FearTheBeard's Complete Offseason Plan - 2014 Edition (Warning very long...)

[FearTheBeard]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]OFFSEASON PREVIEW[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I made a similar post last offseason and it was well received. I think I'm better informed this time around and hope that this mock offseason will prove to be a winner, but at the end of the day I just hope Hickey and Co. Are even more successful. Here's a link to my write up from last year:[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]http://www.finheaven.com/showthread.php?334689-Grushcow-s-in-depth-Cap-Conscious-Offseason-strategy-Give-it-a-read!-(Long)&p=1064596950#post1064596950[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]After the team fell firmly on their face this past offseason, many Dolphins fans are growing restless. After a botched GM search and a media driven bullying scandal, Dolphins fans just want to see a competitive, proud franchise rise from the ashes. In my opinion, this season will hinge on Hickey and Philbin's ability to evaluate talent, and what Bill Lazor can bring to an offense that grew ever more stale with each passing week. Fortunately it appears that we have found our QB of the future and this may just be the year that he takes off. We have plenty of talent, a healthy amount of cap space and are entering a deep draft, so there is reason for optimism (what else do we have right). With the draft's depth at key positions, I think it's important we consider both the strengths of this upcoming FA class as well as what is available to us through the draft. We enter free agency with $39,181,273 in cap space.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Now for my philosophy. I'm not going to change any schemes, I'm only going to consider players that are ideal fits for our offense and defense. Free agency needs to be used correctly, I don't want to be day 1 winners of FA because I want to find some bargain options that see their value diminish as FA runs its' course. With the increase of the salary cap unfortunately this is probably going to be a pricier market for UFA's, but it's a pretty solid market and I see a number of diamonds in the rough. I want to fill as many holes as possible so I can enter the draft without handcuffs and pick from a bigger talent pool. Without a doubt our offensive line must be vastly improved, I don't believe in paying premiums for OL in most cases and this year is no different, the only exception is I have to get a LT at all costs because I think that will set the stage for the whole offseason. We also have a schedule that is going to require solid play from the secondary, I happen to be a believer in Coyle's ability to maximize talent in the secondary. Back to his days when he made decent contributers of former Dolphins corpses Jason Allen, Gibril Wilson and worst of all, Chris Crocker. It could be worse Dolphins fans, just look at some of the past “talent” we've trotted out every week. I was a firm believer this team had playoff level talent last season, and I still feel the same way. With the additions to the coaching staff that have already taken place, if we can make the right moves in free agency and the draft the sun may finally rise at Sunlife.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]NEEDS ENTERING OFFSEASON[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]LT[/FONT]	[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The cluster**** that was our offensive line began with Martin both playing and then later acting like a snake. At times he looked like he was blocking with no arms and was a travesty on the left-side before totally ****ing everyone over. McKinnie stepped in and did at best an average job, but brought a bit of stability and allowed us to roll more protection over to the right side. This is a slot that I want to fill through FA since we sit at a spot in the draft where there's no guarantee we'll be able to find a first round LT. This is my first course of action and I want it done day 1 of FA.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]CB[/FONT]	[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Grimes was easily one of the best FA finds of this past offseason and needs to be retained. A true lockdown corner is needed in the league and I have no doubts we have one in Grimes. Nolan Carroll is also an impending FA and we have few proven commodities behind him. Patterson is also earning too much money for a player who can't consistently stay on the field. With a 2014 slate of pass happy teams the secondary will need to be rock solid. As important as it is to me I feel we can get a lot even out of average corners as long as they fit the scheme, Coyle will get the most out of them.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]C/LG[/FONT]	[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The personnel we had for our blocking scheme was laughable, a total oversight and probably the biggest miscalculation the team made all offseason. We need to get more athletic here and there's a couple solid options in the draft as well as through the draft that I'd love to target. Acquiring a center in free agency would also allow us to shift Pouncey over to LG, where I feel he will provide more value. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]DT[/FONT]	[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Soliai and Starks are both free agents, which leaves us with Jared Odrick entrenched at one of the spots. These guys are part of the best positional group we had last season (and the last couple seasons it would seem). The FA class is also very deep and it appears to be a foregone conclusion that Starks will be playing with a new franchise come next season. That leaves Soliai who will also receive heavy interest on the market, but there will be valuable options once free agency opens and whether it be Soliai or a new face, FA is the approach i would take.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]FS[/FONT]	[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Chris Clemons is another player set to hit the market and it appears we will let him test the waters. Clemons is often overlooked by Dolphins fans and he's a consistent option in the back half of the secondary. The position could be upgraded through FA or the draft but retaining him for the right price would likely be in our best interest, but he is definitely a player that could be upgraded on.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]RB[/FONT]	[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Lamar Miller was stuck behind an awful offensive line and still managed to be an above average ball carrier. With that said, we need more physicality and you won't see Daniel Thomas on any of my teams moving forward. It is also important we find a back who can flourish as a 3 down player and turn Miller into more of a change of pace, homerun hitting back.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]RT[/FONT]	[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]On the surface Tyson Clabo seemed like a great value late in free agency, but he struggled mightily leading up to his benching midseason. That can partially be attributed to Martin as we had to roll blocking over to his side to often, leaving Clabo on an island was recipe for disaster. He came on late in the season but isn't a great fit for our system as a marginal athlete. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]TE2[/FONT]	[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Charles Clay really came into his own last season catching all of us off-guard. Our draft picks have shown little as Sims and Egnew have shown only occasional flashes. A compliment for Clay would be a great addition to the offense and ideally I'd be looking for a big frame who can make plays in the red-zone, but just adding another playmaker to the mix could prove significant in turning the offense around.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]WLB[/FONT]	[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Phillip Wheeler was likely the worst signing of any team in the NFL last offseason and like it or not we're stuck with him on the roster. An upgrade is needed and Jenkins is unproven at this juncture, even with that if the season started today Jenkins would see a big chunk of snaps. A little more talent next to Ellerbe could also help him look like less of a flop and I'm not comfortable standing pat with Wheeler in a starting capacity in 2014.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]RG[/FONT]	[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]This is also a big need, but it is lower on the list because we have a few depth guys who could potentially slide into one of the least significant parts on the OL. Solely losing Jerry will make us better at RG, I think any of Brenner, Garner or Thomas could slide in and perform better than that fat baby. I can't watch Jerry get bitch slapped in the run game anymore and he's a terrible scheme fit. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]FB[/FONT]	[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Having no pure FB on the roster hurt us last year. I want a guy who is well rounded but most importantly can help us in short yardage as a lead blocker. It's important he can be on the field in a variety of different situations. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]LET THEM WALK/NON-TENDER[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]DT Randy Starks[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Starks has been one of the most consistently solid DT's in the league over the last few years and is in for a big payday. Unfortunately he will not get that here, and from everything out there he doesn't have any interest in returning. He'll leave a void next to Odrick that will need to be replaced. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]DT Paul Soliai[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Big Paul seemed like a foregone conclusion to return a couple weeks ago, but the tides have turned and it appears there's going to be a lot of interest in him on the open market. I like Soliai a lot but for the contract he'll net it would be best to get a more complete, 3-down player to pair with Odrick. This is a deep DT class and I'd be happy to bring Paul back for around $6m a year, but I'd also be open to a handful of other guys. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]CB Nolan Carroll[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Nolan Carroll really came into his own last season and I think he's a guy the Dolphins will want back. From my vantage point I'm not comfortable starting him on the boundary and don't think he offers a ton as a nickleback. At a rate under $3m a year I'd consider it but anymore than that I think it's risky, I think this is a classic example of Coyle maximizing talent. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]TE Dustin Keller[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Keller's tenure as a Dolphin didn't go as planned needless to say. I like him but with Clay's emergence he's expendable and if I were to replace him I'd want a big body guy who can make plays in the redzone. At a reduced rate I'd bring back Keller but as it stands he isn't in the cards. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]OG Richie Incognito[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]What needs to be said that hasn't been said? Aside from all that other stuff he was never a great fit for the ZBS so I'd look externally for an upgrade on him. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]OG John Jerry[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]What a waste of space. Fat, lazy and gets bullied worse than Jonathan Martin in the run game. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]OT Bryant McKinnie[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Came in and did a servicable job, still an upgrade is sorely needed. Only way I'd bring back McKinnie is if we strike out on LT's in FA, he'd function as a swing tackle and a place holder for a high draft pick. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]OG David Arkin[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Who?[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]LB Austin Spitler[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Spitler is a solid special teamer and nothing more. We need some fresh faces behind the current incumbents, and hopefully guys that can push the trash in front of them. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]WR Marlon Moore[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Another solid special teamer but I'd prefer a #5 WR with some more upside as a receiver. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]CB Christopher Owens[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Because no one knows he's on the team.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]FREE AGENTS SIGNED[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]This is where it gets fun, we'd be currently sitting at $32,782,660 in space for free agents (before draft picks). Looking at the roster we'd have a hole next to Odrick at DT, we'd still have massive holes across the line, we'd be light at running back and tight end and we could use an upgrade at LB. My first move would be to fix the left tackle spot. After that I'd look to add one more solid OL and then let the less of FA play out looking for bargains and targeting a select few guys. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]OT Jared Veldheer (OAK)[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Now my favorite OT target was the under the radar Anthony Collins. Value wise he'd be a coup, but with a tackle market that all of a sudden has gone from a barren desert to a buffet platter, Dolphins fans may be able to rejoice and get a quality LT. It's possible some of these guys will still get locked up to long term deals leading up to the deadline, but now all these options have the power to test the market. From a value and talent stand point Veldheer takes the cake. He's coming off a bit of a down year due to injury, but his talent is immense. He's an absolute freak of an athlete, earning the moniker “Hulk” and he'd be a perfect fit at a lower price than Eugene Monroe. Personally I don't think you can go wrong with Veldheer, Monroe or Collins as a blind side protector, but Veldheer's my favorite for the spot. Getting our LT locked up on the first day would be huge, and if we have our pick of the litter I'd be extremely happy with any of my top 3. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Sign for 5 years at $40,000,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Alternatives: Eugene Monroe, Anthony Collins, Branden Albert, Roger Saffold[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]DT Linval Joseph(NYG)[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]This would be a great move to replace Soliai. A younger alternative who can play more than 2 downs, Linval is set to hit the market. An East Carolina product, Joseph would slot right into Solai's slot through his prime years. Soliai was a nice piece to have, but in a deep defensive tackle FA pool, we can do better. The next guy in line for me would be Arthur Jones from the Ravens, but outside of him there's plenty of affordable stop gap guys who can stuff the run.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Sign for 5 years at $30,000,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Alternatives: Paul Soliai, Arthur Jones, Pat Sims, Tony McDaniel, Kevin Williams, Cam Thomas [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]OG Jon Asamoah (KC)[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]My next move to fix the shambles that is our OL is to bring in an athletic guard. Asamoah got injured and then never got his starting job back from Geoff Schwartz. Asamoah's a former second rounder and a solid athlete who would fit nicely in the ZB scheme. He's my favorite option, but I'd also be extremely happy with Broncos guard Zane Beadles. He's a career RG but has experience pulling and I'd be comfortable slotting him in at LG, sandwiched between Veldheer and Pouncey we'd have a fantastic left-side. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Sign for 4 years at $16,000,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Alternatives: Zane Beadles, Chad Rinehart, Evan Dietrich-Smith, Wade Smith[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]RB Maurice Jones-Drew (JAX)[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Now I wasn't on this bandwagon initially. 29 year old RB, lots of tread and a sub 4 YPC last year. Pass. But dig a little bit deeper and this could be the hidden gem of FA. We need a RB who can be a 3 down contributer and can grind out tough yards. Enter MJD, just 2 seasons removed from being the league's leading rusher on a terrible Jaguars team. Dig a little bit deeper, his 3.5 YPC...behind an OL that was historically bad at run blocking. How bad you ask? In the 7 years that PFF has been grading, they have hands down the worst run blocking OL ever...not enough? In 110 plays in pass protection he was guilty of ZERO pressures. Tell me that doesn't fit this offense like a glove. Naturally there's risks, but the return could be huge for this offense and we don't need to run him into the ground. Sjax's deal is probably his ceiling, but I think something around $3m should get it done, with incentives that could make it about $4-5m annually. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Sign for 3 years at $10,500,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Alternatives: Ben Tate, LeGarrette Blount, Toby Gerhart[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]CB Tarrel Brown (SF)[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Nicklebacks are becoming extremely important playing roughly 60% of defensive snaps. Jimmy Wilson improved last year but an upgrade would help this team's secondary a lot. I wanted to put Captain Munnerlyn in this slot, but I couldn't get that greedy. Captain would be a great target inside. Brown has been a picture of consistenty and is a true professional, he shouldn't break the bank.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Sign for 3 years at $9,000,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]FB John Kuhn (GB)[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]This offense needs a FB for short yardage situations, but I also want a guy who is well rounded. Kuhn has the GB connection and can do it all. Rumors were that the Packers were only willing to offer him the minimum, this contract should get it done.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Sign for 2 years at $2,000,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]OT Ryan Harris (HOU)[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]This would come late in free agency more than likely, we'll need at least one stop gap on the OL. Harris is a journeyman but has been an average performer and has worked under Benton when he ran a ZBS with the Texans. Harris would know the offense well and be able to function as a stop-gap and potentially be a cheap, above-average starter. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Sign for 1 year at $1,000,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]TOTAL COSTS[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]= $26,500,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]2013 NFL DRAFT[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]ROUND 1 19)C.J. Mosley, LB, Alabama [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]We need to find a way to fix our linebacking core without breaking the bank. I also think we need to infuse some leadership and I think Mosley meets both those criteria. I slot him in at WLB year 1 to replace Wheeler. He has sideline-to-sideline ability and has a well developed all around game. He's a day 1 starter with upside and is a great fit if he reaches here, he'd be solid value. If Mosley is off the board I'd look at playmakers in TE's Eric Ebron or Jace Amaro. Zack Martin would also be in play but if there's no skill position options I would look for a trade down in an effort to grab Xavier Su'a-Filo or the aformentioned Amaro. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]ROUND 2 50) Brandon Thomas, OL, Clemson[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Thomas is one of my personal favorites in this range. I see a guy with the flexibility to play both guard and tackle spots which will give us added flexibility. He can step in day 1 at RG and complete the OL makeover. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]ROUND 3 81) Dominique Easley, DT, Florida[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]In this scenario it's all about BPA. I'm imagining Dominique Easley is off the board, but there should be solid talent available at DT, there's a chance he slips here though. He'd be a great interior pass rusher to pair with Odrick on passing downs. A total coup here.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]ROUND 4 Trai Tuner, OG, LSU[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]One of my favorite guys in the whole draft, the guy is a monster and I have a third round grade on him. He's an athletic road-grader who ran a ZBS in college, recording 10 pancackes against Texas A&M. We need a grinder on the OL, and he can move displaying a 4.93 40 yard dash at the combine. Top of my wish list and an eventual starter at either guard spot with pro-bowl potential. Could work himself into the top 100.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]ROUND 5 David Fales, QB, San Jose St.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]A developmental guy is needed as Devlin is yet to show much. Someone will fall to the 5[SUP]th[/SUP], whether it's Brett Smith, Fales or a guy like Aaron Murray, Tom Savage also is intriguing. If none of those guys are on the board I'd wait it out and grab a guy in the later rounds like Savage. Fales has a great feel for the position but is short on arm strength which could push him down boards. He'd fit our system well.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]ROUND 6 George Atkinson III, RB/KR, Notre Dame[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]We can't trot out Thigpen anymore, we need a new option in the return game.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]ROUND 7 Jordan Najvar, TE, Baylor[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Big body developmental TE with minimal college production. Worthy developmental prospect.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]POS[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Starter[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Backup[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]3rd String[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]4th String[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]QB[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Ryan Tannehill[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Matt Moore[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Pat Devlin[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]David Fales*[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]RB[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Maurice Jones-Drew[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Lamar Miller[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Mike Gillislee[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]George Atkinson*[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Marcus Thigpen[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]FB[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]John Kuhn[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Emmanuel Ogbuehi[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]WR1[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Mike Wallace[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Brandon Gibson[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Ryan Spadola [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]WR2[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Brian Hartline[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Rishard Mathews[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Armon Binns[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]TE[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Charles Clay[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Dion Sims[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Michael Egnew[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Kyle Miller[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Jordan Najvar*[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]LT[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Jared Veldheer[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Will Yeatman [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]LG[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Jon Asamoah[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Trai Turner*[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Michael Ola[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]David Arkin[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]C[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Mike Pouncey[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Nate Garner[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]RG[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Brandon Thomas*[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Sam Brenner[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Dallas Thomas[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]RT[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Ryan Harris[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]POS[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Starter[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Backup[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]3rd String[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]4th String[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]DE[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Cameron Wake[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Derrick Shelby[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]DT[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Jared Odrick[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]A.J. Francis [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Isaako Aaitui[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]DT[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Linval Joseph[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Dominique Easley*[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]DE[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Olivier Vernon[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Dion Jordan[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]WLB[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]C.J. Mosley*[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Phillip Wheeler[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]MLB[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Koa Misi[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Jelani Jenkins [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]SLB[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Dannelle Ellerbe [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Jason Trusnik [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]CB1[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Brent Grimes[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Tarrel Brown[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Jimmy Wilson[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]CB2[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Dmitri Patterson[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Jamar Taylor[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Will Davis[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]FS[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Chris Clemons[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Don Jones[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]SS[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Reshad Jones[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Jordan Kovacs [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]POS[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Starter[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Backup[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]3rd String[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]4th String[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]K[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Caleb Sturgis[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]P[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Brandon Fields[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]LS[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]John Denney[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Name[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Cap Number[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]1[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Mike Wallace[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$17,250,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]2[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Brent Grimes*[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$8,000,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]3[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Jared Veldheer[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$6,000,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]4[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Dannell Ellerbe[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$7,425,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]5[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Cameron Wake[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$7,285,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]6[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Philip Wheeler[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$6,400,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]7[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Brian Hartline[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$6,210,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]8[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Linval Joseph[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$6,000,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]9[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Dion Jordan[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$4,675,522[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]10[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Chris Clemons*[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$4,000,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]11[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Jon Asamoah[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$4,000,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]12[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Brandon Gibson[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$3,735,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]13[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Reshad Jones[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$3,610,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]14[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Brandon Fields[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$3,586,116[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]15[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Maurice Jones-Drew[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$3,500,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]16[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Tarell Brown[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$3,500,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]16[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Ryan Tannehill[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$3,455,046[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]1[/FONT][FONT=Arial, sans-serif]7[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Mike Pouncey[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$2,946,267[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]1[/FONT][FONT=Arial, sans-serif]8[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Jared Odrick[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$2,779,873[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]1[/FONT][FONT=Arial, sans-serif]9[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Dimitri Patterson[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$2,600,000[/FONT] 20 Matt Moore [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$2,500,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]21[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Koa Misi[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$2,328,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]22[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Nate Garner[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$1,791,666[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]23[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]C.J. Mosley (Round 1)[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$1,532,436[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]24[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Charles Clay[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$1,417,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]25[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Jimmy Wilson[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$1,400,475[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]26[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Brandon Thomas (Round 2)[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$1,376,800[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]27[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Jason Trusnik[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$1,071,668[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]28[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]John Kuhn[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$1,000,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]29[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Ryan Harris[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$1,000,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]30[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]John Denney[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$975,087[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]31[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Jamar Taylor[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$824,125[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]32[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Olivier Vernon[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$759,520[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]33[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Michael Egnew[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$742,239[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]34[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Lamar Miller[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$691,500[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]35[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Dallas Thomas[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$671,594[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]36[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Jalil Brown[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$645,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]37[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Pat Devlin[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$645,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]38[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Will Yeatman*[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$645,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]39[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Will Davis[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$630,300[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]40[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Jelani Jenkins[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$613,172[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]41[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Dion Sims[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$611,888[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]42[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Rishard Matthews[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$583,403[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]43[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Derrick Shelby[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$573,334[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]44[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Marcus Thigpen[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$572,500[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]45[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Armon Binns[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$570,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]46[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Dominique Easley (Round 3)[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$567,844[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]47[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Mike Gillislee[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$535,700[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]48[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Caleb Sturgis[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$531,140[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]49[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Don Jones[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$506,474[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]50[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Ryan Spadola[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$495,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]51[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Kyle Miller[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$495,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]#[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]TOP 51[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$136,260,689[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Dead Money[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$4,942,895[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]TOTAL[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$141,203,584[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Salary Cap w/ Rollover[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$151,064,326[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]2015 Rollover[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$9,860,742[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]2015 Total Cap Space[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]$21,774,014[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]OFFSEASON REVIEW[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]So some final thoughts with this offseason. You can see with all these moves that we're still under the salary cap with a good amount of space. There appears to be no significant holes on the roster and decent depth at most positions. We have gone out and upgraded the OL, and even if we don't get our first choice there's solid alternatives in both FA and the draft that would keep us comfortable. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]2015 Salary Cap Outlook With the current offseason I have in place we would enter next offseason with a healthy amount of cap space due to rollover and the nearly $12,000,000 available already in 2015. We'd be looking at $21,774,014. Our key free agents would include Jared Odrick, Charles Clay, Dmitri Patterson, Jimmy Wilson and Matt Moore. Derrick Shelby would also be a RFA. Already there's probably only two guys we'd have to keep at all costs, and that's Clay and Odrick. Even then we have plenty of space, and there's some very safe outs of certain contracts if we need more space:[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Mike Wallace: $5,500,000 (cap saving)[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Dannell Ellerbe: $5,500,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Cameron Wake: $6,900,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Phillip Wheeler: $200,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Koa Misi: $2,704,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Brandon Gibson: $3,206,000[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Nate Garner: $1,650,000 [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]As you can see we could enter next offseason with nearly $30,000,000 with cuts of Ellerbe, Wheeler and Garner. With few holes, of couse some FA's won't work out as well as draft picks, but that is a comfortable amount of money to make moves. 2016 we'd still be looking comfortable likely needing to extend Tanny, Vernon and maybe Lamar Miller. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, sans-serif] [/FONT]

 

[Entourage5]

Great write up!!

 

[CMD]

Great write up man.

A few things:

What do you think about Zach Strief for a stop gap at RT instead? Fits the zone blocking scheme, good pass protector, and shouldn't command that much money going on 31. Might be the 1st guy I'd look at for RT if he hits FA.

Are you taking Mosley based on Martin not being there, or do you think Mosley will be BPA regardless? And what do you think about trading down from that spot, even if Mosley is there?

 

[next-year]

disagree with a good portion of this but it's great to see peoples plans' backed up with reason. Great post.

 

[CMD]

disagree with a good portion of this but it's great to see peoples plans' backed up with reason. Great post.

Mind going into detail? Just to give some constructive criticism for the OP.

 

[next-year]

Mind going into detail? Just to give some constructive criticism for the OP.

Nope

 

[CMD]

Nope

lol, alright.

 

[FearTheBeard]

Great write up man.

A few things:

What do you think about Zach Strief for a stop gap at RT instead? Fits the zone blocking scheme, good pass protector, and shouldn't command that much money going on 31. Might be the 1st guy I'd look at for RT if he hits FA.

Are you taking Mosley based on Martin not being there, or do you think Mosley will be BPA regardless? And what do you think about trading down from that spot, even if Mosley is there?

I am definitely a supporter of Strief. I think he'd get more of a Clabo level deal though...which is too expensive for a stop gap IMO, while fitting everyone in contract wise.

---------- Post added at 08:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:09 PM ----------

Nope

All good, it's not a forum or something.

 

[spiketex]

Very thorough analysis. I'm not familiar with a lot of the new guys that you want to bring in. Interesting that with so many Dolphin players that you are letting go, that you still wanted to spend the money on Matt Moore as insurance. I don't disagree but he's a potential cost saving just sitting out there.
Also think that we should try to get an upgrade at TE. Clay did better than expected, but it would be nice to have a really big weapon for Tannehill. I don't see us just sitting pat on Clay, Egnew and Sims. John Kuhn is an interesting consideration, particularly with Philbin's development up in Green Bay. He's a really high character guy, but the common view is that Fullbacks are dinosaurs. That money could go to getting Nolan Carroll back - we are always going to need more CB depth.
Thank you for your detailed plan.

 

[futurescout]

I don't see CJ Mosley making that long. Love the pick, but I think he is too good not to go top 15. Hard to tell how far Easley drops. He was a first rounder before the injury. Tank Carradine tore his ACL almost 2 months later into the season than Easley and still went in the 30's. I think Brandon Thomas at #50 is too rich for my blood. I have Su'a-Filo, and Gabe Jackson graded higher. I really like David Fales a lot. He's my #5 QB. Also like the Linval Joseph signing a lot.

---------- Post added at 11:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:20 PM ----------

Also not sure if Ryan Harris is an upgrade over Clabo, albeit he is a better fit for the scheme.

 

[spiketex]

Beard - One of our biggest needs on the team is leadership, particularly in the O-line room. In your additions do you have a good strong leader? If we haven't got one, we might need to be finding a future leader in the Draft (like Zach Martin). If your conclusion is that Pouncey is the answer in O-line leadership, that scares the hell out of me and I don't know much about Veldheer.
Many fans will just look at the game skills of the prospective players, but after the mess that we went through, it's a pretty sure bet that we will need to find a decent O-line team leader. It's one of our biggest priorities.

 

[DuderinoN703]

Nope

Classy response

 

[Jojo]

Do you see the Fins getting anything for Daniel Thomas or Jonathan Martin or are they just straight cuts?

 

[doughbraz54]

I didn't want him at the start but I really hope Miami gets Byrd. I know he will be expensive but he was looked up to on defense and he is a playmaker. Would also love to take away from Buffalo. Other than that tweak another great write up FTB.

 

[dagger151]

Byrd=Playmaker. Couldnt agree more. You can never have enough of those kinds of players. That along with a stud TE like Ebron and you're moving in the right direction.