Thursday, February 26, 2009

Dolphins Offensive Line

Please visit www.yourmiamidolphins.webs.com for more Dolphins news.

As Free Agency is underway. The Miami Dolphins have already been making a splash. There have been a lot of contracts up for the Dolphins after the 2008 season. These have been part of the core success last year. So far so good is what I have to say. The organization have resigned Carey, Crowder, and Bell. Carey has been a decent right tackle, especially in the run game. Jake Long and Justin Smiley are Pro Bowl caliber players and defintely solidify the left side of the line. Samson Satele is a versatile player, but can be over powered at times when playing the center position. According to the Sun Sentinel,

"The Dolphins have approximately $14 million to $16 million in cap space to spend on free agents since the salary cap was increased to $127 million this week.

According to a league source, the Dolphins are a player for Ravens center Jason Brown, who aims to become the highest-paid center in the NFL. Brown and his representatives are pursuing a contract that pays him more than $6 million a season
"

With plenty of cap space available, Jason Brown would be good fit. I have wanted him since he became a free agent, because of his size and Parcells likes big people holding the line. The could move Satele to right gaurd and the line will be even more dominate than last year.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

DT Free Agents 2/25/09

Here some of the free agents at the defensive tackle position:

1. Albert Haynesworth
2. Chris Canty

Albert Haynesworth would be the most intriguing player to eye down. He's probably the best defensive tackle available on the market. He will demand big bucks though. According to the Sun Sentinel, he may demand around a $40 million contract. The Dolphins run a 3-4 defense, and I think he would fit well in the system as a big body. As Jason Ferguson is getting up in age, and Haynesworth is still in his 20s, it maybe time to lock in a guy who can anchor the defense. Albert would make the secondary and line backer corp that much better. He is a run stuffer, so the opposing run games should not be much of a factor if Haynesworth is signed.

WR Free Agents 2/25/09

Here is a list of some of the 2009 WR Free Agents:

Wid Receivers
1. T.J. Houshmandzadeh
2. Devery Henderson
3. Austin Miles

Laveranues Coles is now a free agent. If I were the Miami Dolphins, I would look hard into signing a contract with him. He played with Chad Pennington with the Jets and he was the go-to receiver. he's not a big body, which the Dolphins are looking for. He has the speed to be the number one guy. Ted Ginn is fast, but I don't think he get's the separation like Coles can. T.J. Houshmandzadeh is considered the next best receiver. At age 31, he may not be eyed down the Parcells and the rest of the Dolphins. Some consider him a slot receiver, and that he may only benefit from a number one receiver on the other side.....thoughts?

Sunday, February 22, 2009

....Bottom 5 of QBs on Top Ten List

Pat White is a name that has been thrown around the Dolphin news. As the Wildcat broke out in 2008, will a versatile QB be a big part of the plan for 2009? There were a few plays where Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams could not throw a pass, when it was part of the play call. But if a "Vick" type QB is behind Center, it can open up the playbook with a run or pass. Just watch Tim Tebow of Florida. Here is the list from Sports Illustrated:


6. Pat White, West Virginia: The NCAA's all-time rushing leader for quarterbacks has outstanding playmaking ability, but scouts question whether he has the accuracy and touch to develop into a pro-caliber pocket passer. Some teams envision White as a potential utility player who can play receiver/returner/third quarterback. With more teams experimenting with the "Wildcat" formation, White figures to be an intriguing possibility in the middle of the draft.

7. Nathan Brown, Central Arkansas: The small-school standout lacks ideal height but impresses scouts with his instincts and intangibles. He anticipates routes well and displays great awareness by working through progressions quickly under duress. Although he doesn't have the strongest arm, Brown's zip and accuracy are rated above average by most evaluators. That makes him worthy of consideration as a mid-to-late round prospect.

8. Brian Hoyer, Michigan State: After a disappointing senior season, Hoyer was viewed as a free-agent prospect heading into offseason. But a stellar showing at the East-West Shrine Game has scouts rethinking. Blessed with a strong arm, ideal size, and experience running a pro-style offense, Hoyer has convinced a number of scouts that he has the potential to develop into a solid backup.

9. Cullen Harper, Clemson: Once regarded as a highly touted prospect, Harper struggled through an up-and-down senior season. Though he finished as the ACC's leading passer, he finished with a negative touchdown-to-interception differential (13 touchdowns, 14 interceptions). If scouts believe Harper can regain the exceptional form he displayed as a junior, he may go in the latter stages of the draft.

10. Graham Harrell, Texas Tech: The Red Raiders' prolific gunslinger compiled gaudy statistics while directing Tech's wide-open offense. However, his eye-popping numbers don't mask his lack of ideal measurables (scouts question his size, arm strength and ability to run an offense from under center). With Harrell's Red Raider predecessors (Kliff Kingsbury, B.J. Symons and Sonny Cumbie) failing to cut it in the league, some scouts view him as another system quarterback with limited upside.

Top 5 QB Prospects

Sports Illustrated came out w/ a top 10 list of QBs going into the draft. Even though the Dolphins aren't looking at QBs with Pennington conming back and Chad Henne being seen as the future. The question remains about John Beck, and whether or not he can be a backup when Pennington leaves. The Dolphins may look for a QB in the later rounds. Here is a list from Sports Illustrated, and another post have have the bottom five QBs.

1. Matthew Stafford, Georgia: The former Bulldog completed more than 60 percent of his passes while throwing for 3,459 yards with 22 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. As a polished pocket passer with outstanding arm strength and touch, Stafford is at ease directing a pro-style offense. Though he occasionally gets sloppy with his footwork and fundamentals in the pocket, Stafford is the most "pro ready" prospect at the position and will eventually develop into a quality starter.

2. Mark Sanchez, Southern California: The Pac-10's leading passer surprised many with his decision to enter the draft after only one full season as the Trojans' starter. While scouts will downgrade him for his lack of game experience, Sanchez is highly regarded as a pro prospect due to his outstanding physical tools and leadership ability. His spectacular Rose Bowl performance (28-of-35 for 413 passing yards with four touchdowns) is why some view him as a potential franchise-type quarterback.

3. Josh Freeman, Kansas State: As a talented playmaker with a big arm and prototypical size (6-foot-6, 248 pounds), Freeman is likely to shoot up draft boards if he has a strong showing at the combine. Though Freeman leaves as the Wildcats' all-time leader in passing yards, touchdowns and total offense, some scouts will poke holes in his game due to his propensity to turn the ball over (34 interceptions in three seasons) and his mediocre record as a starter (14-18). Freeman carries a second-round grade on most boards, but could end up as a late first-round selection.

4. Nate Davis, Ball State: The strong-armed junior completed more than 64 percent of his passes while guiding the Cardinals to a nearly unbeaten regular season. Though Davis finished the season with a pair of disappointing showings, scouts love his pocket presence and improvisational skills. His game should translate well to the pros, making him the latest MAC quarterback (Miami's Ben Roethlisberger, Marshall's Chad Pennington) to find success in the league.

5. Rhett Bomar, Sam Houston State: The former Sooner overcame a series of off-field issues to put together a productive career at Sam Houston State. Noted for his strong arm and underrated athleticism, Bomar passed for more than 3,400 yards with 27 touchdowns as a senior, and flashed the ability to develop into a quality starter as a pro. If he can convince scouts that his character concerns are a thing of the past, Bomar could wind up as the biggest draft day sleeper.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Carey Signs New Deal

Here are the details from the Sun Sentinel about Vernon Carey resigning. I'm estatic about the move. He is still young and the line needs to stay cohesive for a while. He would have been considered the best tackle in the market, since Jordan Gross resigned with the Panthers.


Omar Kelly | South Florida Sun-Sentinel
4:22 PM EST, February 20, 2009

INDIANAPOLIS - The Miami Dolphins shouldn't have to worry about the offensive tackle spot for at least a couple of seasons.

Right tackle Vernon Carey signed an extension that will allow the Miami native and former University of Miami standout to remain one of the bookends on the Miami Dolphins' offensive line opposite Pro Bowl left tackle Jake Long.

A league source said the new contract is a six-year deal that could pay Carey as much as $42 million if all incentives are reached. The signing bonus was not disclosed but Carey's new contract guarantees him $15 million.

The Miami Dolphins opted not to place the franchise tag on the four-year starter Thursday because the feeling was all parties were close to finalizing a long-term deal that will allow the former first-round pick to possibly finish his career with the NFL team he cheered for as a child.

Dolphins in the Market for a Nose Tackle

Here is an article form Sun Sentinel, written by Omar Kelly. With Ferguson not getting young this may be a wise choice to be looking for a new news tackle.

INDIANAPOLIS - When Dolphins coach Tony Sparano was reminded that nose tackle Jason Ferguson is getting up there in years he quickly warned: "Don't tell him that!"

But Ferguson, who is routinely called on to anchor the middle of the Dolphins' defensive line, is a 34-years-old, 12-year veteran, who has openly talked about playing another season or two.

And on top of that, not only is his position the most vital one to a 3-4 defense scheme's success, but most NFL executives and scouts admit nose tackle is the single hardest football position to find and develop.

"It's a hard position to find. A really hard position to find in any draft. Those guys are unique because you've got to want to take on double teams," Sparano said. "You've got to be strong enough to do those kinds of things."
That's why acquiring Ferguson, who contributed 27 tackles last season, was one of the first thing Dolphins vice president of football operations Bill Parcells did when he joined the team. He traded away this year's sixth-round pick, and swapping fifth rounders last year with Dallas to get the big man Parcells initially drafted with the Jets back in 1997, and brought with him to the Cowboys.

"Ferguson has been a good player in this league for a long time, and probably doesn't get the credit he deserves to be honest with you," Sparano said. "I was in Dallas when he got hurt (in 2007) and the hole that was left there was tremendous. Now, to have him for a whole year in Miami, and to have him for 17 games, you see his value. To replace him, or find guys to replace [nose tackles] is a hard job to do."

That's why the process needs to start early because it would be beneficial for Ferguson to groom his replacement.

Last season, when Ferguson suffered an oblique injury in the regular season 27-13 loss to Baltimore defensive end Randy Starks filled in at his spot. But the Dolphins gave up 139 rushing yards in that game.

Second-year defensive tackle Paul Soliai is Ferguson's present backup, but the former fourth-rounders development has been slow (six tackles and a forced fumble in two seasons). Soliai was also suspended twice last season.

Finding a young nose tackle in this draft could become critical if one isn't added in free agency, but defensive tackle is one the thinnest units in the 2009 draft according to most scouts and analysts. And out of that lackluster crop of big men only a handful of the prospects have the size, strength and athleticism needed to play nose in a 3-4 scheme.

Behind Boston College's B.J. Raji, the elite defensive tackle prospect, his college teammate Ron Brace is the best suited to play 3-4 nose considering he's 6-foot-3, 330 pounds.

"Guys like Mississippi's Peria Jerry and [Missouri's] Evander Hood are all 3-technique, undersized guys," said ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay. "So if you don't get Brace in the first two round you'll be looking for backup guys in the fourth, fifth or sixth round."

Sunday, February 15, 2009

72 Dynasty

Which team do you think had the best Dynasty?

The 1972 Miami Dolphins became the first and only undefeated NFL football team in history. You can say this was an era in which the Miami Dolphins held a dynasty that will be remembered. Fans of the team and fans of the game would remember the staff and the players that played during that era. Every dynasty has a few outstanding players that are remembered, for example, the Dallas Cowboys had Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, and Emmitt Smith during the early 90s. Also in the 1970s, there was the Pittsburgh Steelers dynasty. They had a defense known as the “Steel Curtain.” Chuck Noll came in as the head coach and “Mean” Joe Green. The history of the 1972 Dolphins shows that teams can be remembered as well. Don Shula, Bob Griese, Larry Csonka, Jim Kiick, etc. were all well known then and are remembered today.

Bill Parcells: continued

After Parcells had taken reign of Miami’s football operations, a complete overhaul had taken place in the organization. You can say jobs weren’t safe anymore in South Florida sports. Since its expansion, the Miami Dolphins had held a winning franchise with the likes of Don Shula, Dan Marino, Bob Griese, and Jimmy Johnson. Ever since Marino retired from the game, you can say a downward spiral had occurred for the new millennium. From draft blunders, coaches, and quarterback changes; Miami was setting a new tone, but not a good one. Dave Wanstedt was the last coach to take the Dolphins to the playoffs, and that was in 2001. Nick Saban came in hoping to revitalize the team. He took a 4-12 team to a 9-7 record in his rookie year as head coach. Things had looked promising after acquiring Daunte Culpepper as the new quarterback. The Dolphins fell to 6-10 in Saban’s second year. Nick Saban was still the coach, but decided to leave the franchise to go back to college football. This made headlines as it was unexpected. With the team still trying to find its way, Cam Cameron came in to bring the offense to “powerhouse” material. With the worst record in the organization’s history, Huizenga decided enough is enough. Bill Parcells came and brought in a trusted staff. Jeff Ireland took over as the new general manager. Chad Pennington was brought in as the new quarterback. He was the QB Parcells had picked when he was with the New York Jets.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Mock Draft

according to draftsite.com,

What you like to see picked at #25? More mocks will come.

1. Detroit Andre Smith* OT 6'5" 340 Alabama
2 St. Louis Matthew Stafford* QB 6'3" 237 Georgia
3 Kansas City Michael Johnson DE 6'7" 247 Georgia Tech
4 Seattle Michael Crabtree** WR 6'3" 214 Texas Tech
5 Cleveland Chris Wells* RB 6'1" 235 Ohio State
6 Cincinnati Michael Oher OT 6'5" 325 Mississippi
7 Oakland Brian Orakpo DE 6'4" 248 Texas
8 Jacksonville Eugene Monroe OT 6'6" 318 Virginia
9 Green Bay Malcolm Jenkins CB 6'1" 203 Ohio State
10 San Francisco Aaron Curry OLB 6'2" 246 Wake Forest
11 Buffalo Jason Smith OT 6'5" 300 Baylor
12 Denver Everette Brown* DE 6'4" 254 Florida State
13 Washington Aaron Maybin** DE 6'3" 250 Penn State
14 New Orleans Vontae Davis* CB 6'0" 205 Illinois
15 Houston Jeremy Maclin** WR 6'0" 198 Missouri
16 San Diego Rey Maualuga ILB 6'3" 250 USC
17 NY Jets Knowshon Moreno** RB 5'11" 207 Georgia
18 Chicago D.J. Moore* CB 5'10" 180 Vanderbilt
19 Tampa Bay B.J. Raji DT 6'1" 325 Boston College
20 Detroit (from Dallas) Mark Sanchez* QB 6'4" 220 USC
21 Philadelphia LeSean McCoy** RB 5'11" 205 Pittsburgh
22 Minnesota Percy Harvin* WR 5'11" 181 Florida
23 New England James Laurinaitis ILB 6'2" 244 Ohio State
24 Atlanta William Moore S 6'1" 215 Missouri
25 Miami Alphonso Smith CB 5'9" 191 Wake Forest

Top Ten FA

lists are out and signings are about to begin. Who would you choose?

By Adam Schefter | NFL Network
1. Julius Peppers, Panthers defensive end –- Coming off a down year, but teams pay premium for pass rushers.

2. Steven Jackson, Rams running back –- Hard to imagine St. Louis parting ways with its most popular player.

3. Tommie Harris, Bears defensive tackle -– Talks on a long-term contract hit a standstill last month.

4. Marion Barber, Cowboys running back –- Last season, one NFC coach said Barber is an elite back in the same class as LaDainian Tomlinson or Adrian Peterson. Now he wants to be paid that way.

5. Chris Snee, Giants guard –- At a time when interior offensive linemen are cashing in, the son-in-law of Giants coach Tom Coughlin is going to cash in.

6. Nnamdi Asomugha, Raiders cornerback –- Oakland plans to franchise him again if he remains unsigned, which is a distinct possibility.

7. Albert Haynesworth, Titans defensive tackle –- Tennessee wouldn’t let Haynesworth leave this offseason, and its stance is unlikely to change.

8. Terrell Owens, Cowboys wide receiver -– At the age of 34, T.O. is performing like he were 24.

9. Will Smith, Saints defensive end -– New Orleans defensive end Charles Grant got his money and Smith intends to do the same.

10. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Bengals wide receiver –- Still waiting for his first big-money deal.