Dolphins on the Spot

[72 Undefeated]

According to Dolphin Digest (August 2009) there are 4 players viewed as being "on the spot." They are Jason Allen, Shawn Murphy, Paul Soliai, and Earnest Wilford. Each, obviously has something to prove based on past expectations and performance. Of these, or others whom you see on the spot, which, if any, do you think will make the team and/or have a significant impact this year?

Right now, I don't know if any will make a significant contribution although at least Murphy is sharing first team reps. I don't believe he will beat out Thomas, but I think he has progressed to be an adequate back-up in case there is an injury to Thomas or Smiley.

Allen, Sloiai, and Wilford have some rope left but will they hang themselves with it or use it to be rescued? Allen faces stiff competition for a back-up role at CB, however he can play special teams.

Soliai is a refrigerator in the middle, and I would love to see him get to the next level. My hope is that the back-up to Furguson wins the position by performance and not by default.

And then there is Wilford. His rope is not only short, it is very frayed. WTF happened with him? I did read in the Herald today he is starting to make some plays, but I think it is a case of too little, too late. Lot of competition at TE. Unless the Dolphins decide to let Haynos go (if Wilford performs superbly in pre-season games), Wilford is a goner.

In short, I think all but Wilford will make the team, with Soliai and Murphy having the best chance to be major contributors.

Honorable mention of those "on the spot," imo, include Rodrigue Wright (who will be cut unless there are injuries) and Eric Green (I think he will make the team, but if he starts opening day he will shortly be replaced by Smith or Davis).

What say you?

 

[rent this space]

Sparano mentioned something in minicamp about Wilford "presenting problems" for a defense as a TE. then again here he talks about how Wilford can run and catch. imo, if he can become even an decent blocker, he will make it.

 

[KTOWNFINFAN]

Four preseason games will make or break Wilford. Jason Allen has to show something big time in camp or he is a goner. The way I see it we will keep 4 safties, Gibril, Bell, Culver, and Clemons, and 5 corners, Smith, Davis, W. Allen, Eric Green, and either Jones or Allen. Right now I see Jones as winning that battle. Courtney Bryan is a long shot but could possibly beat out both Allen and Jones for the last DB spot. I don't see them keeping more that 9 DBs.

Bryan has looked the best of the three (jones and allen) but I think they would rather keep corners. But with the way Culver and Clemons have been playing they may keep Courtney as a backup figuring both Clemons and Culver will get some playing time.

I can see Clemons being the surprise of the rookie class. In a couple years I can see Davis, Smith and Clemons being as good as Madison, Surtain and Brock was a few years ago. The diffence being how physical these 3 new guys are. All three are huge compared to league average.

 

[Valandui]

Soliai would really have to suck it up to lose his job this season. The other NTs are nowhere near as good as him at this point. As for JA, I still think his versatility will win him a roster spot over the others. Say what you want about him, but he is the only DB we have that can do both CB and safety. This, combined with his special teams prowess, I think makes him safe.

 

[MiamiDolfan85]

According to Dolphin Digest (August 2009) there are 4 players viewed as being "on the spot." They are Jason Allen, Shawn Murphy, Paul Soliai, and Earnest Wilford. Each, obviously has something to prove based on past expectations and performance. Of these, or others whom you see on the spot, which, if any, do you think will make the team and/or have a significant impact this year?

Right now, I don't know if any will make a significant contribution although at least Murphy is sharing first team reps. I don't believe he will beat out Thomas, but I think he has progressed to be an adequate back-up in case there is an injury to Thomas or Smiley.

Allen, Sloiai, and Wilford have some rope left but will they hang themselves with it or use it to be rescued? Allen faces stiff competition for a back-up role at CB, however he can play special teams.

Soliai is a refrigerator in the middle, and I would love to see him get to the next level. My hope is that the back-up to Furguson wins the position by performance and not by default.

And then there is Wilford. His rope is not only short, it is very frayed. WTF happened with him? I did read in the Herald today he is starting to make some plays, but I think it is a case of too little, too late. Lot of competition at TE. Unless the Dolphins decide to let Haynos go (if Wilford performs superbly in pre-season games), Wilford is a goner.

In short, I think all but Wilford will make the team, with Soliai and Murphy having the best chance to be major contributors.

Honorable mention of those "on the spot," imo, include Rodrigue Wright (who will be cut unless there are injuries) and Eric Green (I think he will make the team, but if he starts opening day he will shortly be replaced by Smith or Davis).

What say you?

I wish we'd just trade J. Allen for whatever we can get,and be done w/ him....

He's just taking up a roster spot that could be of more use to us....

 

[miami234ever]

Wilford can potentially make the team as a 4th TE/6th WR but he has to prove he can play ST before makes the team as that. Jason Allen...I used to be very optimistic on him but it's just upsetting now when all the reports about him are about him getting abused/embarassed. Murphy is one of our top 3 guards and I see him doing well for this team. Soliai will stick but Im still not sure if he is our future NT.