MIAMI DOLPHINS DRAFT NEEDS
Posted by Mike Florio on March 22, 2008, 7:51 p.m.
Here’s a look at the perceived draft needs of the Miami Dolphins, with heavy input from Matt Miller of NewEraScouting.com.
Quarterback: The departure of Cam Cameron raises serious doubt as to the team’s long-term plans for second-year quarterback John Beck. At 26, Beck is older than most players who have just completed their rookie seasons in the NFL. The Dolphins have added underrated veteran Josh McCown, who likely will push Beck for the starting job. Matt Ryan is a possibility (slim, in our view) with the first overall pick; if Bill Parcells wants the team to be as good is it can within the four years of his contract, it might not be prudent to begin Year One with the development of a high-profile rookie signal-caller. The Fins instead could be tempted to take a quarterback at the top of rounds two or three, if there’s a guy on the board whom Bill Parcells thinks can become “the guy†by 2009.
Offensive tackle: Many were surprised when tackle Anthony Alabi became one of the first victims of the Parcells purge, since Alabi, a fifth-round draft pick in 2005, was expected to enter the starting lineup in 2008. The left side is solid with 2004 first-rounder Vernon Carey, but he is more of a guard than a tackle. Julius Wilson is penciled in as the starter at right tackle.
Drafting Jake Long of Michigan would give the Dolphins a Pro-Bowl caliber offensive tackle. He could man the right side for a year and then flip to the left side, allowing Carey to move inside.
The team has also shown interest in Boston College’s Gosder Cherilus and Jeff Otah of Pitt. Both could be on the board when the Fins pick in round two.
Cornerback: Miami has made an effort to bring talent to the secondary this offseason, but little has been done to actually improve the quality of the guys on the roster. Will Allen and Andre Goodman have the inside track, but neither is considered a lock. Free safety Jason Allen could move to corner, a position he played in college, but it is likely he’ll stay at safety.
Thus, Miami could look at add at least one starting-caliber corner through the draft. G.M. Jeff Ireland has shown interest in Arizona’s Antoine Cason, a player who fits the aggressive defense employed by Parcells’ disciples.
Inside Linebacker: When Zach Thomas was cut, a huge hole opened at middle linebacker. The return to a 3-4 will ease the loss, as will the move of Channing Crowder to the inside. This leaves an opening next to him for a solid run-stopper.
Miami has been interested in Vince Hall (Virginia Tech) and J Leman (Illinois); both might be available in round three.
Strong safety: There are many bodies here, but not much genuine talent. Former Cowboy Keith Davis took the Tuna Train from Texas, but Davis is a marginal starter at best. Look for Miami to possibly address this need in the middle rounds. A player like Tom Zbikowski (Notre Dame) could give them flexibility in the secondary and special teams.
http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/03/22/miami-dolphins-draft-needs/
Posted by Mike Florio on March 22, 2008, 7:51 p.m.
Here’s a look at the perceived draft needs of the Miami Dolphins, with heavy input from Matt Miller of NewEraScouting.com.
Quarterback: The departure of Cam Cameron raises serious doubt as to the team’s long-term plans for second-year quarterback John Beck. At 26, Beck is older than most players who have just completed their rookie seasons in the NFL. The Dolphins have added underrated veteran Josh McCown, who likely will push Beck for the starting job. Matt Ryan is a possibility (slim, in our view) with the first overall pick; if Bill Parcells wants the team to be as good is it can within the four years of his contract, it might not be prudent to begin Year One with the development of a high-profile rookie signal-caller. The Fins instead could be tempted to take a quarterback at the top of rounds two or three, if there’s a guy on the board whom Bill Parcells thinks can become “the guy†by 2009.
Offensive tackle: Many were surprised when tackle Anthony Alabi became one of the first victims of the Parcells purge, since Alabi, a fifth-round draft pick in 2005, was expected to enter the starting lineup in 2008. The left side is solid with 2004 first-rounder Vernon Carey, but he is more of a guard than a tackle. Julius Wilson is penciled in as the starter at right tackle.
Drafting Jake Long of Michigan would give the Dolphins a Pro-Bowl caliber offensive tackle. He could man the right side for a year and then flip to the left side, allowing Carey to move inside.
The team has also shown interest in Boston College’s Gosder Cherilus and Jeff Otah of Pitt. Both could be on the board when the Fins pick in round two.
Cornerback: Miami has made an effort to bring talent to the secondary this offseason, but little has been done to actually improve the quality of the guys on the roster. Will Allen and Andre Goodman have the inside track, but neither is considered a lock. Free safety Jason Allen could move to corner, a position he played in college, but it is likely he’ll stay at safety.
Thus, Miami could look at add at least one starting-caliber corner through the draft. G.M. Jeff Ireland has shown interest in Arizona’s Antoine Cason, a player who fits the aggressive defense employed by Parcells’ disciples.
Inside Linebacker: When Zach Thomas was cut, a huge hole opened at middle linebacker. The return to a 3-4 will ease the loss, as will the move of Channing Crowder to the inside. This leaves an opening next to him for a solid run-stopper.
Miami has been interested in Vince Hall (Virginia Tech) and J Leman (Illinois); both might be available in round three.
Strong safety: There are many bodies here, but not much genuine talent. Former Cowboy Keith Davis took the Tuna Train from Texas, but Davis is a marginal starter at best. Look for Miami to possibly address this need in the middle rounds. A player like Tom Zbikowski (Notre Dame) could give them flexibility in the secondary and special teams.
http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/03/22/miami-dolphins-draft-needs/
