I am very excited about the direction the Dolphins are headed. I believe that if our picks this year pan out, we could be ready for a deep run into the playoffs next year. I know it's early to start talking about 2008 when 2007 has not even started, but I just want to share a few thoughts.
Our current weaknesses: Coming into this year, we had questions all over the OL, we didn't know who our starting QB might be, we didn't have great playmakers on offense, and our secondary needed some help (esp. in the interceptions department). I feel that if the picks from this year pan out (I know at this point it is a big if, but let's assume for the moment that they do), we will have our QB questions answered as Beck will start in 2008, we will have our playmaker in offense as Ginn will become a #1 WR who will stretch the field and allow other offensive weapons such as Ronnie and Chambers to shine and the interior of our line will be better with Satele.
So what does that leave us wanting for?
Well, I still believe that our OL needs to get much better. And next year will be the year when we finally have a dominant (and I mean dominant) OL. So how? Imagine the following scenario:
We pick up Fanseca (the interior OL stud from Pitt in FA). He has been a pro-bowler for the last 6 straight years. Next year's draft will be the deepest at LT in a long, long time. There could be as many as 6-7 first round LT available with as many as 3-4 with a top 10 grade.
Now imagine a line with a stud LT from the draft that we pick up on the first round, Carey back to RT (where he has the potential to be a pro-bowler) and in the interior of our line Fanseca, Satele, and Hadnot. That to me is a potentially dominant OL.
With Beck as our QB, several playmakers on offense (Ginn, Chambers, Ronnie) and a great OL, we would be all set on offense. Perhaps we could also upgrade at TE, we'll have to see how Martin progresses and who is available next year. However, I think the offense for the most part would be set and that it would be a really good mix of players.
So what's left? On special teams, I feel very good with what we have. Ginn should be a stud PR/KR. We have a very accurate kicker. Maybe we'll need a new punter if the one we drafted does not pan out. Let's see.
On defense we will still have a dominant front 7. Maybe the best front 7 in the league. Yes, at some point we will need to replace Zach and Jason, but not yet in 2008.
So what about the secondary. Well I am very hopeful. I think Jason Allen could turnout to be a #1 CB. We will need to wait and see what happens this year. Regardless, our secondary should be average at worst with another year of being together. Perhaps we can get a stud DB in FA next year or in the draft. But all together, I see a top 5 defense in '08 and if it pans out as above, a top 10 offense as well. That has the makings of a deep playoff run.
So what do finheaveners think? Comments?
Our current weaknesses: Coming into this year, we had questions all over the OL, we didn't know who our starting QB might be, we didn't have great playmakers on offense, and our secondary needed some help (esp. in the interceptions department). I feel that if the picks from this year pan out (I know at this point it is a big if, but let's assume for the moment that they do), we will have our QB questions answered as Beck will start in 2008, we will have our playmaker in offense as Ginn will become a #1 WR who will stretch the field and allow other offensive weapons such as Ronnie and Chambers to shine and the interior of our line will be better with Satele.
So what does that leave us wanting for?
Well, I still believe that our OL needs to get much better. And next year will be the year when we finally have a dominant (and I mean dominant) OL. So how? Imagine the following scenario:
We pick up Fanseca (the interior OL stud from Pitt in FA). He has been a pro-bowler for the last 6 straight years. Next year's draft will be the deepest at LT in a long, long time. There could be as many as 6-7 first round LT available with as many as 3-4 with a top 10 grade.
Now imagine a line with a stud LT from the draft that we pick up on the first round, Carey back to RT (where he has the potential to be a pro-bowler) and in the interior of our line Fanseca, Satele, and Hadnot. That to me is a potentially dominant OL.
With Beck as our QB, several playmakers on offense (Ginn, Chambers, Ronnie) and a great OL, we would be all set on offense. Perhaps we could also upgrade at TE, we'll have to see how Martin progresses and who is available next year. However, I think the offense for the most part would be set and that it would be a really good mix of players.
So what's left? On special teams, I feel very good with what we have. Ginn should be a stud PR/KR. We have a very accurate kicker. Maybe we'll need a new punter if the one we drafted does not pan out. Let's see.
On defense we will still have a dominant front 7. Maybe the best front 7 in the league. Yes, at some point we will need to replace Zach and Jason, but not yet in 2008.
So what about the secondary. Well I am very hopeful. I think Jason Allen could turnout to be a #1 CB. We will need to wait and see what happens this year. Regardless, our secondary should be average at worst with another year of being together. Perhaps we can get a stud DB in FA next year or in the draft. But all together, I see a top 5 defense in '08 and if it pans out as above, a top 10 offense as well. That has the makings of a deep playoff run.
So what do finheaveners think? Comments?
