2015 rookie grades: Meager returns for Chargers, Lions, Steelers | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

2015 rookie grades: Meager returns for Chargers, Lions, Steelers

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http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...es-meager-returns-for-chargers-lions-steelers

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The Dolphins were expected to contend for the division crown behind a talented rookie class that was supposed to add some sizzle to the lineup. However, Joe Philbin didn't appear to have a solid plan for assimilating the first-year group into the lineup -- and their negligible contributions played a role in his dismissal. DeVante Parker finished the season with 26 receptions and three touchdowns, but didn't make the impact that most anticipated from the team's top pick. Although he closed the season strong (22 of his 26 reception came in Miami's last six games), Parker should've played a much bigger role for the Dolphins as a rookie. Jay Ajayi, who missed time with a chest injury, showed flashes of talent and potential in minimal action. He could take on a bigger role under a new regime as a big back with a physical running style (especially if Lamar Miller leaves in free agency). Jordan Phillips is an impressive talent with a wide array of skills, but he needs more seasoning to become a steady contributor in the NFL. Tony Lippett and Bobby McCain are untapped commodities as perky cornerbacks with intriguing instincts and athleticism. Lastly, the Dolphins received solid contributions in the kicking game from undrafted free agents Matt Darr (punter) and Andrew Franks (placekicker). It's uncommon for a pair of rookies to man significant roles on special teams, but Miami's young duo played well in Year 1. Grade: C

Need to see a lot more of this draft class next year.
 
I do think that's a fair grade. Overall, I expected more from this group but Philibin was very reluctant to use rookies in his time with Miami. At least Campbell started to incorporate the young players.

I like what I saw from Parker down the stretch and believe he will be at least a very good player for Miami with super stardom possible. Phillips flashed with some big plays here and there. Ajayi has talent and, at the very least, I think is a good complement back. I liked what I saw from McCain and he seems like a good fit covering in the slot.

I have hopes that Lippett will be a contributor down the road. I like his attitude and willingness to learn a new position. Douglas looked overmatched.

Maybe with new coaching we'll get more out of the young players. Developing young players is obviously critical and something that has been missing from recent coaching staffs.

I
 
I remember a few posters claimed that philbin not using rookies as starters was a myth but a few rookies starting in positions of need does not a truth make.
 
Wildbill3 said:
I remember a few posters claimed that philbin not using rookies as starters was a myth but a few rookies starting in positions of need does not a truth make.
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Bill, is everything OK in Wendy letting you post on a Sat. night? JK :)
 
Wildbill3 said:
I remember a few posters claimed that philbin not using rookies as starters was a myth but a few rookies starting in positions of need does not a truth make.
Click to expand...

Doesnt help when you draft players like Dion Jordon, Jamar Taylor and Will Davis who are not good enough to be starters.
I never thought philbin didnt want to play rookies, they just didnt draft that many that were very good out of gate. If you start a guy like Jordon , he is a starter in name but he still sucks
 
This class kinda fell short, but I still think they'll be very solid contributors this next season. Verdict is still out
 
Sounds about right, wasn't in love with the draft afterwards and still don't love it.

Every year this team makes picks that have me scratching my head. Im aware that I don't watch all the college football games every year but its getting old seeing big name guys from big time schools get passed for some scrub that Miami thinks will pan out.

This year we should be pulling in 3-4 immediate starters from the first 4 picks. It really shouldn't be that hard when the team sucks as much as we do.
 
rent this space said:
2013 can be beat by pretty much any class ever

2014 was very good, but I can see 2015 as better in time
Click to expand...

Very good? I confess, I had to go back and check.

Top 20 pick on a RT with limited versatility . . . Good player but a very safe pick with limited upside. Landry was the only great pick, but even he is better suited as a slot guy . . . Return ability has made him more valuable.

After that . . . Meh. Turner flashes but he also has looked worse then Thomas at times. Aikens solid special teamer, we were hoping he would be a starter by now with his hole filled secondary. Lynch was a was a joke, Tripp did nothing, Hazel has done nothing and Fede hasnt shown enough for us to even think about losing Vernon, Wake or Shelby.

Parker has game changing ability. Phillips is a project but he made plays in limited action, will be asked for a bigger role this year. Douglas and Turner is a wash at this point. Lippet and Mccain showed more than most of that 2014 class and Ajayi may start at RB.

Not just you saying it, but that 2014 class is very overrated.
 
Billy Turner needs a great off season along with some top notch coaching and he may yet start at one of the guard positions. I kind of like his game and his nasty streak but the whole o-line needs a new vision and a new scheme that plays to the strength of its athletes. To be on the safe side we better bring in some talent at the guard position. At least one free agent that is pro bowl level or close to it and find a killer guard in the draft. We can't afford to miss on the o-line anymore. We've got to get the right guys in here to get the job done. Also, we know Albert is injury prone so we better be ready with a very good player at swing tackle. I think scheme will help with the sacks and the o-line will look better as a result. Lazor was crap and as a result our offense didn't function at a high level all year. Now we have a guy with brains, it will be a big difference imo.
 
We got more production out of our rookies we didn't draft (Darr, Franks, Hewitt, Hull, Vigil) than the ones we did.
 
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