Sun-Sentinels and SI’s Position Battles and My Opinion
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
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