The Phins Report

I never really addressed this I only really had a blurb on it on the live blog for Day 1 of the draft but its been much of a bigger deal than most of the draft for Miami fans. Booker last year was a 3rd round pick and was dealt for a 4th rounder but although he was somewhat of a fan favorite, and gave hope for the future he was not necessarily the best fit. Hugo Guzman of RealFootball365.com wrote an article on the trading of Booker and I’ll Break it down a little bit.

For all the flash and dash, Booker finished the 2007 season with 128 yards rushing on 28 carries. That’s a solid 4.5 yards per try, but nothing to write home about considering the situations in which he was utilized. Booker also snagged 28 receptions for 237 yards, which is very impressive for the amount of games he played (seven), but most of those were of the dump-off variety. And the bottom line is that he failed to find the end zone despite getting 56 combined touches. Not exactly the home-run-hitting capability you might expect from such a dynamic player.

I kind of disagree with him on this, although his stats and descriptions of the plays he ran were true we still don’t know for sure what else he could do. The dump passes for the most part were due to intense pressure on the QB and the need to give it to somebody. Booker was a third string running back for most of the season and you would not really expect him to be utilized very much in the offense so that explains the situations he was used in.

Still, it’s fair to assert that Booker has what it takes to be legitimate contributor to an NFL offense, but that wasn’t enough to make him an untouchable. If Parcells and company didn’t feel that Booker was going to be a major factor in their offense, then the best thing that they could do was to move him for a mid-round pick. In some respects, getting a fourth-round choice for Booker was impressive; after all, established NFL commodities like Randy Moss have recently been traded for more or less the same compensation.

He is correct here in that booker was not really a Parcells type player. Booker is too small and does not have the power behind him. The pick ups in the 2008 draft reflect Parcell type players, ones who have power and can get to the second level. Adding on to what he said I think comparing him to Randy Moss is kind of overstating it, Moss was unhappy and he didn’t want to be there and Booker was just traded.

Sure, it would have been nice for Miami to get a third-rounder (as mentioned, that’s what was used to snag the former FSU standout in the first place), but that wasn’t an option. Incidentally, the Dolphins promptly traded up from the 115th pick that they acquired from Philadelphia, moving up to choice No. 110 and selecting offensive guard Shawn Murphy. If Murphy ends up starting, which is what some pundits are projecting, that alone should be enough justification for this most unpopular of trades.

The line was a huge need in the draft, the Dolphins needed to fill up the LT role and the LG/RG role and the Dolphins drafted two players to fit that, Murphy and Donald Thomas so maybe the trade for the pick will work out to better the line and allow Ronnie and Beck/McCown/Henne to throw and run. When going to Philly most of the Fans had no idea who he was and assumed he would get cut. So giving up this pick was not exactly what they wanted so basically neither teams wanted it. But Philly fans may or may not get to see what he does most likely being the 3rd RB on the team but if he does light it up as said in the article expect very, very mad fans.

Source:

http://www.realfootball365.com/index.php/articles/dolphins/11064

1.) QB: Beck Vs. McCown Vs. Henne

Sun-Sentinel:

The Trifecta will test all three to see how they react when live bullets start flying. They really couldn’t care less who gets the job done, as long as the job (score touchdowns, drive the offense, limit turnovers, be a leader) gets done. McCown, a seven-year veteran, clearly has the experience edge over Beck and Henne. He is the barometer for these two young guys, who will likely get plenty of run during training camp and the exhibition season. Once the coaches determine what McCown’s ceiling is they will likely see if Beck and Henne can climb over it. But don’t assume McCown’s just a body because who REALLY saw Browns quarterback Derek Anderson coming last season?

SI:

Henne has always been a fast learner and most observers believe he’ll be the Dolphins’ guy before Halloween rolls around. Miami’s second-round pick started his first game as a true freshman at Michigan and won’t find the NFL stage too big for him. That said, the veteran McCown, playing for his fourth team, probably will run the offense better than anyone in the preseason and earn the opening day starting job. As for Beck, Miami’s second-round pick in 2007, Bill Parcells is said to have early respect for him and his work ethic, meaning he’ll be given a legitimate chance to compete for the No. 1 position.

At this point I think this is John Becks job to lose, there have been reports that Parcells and Ireland are very high on him but if he has a poor preseason and either McCown or Henne perform better they will be the starter. The chances of Henne starting are very low its more of a media made situation because its not a real good idea to push a rookie over two players who have actually played in an NFL game. I want and expect Beck to come out of this situation the starter and if he struggles expect McCown and next season Henne will possibly start.

2.) RG: Drew Mormino Vs. Shawn Murphy Vs. Donald Thomas

Sun-Sentinel

Since all three are young, it’s likely that the Dolphins will be searching for the student who learns quickly, retains information, has the core strength needed to open up running lanes, the toughness to play through pain, and the commitment to get better. Class is in session.

This is a real toss up nobody really knows what any of these players can do because they’ve never once played a down of football in their life. Mormino I would guess is the favorite but I’m sure Murphy and Thomas are being giving a look. I wouldn’t be surprised if they rotated the Guards through out the season but there will be a definite starter and I would go with the long shot in Murphy. I just like what he brings to the table and how he was in the big east.

3.) LE: Randy Starks vs. Vonnie Holliday vs. Kendall Langford RE: Matt Roth vs. Phillip Merling vs. Rodrique Wright

I’m betting the Dolphins won’t be last in the NFL at stopping the run anymore considering all the beef the Trifecta added in the draft. Based on how the defense is formulated, one of these sides will be more critical to run support than the other because it’s usually going to be the side where the blitz (from Jason Taylor) typically comes. Because Starks will most likely be part of the nose tackle rotation, it’s likely that this is a five player battle for two starting spots. But I suspect it will be a four man rotation. Merling and Langford will clearly receive some favoritism here because of the draft picks invested by the Trifecta. Roth has the most to lose, and Holliday has to prove his production matches his price tag.

This will be the most intriguing battle in training camp there is lots of talent and only 2 spots to compete for. Like said above our run defense sure isn’t going to be bad but the starting jobs aren’t going to be set in stone all season long. Roth did not perform well last season in the 4-3 which questions how good he will be in the 3-4 but it will between Merling and him for the spot and I expect Merling to come out on top however how unlikely. And as for the RE position its a battle between Holliday and Starks, I can’t see Langford competing yet. I would expect Starks to most likely start, but who knows what Holliday does.

4.) FS: Jason Allen Vs. Chris Crocker SS: Yeremiah Bell Vs. Keith Davis

Crocker has more starting experience than all five safeties. But Allen, the 2006 first round pick, has a huge investment and price tag, so he’ll likely be given a sink or swim opportunity. Bell WAS a playmaker for the Dolphins in 2006, but must prove he can stay healthy for a change. This is Keith Davis’ opportunity to prove he has what it takes to be a starter. The coaches know him, and are comfortable with his body of work. But is he starter material? Hill is coming off an ACL injury and I suspect he might start the season on the PUP. If Hill is healthy, his intellect and ability to get the defense lined up properly, could push him to the front of this pack.

This I think is a competition as to whether Sparano will go with Parcells type guys or go with Saban and Cameron type guys. I think their is too much money invested in Jason Allen not to let him start, Chris Crocker is experienced but the Dolphins need to do something with him. As for SS I think Bell has it locked up, he is a hard hitter and Davis is more of a special teams guy who comes in.

Sources:

http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_football_dolphins/2008/04/dolphins-list-b.html

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/don_banks/04/30/camp.battles/index.html

1.) QB: Beck Vs. McCown Vs. Henne

Sun-Sentinel:

The Trifecta will test all three to see how they react when live bullets start flying. They really couldn’t care less who gets the job done, as long as the job (score touchdowns, drive the offense, limit turnovers, be a leader) gets done. McCown, a seven-year veteran, clearly has the experience edge over Beck and Henne. He is the barometer for these two young guys, who will likely get plenty of run during training camp and the exhibition season. Once the coaches determine what McCown’s ceiling is they will likely see if Beck and Henne can climb over it. But don’t assume McCown’s just a body because who REALLY saw Browns quarterback Derek Anderson coming last season?

SI:

Henne has always been a fast learner and most observers believe he’ll be the Dolphins’ guy before Halloween rolls around. Miami’s second-round pick started his first game as a true freshman at Michigan and won’t find the NFL stage too big for him. That said, the veteran McCown, playing for his fourth team, probably will run the offense better than anyone in the preseason and earn the opening day starting job. As for Beck, Miami’s second-round pick in 2007, Bill Parcells is said to have early respect for him and his work ethic, meaning he’ll be given a legitimate chance to compete for the No. 1 position.

At this point I think this is John Becks job to lose, there have been reports that Parcells and Ireland are very high on him but if he has a poor preseason and either McCown or Henne perform better they will be the starter. The chances of Henne starting are very low its more of a media made situation because its not a real good idea to push a rookie over two players who have actually played in an NFL game. I want and expect Beck to come out of this situation the starter and if he struggles expect McCown and next season Henne will possibly start.

2.) RG: Drew Mormino Vs. Shawn Murphy Vs. Donald Thomas

Sun-Sentinel

Since all three are young, it’s likely that the Dolphins will be searching for the student who learns quickly, retains information, has the core strength needed to open up running lanes, the toughness to play through pain, and the commitment to get better. Class is in session.

This is a real toss up nobody really knows what any of these players can do because they’ve never once played a down of football in their life. Mormino I would guess is the favorite but I’m sure Murphy and Thomas are being giving a look. I wouldn’t be surprised if they rotated the Guards through out the season but there will be a definite starter and I would go with the long shot in Murphy. I just like what he brings to the table and how he was in the big east.

3.) LE: Randy Starks vs. Vonnie Holliday vs. Kendall Langford RE: Matt Roth vs. Phillip Merling vs. Rodrique Wright

I’m betting the Dolphins won’t be last in the NFL at stopping the run anymore considering all the beef the Trifecta added in the draft. Based on how the defense is formulated, one of these sides will be more critical to run support than the other because it’s usually going to be the side where the blitz (from Jason Taylor) typically comes. Because Starks will most likely be part of the nose tackle rotation, it’s likely that this is a five player battle for two starting spots. But I suspect it will be a four man rotation. Merling and Langford will clearly receive some favoritism here because of the draft picks invested by the Trifecta. Roth has the most to lose, and Holliday has to prove his production matches his price tag.

This will be the most intriguing battle in training camp there is lots of talent and only 2 spots to compete for. Like said above our run defense sure isn’t going to be bad but the starting jobs aren’t going to be set in stone all season long. Roth did not perform well last season in the 4-3 which questions how good he will be in the 3-4 but it will between Merling and him for the spot and I expect Merling to come out on top however how unlikely. And as for the RE position its a battle between Holliday and Starks, I can’t see Langford competing yet. I would expect Starks to most likely start, but who knows what Holliday does.

4.) FS: Jason Allen Vs. Chris Crocker SS: Yeremiah Bell Vs. Keith Davis

Crocker has more starting experience than all five safeties. But Allen, the 2006 first round pick, has a huge investment and price tag, so he’ll likely be given a sink or swim opportunity. Bell WAS a playmaker for the Dolphins in 2006, but must prove he can stay healthy for a change. This is Keith Davis’ opportunity to prove he has what it takes to be a starter. The coaches know him, and are comfortable with his body of work. But is he starter material? Hill is coming off an ACL injury and I suspect he might start the season on the PUP. If Hill is healthy, his intellect and ability to get the defense lined up properly, could push him to the front of this pack.

This I think is a competition as to whether Sparano will go with Parcells type guys or go with Saban and Cameron type guys. I think their is too much money invested in Jason Allen not to let him start, Chris Crocker is experienced but the Dolphins need to do something with him. As for SS I think Bell has it locked up, he is a hard hitter and Davis is more of a special teams guy who comes in.

Sources:

http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_football_dolphins/2008/04/dolphins-list-b.html

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/don_banks/04/30/camp.battles/index.html

The Miami Dolphins today waived defensive tackle Steve Fifita and quarterback Matt Baker.

Fifita played in 13 games with the Dolphins last year, including one start, and registered 11 tackles. Baker had been signed by the team on January 28, 2008.

Link

Not much of big news because the release of Fifita was expected when the Dolphins Drafted Lionel Dotson to be the 3rd DT on the line. Fifita really did not do much for the Dolphins and was most notably remembered from a Callers song on Dan Lebatards show reciting “Who the hell is Steve Fifita and Cameron Worrell”. Matt Baker was not expected although, you would have thought although the Dolphins did draft Henne they would keep him as a camp body but apparently Jayson Foster who could be a RB/WR/QB/KR could be the 4th QB, as it is said on the roster. But it appears the Dolphins are set at the QB position and will do not much else.

It seems that the Miami Dolphins may be moving the Oline around already. With Jake Long the new LT and Vernon Carey moving back to RT it was assumed that Shawn Murphy would play LG with Justin Smiley a RG, but Jeff Ireland said that Murphy will be penciled in at RG meaning that Smiley is likely to move to LG where he will be the veteran next to Jake Long.

The move makes sense if in fact it does play out this way having a veteran on both sides of the line and Samson Satele at the center position. Concern was that a rookie LG and Jake Long would anchor the left side while the veterans would line up on the right. This move makes that less worrisome for the Dolphins.

Something to keep an eye on as the off-season progresses into training camp.

Link

Its only a report from PhinPhanatics.com because I saw no source but its a great idea. You do not want two inexperienced lineman on the left side of the line. That is just the beginning of many, many sacks in what will be a long season. Training camp will still decide who the Guard is but instead of the LG it will be at RG. This will be interesting to see how this line comes along with all the moves.

Just a Video Concerning how Ronnie Brown is doing with his Rehab and what he expects.

1st Pick: Jake Long OT Michigan

Grade: A

I was a hounder for this pick, Since it was reported that we would try and get a contract before hand and it would either be Gholston or Long. Long is one of the safest pick of the top 5, Dorsey maybe a safer pick but we had no need for him. Long will hopefully shore up the line for 5 or more years and allow us for the line to actually be the strength of this team which it has not for the last about decade. Overall great pick for Miami although Mel Kiper Would say other wise, Who thinks we should of drafted Matt Ryan (see below post).

2nd Pick: DE Philip Merling Clemson

Grade: A

When it was coming close to the Dolphins next pick I was absolutely pumped that Merling was still on the board, he is a great 3-4 DE could be used at OLB if wanted but very doubtful. The only problem that made him drop was the sports hernia, but that will most likely be healed by the time training camp comes around. Overall I loved this pick and he could potentially be a starter

3rd Pick: Chad Henne

Grade: B

I admit I am full fledged supporter of John Beck to start this season but this pick was a very smart move. Like I said in my mock draft I’m not exactly the fan of the pick but it just makes too much sense. He gets to team up with his former left tackle if he does start which I do not project and could be in competition for the starting job but I doubt it, although it has been reported an awful lot.

4th Pick: DE Kendall Langford Hampton

Grade: C

I thought this was a massive reach although it does not mean that he won’t be good. I would have rather gone Charles Godfrey, but apparently the trifecta believes that is not much of a need judging by the UDFA signings and the draft. Langford could be a DT in the 3-4 but very unlikely he could be in competition with Roth for the LE Job, who knows with this pick.

5th Pick: G/T Shawn Murphy Utah State

Grade: B

Not the greatest value pick but still a pick that will shore up the line, The Dolphins needed a Left Guard and Murphy has experience at both Guard and Tackle on the left side. The battle for the LG position is going to be a good one with the rest of the line pretty much set.

6th Pick: RB Jalen Parmele Toledo

Grade: A-

The Dolphins needed a 3rd RB after the trading Lorenzo Booker and after Cobbs showing up to the first team meeting late he was not on Parcells good size. Parmele is a big back somewhat like Marion Barber, but he also has speed that is great when trying to get to the second level. He can return kicks as well but not the biggest concern.

7th Pick: G Donald Thomas UConn

Grade: A

Great Value pick with the lack of LG’s on this team, he was in my opinion one of the better guards left in the draft and he might be utilized first year. He had the second fastest 40 time for the offensive lineman at the Scouting Combine and can use that effectively in getting back on the block. This was a great pick, I liked and he could be an interval part of the team in the future.

8th Pick: RB Lex Hilliard

Grade: C-

I am not a very big fan of this pick, I felt that this pick should have been used on either CB or WR like I’ve mentioned earlier that I thought was a big need but the trifecta did not think so. Hilliard is most likely going to be a FB, He may replace Mauia after his recent conviction for battery. Parcells likes character guys and after that I’m not sure he believes Mauia is one. This may have well been a Sparano pick because as I said in another post Montana played UAlbany and Sparanos sons play there so he might have gotten a look at him there.

9th Pick: DT Lionel Dotson Arizona

Grade: B

Again I was hoping for a WR or CB but at this point I was not expecting at all and I was expecting something to shore up one or both lines and Dotson can possibly be a good 3-4 NT. He has the potential to be one but it has to be converted at the pro level. It was a quality pick overall, great value for the pick. No real clue if he will contribute to the team with Fifita, Ferguson and Wright ahead of him.

Overall Grade: B

Like most Parcells drafts this was a draft to stockpile on talent. They must believe that they key to make this team better is stopping the run with the Defensive line being improved vastly. As well giving time for the QB was a big sticking point for them. The RB picks although one was expected, were more of a Best Player Available in my opinion. They wanted to get talent and they succeeded and it was a very good draft but it sure was not a Chiefs draft but it still was good.

Dolphins WR Davone Bess (Hawaii)
Dolphins LB Kelly Poppinga (BYU)
Dolphins T Mike Byrne (Delaware)
Dolphins T Dan Gore (Boise State)
Dolphins QB Jayson Foster (Georgia Southern)
Dolphins K Dan Carpenter (Montana)
Dolphins TE Matt Mulligan (UMaine)
Dolphins OL Daren Heerspink (Portland State)
Dolphins FB Rolly Lumbala (Idaho)*

Link

Of the Undrafted free agent signings I can’t see many making the team, most likely all the lineman were brought in to have enough in case some players do not want to play in preseason games. From the looks of it, it seems as if Sparano has seen some of these kids play in some of UAlbanys games (his sons play there). I don’t see any team savers coming out, but the surprises could be Bess, Poppinga and Foster. Bess could have been drafted and after he wasn’t he was one of the most heralded free agent receivers. He could be a very good slot receiver he has no fears and is a great route runner, could surprise alot. Poppinga who is Brady’s brother (of the Packers, had a standout season this year), was a lead tackler on BYU and could translate to the NFL level but it all depends on how his smarts translate because he is a bit older. Foster is not a huge name, not on most draft boards at all, he won’t even be a QB he’ll be turned into a WR. He could be a good returner and/or burner receiver, here is a video on him since theres no information online on him.

He is a very interesting prospect with no expectations following him. As more UDFA signings come in, I’ll keep this updated, I may add some info.

Update 8:09 PM: CB -Scorpio Babers Sam Houston State

DL-Titus Brown Mississippi State

Will get more information on these two soon.

Update 10:19 PM: Josh Buchanan, of NFLDraftBible.com, reports the Miami Dolphins will bring in undrafted rookie free-agent DT Anthony Toribio (Carson-Newman).

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Josh Buchanan, of NFLDraftBible.com, reports the Miami Dolphins will bring in undrafted rookie free-agent DL Brandon Jones (Newberry).

KFFL

Update Tuesday 3:09

Kory Robertson DT Virginia Tech
http://www.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=802551

TE Kris Kasparek, Akron
http://www.draftdaddy.com/nfldraft/AFCEast.cfm#MIA

Hashmarks has nailed another one. When the Packers took Brian Brohm with the 56th pick, a huge cheer went up in the Dolphins’ draft room. Michigan quarterback Chad Henne was there guy from the start, and they’re ecstatic about getting him at No. 57.

Peter King had Chad Henne going No. 20 to the Ravens in a trade. Turns out the Ravens preferred Joe Flacco from Delaware State. The Dolphins have a starting left tackle, a starting defensive end and a potential starting quarterback, and we’re only to 57. And they landed a starting linebacker and tight end in a trade with the Cowboys on Friday.

I really think this has been a fantastic draft for the Dolphins. I’m sure fans in South Florida are thrilled. Tampa Bay almost passed on its pick. The fans were doing a countdown as the Tampa Bay selector rushed toward the main stage. The Buccaneers just took Dexter Jackson out of Appalachian State. He’s small, but his speed is unbelievable. With an aging Joey Galloway, Jackson will give the Bucs another deep threat.

Link

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Miami drafted a franchise tackle who could be in the lineup for the next 10 years, and it might have gotten its quarterback of the future with an absolute steal in Chad Henne at 57 — using the pick acquired in the Chris Chambers trade to San Diego last season. The roster churns. Lucky for the Dolphins no one came up with a great offer for Jason Taylor.

Miami Dolphins
Best pick: Second-round pick Chad Henne had first-round talent, so he’s a bargain. He could push for the starting job as a rookie.

Questionable move: Not a lot to pick apart. They had a good weekend.

Second-day gem: Sixth-round guard Donald Thomas, a converted defensive tackle, could be a project who can be developed.

Overall grade: A. Jeff Ireland and Bill Parcells did a really nice job. Jake Long was the right choice at the top spot. Getting Henne in the second round was the cherry on the sunday.

1. Miami. It started before the draft. In 2006 tight end Anthony Fasano was the 53rd player picked in the draft, by Dallas. In 2007 linebacker Akin Ayodele started 14 games for Dallas. The Dolphins acquired those two players for the 100th pick in the 2008 draft, their fourth-rounder. Are either of those guys great players? No. But Bill Parcells always believes in improving every spot on the roster, 1 through 53, and this trade was part of that.

Link

Love or hate him, but it’s hard to ignore draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.

Kiper did a post-draft conference call a couple of hours ago and had a few things to say about the Dolphins.

He gave the Dolphins’ draft a B-minus grade, primarily because of the decision to pick Michigan QB Chad Henne with No. 57 pick.

“I don’t see Chad Henne being a big-time quarterback,” Kiper said.

Kiper believes Henne’s long delivery and lack of mobility caused inconsistency and inaccuracy.

Henne usually got a lot of time to survey the field because he was playing behind a talented line at Michigan, anchored by No. 1 pick Jake Long. When teams pressured Henne, the ball sailed on him because of his long delivery and inability to buy time, Kiper said.

“When you look at having all day to throw, he’s accurate,” Kiper said. “He’ll put the ball on the numbers every time.

“But in the NFL you don’t get all day to throw. You’re going to get pressured. When he was pressured at Michigan that long delivery … his accuracy wasn’t very good.

“That’s an issue moving forward for Chad Henne.”

Kiper does like Henne’s arm strength and toughness. “He has great intangibles. I know Parcells saw all that,” Kiper said.

But Kiper said the Dolphins wouldn’t have decided to pick Henne if they didn’t have major concerns about John Beck, the No. 40 pick in the 2007 draft.

The team has said Henne’s selection has nothing to do with Beck. But Kiper isn’t going out on a limb here.

“You didn’t need to do that if you were sold on John Beck,” Kiper said of drafting Henne. “That could have been a player at another position that could have helped this football team.”

He said the Dolphins could have picked up a pretty good CB (Iowa’s Charles Godfrey, maybe) or WR (LSU’s Early Doucet or Vandy’s Earl Bennett) with the No. 57 pick.

The team didn’t draft anyone at either position.

Kiper also said the Dolphins reached on the selection of Hampton DE Kendall Langford with the No. 66 pick. But Kiper understands why.

Langford, at 6-5, 294, has the size needed to play in a 3-4 defense.

“No one would have taken him that high I don’t think except a 3-4 team that wanted a big body that can occupy (blockers),” Kiper said.

But Kiper didn’t think the Dolphins’ draft was a disaster by any means. One draft isn’t going to turn around a team in the shape of the Dolphins, he said.

With Bill Parcells running the show for the first time, it didn’t surprise Kiper that the team focused on building blocks and size.

“You can’t do it all in one year,” Kiper said. “If he didn’t feel like players were good enough at the time of the pick you can’t force a need at that point. There’s another draft next year and there are ways to improve your team by means beyond the draft.”

Link

My Numero Uno

Miami Dolphins: I like this because the character of the drafter was reflected in the picks. It was a Man’s draft, make that He-Man. Big guys. Serious. Top guy on the board, Jake Long, stands 6-7 and weighs 315. The defensive end, Phillip Merling, is not what you’d call a nimble-footed pass rusher. He likes to stack ‘em up at the point. A two-gapper. Oh yes, he’s 6-4½, 275. The QB, drafted with Miami’s second pick in the second round, Chad Henne, is 226. He’s got a gun. I mean for an arm. I assume he’ll challenge for the job, or something more sinister. The average of the nine chaps selected is 6-3, 274. My kind of draft, boy.

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The Dolphins had a solid draft. OT Jake Long will step in right away at LOT and get their offensive line headed in the right direction. He is a massive guy with long arms. At times he has struggled with top speed off the edge, but I have seen many tackles succeed in the NFL on the left side that were not as talented. He could always move over to the right side where I think he would be a Pro Bowl tackle. DE Phillip Merling would have been a first-round pick if he did not have a hernia surgery that limited his ability to work out this spring. He has very good strength at the point of attack and can shed blockers very well. They also picked up another DE in Kendall Langford, who impressed me at the Senior Bowl as a prospect with long arms who could develop into a good 3-4 DE. He shows the ability to stack and shed at the point of attack. Chad Henne gives them another QB to work with. He has a strong arm and can be quick and compact in his release. I think he needs to improve his accuracy and decision-making some. OT Shawn Murphy is a physical player.

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Miami
The Dolphins went the safe route and landed the draft’s top tackle (Jake Long), who should prove to be a very good selection. They continued to get bigger on both lines with the selections of DEs Phillip Merling and Kendall Langford and added a pair of versatile guards in Shawn Murphy and Donald Thomas, who should earn jobs and develop. RBs Jalen Parmele and Lex Hilliard bring size and more power to the backfield. Overall, Bill Parcells and Jeff Ireland accomplished their goal of getting bigger and added some key pieces for their 3-4 defense. They were also able to land QB Chad Henne late in the second round after choosing not to address the QB position early, and the pick could prove to be a very solid value. A draft filled with linemen may not look sexy, but it will make the Dolphins a much better football team.
Grade: A

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Back when the Dolphins were in London last season team owner H. Wayne Huzienga said if Jason Taylor or Zach Thomas wanted to be set free from football purgatory he wouldn’t stand in their way.

Well, it appears 50 percent of the Dolphins ownership has given the Trifecta the green light to move Taylor, the face of the franchise, who would like to end his career with a contender.

During an interview with ESPN Radio 760 today this is what Huizenga said when asked if Taylor will be a Dolphins by the end of the day.

“I don’t know the answer to that question. I like Jason a lot, and I think everybody likes Jason. I want what’s best for Jason. If he wants to go where he’s got a shot at getting a Super Bowl trophy, I’m all for that. He deserves that,” Huizenga said. “If we can get him placed in a spot where he can go to the big game, then we would do that. We’ve had a lot of conversation but we never really got down to saying trading him. That never happened. What’s the best thing for Jason? He’s got a big career ahead of him yet…He should go where he can go to the big game.”

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Talk of a Jason Taylor-to-the-Bucs deal is gaining strength, and we’re hearing a trade may already be agreed to.

As told to us, the deal would involve, at a minimum, the Bucs’ second-round pick, No. 52 overall, in exchange for the 33-year-old likely Hall-of-Famer.

The Bucs have continued to bemoan the lack of a consistent pass rush, and adding a player with 117 career sacks would certainly be a step in the right direction. But there are challenges involved in this potential deal, not the least of which is addressing Taylor’s contract. Taylor is scheduled to earn $17-million over the final two years of his contract.

It’s conceivable there will be an agreement in place before the trade to restructure the contract, but it’s too early to say.

Link

It would have been a great trade but apparently it just didn’t have enough wheels to go or Huizenga really did stop the trade from happening.