Dolphins to begin sorting through offensive issues; Sims gets vote of confidence | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

Dolphins to begin sorting through offensive issues; Sims gets vote of confidence

datruth55

datruth55

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The Dolphins’ emphasis will be on defense, but a few issues need resolution on offense: 1) Sorting out tight end; 2) Re-signing Kenny Stills or finding a replacement if bidding for Stills goes too high for Miami’s liking; and 3) upgrading at right guard.

With regard to tight end, Dion Sims gave insight into Miami’s thinking this week.

Sims, who will be an unrestricted free agent, told me that not only did coach Adam Gase tell him that he wants to re-sign him, but that Gase views him as a starter.
“He told me he wants me back as a No. 1,” Sims said. “I want to be back. I have obviously proven myself to be a starting tight end in the league and want to continue in that role. I’ve done some great things this year and improved a lot.”

Sims, who replaced concussed Jordan Cameron as Miami’s starter in the ninth game, finished with 26 catches for 256 yards and four touchdowns. A skilled blocker, Sims was rated 39th among 67 tight ends by Pro Football Focus this season. Dolphins backup MarQueis Gray, who recently signed a two-year deal, was rated 28th.

Miami likely will add another veteran tight end or draft one. But even beyond Sims’ vote of confidence, we hear Miami isn’t inclined to make a big offer to New England impending free agent Martellus Bennett (701 receiving yards, seven touchdowns).

The other top veteran tight ends who will be unrestricted free agents: Cameron (who isn’t expected to return to the Dolphins but wants to keep playing despite a history of concussions), Arizona’s Jermaine Gresham (37-391), Green Bay’s Jared Cook (30-377), Washington’s Vernon Davis (44-583), Indianapolis’ Jack Doyle (59-584), Houston’s Ryan Griffin (50-442) and Atlanta’s Levine Toilolo (13-264).

• At receiver, the Dolphins will try to keep Stills --- Gase very much values him and the front office is fully aware of his value, too - but they will need to replace his speed if they get outbid, which is certainly a possibility.

Among receivers with high-end speed, free agent DeSean Jackson would likely be too expensive.

More affordable free agent receivers with very good or great speed, if Stills bolts, would include Carolina’s Ted Ginn, Buffalo’s Marquise Goodwin, Tampa’s Russell Shepard, Dallas’ Terrance Williams and Atlanta’s Aldrick Robinson.

In a worst-case scenario, a player such as Goodwin could compete with, and share No. 3 receiver snaps, with third-round pick Leonte Carroo and another cheap veteran or lower draft pick. Carroo called it a “humbling experience to not play as much” as expected (just three catches, 120 offensive snaps).

Carroo was surpassed by undrafted rookie Rashawn Scott over the final month.

Stills said he prefers to stay but will attract heavy interest.

Stills, Alshon Jeffery, Kenny Britt, Jackson, Pierre Garcon, Brandon LaFell and Terrelle Pryor are the top free-agent receivers.

• The Dolphins are expected to try to upgrade at right guard over Jermon Bushrod (Pro Football Focus’ worst run-blocking guard among 73 qualifiers).
But free-agent starting guard options are limited, a group headlined by include Cincinnati’s Kevin Zeitler, Green Bay’s TJ Lang, Detroit’s Larry Warford, Dallas’ Ronald Leary and Jacksonville’s Luke Joeckel.
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Looks like TE may not be high on the draft wish list.
 
adding a seam tight end in the draft doesn't mean that they have to start

I still think it's a priority although not as much of one right now as lb and de it would seem

if stills bolts I think a pairing of a Russell shepherd and caroo could work

don't bring luke joeckel anywhere near this team

that doesn't really read like Brandon alberts time is up
 
hoops said:
adding a seam tight end in the draft doesn't mean that they have to start

I still think it's a priority although not as much of one right now as lb and de it would seem

if stills bolts I think a pairing of a Russell shepherd and caroo could work

don't bring luke joeckel anywhere near this team

that doesn't really read like Brandon alberts time is up
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He doesn't but I get the sense it won't be high priority in the draft. It feels more like 4th round or later if someone is there...which given the TE from Arkansas screwed up and got busted for shoplifting before the bowl game he might be there.
 
Just understand with the limited option in the free agent market for lineman and a weak draft, we are going to have to spend a hefty amount for one of those guards. We have the money to do so, but it will be pricey.
 
datruth55 said:
He doesn't but I get the sense it won't be high priority in the draft. It feels more like 4th round or later if someone is there...which given the TE from Arkansas screwed up and got busted for shoplifting before the bowl game he might be there.
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makes sense
 
probably gonna have to pay top 10 or top 5 money to a right guard that plays more a top 25 guard type

got a lot of needs I'm not sure I see them adding to the list in 2017 with cutting albert although I get where some people might feel the fall off is upon us and we don't want to be on it when it goes over the ledge
 
hoops said:
probably gonna have to pay top 10 or top 5 money to a right guard that plays more a top 25 guard type

got a lot of needs I'm not sure I see them adding to the list in 2017 with cutting albert although I get where some people might feel the fall off is upon us and we don't want to be on it when it goes over the ledge
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I think you have to hold on to Albert for another year but you need to have plan B ready to go (a better option at LG behind Tunsil). There are a few guys in this draft that can be groomed to eventually fill the LG spot. I'm having more trouble finding a suitable RG in the draft though.
 
Sims: "I’ve done some great things this year "

He thinks pretty highly of himself, doesn't he?
 
On o-line I'd keep it simple and just try to upgrade RG in free agency for now, and try to go with 2016 starters elsewhere. Maybe draft a tackle later for depth and a potential replacement for James if we choose not to re-sign him. Albert's health is a concern, but if we solidify RG, there aren't holes everywhere if we have to kick Tunsil out to LT because of an injury. I like the roster flexibility that Urbik and Steen (if we bring him back) give us in this case. Remember, Steen palyed all year knicked up, and I would venture a guess that it affected his play. To me, I only bring him back if we are confident the back/neck injury is behind him.
 
hoops said:
probably gonna have to pay top 10 or top 5 money to a right guard that plays more a top 25 guard type

got a lot of needs I'm not sure I see them adding to the list in 2017 with cutting albert although I get where some people might feel the fall off is upon us and we don't want to be on it when it goes over the ledge
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True. God-forbid he might be responsible for getting our QB injured . . .

twice.
 
I like some of the things Simms did this year and he's definitely a great blocker. He should be pretty cheap too. Drafting more of a pass catching TE to pair with him would be smart. I wouldn't overspend on a free agent there.

IMO we need to get Stills back and keep this WR group together.
 
I like Sims and want to see him stay in Miami. Though I don't think he will ever be the #1 that we envision. Great complimentary player though.
 
Nobody is mentioning Thomas Duarte.. A couple years away from contributing I guess.
 
We can't read too much into that as to what we're really going to do in free agency and/or the draft. Gase barely gives anything away so I doubt the herald knows what the FO is going to do. By looking at that list of guards I can see it will be harder than I thought to get one. Last off season we should have gotten one as there were several good ones. Unluss someone really wants to come to us we might have to draft a guard which I hate as you never know how they're going to turn out. As far as TE, Simms is a very good #2 but we need a real play maker there. As far as Stiils, I really hope he's back. We don't need another hole there. Alberts might have to be back too due to the lack of guards in free agency this year. Just gotta hope him and Pouncey stay healthy for a change

Ozzy rules!!
 
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