Bill and Company really have everyone guessing on the OL situation

[Lee2000]

To me, more than even the QB situation, is how the OL will be re-constructed. You figure one side is there, but one could argue the other side may not be on the team right now. I read the thread on Mormino, and I hope he is ready this year. And I wonder about Wilson as a potenial right tackle, but I have to admit I am a little baffled that the Dolphins stopped at signing one guard.
Recently, the media has begun to speculate about unsigned free agents out there like Fabini. Would you go after some restricted guys in a year when the OL is pretty deep in the draft? I like the two guys with the Steelers, but they are not sure things either. Any better than rookies?
Is it a good strategy to sign older guys that will be stopgaps? Seems like that strategy with Saban didn't work well. What do you guys think?

Lee2000

 

[Marino420TD]

Yes, the fact that we only have 1 proven OT on the roster (Carey) is a bit troubling. One could argue that it may point at us taking J Long. The draft is supposedly deep in OT's, however. I am somewhat concerned that if we pass J Long, we will be forced to pick an OT at 2a, even if there are other excellent prospects who fall out of the 1st round.

 

[Etuoo33]

Parcells has addressed every area of the team in FA, although not with the BIG splashes, just with "value" players, except Smiley. It really seems like were set at C, RG, and either one of the T positions. With Morimino and Wilson we have potential, and depth. With Smiley we need to draft one less OL player.

 

[Lee2000]

While Wilson has potential, there is no way they are set.

Parcells has addressed every area of the team in FA, although not with the BIG splashes, just with "value" players, except Smiley. It really seems like were set at C, RG, and either one of the T positions. With Morimino and Wilson we have potential, and depth. With Smiley we need to draft one less OL player.

Given Bill's track record, every job will be up for grabs. But that is not why I am responding. There are 7 OL on the team, and Carey is the veteran of the group. I don't care if they may splashes or not on the OL. They just need to get some competition. And having that competition be predominantly rookie in nature might not be so promising. It takes OL time to develop just like it does other positions.

Lee2000

 

[MiamiFan1354]

I think that by the end of FA, we sign at least one more guard to compete for a LG position. I thought we had a chance to bring Hadnot back at a lower price, but the fact that we didn't offer him the money he wanted up front probably made it so that he didn't want to be here any more. If we can sign one guard (Matt Lehr, Shane Olivea, or maybe someone after a June 1 cut) who can compete with who we have, and then draft an OT (I still think Jake Long is the pick at #1) we have a pretty respectable line.

Also remember, the FO is building this team for the future, and they don't expect to win now. They are putting together a puzzle, and using the pieces they have now. Next year, more pieces will fall into place and in two to three seasons, we'll have a better idea of how this line will look.

I think we could end up with something like Jake Long or another Pick at LT, a FA or pick at LG, Staele at C, Smiley at RG and Carey at RT. Then in the future, we get someone else to start at LG and a better (or at least a good backup) LT if Long isn't the pick.

 

[finboss]

This might be a real "reach' but there is another wave of cuts coming after June 1. Is it possible that someone as "connected" as the Tuna might know who will be available? Between the draft and the June 1 cuts we could still do a lot for the OL. Just a thought.

 

[emocomputerjock]

With the wealth of talent available in the draft, I'm positive we'll remedy the OT situation there. As far as guards go, there are plenty of them, and there'll be plenty available after cuts.

 

[Geforce]

Bill & Co do not have everyone guessing on the OL situation. Many are taking a wait and see approach as training camp doesn't start for another 5+ months. There is still plenty of time to bring in a few more players like Justin Hartwig, Chris Naeole, Barry Sims and a few draft choices as well.

 

[Duriel]

I heard (during a discussion of Shaun Alexander situation) that June 1st cuts can happen now to allow these players to find teams, yet the accounting would appear as if it took place June 1st.