Early Draft Prediction

[SF Dolphin Fan]

I know it's way early, but I love talking about the draft. As it stands, I still believe Miami will be picking near the middle of the pack with a record of about 7-9. Here's a very eary prediction that's certainly subject to change as we get closer to April. As much as Miami needs a LT, Saban takes Carpenter with the 14th pick in the first round.

A linebacker you say? Well, here's the thinking. First, Carpenter may end up being the best linebacker in a linebacker rich draft. That's certainly arguable, but the guy is 6-3 255 and excellent in pass coverage and rushing the passer. He reminds me of McGinest and just seems like a perfect Saban type player. Plus, with Seau near the end linebacker really could be an area of need. Thomas is still at the top of his game, but is also 30. Moore and Pope are smaller linebackers, who have flashed talent, but don't really fit Saban's mold and Spragan is a quality backup and a decent starter at best. The jury is out on Crowder, but I think he'll be a good football player. Also, if Miami is at 14 Ferguson and Jon Scott are likely to be long gone and some of the other tackle prospect really fit at RT more than LT.

I project a trade up in the later part of the first round, using a 2nd and a 3rd acquired for Ricky Williams to take Trueblood. I haven't seen him play, but he is described as having the feet and size to play LT. At 6-8 he's certainly imposing, but I also have a feeling he may move up draft boards before April and pass some of the other tackles currently discussed more.

In the 3rd round I have Miami taking Brody Croyle, who I think could end up being a steal if he stays healthy. That is a big if, however. I like his arm strength and accuracy.

In the later rounds, Miami may look at DT, S, CB and C depending on who they sign in free agency.

 

[Philter25]

I know it's way early,

I stopped right here cause I agree completely!

 

[Motion]

So your saying we're gonna get a 2nd and a 3rd for Ricky when they've already said he's NOT gonna be traded and Indy and Seattle couldn't get just a 2nd for Edge or Alexander?


Oops...........

 

[kastofsna120]

you should give the full names of the players you want miami to draft, or at least what school they went to. you made this thread like in response to someone else's mock draft

 

[Oboy]

a) yes way too early.

b) Croyle will be taken WELL before the 3rd. Just my gut feeling. Reminds me a bit of Rivers. Solid 4 yr quarterback that just marches up draft boards.

 

[Buddwalk]

Hes talking about Bobby Carpenter...how is he the best LB in the draft when hes not even the best LB on his team

Heres where carpenter ranks on mine and most lists

1. Aj Hawk
2. Chad Greenway
3. Ahmad Brooks
4. Ernie Sims
5. Demeco Ryans
6. Bobby Carpenter

Thats 5 LBs i'd take before him sorry. If we end up with a pick in the top 15 then were taking a QB or a LT

 

[kastofsna120]

nah i'd take carpenter over sims. but there's a huge dropoff after hawk, greenway and brooks. brooks has been disappointing this year, and may slip to the 20s, so carpenter probably won't be a first rounder. and he wants trueblood, who he's never even seen play

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

So your saying we're gonna get a 2nd and a 3rd for Ricky when they've already said he's NOT gonna be traded and Indy and Seattle couldn't get just a 2nd for Edge or Alexander?


Oops...........

I wasn't very clear on that. Actually, I'm projecting that Miami will trade Williams for a low 3rd round pick. The #2 I mentioned was our own.

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

a) yes way too early.

b) Croyle will be taken WELL before the 3rd. Just my gut feeling. Reminds me a bit of Rivers. Solid 4 yr quarterback that just marches up draft boards.

I have the same feeling on Croyle. I think he might go in the 2nd.

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

Hes talking about Bobby Carpenter...how is he the best LB in the draft when hes not even the best LB on his team

Heres where carpenter ranks on mine and most lists

1. Aj Hawk
2. Chad Greenway
3. Ahmad Brooks
4. Ernie Sims
5. Demeco Ryans
6. Bobby Carpenter

Thats 5 LBs i'd take before him sorry. If we end up with a pick in the top 15 then were taking a QB or a LT

Quarterback or left tackle is certainly a strong possibility. Thoses are clearly Miami' biggest weaknesses, at least IMO. That said, a lot depends on who comes out at the quarterback position. As far as the senior qb prospects go its Leinart and then probably no one else in the first round. The Dolphins might jump at a shot for Jacobs, Young or Quinn if they declare. I expect Young and Quinn to stay for their senior years, but you never know.

As to Carpenter I really expect him to move up and pass some of those guys on your list. Hawk is a great player as well, Brooks may be the best but has to be an injury concern. Sims and Ryan are a little smaller, but great players. Carpenter just seems like the right guy for Saban's system so I probably had him higher than most and Miami might as well.

Also, Miami may consider that some good tackles will slip into the 2nd round.

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

nah i'd take carpenter over sims. but there's a huge dropoff after hawk, greenway and brooks. brooks has been disappointing this year, and may slip to the 20s, so carpenter probably won't be a first rounder. and he wants trueblood, who he's never even seen play

I know its still way too early, but Carpenter is no longer a secret and will go higher than a lot of the other linebackers IMO. He's going to rise pretty quickly with the way he's playing. As far as left tackles, no I haven't seen Trueblood so I was going off what I've read and rankings I've seen. Now if Young, Jacobs and a few other junior qb's declare, I could definitely see Miami going for a qb early. But, there really is a need at linebacker as well and not too many people are mentioning that.