://www.metro.us/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Silberman.jpg

She looks likes she's struggling a bit...

[treeduck]

Draft needs: Miami Dolphins

 

Posted by Josh Alper on April 29, 2014, 3:00 PM EDT

 

http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/cd0ymzcznguwzdbhnduynddiytjhm2yyzthlmtjjotqwyyznpwm1y2nmzwu4mzm4ytiznzfindhlognjymm3mtflymy1-e1398783606763.jpeg?w=207

 

With the NFL Draft approaching, we’re taking a team-by-team look at the needs of each club. The Dolphins, who hold the 19th pick in the first round, are up next. Miami went into the final weeks of the season holding their playoff destiny in their hands, but they lost by a combined 39-7 score to the Bills and Jets to put an end to postseason dreams. Here’s our look at what they need to do to make it further this time around.

 

Right Tackle: We won’t rehash everything that went on with Jonathan Martin, Richie Incognito and company last season as it should be sufficient at this point to just say that the Dolphins entered the offseason needing four starters on the line.

 

Signing Branden Albert gave them a left tackle, but Jason Fox’s arrival doesn’t come close to closing the door on the right tackle competition. In a perfect world, the Dolphins would get a clear upgrade on Fox – Notre Dame’s Zack Martin, perhaps – but they have to add players of any type to give them options when it comes to building a better line next season.

 

Guard: See the above and pretty much repeat it. The Dolphins signed Shelley Smith, but he’s never been a long-term starter during his NFL career. And even if he does nail down a job, the Dolphins still need another starter and an overall upgrade of talent.

 

The versatile Martin could work here as well, as could Nevada’s Joel Bitonio or Mississippi State’s Gabe Jackson. Whether they play guard or tackle, the Dolphins need to add multiple bodies to the mix on the line because the line was such a disaster on and off the field last season that one player isn’t going to fix everything on his own.

 

Tight End: Last year’s signing of Dustin Keller bore no fruit after Keller’s knee injury wiped him out for the entire season. Charles Clay did solid work, but offensive coordinator Bill Lazor comes from an Eagles team that made a lot of use of tight ends as receivers last year.

 

The Dolphins probably won’t be filling that need in the first round, but they’ll likely be among the teams looking hard at Texas Tech’s Jace Amaro in the second round. They’ve also been active when it comes to looking at this year’s crop of wide receivers, so they could go that route if nothing materializes at tight end.

 

Safety: The Dolphins didn’t make out badly by swapping Chris Clemons for Louis Delmas this offseason, but Delmas’ ability has been mitigated during his career by his constant knee issues. That makes counting on him for 16 games a dicey affair, to say nothing of the benefits of finding a long-term contributor at the position. USC’s Dion Bailey and Stanford’s Ed Reynolds are mid-round options at the position that could sit now and contribute when needed.

 

Linebacker: The Dolphins are set with starters at linebacker right now, but, as at safety, they have room for help at the position. Neither Dannell Ellerbe nor Phillip Wheeler set the world on fire during his first year in Miami and a the arrival of some new competition could help Miami now and in the future. Wisconsin’s Chris Borland would be an option if Miami wants to bolster things in the middle of the defense.

Edited April 29, 2014 by treeduck

[laughedatbytime]

http://www.thefinsiders.com/blog/2014/2014-mock-draft-roundup-5-0?_ga=1.124839498.176572814.1386871465

 

Brian Baldinger, NFL.com: Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama

 

If the medicals on Kouandjio’s knee check out, this is a good pick for Miami. He is a dominant player and a great run blocker when healthy. And he can start at right tackle immediately.

 

Dane Brugler, CBSSports.com: Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina

 

Miami has some solid options at tight end, including Charles Clay who emerged last year as a reliable receiving threat. But no tight end on the Dolphins’ roster can match the ability of Ebron and what he brings to the offense.

 

Charles Davis, NFL.com: Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State

 

Has been steadily rising in recent weeks. He can be a complete CB, and is very good on special teams, too.

 

Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN.com (ESPN Insider Access Required): C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama

 

Shaun King, Yahoo Sports: Zack Martin, OL, Notre Dame

 

If you want a true evaluation on your young QB, you have to protect him in the pocket. Martin plays the game well and is versatile which helps a line that has a few holes.

 

Pat Kirwan, CBSSports.com: Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama

 

If Martin is gone and they are really interested in protecting Ryan Tannehill, Kouandjio could be the answer after a solid pro day showing. He’s young, very talented and on the rise.

 

Todd McShay, ESPN.com (ESPN Insider Access Required): Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia

 

Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com: Zack Martin, OL, Notre Dame

 

Martin lacks the body type scouts prefer at tackle (where he started 50 of his 52 career games for the Irish), but slides well laterally and controls opponents with fierce hand usage. Whether inside at guard or at right tackle, he’d provide an instant upgrade for the Dolphins.

 

Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com: C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama

 

I love the idea of them passing on an offensive lineman to upgrade their speed at linebacker.

[treeduck]

http://www.thefinsid...2814.1386871465

 

Brian Baldinger, NFL.com: Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama

 

If the medicals on Kouandjio’s knee check out, this is a good pick for Miami. He is a dominant player and a great run blocker when healthy. And he can start at right tackle immediately.

 

Dane Brugler, CBSSports.com: Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina

 

Miami has some solid options at tight end, including Charles Clay who emerged last year as a reliable receiving threat. But no tight end on the Dolphins’ roster can match the ability of Ebron and what he brings to the offense.

 

Charles Davis, NFL.com: Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State

 

Has been steadily rising in recent weeks. He can be a complete CB, and is very good on special teams, too.

 

Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN.com (ESPN Insider Access Required): C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama

 

Shaun King, Yahoo Sports: Zack Martin, OL, Notre Dame

 

If you want a true evaluation on your young QB, you have to protect him in the pocket. Martin plays the game well and is versatile which helps a line that has a few holes.

 

Pat Kirwan, CBSSports.com: Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama

 

If Martin is gone and they are really interested in protecting Ryan Tannehill, Kouandjio could be the answer after a solid pro day showing. He’s young, very talented and on the rise.

 

Todd McShay, ESPN.com (ESPN Insider Access Required): Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia

 

Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com: Zack Martin, OL, Notre Dame

 

Martin lacks the body type scouts prefer at tackle (where he started 50 of his 52 career games for the Irish), but slides well laterally and controls opponents with fierce hand usage. Whether inside at guard or at right tackle, he’d provide an instant upgrade for the Dolphins.

 

Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com: C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama

 

I love the idea of them passing on an offensive lineman to upgrade their speed at linebacker.

I think the draft "experts" are suffering from Mock Draftitis also known as Kiper Hair syndrome and sometimes Mayock's Disease.

[laughedatbytime]

http://www.thefinsid...2814.1386871465

 

Brian Baldinger, NFL.com: Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama

 

If the medicals on Kouandjio’s knee check out, this is a good pick for Miami. He is a dominant player and a great run blocker when healthy. And he can start at right tackle immediately.

 

Dane Brugler, CBSSports.com: Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina

 

Miami has some solid options at tight end, including Charles Clay who emerged last year as a reliable receiving threat. But no tight end on the Dolphins’ roster can match the ability of Ebron and what he brings to the offense.

 

Charles Davis, NFL.com: Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State

 

Has been steadily rising in recent weeks. He can be a complete CB, and is very good on special teams, too.

 

Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN.com (ESPN Insider Access Required): C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama

 

Shaun King, Yahoo Sports: Zack Martin, OL, Notre Dame

 

If you want a true evaluation on your young QB, you have to protect him in the pocket. Martin plays the game well and is versatile which helps a line that has a few holes.

 

Pat Kirwan, CBSSports.com: Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama

 

If Martin is gone and they are really interested in protecting Ryan Tannehill, Kouandjio could be the answer after a solid pro day showing. He’s young, very talented and on the rise.

 

Todd McShay, ESPN.com (ESPN Insider Access Required): Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia

 

Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com: Zack Martin, OL, Notre Dame

 

Martin lacks the body type scouts prefer at tackle (where he started 50 of his 52 career games for the Irish), but slides well laterally and controls opponents with fierce hand usage. Whether inside at guard or at right tackle, he’d provide an instant upgrade for the Dolphins.

 

Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com: C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama

 

I love the idea of them passing on an offensive lineman to upgrade their speed at linebacker.

I think the draft "experts" are suffering from Mock Draftitis also known as Kiper Hair syndrome and sometimes Mayock's Disease.

Kiper is one of the ten greatest living Americans. Not because he's necessarily got great insights, but because he, more than anyone else, is responsible for making the draft an American institution. At this pace, in ten years, it will become a public holiday. As it should be.

[laughedatbytime]

Did he say ANYTHING of consequence? Long, but dull.

 

(Dennis Hickey Opening Statement) –“Welcome guys. I appreciate everyone coming out. I’ll start us off with a special word of thanks. This is an exciting time of year for the whole organization. One, we’ve had our players in here for several weeks in the offseason program really preparing. We now know our schedule and who we open up with. We are very excited about the 2014 season. As you interact with our coaches and players throughout the building, they really excited about this 2014 season and what we’re building here. That’s exciting. Also what this press conference is for, the 2014 draft upcoming, the draft is about the future. We are excited. It’s a cumulative work of a lot of people whether it be from out coaching staff, our scouting staff, our IT department, our football administration department, our medical staff, it’s really the whole building have done a lot of work in preparation for Thursday night and continuing through the weekend and even once the draft is over as college free agency begins. It’s a lot of work. I know we are very excited. We are prepared, we are confident about this weekend coming up here. We are ready to go.”

 

(On how he would assess the depth of offensive tackle in this draft) – “I think with this draft there is a lot of talent throughout at a lot of different positions. Like every other draft, certain areas of draft whether it be higher in the rounds or lower as you get through it will have different hot spots of talent. This draft is no different.”

 

(On how he sees offensive tackle shaking out) – “I’m not going to comment on specific positions. Obviously there are some really good players at the offensive line position. There are some really good players at all of the other positions, defensive line, linebacker, defensive backs, receivers, all of those things. We are prepared, and we evaluated a lot of players, gone through, and we are ready for that.”

 

 

(On how seriously he’s considered making trades in the top two rounds of this draft) – “We definitely explore all avenues that we feel like we can help. Obviously we are in contact with other general managers and just seeing where they stand and what their ideas and thoughts are going into the draft. Obviously once the draft gets started, it starts afresh. Yeah, we are exploring all avenues, trading up, trading down throughout the draft. We’ll be prepared for that.”

 

(On philosophy between need and best player available) – “This whole process, and we are a process-driven scouting department. It starts way back in last May, and obviously I’m jumping in the middle of the cycle and implementing a lot of different things. With that, it is all about evaluating each player independently, not only evaluating the players’ talent but the player’s makeup adding into the medical evaluation. With that we come up with a ‘Dolphins Value’, and that’s how we rank according to that ‘Dolphins Value’. That’s how we will pick players”

 

(On what he wants out of whatever player he drafts) – “Obviously we want talented players that help us to win on the field, but we want good teammates and guys that will contribute to our community and all of the things we stand for, tough, smart, disciplined. And really it can be summed up by being a good teammate. That’s kind of how we look at it.”

 

(On what he considers important qualities for offensive linemen) – “There are so many things. With each position, we generally have five major factors that go across positions and generally we have 10 specific factors. There are a lot of things that go into what makes a player good, and different guys compensate with different areas of their skillset to make them good. To just narrow it down, obviously we want tough, we want smart and we want productive players. But that would be it.”

 

(On if it is easier, harder or the same to project offensive linemen in the draft as opposed to other positions) – “I think more so it goes back to the individual players. Those players were talented. They were good players on and off the field, so I think it just goes back to the individual players there judging them and evaluating them. That’s our focus, evaluating each player on his own merits and ranking them accordingly.”

 

(On how much time he spent when looking at players the organization recently drafted) – “Primarily I focused on the players on this team and then just focusing on the evaluation of the players that can potentially be on this team via the 2014 Draft.”

 

(On how he would describe the assessment of how the team did in recent drafts) – “I’m focused on the 2014 Draft. Obviously we always, and in Tampa we were the same way, we always want to be reflective, learn from whatever mistakes, try to judge and improve your processes as part of that. That’s what we’ve done, and those are the processes that I brought to the Dolphins here.”

 

(On how the draft room in Tampa Bay was run when he was there was there one voice or many voices and will it be the same in Miami) – “Yes, most of the decisions, and I’ve talked about this several times before, I’m a big believer in pro-active decision making and making decisions leading up to the draft. The draft day should be calm. The only variable should be the trade element. That’s what we try to make decisions and work through players leading up to it. That’s part of the process that has been going on for the last three or four months here since I’ve been on the job, just working through that. That’s a part of it, and we want to make a decision based on players there.”

 

(On if he expects a small group in the draft room during the draft) – “Yes.”

 

(On any good or bad decisions in Tampa that have changed his thinking going forward in future drafts) – “You always look at your process and as you reflect back whether the picks were great, whether the guys ended up being Pro Bowl players or maybe they weren’t what you expect. You always go back to the process and was there a breakdown in the certain part of the process? Then you make adjustments accordingly that way.”

 

(On if he feels it is better to have more picks or higher picks in this draft) – “It’s a little bit hard to say, but I always like more picks. I always want to have more picks.”

 

(On how he weighs value versus need) – “Those are the decisions we made leading up to it with the proactive decision making. Basically we have levels of players. When I talk about the ‘Dolphins Value’, that’s where we are placing them considering there are a lot of variables that’s obvious during the player evaluation but there is always the character makeup and the medical evaluation which is all very important part. You bring it all together and at the end of the day this is where we would take this player, and that’s the ‘Dolphins Value’.”

 

 

(On what his vision is in analytics and how he has used it so far) – “We’ve always kind of used in on a smaller level, but we are looking to expand that. Again, analytics to me is a tool to aid in the decision making. There is a lot of data out there that we have access to that we are just looking at different ways to extrapolate that out and help us in a decision whether it is separating two closely ranked players. It’s a tool. Still the most important part is going back to the tape, what these players have done on the field versus the 11-on-11 with the scoreboard running. That’s the important part for me, going back to the tape.”

 

(On how he uses the numbers in football for analytics) – “There’s a lot of different numbers whether it be measurables or whether there would be different aspects of getting quantitative data that we are able to use. Again, those are things that we are exploring as we look forward to putting that department together.”

 

(On an example of how he evaluates players with analytics) – “I never said I use that to evaluate a player. I use it as a tool to help the evaluation process. I evaluate the player by watching the player, watching him live, watching him on tape, those types of things. There are different tools to say with the analytics using measurables and different aspects. There’s a lot of different aspects. A lot of the things you can probably see on the Internet with different websites, but we want to put our own spin on it. I have my own vision of it, and some of those details it’s kind of a competitive advantage for me.”

 

(On his general guidelines for players picked in the first round compared to the second and third rounds) – “Every player is different. It’s important as we evaluate these players talking with the coaches and talking with our scouts is outlining what our plan and vision for these players are. It’s important that we want them to contribute, but each person is unique. Each player is unique, and we just want them to help contribute to us to make us a better team, and that’s both in the short-term and the long-term.”

 

(On if it is fair to expect starters to come out of this draft at positions of need) – “We want to get good players and the starting element, that plays itself out. We want to build a competitive environments, bring guys in, but again that plays itself out. We just want to get good players in here that fit the criteria that we are looking for.”

 

(On his thoughts on the draft being moved back two weeks) – “It’s changed it a little bit, altered it. Obviously it is what it is, so you just kind of adjust your schedule accordingly. We’ve had to pace a little bit. Certain times there has been a lot more opportunities for like injured players that maybe in the past that maybe if it was a week ago they maybe wouldn’t have been able to work out and that they are healthy enough to work out. That’s probably been the biggest change with that with the advent of more pro days and visit structure, those types of things.

 

(On if he likes the idea of seeing more pro days and injured players because of the draft moving back) – “Yeah especially with the injured player. I want players to be successful and get opportunities, so sometimes the health depending on their medical situation, maybe they aren’t able to work out prior to the draft, gives them a couple of extra weeks. There are pros and cons to it, but it is what we deal with and we control what we control.”

 

(On if NFL teams should be aware of their local talent more specifically than other areas) – “I think one of the great advantages I think that we have here in Miami is the great amount of talent that comes out of this area every year. It was evident when we had our local day. We had over 50 quality players in here. Not only were they talented, but wow, they really represented themselves well just in a lot of things, just taking care of business and being on time, just being professionals. It was really impressive. There is so much talent, it is definitely an advantage to us. We would love to keep a lot of that home-grown talent here in Miami.”

 

(On it is a reflection on returning talent if a wide receiver or cornerback is drafted in the first three rounds) – “It’s about the individual player, and that is what I keep going back to. The important thing as we prepare for this draft is evaluating the individual player and placing the value that we see on them.”

 

(On if he feels the quarterback unit is competitive enough with the four quarterbacks currently on the roster) – “Yeah, I do think it is competitive. Those guys are working hard. The last couple of weeks are big now that they get an opportunity to start learning the new offense. They do a great job, and we are excited about that group.”

 

(On if he has a system on draft day to evaluate trade offers while on the clock) – “We have a couple of (draft point charts). Those are just kind of guidelines, just ballpark figures to kind of see how the value stacks up. That’s more of the general feel about how you feel how many players you really like are available and if you are trading back what are the chances you will be able to get them, what the drop-off is if you do trade back. All of those things are taken into account, and again we try to prepare for as much of that as possible before.”

 

(On if the draft board is set up) – “I would just say the board is setup for the most part, especially in the early rounds. We are still working for later in the draft and with college free agency, we’ll keep working at it. There may be minor tweaks here and there, but again, there are still always players out there, so we still want to keep digging for potential guys that will help our team.”

 

(On if Koa Misi has been approached about moving to middle linebacker for the upcoming season) – “I believe that question was asked earlier I believe at the owners’ meetings. Again, we are always looking to get our best 11 players on the field and put them in position where they can be successful and we can be successful. Obviously the offseason is a time where you experiment with a lot of different things. This is no different. We are just experimenting with different things. The linebacker room has been great under Dave Corrao and Mark Duffner, who is our new head linebackers coach. It is a great room. They are working really hard. We are really excited about them.”

 

(On if he has seen the Draft Day movie) – “I have not. I’ve been a little busy. That’s probably more an offseason, maybe I’ll watch that. I haven’t had much time for that.”

 

(On who would play him in a movie) – “This will probably come across wrong, but Leslie Nielsen I guess with the grey hair. I don’t know (laughs). A serious Leslie Nielsen, not ‘The Naked Gun’ Leslie Nielsen.”

 

(On if he knows that fans on the Internet call him ‘Silver Fox’) – “(Laughs) No, I was not aware of that.”

 

(On if he’s had any clarity on Mike Pouncey’s availability for Week 1) – “With those kinds of deals, obviously we exercised the option on Mike (Pouncey). We are excited to have him back. We had a lot of good conversations. In regards to the league, that is something we always will work in conjunction with the Commissioners’ Office and with Mike and his representation. Mike is having a great offseason He’s real excited about the future of this team and the 2014 season.”

 

(On if there are positions where they feel that they do not need to draft) – “No, we are always looking for good players. Again to refer back to some other comments, this year’s need is next year’s surplus and vice versa. You always want to build for short-term, but you also want to build for the future, and that is about getting good players and adding good players to what I feel is already a really strong roster. Again I can’t tell you how excited I am just walking through the halls, watching, interacting with these guys and just talking with them. The look in their eye, they are so hungry and excited for that 2014 season.”

 

(On if he is more excited or nervous as the draft approaches) – “I’m excited. This is a great opportunity, again we are always trying to add good players and this is the next process. Obviously free agency is still on-going, it’s not as active as it once was in the process, but this is the next opportunity and really I am fired up about the players we are going to add to this team.”

 

(On if the injuries concerns of the wide receivers factor into his evaluation of this year’s class of wide receivers) – “It doesn’t factor into the evaluation of the receivers that we have, we try to keep that separate. Now when you say the needs, but those guys are doing well in their rehabs, real excited seeing those guys in the training room, they are progressing well and we are excited about them this fall.”

 

(On he figures out how aggressive he needs to be if he has a player he wants to move up for) – “Again you identify and place a value on the player and then you kind of measure it against what you may have to give up and what type of player that you would be potentially losing out on. It’s a feel thing, it’s a balance that you go through and a lot of it depends on the player, how good the player is.”

 

(On if his department does a mock draft and if so is he good at it) – “I don’t know, it’s more of a preparing for, just preparing for all type of contingencies. Again, thinking through projections, we will have 12 players drafted or these are the guys still left on the board, how do we feel about which players if they are still on the board would we trade up for? Which players, if it gets to our pick would we trade down and still feel like we have a chance of. So in that way we do that, just to go through that, almost a walkthrough so to speak of trying to decide and think through those decisions.”

 

(On what his day will be like on May 8th, the first day of the draft, leading up to 8 p.m.) – “Yeah, we are still making those final, it kind of depends on a lot of things. Most of the things will be done by then, again the goal of draft day is to be calm. To be measured, and that (we will) already go through the tough decisions and we will feel good about. We will feel prepared. We will be confident and ready to go and eight o’clock can’t get there soon enough.”

 

(On when he expects to arrive to work at his usual time of 6:00 a.m. on May 8th) – “Probably. I won’t be sleeping much the night before.”

 

(On if he puts into stock the position coaches’ evaluations) – “Part of the process, that’s one of the first things we did when I got here that week, sitting down with Coach (Bill) Lazor and Coach (Kevin) Coyle and just walking through for each position what are the traits we value and how do we rank those traits? What does the player look like, what are we going to be asking them to do and what are the traits that are important for us? That was kind of the start, and that is important for us to understand that. Then you evaluate the player (and) then you kind of marry those two things, the fit for the scheme. It’s important to know those things, but that was almost the start getting that baseline of what the scheme is going to ask our player to do.”

 

http://www.miamidolphins.com/news/article-1/Hickey-We-Want-Smart-Tough-Productive-Players/84c25de9-d88c-4965-a50d-fc7db66f80c7

[treeduck]

Dion Jordan bulked up this offseason

 

Posted by Josh Alper on May 27, 2014, 3:09 PM EDT

 

http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/cd0ymzcznguwzdbhnduynddiytjhm2yyzthlmtjjotqwyyznpwfhy2mznja0zmm5mgm3nzi2ymrkytvmngu2mmq4mja3.jpeg?w=250

 

The start of OTAs is the first chance to check in with some players since the end of last season and things can change dramatically over just a few months.

 

That appears to be the case with Dolphins defensive end Dion Jordan. Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports that Jordan looks like “he took an air pump and plugged it into his arms and shoulders this offseason” as he bulked up to over 265 pounds. Jordan played at 248 pounds last season and admitted on Tuesday that he felt too light to do the job the Dolphins were asking him to do.

 

“I was definitely too light to go out there against some of those offensive tackles,” Jordan said. “This year I had the opportunity to have an offseason where I can take care of my body. I’m trying to move forward and continue to try to better myself in a few areas.”

 

Coach Joe Philbin said that the Dolphins considered moving Jordan to outside linebacker, but ultimately decided against it because they wanted Jordan focused on rushing the passer instead of covering receivers. Jordan did look out of place at the position at times last season, so the Dolphins will have to bet that increased bulk and a fully healed shoulder get him where he needs to be.