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#Post#: 3453--------------------------------------------------
2013 DRAFT Who should we target?
By: Fish Fiend Date: January 15, 2013, 7:29 am
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I gotta run to the sto but later on I'm gonna start c&p some
articles and mock drafts to git the ball wobblin' .........
#Post#: 3454--------------------------------------------------
Re: 2013 DRAFT Who should we target?
By: miracleman01 Date: January 20, 2013, 7:14 pm
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Get a couple WR's, OL, LB, DB
#Post#: 3455--------------------------------------------------
Re: 2013 DRAFT Who should we target?
By: Fish Fiend Date: January 25, 2013, 6:39 pm
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sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-omar-kelly-commentary-
0123-20130122,0,4760939.story
Time for Jeff Ireland to take a few bold shots
Dolphins GM has been fairly conservative running the franchise.
Can he afford to keep the same approach in 2013?
By Omar Kelly Sun Sentinel 6:02 PM EST, January 22, 2013
[left]"You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take." -
Wayne Gretzky.
MOBILE, Ala. – Identifying talented players isn't Jeff Ireland's
issue.
The Miami Dolphins' General Manager knows what dynamic football
players look like. He can tell you about their footwork, their
catching radius, their instincts, the aura that permeates from
their presence.
He's able to single them out privately, before the draft, raving
about talents like Joe Flacco, Colin Kaepernick, Jimmy Graham
and Jon Beason.
That's not the problem. The problem the Dolphins have had for
the past five seasons is this Ireland-led front office hasn't
always been willing to do whatever it took to secure those
dynamic playmakers.
With the exception of winning a 2009 bidding war for former CFL
standout Cameron Wake, trading for Brandon Marshall and signing
Karlos Dansby as a free agent in the 2010 offseason, the
Dolphins haven't been able to pull the trigger on elite talents.
They've typically gone the safe route and fell short because
they've landed average players, and the proof of that is the
bulk of Miami's roster, which might possess four present Pro
Bowlers, but only one (Wake) plays a premier position.
With $46 million in cap space and nine draft picks - five picks
in the first three rounds – Ireland knows he's got "ammunition"
and that it is time to make some bold moves.
It is time for Ireland to take some calculated risks that can
produce big returns because this could be his last season
running the Dolphins front office.
He's one of South Florida's least popular sports figures, and
owner Steve Ross' patience has been worn thin by four straight
losing seasons.
Based on Ireland's tone on Tuesday it is clear he realizes this
could be his final shot.
"This is the year that you got to do something," Ireland said
about the offseason, which the Dolphins set up by being frugal
last offseason and trading away talents like Marshall and
cornerback Vontae Davis. "We're in a very good position to
utilize some of our cap space to bring in some veteran players
on our football team, and we're in a very good position to bring
in some young players from a draft standpoint."
"It's got to be a good mix, and we plan to mix it."
The way I see it, Ireland's under pressure to take and make a
game-winning shot in free agency and the draft because this team
can't wait on the Michael Egnew's and Olivier Vernon's of the
world to blossom.
Ireland needs a proven, polished, dynamic receiver and seam
threat tight end now, and even though coach Joe Philbin would
prefer to build the team through the draft he better get with
the program too because history tells us a new general manager
likely means a new head coach isn't far behind. Just ask Lovie
Smith, Hue Jackson, Mike Mularkey and Pat Shurmur about that.
Either way South Florida and Dolphins fan base win because the
franchise will either improve by luring and drafting the type of
dynamic players that help change an organization, close the
colossal gap on the New England Patriots, the reigning AFC East
power. Or those demanding change will likely get their wish in
2014 if the Dolphins produce yet another losing season.
"I feel like I've been aggressive where I need to be
aggressive," said Ireland, who hasn't drafted a receiver before
the third round. "Conservative? I think there have been some
decisions that have been smart."
Calculated is a bit more accurate, fitting, but risk is in the
eye of the shot taker.
"We've got to do what we've got to do this year," Ireland said
before warning Dolphins fans they'll be excited by the moves
made this offseason if Miami's plans come together. "The
decisions that we made up to this point to get us to where we're
at with our cap space and draft picks, that's all by design. We
have a clear vision of how we're going to help this football
team."
Unfortunately, seeing the shot, and then taking it doesn't
guarantee you'll make it.[/left]
#Post#: 3456--------------------------------------------------
Re: 2013 DRAFT Who should we target?
By: Fish Fiend Date: January 25, 2013, 6:45 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
What is Jeff Ireland's definition of a playmaker?
By Omar Kelly Sun Sentinel 3:46 p.m. EST, January 25, 2013
[left]It became abundantly clear to everyone who watched the
Miami Dolphins last season what was missing.
The team that General Manager Jeff Ireland assembled and Joe
Philbin coached lacked dynamic, game-changing, impact producing
playmakers.
During Philbin's end of the season discusson with the local
media he admitted the Dolphins needed to score more touchdowns
and create more turnovers to win more games.
During owner Steve Ross' talk with the South Florida media
earlier this month he acknowledged that he's expecting the
Dolphins' brass to add an "explosive receiver" and impact
defensive players this offseason.
During Ireland's talk at the Senior Bowl it became clear he's
obsessed with finding offensive players who score touchdowns,
and defenders who make disruptive plays.
Here is how Ireland described playmakers during his Friday
interview with WQAM's Joe Rose show, which you can find audio of
here.
"Guys that disrupt the passer. Guys that disrupt the timing of a
receiver in the route," Ireland said. "Guys that catch
interceptions. Guys that knock down balls. Guys that score
touchdowns. Guys that can pick up chunk yardage. Guys that can
run after catch. Guys that can create big plays on their ability
alone."
"Whatever position that is, those are playmakers," Ireland
continued. "It is not just one position we're looking to
address. We're addressing several different positions in free
agency, the draft, whatever avenue that's out there."
Ireland's no dummy, so he realizes this is a get it done or get
going offseason for him.
The Dolphins have this big, grand offseason plan, which they'll
point out they've worked up to since Philbin's hiring. But the
big question is....will it work?
Will the Dolphins be able to find playmakers, which the
organization has struggled to get since the Bill Parcells era
began.
Let us review Ireland's list again, analyzing it point-by-point,
item-by-item to cross check the Dolphins' 2012 roster for the
presence of playmakers.
"Guys that disrupt the passer," Ireland said referring to the
pass rushers.
Cameron Wake clearly does that, but everyone else is a
part-timer disruption creator. Olivier Vernon has that kind of
ability, but he sparingly flashed as a rookie pass rusher. Jared
Odrick has contributed 11 sacks in his two seasons on the field.
Maybe Odrick could/would become disruptive if moved inside
fulltime.
"Guys that disrupt the timing of a receiver in the route,"
Ireland said, talking about the Dolphins' cornerbacks.
Sean Smith is a disruptive cover corner. That's why the Dolphins
typically used the 6-foot-3, 218 pound cornerback to cover the
opposition's best receiver in 2012. But nobody else on the
roster was effective as a press corner.
"Guys that catch interceptions. Guys that knock down balls,"
Ireland said, referring to his linebackers and the players in
the secondary.
The only player I can honestly say fits into that description is
strong safety Reshad Jones, and he's only done it for one season
(95 tackles, four interceptions, two forced fumbles and one sack
in 2012). Smith doesn't, and none of Miami's other linebackers
or safeties consistently get their hands on the football.
"Guys that score touchdowns," Ireland said switching to the
offense.
The only player who has maximized his red zone opportunities
during his tenure in Miami is tight end Anthony Fasano. Fasano,
an impending free agent this offseason, contributed five
touchdowns this season, and has scored 23 touchdowns in his
five-year career as a Dolphins starter.
None of Miami's receivers have produced many touchdowns during
their tenure. Why? Davone Bess and Brian Hartline aren't deep
ball receivers, run-after-catch weapons, or jump-ball options,
especially without a very accurate quarterback.[/left]
#Post#: 3457--------------------------------------------------
Re: 2013 DRAFT Who should we target?
By: Fish Fiend Date: January 25, 2013, 7:03 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
These two Omarticles are really kind of like fluff pieces. Not
much going on since we didn't make the playoffs so Omar has to
write something. I know Omar doesn't like Tanneyhill at all and
he gets his digs in wherever he can:
"""None of Miami's receivers have produced many touchdowns
during their tenure. Why? Davone Bess and Brian Hartline aren't
deep ball receivers, run-after-catch weapons, or jump-ball
options, especially without a very accurate quarterback."""
Tanneyhill wasn't w/o his rookie mistakes and problems granted.
Obviously T-hills production next year plus what Ireland does
with his new tools ie. the 5 picks in the first 3 rounds + 46
million is it?? in cap space for FA's will go a long way in
determining his future as the Fins GM.
I just hope he hits the nail on the head big time and we get
markedly better. Hey the future of the franchise depends on it!
I don't care who the owner or GM is I just want us to be Super
or if not super right away then pretty damn competitive. I'm not
even gonna get into the, "If nots." By May we should have a
pretty good idea if he has copulated with the family
Bouvier..........
#Post#: 3458--------------------------------------------------
Re: 2013 DRAFT Who should we target?
By: Fish Fiend Date: January 25, 2013, 10:13 pm
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NFL Rumors: Mike Wallace to be Pursued by the Miami Dolphins
by Craig Ballard
[left]The Miami Dolphins have what they believe is a franchise
quarterback and they have money to spend this off-season to
surround him with as much talent as possible, so it is no
surprise to see them linked to all of the “big three” wide
receiver free agents, Mike Wallace, Dwayne Bowe and Greg
Jennings.
Many Dolfans (I would have to say myself included) want Mike
Wallace to be the big fish that Jeff Ireland reels in, but most
of us would be thrilled to see any of these receivers wear the
aqua and orange going forward. Ireland will surely be kicking
tires on all three guys, as will numerous teams, but Miami is a
top team as far as salary cap coin available to spend and we
know Wallace is a guy who is looking to get paid. Of all the
rumors of wide receivers being pursued by the Dolphins, this one
makes the most sense in my opinion.
It looks more and more likely that Bowe will re-up with the
Kansas City Chiefs, and I personally am not convinced that
Jennings will see Miami as his best suitor, but if Wallace is
looking for mega bucks with a side order of tons of playing
time/attention available then I think he would be interested in
taking his talents to South Beach.
Dolfans, and recently Ireland, spoke of adding “play-makers”,
which seems to be a loose term for my liking because the
definition seems to differ from person to person, but the
majority of us would have to agree that Wallace is a
“play-maker”. Many will point to Wallace’s potential
route-running issues not being ideal for a west coast offense,
but I see a guy that can get himself open and can be effective
after the catch.
I also see a guy who can elevate the play of his teammates
because he is a rare receiver that insists on double teams and
extra attention on every play. Plus, and this is a big one for
me, in his four seasons in the NFL Wallace has 32 touchdowns,
while Dolphins wide receivers have combined for just 29 in that
same span. I see a touchdown maker.
Wallace has a great history of not missing games which I
consider a necessary part of the equation as Miami will need
their free-agent acquisition (whoever it is) to develop
chemistry with Tanny as soon as possible because a lot will be
tied to/riding on the production of their new franchise QB
throwing to their new franchise WR.
It will likely not have much meaning going forward, but I did
want to note that he has played very well vs the New York Jets
in the past, and his best football has been vs the New England
Patriots. In his only game vs the Buffalo Bills he had just 33
yards on three catches, but he has done well vs AFC East teams.
I personally would want Wallace as top choice, then Jennings,
and then Bowe is a close third. I would feel great about landing
any of them to be honest, and we will watch these three
free-agent journeys closely.[/left]
HTML http://www.rantsports.com/nfl/2013/01/25/nfl-rumors-mike-wallace-to-be-pursued-by-the-miami-dolphins/?GjAtpEZFalADh3uI.99
#Post#: 3459--------------------------------------------------
Re: 2013 DRAFT Who should we target?
By: Fish Fiend Date: January 27, 2013, 7:21 am
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Dan Marino could understand Dolphins drafting a quarterback
By Chris Perkins 12:50 p.m. EST, January 26, 2013
[img]
HTML http://www.trbimg.com/img-4fed4fce/turbine/sfl-miami-dolphins-top-10-quarterbacks-pg-2012-001/600[/img]
[left]Dan Marino doesn’t think it would be a bad idea for the
Dolphins to draft a quarterback this year.
Marino, speaking Saturday at the Dan Marino Foundation
WalkAbout Autism at Sun Life Stadium, didn't endorse the idea.
But he said depth is important at every position, especially
quarterback.
“I don’t know if the Dolphins are going do that,” Marino said
of drafting a quarterback. “But you do have to look at the way
the league is now, there’s injuries and you do have to have
solid players and solid people at each position, especially at
quarterback, if something happens to your starter.”
Rookie starter Ryan Tannehill had mixed results last season in
his first year as the Dolphins’ starting quarterback. He
finished with 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions while
completing 58.3 percent of his passes (tied for 22nd). His
passer rating of 76.1 ranked 27th in the NFL. It should be noted
Indianapolis quarterback Andrew Luck ranked 26th with a passer
rating of 76.5.
Still, there’s a feeling in some circles that the Dolphins need
an insurance policy at quarterback, in case Tannehill starts
wandering down the Chad Henne path of malaise/regression.
Last year’s backup, Matt Moore, is an unrestricted free agent
and will likely look to become a starter somewhere. Behind him
is third-teamer Pat Devlin. He’s been OK, but no one seems to
think he’s a future playmaker at quarterback. That’s what the
Dolphins need.
Washington ensured itself by drafting two quarterbacks last
year – Robert Griffin III with the No. 2 pick in the first round
and Kirk Cousins in the fourth round – and it paid off when
Griffin III sat out the Cleveland game with a knee injury late
in the season. Cousins won in relief. Now the Redskins have
reason to believe they have two young quarterbacks with lots of
upside, something that might come in handy next season depending
on how Griffin III recovers from knee surgery.
Miami has nine picks in the April draft, including one in the
first round, two in the second and two in the third.
Considering the importance of the position, Marino said
Tannehill shouldn’t feel threatened if the Dolphins happen to
draft a quarterback.
“I wouldn’t think so,” Marino said. “I think if you’re
quarterback and you have to play at a high level and you’re
playing in the NFL, you don’t mind competition, no matter what
it is.
“If I was there, and when I was a rookie, if there was another
quarterback and you want to bring him in, that’s fine. I think
you have to have that mental attitude if you’re playing that
position, and that’s ‘I’m going to work hard; I don’t mind
competition.’ That’s part of it.”[/left]
#Post#: 3466--------------------------------------------------
Re: 2013 DRAFT Who should we target?
By: Fish Fiend Date: February 1, 2013, 6:50 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-breaking-down-the-miami-dolphins-off
ense-positionbyposition-20130201,0,7029993.story
South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
Breaking down the Dolphins' offense position-by-position
[left]By Omar Kelly, February 1, 2013 1:31 PM EST
The Miami Dolphins have holes to fill at every unit on the
offensive side of the team, but that is mostly by design.
An NFL team doesn’t get $46-47 million under the salary cap
without making sacrifices, and the Dolphins (7-9) will likely
allow five offensive starters to become unrestricted free agents
in an attempt to rebuild the entire roster.
General Manager Jeff Ireland hopes to add the pieces that can
make Joe Philbin’s offense more dynamic, more explosive. The
hope is that stripping the roster down won’t require too many
sacrifices.
“In terms of fire power, look, we had two guys that were over 60
catches,” Ireland said, referring to starting receivers Brian
Hartline and Davone Bess, who collectively scored two touchdown
last season. “We’ve got to find guys that are scoring touchdowns
and getting the ball in the end zone.”
Here is a look at the offensive players on the Dolphins’ roster,
and the free agents at each position with their status
(unrestricted, restricted, exclusive rights) designated. The
free agent section also includes each player’s salary in 2012.
OFFENSE (23 players presently under contract)
Quarterbacks (1): Ryan TannehillFree agents: Matt Moore ($2.5M)
is unrestricted. Pat Devlin ($390K) is an exclusive rights free
agent.
Breakdown: Tannehill had a respectable season as a rookie
starter, but still has a long journey ahead to catch some of his
peers. Moore wants an opportunity to compete for a starting spot
so remaining in Miami isn’t his first choice. The Dolphins will
likely add a young quarterback to groom behind Tannehill if
that’s the case. Devlin is a decent backup, but he lacks an NFL
arm.
Running backs: (5): Lamar Miller, Daniel Thomas, Marcus
Thigpen, Jonas Gray, FB Jorvorskie Lane
Free agents: Starter Reggie Bush ($4.5M) is unrestricted.
Breakdown: Bush is looking for his final big payday. The
Dolphins could re-sign him, at the right price. But the Dolphins
are comfortable with Miller, Thomas, Thigpen and Gray competing
for playing time. One of the coaching staff’s biggest regrets in
2012 was not giving Miller (4.9 yards per carry) more
opportunities. Lane was solid earlier in the year, but
physically wore down. He needs to participate in a full
offseason training program and competition.
Receivers (5): Davone Bess, Armon Binns, Rishard Matthews,
Brian Tyms, Jeff Fuller
Free agents: Starter Brian Hartline ($1.3M) is unrestricted.
Marlon Moore ($490K) is restricted.
Breakdown: The Dolphins are searching for receivers who produce
touchdowns and dynamic run-after-catch plays. Bess and Hartline
are solid options, but fall short in the wow factor. Expect the
Dolphins to spend big money ($40-50 million) adding a veteran
receiver like Greg Jennings, Mike Wallace or Dwayne Bowe.
Re-signing Hartline, who caught 74 passes for 1,083 yards, is an
option, but at the right price. The Dolphins will probably
address the position in the draft too.
Tight ends (3): Charles Clay, Michael Egnew, Kyle Miller
Free agent: Starter Anthony Fasano ($3.6M) is unrestricted.
Jeron Mastrud ($540K) is restricted.
Breakdown: Fasano has scored 23 touchdowns in his five seasons
as a starter in Miami, but he’s not the type of tight end who
threatens a seam and that is what the Dolphins will be searching
for this offseason via free agency or the draft. Re-signing
Fasano as the No. 2 tight end could work since there is concern
Clay is more fullback than tight end, and questions about the
toughness of Egnew, Miami’s third-round pick in 2012.
Offensive linemen (9): Jonathan Martin (OT), John Jerry (OG),
Mike Pouncey (C), Richie Incognito (OG), Josh Samuda (C, OG),
Will Yeatman (OT), Jeff Adams (OT), Chandler Burden (OG), Andrew
McDonald (OT).
Free agents: Starting left tackle Jake Long ($11.2M) and OT/OG
Nate Garner ($1.4M) are unrestricted. OT Patrick Brown ($540K)
is an exclusive rights free agent.
Breakdown: Martin replaced Long for the final five games of the
season and played left tackle better than he did right tackle.
It is likely that’s where Martin will reside in his future if
Long’s asking price doesn’t drop. Miami won’t spend $15 million
putting the franchise tag on Long, so the team’s first-round
pick in 2008 will likely sign with the highest bidder. The
Dolphins need to get more athletic at guard so moving John Jerry
to right tackle is an option. Re-signing Garner, who was solid
as a starter till the season finale, is also an option.[/left]
#Post#: 3467--------------------------------------------------
Re: 2013 DRAFT Who should we target?
By: Fish Fiend Date: February 1, 2013, 7:12 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Why they made two seperate articles to do this I don't know but
here goes:
Miami Dolphins intend to rebuild gutted roster
[font=times new roman]The Miami Dolphins have over $40 million
to spend rebuilding last year's 7-9 team[/font][left]
By Omar Kelly, Sun Sentinel February 1, 2013
The Miami Dolphins have holes to fill at every unit on the team,
but that is mostly by design.
An NFL team doesn't get $46-47 million under the projected
salary cap without making sacrifices, and the Dolphins (7-9)
will likely allow eight starters to become unrestricted free
agents in an attempt to rebuild the entire roster.
General Manager Jeff Ireland hopes to add the pieces that can
make Joe Philbin's offense more dynamic, more explosive, and the
defense more of a force. The hope is that stripping the roster
down won't require too many sacrifices.
"In terms of fire power, look, we had two guys that were over 60
catches," Ireland said, referring to starting receivers Brian
Hartline and Davone Bess, who collectively scored two touchdown
last season. "We've got to find guys that are scoring touchdowns
and getting the ball in the end zone.
"We've got to find guys that are disrupting the passer on
defense, disrupting the receiver getting into the route on
defense as well," Ireland continued. "We're looking to upgrade
in a lot of different areas."
Here is a look at the players under contract for 2013 and the
free agents at each position with their status designated. The
free agent section also includes each player's salary in 2012.
OFFENSE (23 players presently under contract)
Quarterbacks (1): Ryan Tannehill
Free agents: Matt Moore ($2.5M) is unrestricted. Pat Devlin
($390K) is an exclusive rights free agent.
Breakdown: Tannehill had a respectable season as a rookie
starter, but still has a long journey ahead to catch some of his
peers. Moore wants an opportunity to compete for a starting spot
so remaining in Miami isn't his first choice. The Dolphins will
likely add a young quarterback to groom behind Tannehill if
that's the case. Devlin is a decent backup, but he lacks an NFL
arm.
Running backs: (5): Lamar Miller, Daniel Thomas, Marcus
Thigpen, Jonas Gray, FB Jorvorskie Lane
Free agents: Starter Reggie Bush ($4.5M) is unrestricted.
Breakdown: Bush is looking for his final big payday. The
Dolphins could re-sign him, at the right price. But the Dolphins
are comfortable with Miller, Thomas, Thigpen and Gray competing
for playing time. One of the coaching staff's biggest regrets in
2012 was not giving Miller (4.9 yards per carry) more
opportunities. Lane was solid earlier in the year, but
physically wore down. He needs to participate in a full
offseason training program.
Receivers (5): Davone Bess, Armon Binns, Rishard Matthews, Brian
Tyms, Jeff Fuller
Free agents: Starter Brian Hartline ($1.3M) is unrestricted.
Marlon Moore ($490K) is restricted.
Breakdown: The Dolphins are searching for receivers who produce
touchdowns and dynamic run-after-catch plays. Bess and Hartline
are solid options, but fall short in the 'wow' factor. Expect
the Dolphins to spend big money ($40-50 million over a number of
years) adding a veteran receiver like Greg Jennings, Mike
Wallace or Dwayne Bowe. Re-signing Hartline, who caught 74
passes for 1,083 yards, is an option, but at the right price.
The Dolphins will probably address the position in the draft
too.
Tight ends (3): Charles Clay, Michael Egnew, Kyle Miller
Free agent: Starter Anthony Fasano ($3.6M) is unrestricted.
Jeron Mastrud ($540K) is restricted.
Breakdown: Fasano has scored 23 touchdowns in his five seasons
as a starter in Miami, but he's not the type of tight end who
threatens a seam and that is what the Dolphins will be searching
for this offseason via free agency or the draft. Re-signing
Fasano as the No. 2 tight end could work since there is concern
Clay is more fullback than tight end, and questions about the
toughness of Egnew, Miami's third-round pick in 2012.
Offensive linemen (9): Jonathan Martin (OT), John Jerry (OG),
Mike Pouncey (C), Richie Incognito (OG), Josh Samuda (C, OG),
Will Yeatman (OT), Jeff Adams (OT), Chandler Burden (OG), Andrew
McDonald (OT).
Free agents: Starting left tackle Jake Long ($11.2M) and OT/OG
Nate Garner ($1.4M) are unrestricted. OT Patrick Brown ($540K)
is an exclusive rights free agent.
Breakdown: Martin replaced Long for the final five games of the
season and played left tackle better than he did right tackle.
It is likely that's where Martin will reside in his future if
Long's asking price doesn't drop. Miami won't spend $15 million
putting the franchise tag on Long, so the team's first-round
pick in 2008 will likely sign with the highest bidder. The
Dolphins need to get more athletic at guard so moving John Jerry
to right tackle is an option. Re-signing Garner, who was solid
as a starter till the season finale, is also an option.
DEFENSE (21 under contract)
Defensive ends (4): Cameron Wake, Jared Odrick, Olivier Vernon,
Derrick Shelby
Breakdown: Dolphins were wise to lock up Wake, signing the Pro
Bowler to an extension last offseason. But they still need to
find him more pass rushing help via free agency or the draft. If
Odrick moves inside to defensive tackle then Vernon, a former UM
standout who contributed 31 tackles and 3.5 sacks as a rookie,
would be elevated into a starting role.
Defensive tackles (3): Paul Soliai, Kheeston Randall, Chas
Alecxih
Free agents: Starter Randy Starks ($3.725M) and Tony McDaniel
($3M) are unrestricted.
Breakdown: Starks, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, has been a
solid starter for Miami since 2009. He's worth nearly twice the
salary he's earned the past four seasons and could land a $6
million per year contract on the open market. If Starks leaves
Odrick, who is already 300 pounds, would be moved inside. But
the Dolphins would still need more bodies to fortify the team's
strongest unit the past three seasons. Re-signing McDaniel for
less is an option.
Linebackers: (6): Karlos Dansby, Kevin Burnett, Koa Misi, Jason
Trusnik, Jonathan Freeny, Josh Kaddu
Free agents: Inside linebacker Austin Spitler ($540K) is
restricted.
Breakdown: Dansby and Burnett produced their second-straight
100-plus tackles season together. Misi blossomed in a 4-3
scheme, contributing 65 tackles, 3.5 sacks and two forced
fumbles. But Dansby and Burnett are aging, and Misi is entering
the final year of his contract, so a forward-thinking approach
would be beneficial.
Cornerbacks (7): Nolan Carroll, Richard Marshall, Jimmy Wilson,
Dimitri Patterson, Julian Posey, De'Andre Presley, Dion Turner
Free agents: Starter Sean Smith ($565K) is unrestricted. Bryan
McCann (540K) is restricted. R.J. Stanford ($540K) is an
exclusive rights free agent.
Breakdown: Despite his inconsistent play, Smith was the biggest
bargain on the roster the past four seasons. Considering
starting cornerbacks generally earn $5-7 million a year on the
free agent market he's looking to cash out. Miami is looking for
a more versatile cornerback, and there are a few decent options
in free agency and the draft. Getting a healthy Richard Marshall
back should be beneficial, especially if Patterson is retained
at his $4.5 million per season salary.
Safeties (2): Reshad Jones, Kelcie McCray
Free agents: Starter Chris Clemons ($1.3M) and Tyrone Culver
($700K) are unrestricted. FS Jonathon Amaya (540K) is
restricted.
Breakdown: The Dolphins have had eight different safety duos the
past seven years. The best chance of developing some continuity
in the backend is to re-sign Clemons and continue to pair him
with Jones. However, Miami will have some options to upgrade the
position in free agency and the draft. Depth is also a concern
moving forward if Wilson doesn't return to safety.
SPECIAL TEAMS (3 under contract)
Kicker Dan Carpenter; Punter Brandon Fields; Long snapper John
Denney
Free agent: Kicker Nate Kaeding is unrestricted.
Breakdown: Considering Carpenter is slated to earn $2.7 million
in 2013, the final year of his contract, expect Miami to add
competition this offseason, making this fifth-year veteran earn
his roster spot. Ironically, that's how Carpenter actually got
his job, beating out veteran Jay Feely in 2008. Cutting
Carpenter and replacing him with a rookie would create an
additional $2 million-plus in cap space. Restructuring
Carpenter's contract is also an option[/left]
#Post#: 3471--------------------------------------------------
Re: 2013 DRAFT Who should we target?
By: Pizza Boy Date: February 3, 2013, 12:31 pm
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What a mess, they are going to need 144 million to fix that.
Look for a 6-10 season for 2013.
Draft or no draft, no one in this years' draft sticks out all
that much, and
not a very good year to have the draftpicks we have.
Maybe they can trade for more next year, who knows.
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