FINS NOT HAPPY WITH VICKERSON
Word out of South Florida is that the Miami Dolphins are unhappy with seventh-round pick Kevin Vickerson, a defensive tackle from Michigan State.
Per a league source, Vickerson has missed and/or arrived late for multiple meetings during the offseason, causing the team to wonder whether it's gotten its teeth into a turd.
Miami's current view of Vickerson could affect his contract negotiations. Typically, low-round picks receive a signing bonus plus three years of minimum salaries. Don't be surprised if the Fins lowball Vickerson on the bonus portion of his package. If Vickerson balks, the team could, in theory, not sign him at all, allowing him to re-enter the draft pool in 2006.
Vickerson's behavior, and the team's reaction to it, makes their interest in USC defensive tackle Manuel Wright, who'll be taken in the July 14 supplemental draft by someone, even more understandable. The Fins already are thin at the D-tackle position, and if they've got questions about one of their 2005 rookies at the position, it's all the more reason to look for more bodies.
Vickerson didn't play for Miami coach Nick Saban at Michigan State. However, Vickerson started in his sophomore season under then-head coach Bobby Williams, who now is a member of the Nicktator's staff.
As a junior, Vickerson was benched by coach John L. Smith. Vickerson got back into the starting lineup as a senior.
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Man, DT isn't looking too good right now. Saban and Mueller better put their heads together, and find some solid replacements for Bowens / Chester fast. I thought Vickerson was going to be a decent addition, but he sounds lazy, and uninterested in the rules being laid out for him. Too bad, I was hoping he would emerge....
PHINZ RULE!!!
