Defensive Line

[Perfect72]

So, With the addition of Wright today, how do you feel about our defensive front?

At DT we have:

62 Orrin Thompson
?? Manual Wright
64 Larry Chester
75 Josh Shaw
90 Jeff Zgonina
92 Kevin Vickerson
94 Keith Traylor
95 Tim Bowens (Not officially Retired yet)
97 Dario Romero

At DE we have:

63 John Denny
65 Chris Solomona
71 Vann Brown
79 Ronald Flemmons
91 Vonnie Holliday
93 Kevin Carter
96 David Bowens
97 Matthew Walters
98 Matt Roth
99 Jason Taylor

So, Who makes the team? I've highlighted the ones that are highly probable to make the final roster, with the possible exception of David Bowens whose status is still uncertain.

Also, what is the story on Kevin Vickerson? I thought he was supposed to be some kind of "Monster" that was overlooked in the draft? His bio says he wants to make the other teams "Sorry" for passing on him. Obviously, he has a chip on his shoulder. Is the "Chip" justified? Did the Dolphins go after Wright because he was BPA? Simply to to add depth? Get younger? Did they lose confidence in Vickerson based on the mini-camps? All the above? :confused2

Could there be a "Conspiracy" at play here with the poor workout. Afterall, why would the Dolphins have Wright info a visit, wine & dine him just to pass on him? Is this a Super Smokescreen? Walking out before the workout ended. Did Wright "Sandbag" his workout knowing he would be picked by Miami? :confused2

Please weigh in.

 

[DolfanChris06]

Vickerson is proubly headed for the practice squad after the Manual Wright signing but i think he manual and Alabi could be starting by 06-07

 

[Dudeman]

Flemons was working out at LB in mini camp....probably to see if he could fight for a roster spot....which makes sense, because he's 6'6, 276....thats a HUGE LBer

 

[Silverphin]

That was one big @$$ smokescreen. Truthfully, I actually thought we were going to pass up Wright. I guess there's no predicting what "Doulble-O Saban" is going to do next. At one point it seems as if he's going to pass up on Wright, only to see him scoop him up.

 

[byroan]

Bowens did officially retire. Wright will probably wear #95.

 

[Zeke0123]

Im still worried about DT I feel a bit better about it but we are still old & thin at that spot imho.. as far as who is ready to start right now.

 

[Jimmy James]

This D has big holes at one CB position (be it second starter or nickel), one safety position, and one DL position. There might be players who step up on this defense at some or all of those positions, or we may be playing with an incomplete defense that just won't be nearly as good as what we're all used to.

 

[Nublar7]

How I see it(who will make the 53 man roster):

DE: Vonnie Holliday - David Bowens
DT: Keith Traylor - Manuel Wright
DT: Kevin Carter - Larry Chester(If healthy. If not, Zgonina makes the team)
DE: Jason Taylor - Matt Roth - Ronald Flemons

PS: Kevin Vickerson

 

[Disgustipate]

DT/DE isnt a good division for the Dolphins roster.

Nose Tackle(Will line play 2-gap over Center of A-Gap)
Keith Traylor
Larry Chester
Vonnie Holliday(Lined up in camps before Traylor was signed)

DE/DT 'tweener(Line up at 3-4 DE, 4-3 DE/Undertackle)
Kevin Carter
Vonnie Holliday
Manuel Wright
Kevin Vickerson

OLB/DE(Line up at OLB/4-3 RDE outside of tackles)
Jason Taylor
David Bowens
Matt Roth(Not sure, need confirmation)
Ronald Flemons

Jeff Zgonina doesnt really fit, but I cant imagine he doesnt make the team. He's useful at 4-3 DE.

 

[Jimmy James]

Jeff Zgonina doesnt really fit, but I cant imagine he doesnt make the team. He's useful at 4-3 DE.

Pardon my Zgonina career ignorance, but has he ever played 4-3 DE?

 

[Silverphin]

Pardon my Zgonina career ignorance, but has he ever played 4-3 DE?

I don't know. But I don't think Zgonina should be cut from the team. He put in work for the Dolphins ever since he came to the organization.

 

[Jimmy James]

I don't know. But I don't think Zgonina should be cut from the team. He put in work for the Dolphins ever since he came to the organization.

I might just be nuts, but I still think he's probably heading somewhere in trade for a pick (which might just be a conditional 7th).

 

[Nublar7]

I might just be nuts, but I still think he's probably heading somewhere in trade for a pick (which might just be a conditional 7th).

I would take a 7th rounder for him. I actually think Saban was originally trying to get a 3rd rounder out of St. Louis for him. Of course nobody would do that, but like you said we may be able to get a 7th rounder for him as TC moves along.

 

[Show Me Your TDs]

We usually keep 9DLine roster spots:
DE:
1. Jason Taylor
2. Matt Roth
3. David Bowens
4. Vonnie Holiday
DT:
5. Kevin Carter
6. Keith Traylor
7. Jeff Zgonina
8. Dario Romerio
9. Manuel Wright

PS Vickerson

 

[Jimmy James]

Where does that list leave Chester? If he is able to play, would you project that we get rid of Zgonina somehow?