Well the Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Games have been played, and now
it is time for the Combines. While still
early, certain patterns and needs are developing for the Dolphins. So another review is given, concentrating on
what are the top needs.
Like before an examination of each position is provided,
OFFENSE:
QB – Tannenhill is developing into a 2nd tier QB. Whether he can break into the top tier next
season is a question, but he has exceeded the abilities of most of the QB’s on
the Dolphins of the near past. His back
up, Moore, is also very good, but expensive.
The Dolphins may let Moore go in Free Agency, but then they need a
back up. Free Agency gives some
experience, but at a cost and little upside, and due to needs from the draft
and high draft pick is problematic for a quarterback. As a 4th or 5th round
draft pick, Shane Carden of East Carolina may be a smart move.
RB – This has been a troubling group in that you know what you got, but
you’re not quite sure what you will get.
With a lot of potential, but only Miller showing anything, another free
agent may be in order (assuming Moreno will be gone due to constant injury
problems). Since we have so many
backups, I wouldn’t draft a RB unless it was a high pick (and there are too
many other areas in need first). So
unless some sleeper falls to a lower round, free agency may be the only answer. Maybe Frank Gore that we can get a year or
two out of him.
WR – A lot of talent that is getting better. The question revolves around the future of
Wallace and if he stays with the team.
If he does, then it is not a pressing need. If he leaves then Landry will move up and a
replacement will be needed. The decision
on Wallace will dictate which round a WR should be drafted.
TE – If we maintain the players we have, and don’t lose any to free
agency, then it is developing nicely. If
we lose Clay, then another TE will be needed somewhere in the middle to late in
the draft.
C – If we hold our players we are pretty well set. It is
said Pouncey will be going back to C, so what happens to Satele. Do we keep him or let him go? At best he will be another backup but he can
start on a limited basis.
G- If Pouncey goes back to C, you now have a huge gap at both G positions. All of our players are serviceable Guards and maybe can start now and again. But this is a major need, with a lot depending upon Turner. It seems best if the team signs a free agent like Franklin (expensive), Boling (more reasonable and hopefully healthy) or Sims (even cheaper but older). Then with the Dolphins 2nd round pick they must go for a G like Kouandjio or Matias, though in the 3rd could be Erving or Poutasi (both of which who could be a T too). But one of these four must be taken to shore up the unit. I also like a lot Marpet, but I can't tell right now if he should be a 3rd, 4th or 5th round pick and if he may be just another good backup which the Dolphins don't need.
T - Between starters James and Brennan,
the Dolphins were strong. When Brennan
went down then back-ups tried to fill the gap.
Eventually this became a glaring weakness. Again
a lot will depend upon Turner, but a high draft pick or free agent is needed to
be a back-up but could easily start. Having
too many quality players that can start is a nice luxury.
DEFENSE:
NT – We got by for the first part of the season but then the weakness
started showing through. We need a much
bigger and stronger NT that can plug a hole.
Mitchell would be very good as a back-up and potential starter when
needed and it is unclear about Johnson.
So I can see a high draft pick (top 2 rounds). Shelton and Goldman are my 1st
round preference, unless one sneaks into the 2nd round
(doubtful).
DT – This is a very similar situation to NT if we lose Odrick to free
agency. Actually the loss of Odrick
makes it even more of a need for a NT/DT.
DE – A pretty strong position depending upon whom the Dolphins keep and
who will become a salary cap cut. Dion
Jordan is the question. Is he a DE or
OLB? Either way, he is going to have to
step it out or will be out when his contract comes up.
LB – While Jenkins has improved as a LB and Misi is better, it is only
average group, with some glaring weaknesses.
A mid round draft pick is in order and I have like Hull and Ryan for
quite awhile.
CB – It was an up and down year, especially with injuries. Depending who we may lose, at minimum someone
has to be brought in, and those already there better improve quickly. This may be a top 3 round pick.
S – We have R. Jones right now, and I think that is about it (D. Jones is a really good Special Teams player but it is too early to know if he will be a starter). There are some OK back-ups and those that can
play well on special teams (who knows, maybe someone steps it up) , but either
we bring in a free agency and/or a top 5 draft pick.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
P – We are set with Fields
K – We need to bring in another K to challenge. Traditionally it is a low round draft or an
undrafted free agent. However, if a
quality veteran becomes available we should give them a serious look.
LS – We are set unless Denney becomes too expensive. However, the best LS are the ones you never
remember, and it’s hard to remember him since he never makes a mistake.
SUMMARY:
High Draft Pick Areas – OG/OT, NT/DT
Mid to High Draft Pick Areas – LB, CB, S, CB
Mid to Late Draft Pick Areas – TE, WR
Late Draft Pick/Undrafted Areas – K
