4/16 Mini-camp wrap up

[jim1]

There's some interesting, not so good Manny Wright news in this report.

Minicamp wrap-up

The pre-draft minicamp wrapped up Sunday before the rains came and then we got a chance to talk to coach Cam Cameron and GM Randy Mueller about the upcoming draft. Obviously, they're not going to tip their hand, but they seem to be working well together. Only time will tell. Let's face it, this franchise's recent draft history is pretty grim.

It is a pleasure to actually have press conferences again -- and not press confrontations -- like we did with Nick Saban on a regular basis. Clearly, Cameron is more comfortable in his skin than Saban, who has some serious issues with public speaking and a clear distrust for everybody - not just media. Cameron charms us with hokey sayings and compliments our questions without answering them, but it's still nice to lose the daily tension that Saban brought with him. The Alabama reporters can deal with that now. The players seem more relaxed, too. It's a new era in the NFL, especially after softspoken coaches like Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith reached the Super Bowl last year.



http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_football_dolphins/2007/04/minicamp_wrapup.html

 

[Geforce]

There's some interesting, not so good Manny Wright in this report.

Minicamp wrap-up

The pre-draft minicamp wrapped up Sunday before the rains came and then we got a chance to talk to coach Cam Cameron and GM Randy Mueller about the upcoming draft. Obviously, they're not going to tip their hand, but they seem to be working well together. Only time will tell. Let's face it, this franchise's recent draft history is pretty grim.



It is a pleasure to actually have press conferences again -- and not press confrontations -- like we did with Nick Saban on a regular basis. Clearly, Cameron is more comfortable in his skin than Saban, who has some serious issues with public speaking and a clear distrust for everybody - not just media. Cameron charms us with hokey sayings and compliments our questions without answering them, but it's still nice to lose the daily tension that Saban brought with him. The Alabama reporters can deal with that now. The players seem more relaxed, too. It's a new era in the NFL, especially after softspoken coaches like Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith reached the Super Bowl last year.



http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_football_dolphins/2007/04/minicamp_wrapup.html

Just like Ricky had to do when he came back after "quitting" in 2004, Manny also have to regain the trust of his teammates that he is committed to helping out the team. It is how it should be.

 

[Aqua4Ever04]

I really like that article and I agree that our defense is set. I think the secondary will really suprise some people this year. With Bell a starter from day one and a hard hitting big corner in Jason Allen starting, I think they will suprise some people.

Now the offense needs a little help. There are 4 spots I really want to look at on the draft. Let's go draft Brady Quinn in the first after moving up, draft Ryan Kalil in the second along with Doug Free later in the second and then we have our offensive line set. Just as the Jets did, built that OL in day one while finding our QB of the future.

Our O-Line would be:

LT- Doug Free
LG- Rex Hadnot
C- Ryan Kalil
RG- LJ Shelton
RT- Vernon Carey

I would actully be confident in that squad.

 

[jim1]

I really like that article and I agree that our defense is set. I think the secondary will really suprise some people this year. With Bell a starter from day one and a hard hitting big corner in Jason Allen starting, I think they will suprise some people.

Now the offense needs a little help. There are 4 spots I really want to look at on the draft. Let's go draft Brady Quinn in the first after moving up, draft Ryan Kalil in the second along with Doug Free later in the second and then we have our offensive line set. Just as the Jets did, built that OL in day one while finding our QB of the future.

Our O-Line would be:

LT- Doug Free
LG- Rex Hadnot
C- Ryan Kalil
RG- LJ Shelton
RT- Vernon Carey

I would actully be confident in that squad.

Jason Allen is looking good. I want to go to TC and see him do his stuff. I'm on the Doug Free bandwagon, too.

 

[tay0365]

I really like that article and I agree that our defense is set. I think the secondary will really suprise some people this year. With Bell a starter from day one and a hard hitting big corner in Jason Allen starting, I think they will suprise some people.

Now the offense needs a little help. There are 4 spots I really want to look at on the draft. Let's go draft Brady Quinn in the first after moving up, draft Ryan Kalil in the second along with Doug Free later in the second and then we have our offensive line set. Just as the Jets did, built that OL in day one while finding our QB of the future.

Our O-Line would be:

LT- Doug Free
LG- Rex Hadnot
C- Ryan Kalil
RG- LJ Shelton
RT- Vernon Carey

I would actully be confident in that squad.

:confused: You would feel confident with two Rookies starting, with with one as talented as Kalil?

I really have no problem with that line (Eventually, if we can get them), but unless they both impress a heck of alot, you can not have 2 rookies on a line.....look at the Jets line last year, D'Brickshaw was supposed to be a monster, but struggled a bit, and we can not afford to have anyone struggle, especially out L-tackle.

 

[Aqua4Ever04]

Jason Allen is looking good. I want to go to TC and see him do his stuff. I'm on the Doug Free bandwagon, too.

I too would love to get out there but I do love further away than just about any one here at FH.

I'm really excited about Jason Allen at corner. Like you said, he's looking good and can be a very physical player. This defense has transformed from a finess style squad, to a physical hit you in the mouth unit.

:confused: You would feel confident with two Rookies starting, with with one as talented as Kalil?

I really have no problem with that line (Eventually, if we can get them), but unless they both impress a heck of alot, you can not have 2 rookies on a line.....look at the Jets line last year, D'Brickshaw was supposed to be a monster, but struggled a bit, and we can not afford to have anyone struggle, especially out L-tackle.

Well they went to the playoffs when everyone thought they'd win 5 games so I think that turned out okay for them. Kalil just might be the best OL in this draft but will fall because he plays center, plus he allows us to move Hadnot to left guard where he is best suited at. I know the LT position might still be in a bit of question this upcoming year, but I just don't like Alabi out there yet.

 

[GRYPHONK]

:confused: You would feel confident with two Rookies starting, with with one as talented as Kalil?

I really have no problem with that line (Eventually, if we can get them), but unless they both impress a heck of alot, you can not have 2 rookies on a line.....look at the Jets line last year, D'Brickshaw was supposed to be a monster, but struggled a bit, and we can not afford to have anyone struggle, especially out L-tackle.

Look at SD'S line he last few years. At one point they had 2 rookies starting.

A few years back GB'S starting line had 2 rookies and 1 2nd year guy. That was the year that GB'S line was rated #1 or #2

The Jets also made the Plyoffs and the line played a role in Pennington winning come back player of the year

Don't look at it as having 2 rookies. If they are better it doesn't matter if they are rookies or not

 

[Aqua4Ever04]

You're exactly right GRYPHONK. I'd say offensive line is the easiest position for rookies to step into because as long as you have quick feet, good size, and good technique, you can block any one. (Except Jason Taylor of course.)

 

[CharlestonPhan]

thanks for posting the info.

 

[Kyndig]

:confused: You would feel confident with two Rookies starting, with with one as talented as Kalil?

I really have no problem with that line (Eventually, if we can get them), but unless they both impress a heck of alot, you can not have 2 rookies on a line.....look at the Jets line last year, D'Brickshaw was supposed to be a monster, but struggled a bit, and we can not afford to have anyone struggle, especially out L-tackle.

what are you talking about? ever here of marcus mcneil on the chargers? and the jets made the playoffs with their two rookies...

 

[zonk4ever]

Sorry but I'm not big on a guy that holds out as a rookie, gets a 7 million dollar signing bonus, reports late to camp, uses that as an excuse as to why he sucks, plays like he's in a fog all last year, then shrugs the whole thing as a "redshirt year" for him. Redshirt is a term used for college athletes that don't want to lose a year of eligibility. He got paid a lot more than a college player. Jason Allen is a back up. When and if he becomes a starter, then some excitement is in order. Right now he's the biggest draft day bust from last year.

 

[Kdawg954]

Sorry but I'm not big on a guy that holds out as a rookie, gets a 7 million dollar signing bonus, reports late to camp, uses that as an excuse as to why he sucks, plays like he's in a fog all last year, then shrugs the whole thing as a "redshirt year" for him. Redshirt is a term used for college athletes that don't want to lose a year of eligibility. He got paid a lot more than a college player. Jason Allen is a back up. When and if he becomes a starter, then some excitement is in order. Right now he's the biggest draft day bust from last year.

Bust and first year don't even go together . . . your whole post has a ton of speculation and you don't know what Saban put the kid through. Some people want to feel excited about his potential at CB and don't wan't to be as negative as you are.

 

[Aqua4Ever04]

Bust and first year don't even go together . . . your whole post has a ton of speculation and you don't know what Saban put the kid through. Some people want to feel excited about his potential at CB and don't wan't to be as negative as you are.

Great post. Totally agree with you Kdawg. I look at the positive phyiscal traights that Allen posesses. He is big, tall and strong which is just what Saban like in drafting defensive backs. He and Will Allen make a nice couple at corner IMO.

EDIT: And you're absolutely right about the whole bust idea. The guy didn't even start one game yet and he's already being called a bust? Please. And even if we were going to call someone a bust, Chad Greenway got hurt for the year on the opening kick of the preseason.

 

[phishinphin]

:confused: You would feel confident with two Rookies starting, with with one as talented as Kalil?

I really have no problem with that line (Eventually, if we can get them), but unless they both impress a heck of alot, you can not have 2 rookies on a line.....look at the Jets line last year, D'Brickshaw was supposed to be a monster, but struggled a bit, and we can not afford to have anyone struggle, especially out L-tackle.

:confused:
I beleive two rookies did damn well for the Fins. Do you remember Richmond Webb and Keith Simms?

 

[jim1]

Great post. Totally agree with you Kdawg. I look at the positive phyiscal traights that Allen posesses. He is big, tall and strong which is just what Saban like in drafting defensive backs. He and Will Allen make a nice couple at corner IMO.

EDIT: And you're absolutely right about the whole bust idea. The guy didn't even start one game yet and he's already being called a bust? Please. And even if we were going to call someone a bust, Chad Greenway got hurt for the year on the opening kick of the preseason.

Yup. And Allen is also cat quick. I'm in south Florida, so we get the daily news clips of mini camp. You could see it last year, too- the man can move, big time. Not just straight line speed, but the quickness is fantastic. So he struggled at Safety last year after a hold out- it was his rookie year, I'll let it go. Others disagree- Joe Rose on his local radio show for one, callied him too stupid to play S and not having the skills for CB. Rubbish. Just wait, you'll see this year. He can also make pics and bring the lumber, too.

p.s. I used to live out by you (Portland). That would be one heck of a drive to go to Dolphins TC!