Dolphin Draft 2015 - Update #4

Now that I have gone through a lot of discussion on needs and potential draft picks, now comes the time where some creative decisions are going to have to be made.

One of the biggest problems the Dolphin has is that it has too many holes to file and not enough draft picks to do it with.  There is just so much that free agency will bring you, and unless something really unique comes up, the Dolphins should wait until after the draft to consider them.  The second and possibly third tier of free agents will develop and if you can't plug the hole from the draft, then you look at what is left from free agents.

Already the Dolphins have either said, or implied that #1 they are looking to create more draft picks and #2 that they have several free agents in mind but are not in a rush to sign any of them.

So how can the Dolphins create more draft picks?  You trade down.

The most valuable pick is of course first rounders.  The Dolphins have the 14th pick which is valued at 1100 points on the commonly used Trade Value Chart.  While the 14th pick will get you a top value, they don't always work out.  If you can get someone from the bottom of the 1st round that will do just as well (if not better), then trading down to get more picks makes sense.

The trick is what do you get for a 14th pick?  That depends upon what you are looking to get.  If you could trade down and pick up 500 points, that would be equivalent to about a 2nd round 23rd pick and a 3rd round 24th pick.  The problem is you need someone to dance with and they have to have the cards to give you that value.

One example, among many, is looking at the New Orleans Saints.  They have the 31st pick in the first round.  That pick is worth a difference of 500 value points .  But then, what could they give up?  You start with their pick in the 2nd round, the 12th pick, which is worth 460 points and that's pretty close, so it could work.   A lot will depend upon if there is someone they really want at 14 that they won't get at 31st.

Another example, with trading for Green Bay at their 30th pick in the 1st round.  The difference in value is 480.  If they also gave their 30th picks in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th round (not sure they would ever go with that, but maybe a 5th rounder instead of a 4th rounder), that would equal 455.  Still short of full value, but it would be worth it for 3 extra picks in the draft.

I am sure the Dolphins are looking at all sorts of possibilities, and I think that a 1st round trade is highly likely.  So stay tuned and we'll see where this goes.

DOLPHIN DRAFT 2015 -- UPDATE #3

As free agency has been taking place, so has the shaping of the team.  Early on I summarized potential draft pick positions, being:

High Draft Pick Areas – OG/OT, NT/DT

Mid to High Draft Pick Areas – LB, CB, S

Mid to Late Draft Pick Areas – TE, WR

Late Draft Pick/Undrafted Areas – K

Now it looks more like this due to Free Agency:

High Draft Pick Areas (1-3) – WR, OG

Mid Draft Pick Areas (4-5) – LB, CB, S

Late Draft Pick Areas (6-7) – RB

Late Draft Pick (7)/Undrafted Areas – K, P

They did this first by letting go several wide receivers, a TE, offensive and defensive linemen and a LB.  They have also re-secured several players, QB, RB, OL, S, CB and DB.  In the process they signed a massive NT,  and serviceable starters at C/OG, TE and WR.

Dependent upon another players being let go or signed, the needs of the team are changing (I understand they are looking at another Free Agency WR).  At this time the team needs are a bit different:

NT - Because of the signing of Suh everything has changed on the defensive line and the draft.  It is doubtful that another player will be drafted for the line, especially early on.  It is time some of the young DL's on the roster are tested to see if they can develop or not. If not, they are gone.

OG - Early on I said the team needed to sign at least one good veteran OG as well as a high draft pick.  Well they did sign a veteran but one veteran is not enough to solidify the offensive line by itself.  Another starting OG is still needed badly.  There are several really good OG's that will be available in the 2nd and 3rd round (maybe the 4th but that is pressing it), but seeing the Dolphins don't have a 3rd round pick, it is going to have to be in the 2nd round.  My favorites would be Irving, Jackson or Matias.  If they wait until the 4th round, there is a small chance that Marpet or Poutasi might be there.  I wouldn't wait.

CB - The Dolphins re-signed Delmas (who is injured) and they have some young prospects that this may be the year they succeed or they are gone.  Another CB in the draft may be desired, but then see S below.

LB - No doubt, we need an ILB.  Preferably one that can also be an OLB.  The 5th round is where it will have to be taken from and there should be several good value choices available.  I would be looking for Jones, Dawson, Hull or Ryan and possibly Spraight.

TE - Though Clay is gone, they signed a Free Agent TE with Sims, and Lynch as backup.   I don't know if anyone worthy will be left for the 5th or 6th round, so it may be best to look at bringing in some undrafted players and try them out.

S - This is a position of need and even better if it could be a FS that could play some CB as well.  The Dolphins could use either of their 4th or one of their 5th round draft picks for someone like Grant, Eskridge, Drummond or Sample.

WR - This is where it gets interesting.  The Dolphins essentially traded a 3rd round draft pick for a veteran WR.  However, they lost 3 veteran WR's and they still need a show stopper.  So my belief is that if the Dolphins can select in the 1st round either Cooper, White or Parker (which is projected to be available) they go with it. 

RB - The Dolphins need a strong big back to push in short yard situations.  Johnson and Cobb would be great, but I doubt they will be available beyond the 3rd round.  Brown, D. and Crockett may be available in the 6th or 7th round.

At this point it seems the Dolphins are cleaning house of a lot of expensive average players, moving towards seeing if their youth can carry the load and developing a team from the inside rather than through Free Agency. Most successful teams work this way, so while it might take another year for the team to really excel, in the long run it should be far more sustainable and beneficial. 

Notes of Commission Regular Workshop of March 16

On March 16, the Commission held its monthly workshop, and the following are notes of interest:

EVALUATION FORMS OF CHARTERED OFFICERS AND SND ATTORNEY (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD KAPLAN) - The Commission is working on updating and improving the annual evaluation forms used by the city.

REVIEW OF CHARTER AND PRIVATE SCHOOL REGULATIONS (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD KAPLAN). - A draft of the new Charter and Private School Regulations (for which there is presently a moratorium on such facilities until June) were reviewed by the Commission.  Beyond what the new draft provides, several suggestions were given to address concerns on ingress/egress to the facility, providing safety concerns before and after school, and using standardize facility safety regulations of the State.  A new draft will be prepared and submitted to the Local Planning Agency.   Once the LPA reviews, approves, approves with modifications, or give other guidance, it will be presented to the Commission for further discussion and voting.  A new ordinance is expected to be in place no later than June.  Several members of the public expressed support about the proposal as well as Commissioners.

DISCUSSION OF INCENTIVES / INITIATIVES TO BE OFFERED TO HELP SECURE THE PROPOSED JAMAICAN CULTURAL AND RESOURCE CENTER (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER HOWARD BERGER). - No specific proposals were proposed but a request to inquire with the organizers of the Center of what their needs are in a facility.  Then staff is to see whether we have available property within the city to meet those criteria.  If we don't have any property that satisfies their needs, then no further direction is provided.

DISCUSSION ON RESTRICTING CHILDREN PLAYING IN THE STREETS AFTER DARK (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER HOWARD BERGER). - After discussion, it was expressed that there are sufficient State and City laws that address this situation and no additional proposals for new laws were pursued further.

DISCUSS C51 RESERVOIR (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER CHARLES FARANDA).  - This is being looked at as a less expensive alternative to building an expensive water treatment plant to increase the City's capacity.  A study will have to be conducted as to whether the reservoir would actually succeed in increasing the water flow to Lauderhill to be able to draw on it.

DISCUSS FUNDING CITY CENTERS/PAC (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER CHARLES FARANDA).  - A presentation was made to show how the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center will be financially supported since it is projected to initially run at a loss once opened.  As part of the presentation, revenues will also be raised to assist in creating a downtown business district (441), midtown business district (Oakland Park Blvd.) and uptown business district (Commercial and University Drive).

Notes of the Commission Meeting of March 9, 2015

The Commission met on March 9 at a Regular Commission Meeting, and the following are notes of interest (all items passed unanimously unless otherwise indicated):

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:

CITY OF LAUDERHILL’S FIRST ANNUAL TRIBUTE TO WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH - 12 HONOREES FROM THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL: WOMEN OF DISTINCTION.


RESOLUTIONS:

RESOLUTION NO. 15R-03-49:  APPOINTING VARIOUS MEMBERS TO SERVE ON THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL YOUTH COUNCIL.

RESOLUTION NO. 15R-03-50:   APPROVING THE LOCAL AGENCY PROGRAM AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE N.W. 35TH AVENUE CORRIDOR FROM N.W. 1ST STREET TO N.W. 5TH PLACE INCLUDING A MULTIPURPOSE PATH EXPANSION AND PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE IMPROVEMENTS, TO INSTALL LANDSCAPING, IRRIGATION AND OTHER SCENIC AMENITIES AND TO PROVIDE FOR BICYCLE LAND STRIPING ALONG N.W. 1ST  STREET AND N.. 36TH AVENUE; PROVIDING THAT THE CITY WILL RECEIVE $583,390.00 IN GRANT FUNDS FOR THIS PURPOSE; PROVIDING THAT THE TOTAL ESTIMATED COST OF THE PROJECT IS $698,566.00.

RESOLUTION NO. 15R-03-51:  APPROVING THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH BROWARD COUNTY FOR THE DISBURSEMENT OF HOME PROGRAM FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013-2014 PROVIDING FOR FUNDS FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF SINGLE FAMILY HOUSING UNITS.


QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS:

RESOLUTION NO. 15R-03-54:  GRANTING TO GREAT AMERICAN TRUCKING, INC. DOING BUSINESS AS SELECT FOODS A SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE DEVELOPMENT ORDER WITH CONDITIONS TO ALLOW IN THE LIGHT INDUSTRIAL (IL) ZONING DISTRICT FOOD PROCESSING ON A 2.8862 ACRE, KNOWN AS 3628, 3630, 3632 AND 3634 NW 16TH STREET, LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA.

Never Stop Believin' . . . A Tribute to Journey - Free Concert

On Saturday, March 14 starting at 7 pm, the Never Stop Believin' Band will be performing a Tribute to Journey at the Lauderhill Sports Park.  The park is located just east of University Drive.

Bring your blanket, chairs, picnic baskets, and step into another time.  Food Trucks will be on site.

For more information go to www.lauderhilljazz.com or call 954-730-3000.

Sponsored by the Inverrary Association and the City of Lauderhill

DOLPHINS DRAFT AND FREE AGENCY 2015 UPDATE #2

Now is a time to evaluate the positions of needs and how they could be filled.  This brings into account Free Agents and potential draft picks, by position.

NT

In Free Agency there are potentially few players that may suit the Dolphins needs and could be attainable.  Suh could be too expensive and sacrifice too many other needs.  But the Dolphins may go for it.  If they do, that means cutting a lot of players with salary to make cap space.  Knighton may be a less expensive alternative, but don’t count on it.  That would leave Williams who is only 28. 

If the NT position is not addressed by Free Agency, then there are 3 players worth of taking in the 1^st round and may be available at the 14^th pick, Shelton, Brown and Goldman (though some believe Goldman may be available in the 2^nd round and I am not too high on him). 

OG

While a position of great need, there isn’t anyone worthy of a 1^st round pick.  On top of that I believe that we need at least two guards, preferably one in the draft and another experience free agent.

On the free agency’s side Franklin would be well worth considering.  After that there is Boling (if healthy) and Sims (a potential short term answer).  In the draft, Kouandjio, Matias, or Jackson would be a great pick in the 2^nd and maybe preferably the 3^rd round.  If you definitely want to go to the 3^rd and even maybe the 4^th round, if the others are not available you have Poutasi and a potentially risky Marpet (for the 4^th round).

CB

I think there is the potential for a lot of quality CB’s in free agencies (though several would be short term answers that could eventually be addressed in future drafts).   My preference would be to take one of those if affordable.  The draft is a bit of an issue.  There is good quality early, but to considering the overwhelming need in other areas it would mean sacrificing another area to get a top CB.  That is why I think free agency is better than an early draft pick.

LB

ILB free agents may not be worth it, except for a short and limited time like with Harris.  But will they be worth the cost.  OLB free agents are more plentiful but again will be expensive.  So unless they come cheap, or you have extra cap space because you didn’t sign free agents elsewhere, the draft is the only way to go.  I really like Jones, Dawson, Hull, Ryan and possibly Spraight for which at least one of them should be there in the 4^th or 5^th round. 

TE

From the draft perspective it is a weak class and therefore teams will probably be reaching.  So the only way that may be possible to fill out the TE position is with free agency if they don't keep Clay.  Being that said, Thomas is the only one worth going after, and that won’t be cheap.  It might be best to try to keep Clay which they have done with Transition Tag and wait till next year’s draft.  Whatever TE we may get, we need a big TE that can receive and hopefully blocks decently.  From the draft in lower rounds we have Bibbs  and Anderson.

S

There are several free agents that would be suitable.  If the Dolphins could afford it then go with McCourty, which would also provide the satisfaction of hurting the Patriots.   After that, Brown and L. LaRon may suit.  In the draft there is a lot of potential talent which can be selected from the 3^rd to 6^th round.

WR

Now that we have let Hartline go (though some believe they may try to bring him back later at a lower cost) and Gibson, it creates a major strain on what happens with Wallace.  If somehow the team signs Suh, it may become necessary to let go of Wallace just to make cap space.  Nevertheless, with only two WR's with experience on the team, WR is now become a top priority, and probably someone may need to be drafted in the lower rounds (if not the first round).   Free agent WR’s are expensive and may just be out of the Dolphins league.  Especially if they are dumping WR’s to create cap space.  Too bad since there is Cobb and Thomas could be available, but only if we let Wallace go.  As to the draft, there is a lot of potential talent there and is too difficult to figure out which way to go.  Possibly Lockett at some point, but with the right evaluations I am sure a good WR can be picked.

RB

I really like Gore and he is a local, so it makes sense to see if it is possible.  The problems with him are whether there is enough cap space and at his age how many years might he have left.  Maybe a hometown discount is in order.  While the RB situation is better this last year then I thought it would be, once Moreno went down, it could be better since there isn’t much behind Miller.  The RB’s in the draft that may be available after the 2^nd round is limited.  Johnson and Cobb may be a 4^th round possibility.  In the late rounds (or maybe undrafted), look towards Crockett and Hart.

Notes of the Commission Meeting of February 23

On February 23, the City Commission met and the following are notes of interest (all items passed unanimously unless otherwise indicated):

ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS - FIRST READING

ORDINANCE NO. 15O-02-103:  PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF ITS NOT EXCEEDING $3,400,000 HALF-CENT SALES TAX REFUNDING REVENUE BOND, SERIES 2015 AS REFUNDING BONDS UNDER ORDINANCE NO. 96-110 ENACTED ON APRIL 29, 1996; AUTHORIZING THE PROCEEDS OF THE SERIES 2015 BOND TO BE APPLIED TO REFUND THE CITY’S OUTSTANDING HALF-CENT SALES TAX REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2003.

ORDINANCE NO. 15O-02-104:   PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF ITS NOT EXCEEDING $3,800,000 STORMWATER UTILITY REFUNDING REVENUE BOND, SERIES 2015 AS REFUNDING BONDS UNDER ORDINANCE NO. 04O-04-124 ENACTED ON MAY 10, 2004; AUTHORIZING THE PROCEEDS OF THE SERIES 2015 BOND TO BE APPLIED TO REFUND THE CITY’S OUTSTANDING STORMWATER UTILITY REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2004.

ORDINANCE NO. 15O-02-105:  AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS ARTICLE III. ZONING DISTRICTS, PART 6.0., SUPPLEMENTAL DISTRICT REGULATIONS, SECTION 6.5., OFF STREET PARKING STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS; AMENDING SUBSECTION 6.5.3., AMOUNT OF OFF-STREET PARKING BY ADDING PARAGRAPH JJ ON CONSIGNMENT SHOP; AMENDING SUBSECTION 6.5.9., RETAIL USES, TABLE 6.5-2. MINIMUM AUTOMOBILE OFF STREET PARKING BY ADDING A PARKING RATIO FOR CONSIGNMENT SHOP.

RESOLUTIONS:

RESOLUTION NO. 15R-01-22: DECLARING THE INTENT TO USE THE UNIFORM METHOD FOR COLLECTING NON-AD VALOREM SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS AND/OR AD VALOREM TAXES LEVIED WITHIN THE INCORPORATED AREA OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FOR THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CREATION OF VARIOUS BUSINESS DISTRICTS; PROVIDING FOR ANNUAL BILLING ON THE TAX BILL; STATING A NEED FOR SUCH LEVY TO COVER THE ACTUAL COSTS FOR SERVICES.

RESOLUTION NO. 15R-02-36:  SUPPORTING THE RE-EVALUATION OF THE CURRENT PROCESS FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TO OBTAIN TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDERS; ENDORSING THE EFFORT OF THE BROWARD COUNTY CHIEFS OF POLICE AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS TO EVALUATE THE CURRENT PROCESS FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS TO OBTAIN TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDERS AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHANGES INTENDED TO IMPROVE THE PROCESS FOR VICTIMS  (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN). 

RESOLUTION NO. 15R-02-42:   APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FROM THE STATE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND (LETF) IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,000.00 TO PURCHASE FORTY (40) VEHICLE RIFLE TRUNK VAULTS FOR POLICE VEHICLES FROM STROBES R US; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 120-683-9935.

RESOLUTION NO. 15R-02-43:   WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING; AUTHORIZING THE PIGGY BACK OF THE FLORIDA SHERIFF'S ASSOCIATION AND FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES BID AWARD (14-22-0904) FOR THE PURCHASE OF THREE (3) 2015 FORD FUSION VEHICLES FROM DON REID FORD, INC.; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $56,085.00 FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 305-311-6223.

RESOLUTION NO. 15R-02-44:   APPROVING THE DONATION OF MATCHING FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $18,772.00 TO THE AGING AND DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER OF BROWARD COUNTY (ADRC); PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $18,772.00 FROM THE APPROPRIATE BUDGET CODE NUMBER.

RESOLUTION NO. 15R-02-45:   WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS; APPROVING THE AWARD OF BID TO INTERNATIONAL PROTECTIVE SERVICES OF HOLLYWOOD FLORIDA BASED UPON THE CONTRACT ENTERED INTO WITH THE BROWARD SHERIFF'S OFFICE (CONTRACT #14030 RT) FOR BIOMEDICAL WASTE CLEANING AND DECONTAMINATION ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS FOR THE TERM ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2016, WITH ONE OPTION TO RENEW FOR ONE (1) YEAR; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM THE APPROPRIATE BUDGET CODE NUMBER 001-5120-3110.

Sadkin Center to Close for a fFew Days Refinishing

The Sadkin center will be closed this upcoming Monday, March 9th thru Wednesday, March 11th as the upstairs basketball gym floor is being refinished.  The fumes will be too strong to allow patronage of the facility.