Big Battles along the Dline

[FinAtic8480]

With Vonnie Holliday gone, don't assume Phillip Merling automatically steps in as a starter at defensive end for the Dolphins. Coach Tony Sparano expects a battle with Merling and Randy Starks, who was very good against the run. Sparano on Saturday praised end Tony McDaniel (picked up from Jacksonville). And the Dolphins like 2008 seventh-rounder Lionel Dotson, whom Justin Smiley called the best pass-rushing end in practice last year.

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/columnists/barry_jackson/story/1029757.html

For the record, I do not relate to you any information on the trenches guys -- outside of them jumping offsides -- because, let's face it, these guys aren't playing football yet. I've seen too many linemen on either side of the ball impress during minicamps where there is no hitting.

And then they disappear when the pads go on and the hitting begins. So to relate scouting reports about a guy's feet is ridiculous to me. I will tell you, however, that Lewis Ellis is becoming something of a media favorite because he simply flashes a lot.

But Ellis is apparently headed to a diet and conditioning program because at 315 pounds, he loses steam as the practice wears on.

Finally, the Dolphins announced Michael Dee has been hired as Chief Executive Officer of the Dolphins and Dolphin Stadium. It probably doesn't matter much to you other than the fact his hire does not change in any fashion the way the football operations is run.

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolphins_in_depth/2009/05/dolphins-rookie-minicamp-is-complete-.html

I love to see that their will be competition along the Dline, but Im really looking forward to the battle this kid Louis Ellis will show Soliai. Soliai was super worried about Miami drafting a DT and right when he thought his job was safe Miami picks up a super athletic huge NT from Shaw. Soliai my boy it seems you better get your act together cause this kid is starting to impress.

 

[Smith21]

more competition the better... im just hoping langford and merling have 6 sacks each this year.. as a 3-4 end that would be amazing..

 

[phinfan33]

one thing is for certain,we do need a NT badly...either Solai steps his game up,or one of the other NT prospects we have steps up and becomes Fergs backup,and eventually takes that job...

 

[Nawledge]

yea im interested to see who wins the jobs on the D-line.

 

[FinAtic8480]

We can forget about Joe Cohen, kid was drafted last year in the 4th round by San Fransisco. Soliai is not as safe as he thinks.

 

[emeraldfin]

I really do hope that Merling takes that other DE position ahead of Starks as you want to see your 2nd year players making the step up and earning their spot on the team.

Lionel Dotson would be a real bonus if he could add to the depth on OLB

 

[GoonBoss]

With Vonnie Holliday gone, don't assume Phillip Merling automatically steps in as a starter at defensive end for the Dolphins. Coach Tony Sparano expects a battle with Merling and Randy Starks, who was very good against the run. Sparano on Saturday praised end Tony McDaniel (picked up from Jacksonville). And the Dolphins like 2008 seventh-rounder Lionel Dotson, whom Justin Smiley called the best pass-rushing end in practice last year.

Sparano praised them. I guess that means they are gonna start next year, since we have to take everything Sparano says at face value.

 

[Rick Cartman]

does anyone remember not too long ago when we had a position need for whatever reason it took this team years to find an answer, i think we went almost 25 years without a stable running back until we got ricky and then ronnie. we've been looking for a qb now for almost ten years, that search seems to be over, and now our o-line looks solid after years of searching. Now it looked like our search for a nose might take a while, but with luck turning around hopefully soliai, cohen, or ellis will be ready.

 

[emeraldfin]

Sparano praised them. I guess that means they are gonna start next year, since we have to take everything Sparano says at face value.

He's hardly going to say they are **** and waiting for someone better to come along now is he?

 

[MrClean]

We can forget about Joe Cohen, kid was drafted last year in the 4th round by San Fransisco. Soliai is not as safe as he thinks.

Cohen was in the 4th round in '07 rather than last year, but I agree if he can avoid injuries he could push Soliai too.

 

[finfan54]

I think people have Fergy drifting off into retirement too soon. Dude was an animal last year. What we need to see is Solai keep his mind right and keep workin. Dude actually started making some plays.

Joe Cohen intrigues me. Dont know boo about the guy but thats ussually the guy who makes people re-assess.