1) OT Jake Long, Michigan
Everything the Dolphins have failed to be the last 5 years: big, mean, productive, and hard-working. Does he have the feet for LT? Maybe, maybe not. The worst-case scenario is that you’re stuck with a perennial Pro Bowl RT for the next 10 years in the mold of Jon Runyan and Jon Jansen, two former Michigan OT’s.
2) LB Quentin Groves, Auburn
Parcells & Co. are keeping a close eye on Groves as a stand-up LB in the 3-4 should they decide to bypass Vernon Gholston and Chris Long with the #1 pick. Groves needs to pick up the intensity a few notches to compliment his athleticism, but has the size and speed to succeed Jason Taylor on the outside.
2) QB Joe Flacco, Deleware
Flacco’s size, pocket-presence, and strong remind me of the Texans’ Matt Schaub. Like Schaub, Flacco may need to marinate at the bottom of the depth chart for 2 few years. In a QB dominated league, having 2 players with the skill set of Flacco and John Beck increases the chances of success.
3) TE Martellus Bennett, Texas A&M*
With 9 TE’s projected to go in the first 80-90 picks, there is no excuse for failing to land a starting-caliber prospect in the first 4 rounds. Bennett doesn’t have that one specific skill that separates him from the pack, but appears to be the best 2-way player at 6’7, 260. Keep in mind Bill Parcells’ first pick of the 3rd round in his first draft with the Cowboys: TE Jason Witten.
4) LB Shawn Crable, Michigan
Although Crable is a productive athlete from a big-time school, he lacks a true position at 6’4, 245 pounds. He’s too lanky right now to be an every down OLB in the 3-4, but could steal 5-10 snaps a game from Joey Porter and succeed him by 2010.
6) WR Dexter Jackson, Appalachain St.
A poor man’s Deion Branch in the slot. He can return kicks, too.
6) G Brandon Keith, Northern Iowa
A massive road-grader at 6’5 – 345. Didn’t exactly dominate at Northern Iowa and was outplayed by teammate and projected late-rounder Chad Rhinehart. All in all, he is the perfect size-power project for Tony Sparano.
7) DE Bryan Mattison, Iowa
Overachiever who plays with great technique. Could stick as a 3-4 DE.
7) OT Tim Butterworth, Slippery Rock
Butterworth interviewed with the Dolphins’ braintrust in March and would prefer to pick him here rather than fight for him on the free agent market.
Fire Away!
Everything the Dolphins have failed to be the last 5 years: big, mean, productive, and hard-working. Does he have the feet for LT? Maybe, maybe not. The worst-case scenario is that you’re stuck with a perennial Pro Bowl RT for the next 10 years in the mold of Jon Runyan and Jon Jansen, two former Michigan OT’s.
2) LB Quentin Groves, Auburn
Parcells & Co. are keeping a close eye on Groves as a stand-up LB in the 3-4 should they decide to bypass Vernon Gholston and Chris Long with the #1 pick. Groves needs to pick up the intensity a few notches to compliment his athleticism, but has the size and speed to succeed Jason Taylor on the outside.
2) QB Joe Flacco, Deleware
Flacco’s size, pocket-presence, and strong remind me of the Texans’ Matt Schaub. Like Schaub, Flacco may need to marinate at the bottom of the depth chart for 2 few years. In a QB dominated league, having 2 players with the skill set of Flacco and John Beck increases the chances of success.
3) TE Martellus Bennett, Texas A&M*
With 9 TE’s projected to go in the first 80-90 picks, there is no excuse for failing to land a starting-caliber prospect in the first 4 rounds. Bennett doesn’t have that one specific skill that separates him from the pack, but appears to be the best 2-way player at 6’7, 260. Keep in mind Bill Parcells’ first pick of the 3rd round in his first draft with the Cowboys: TE Jason Witten.
4) LB Shawn Crable, Michigan
Although Crable is a productive athlete from a big-time school, he lacks a true position at 6’4, 245 pounds. He’s too lanky right now to be an every down OLB in the 3-4, but could steal 5-10 snaps a game from Joey Porter and succeed him by 2010.
6) WR Dexter Jackson, Appalachain St.
A poor man’s Deion Branch in the slot. He can return kicks, too.
6) G Brandon Keith, Northern Iowa
A massive road-grader at 6’5 – 345. Didn’t exactly dominate at Northern Iowa and was outplayed by teammate and projected late-rounder Chad Rhinehart. All in all, he is the perfect size-power project for Tony Sparano.
7) DE Bryan Mattison, Iowa
Overachiever who plays with great technique. Could stick as a 3-4 DE.
7) OT Tim Butterworth, Slippery Rock
Butterworth interviewed with the Dolphins’ braintrust in March and would prefer to pick him here rather than fight for him on the free agent market.
Fire Away!
