- Joined
- Jan 5, 2009
- Messages
- 30,987
- Reaction score
- 1,249
Overarching Philosophy
1. Fix the offensive line with ZBS fits.
2. Re-inforce the pass defense. Looking at the schedule for next year (NE twice, Denver, San Diego, Green Bay, Chicago and Detroit), playing effective pass defense is of the utmost importance. It will be necessary to improve the coverage ability of LB's and depth at DB.
3. Play the Market. Outside of landing a LT, I would be willing to wait for the second tier of free agency. Great deals can be made after a few days in free agency. Think of when Brent Grimes was signed last year. I would be willing to be aggressive for a LT, but outside of that, I will be patient and then look to fill the roster with quality fits.
4. With that said, I would be aggressive in free agency fixing the roster.
5. Sign released veterans. Signing a veteran that had just been released does not count against the compensatory draft pick formula for 2015.
6. Find high character and responsible veterans and draft picks to help give direction to the locker room.
7. I would create a plan with the intent of winning this year and giving Joe Philbin a chance to succeed.
Roster Beliefs
* Find the next "Randy Starks". Randy Starks was a quality free agent signed from Tennessee years ago. He has proven to be a great signing. However, now is the time to find another free agent that can come in and play DT at a quality level. I am also willing to let Paul Soliai play the market and see what he is worth. I am looking for a wide body, run stuffer at DT to play with Jared Odrick.
* Pick up veteran RB as a change of pace with Lamar Miller. I want the veteran to be effective in the passing game with blitz pickups. I want him to be a guy that while in the 4 minute drill you can look to as stability to help kill the clock. Finally, perhaps the veteran can teach the finer points of the position to Miller as I am not giving up on Miller as an effective RB in the NFL.
* I am keeping Mike Pouncey, If he is suspended, Nate Garner is his replacement.
* I would release Phillip Wheeler (post June 1st designation) and be willing start LB Jelani Jenkins if I can cannot find a suitable upgrade. I think Jenkins has athletic ability and can be effective in coverage. He is intelligent kid that might be able to make a jump in his second year. It is not acceptable to bring Wheeler back for 2014.
* Jamar Taylor is going to be viewed as a "pick" from this year's draft. He will be counted on to help the pass defense first as a dime or nickel CB. If he is successful in those roles, he would move into more responsibilities on defense.
* I am willing to go "young" behind Ryan Tannehill. I typically prefer a veteran behind a young QB. However, Tannehill is going into his third year and becoming more experienced. Moore has a huge base salary. Plus, I think it is a good investment to take a look at a young QB with upside.
* Jettison Jon Martin and turn the page.
Roster Decisions
Release:
CB Patterson
QB Moore
LB Wheeler- Post June 1st designee
Trade:
OT Martin (if no deal can be made, I would waive him)
Restructure:
WR Wallace
Re-sign Targets
CB Grimes (I would franchise tag if no deal can be agreed upon)
FS Clemons
CB Carroll
DT Soliai
WR Moore
No Re-sign
RT Clabo
LT McKinnie
OG Jerry
OG Incognito
DT Starks
CB Owens
OT Yeatman
OG Watkins
CB Stanford
TE Keller
OG Arkin
LB Spitler
2014 Needs
Offense: LT, RT, LG, RG, OT(swing), RB, FB, QB
Defense: WLB, CB, CB, CB, DT, DT, FS
Free Agency Targets
Contract key
$$$: High end offer
$$: Middle tier offer
$: Low end offer
Notes:
* If the market supersedes my intended expense, I am not considering going above my price outside of LT. LT is the only position I am "impatient" with.
* I did not add free agent targets that are probable to be tagged.
* While I was aggressive, I made a realistic plan based on the Dolphins current room and targets that might be available.
LT: I am going to attack this position in free agency in the early minutes of the signing period. I am not convinced that a starting caliber LT will available at #19 nor do I want to trade up and lose valuable picks in a supposed deep draft. This position must be secured with a quality veteran. I put Monroe ahead of Albert because he is younger, but Albert is currently the better player.
Targets: Eugene Monroe $$$, Branden Albert $$$, Anthony Collins $$
CB: Re-sign or Tag Brent Grimes. He is a heck of CB and needs to be on this team. I would look at the Tim Jennings contract with the Bears as the structure of a deal. If I cannot come to an agreement, I would tag him.
RT: This will be a free agent target as well. Remember how depressed the RT market was last year. I think with patience a quality RT fit can be had. Sebastian Volmer had to wait a long time last year and "only" got 17 million over 4 years with 8.25 guaranteed.
Targets: Zach Strief $$, Austin Howard $$, David Stewart $, Mike Johnson $, Eric Winston $
DT: I am looking for a capable run stuffer. The DT group is deep. Allow the market to play out and quality DT can be signed with great value.
Targets: Paul Soliai $$, Linval Joeseph $$, B.J. Raji $$, Ryan Picket $$, Cedric Thornton $$, Vince Wilfork (if released) $$
OG: I am not spending big money here. I have to find a ZBS fit.
Targets: Wade Smith $, Zane Beadles $, Roger Saffold (inj risk) $, Vladimir Ducasse $, Chris Snee (if released) $
CB: A quality CB opposite of Grimes is needed. There are two unproven candidates in house, but it is necessary to have a solid CB on the other side of the field that has performed at the NFL level. Again, play the market here.
Targets: Tarrell Brown $$, Dominique Rogers Cromartie $, Nolan Carroll $, Carlos Rogers (if released) $, Corey Graham $, Michael Jenkins $
FS: Re-signing Chris Clemons is a priority because I think he is a solid football player. However, I am dumping a ton of money into him at the same time. If I cannot re-sign him, I will turn to do the draft. If I cannot draft a suitable, starting caliber FS, I am willing to start Jimmy Wilson at FS.
Target: Chris Clemons $
TE: I am not a fan of the depth of the TE group in the draft. The top has nice players, but there there is not enough depth. I am going to look for an experienced target in an interesting FA group. I would like to see if I can find Tannehill reliable target, especially in the Red Zone. Also, a reliable target to play opposite of the athletic Charles Clay could give defenses fits. Finally, I still like Dion Sims, but feel it is necessary to double down on this position going into '14.
Target: Scott Chandler $$, Jermichael Finley $$, Brandon Pettigrew $, Ed Dickson $
RB: As explained above, I want to find an experienced hand to help out at RB. The league does not pay for RB and I would not either. I would wait for the market to dry up to strike. RB's are left all the time well beyond the draft. Find a fit at that time.
Targets: Donald Brown $, Legarrette Blount $, Maurice Jones Drew $, James Starks $
FB: This was a missing spot on the roster last year. A true FB is needed for '14. FB's are not expensive in this day in age. Short yardage situations were bugaboo for Miami last season. A lead blocker is necessary. Plus, some of these FA FB's have nice hands to help out in the passing game.
Target: John Kuhn $, Greg Jones $, Vonta Leach (if released) $
Swing OT: A vital depth position, that if not filled properly, can derail a season.
Targets: Khalif Barnes $, Jeremy Trueblood $, Ryan Harris $
Draft:
Notes: Obviously, my success or lack thereof in free agency will determine draft day. I am going to try to set myself up to be able to go BPA instead of looking at needs in May. If I can land my OT's and a veteran DT in FA, I have flexibility for the draft. While many have the same round projection below, I would determine by May who is the better player and if the same grade exists…select a player based on what position is the bigger need.
OG: I need an OG that can start right away. This is a need early in the draft.
Targets: Zach Martin (1), Xavier Su'a-Filo (1/2), Chris Watt (3)
FS: If I cannot re-sign Clemons, Calvin Pryor is very intriguing to me at 19. I wonder if he ends up going earlier than 19 by the time the draft comes into view. Pryor is one of favorite players in the draft at this point. Big time playmaker.
Targets: Calvin Pryor (1), Dion Baily (2-4), Terrence Brooks (3-4), Kenny Ladler (4-5)
WLB: If Wheeler is axed, finding a WLB to compete with Jenkins is necessary. Shazier and Van Noy are 3 down LB's that would improve the defense.
Targets: Ryan Shazier (1), Kyle Van Noy (1/2), Christian Kirksey (3/4)
DT: If I am sitting at 19 and there is value in a DT, I have no issue running the card up for a big man. A Louis Nix or an Aaron Donald would help the team. I do think that some of the other positions of need are going to be there, but DT is best played in waves. However, I might look for a DT in the mid rounds.
Targets: Calvin Burnett, Daquan Jones, Justin Ellis/mid round
CB: A team can never have enough CB's. Much like the DT's, if a highly graded CB drops to 19, I would have to think long and hard about adding a cover CB. I have no issue drafting Justin Gilbert or Kyle Fuller at 19. As the draft unfolds, I will look to draft a CB. There is nothing wrong with competition for Taylor and Will Davis.
Targets: Bradley Roby (2) Stanley Jean Baptiste (2-4), Pierre Desir(3-4)
QB: I am looking for a project and player that could bump Pat Devlin.
Targets: Zach Mettenberger (3-4), Brett Smith (4), Aaron Murray (4/5)
1. Fix the offensive line with ZBS fits.
2. Re-inforce the pass defense. Looking at the schedule for next year (NE twice, Denver, San Diego, Green Bay, Chicago and Detroit), playing effective pass defense is of the utmost importance. It will be necessary to improve the coverage ability of LB's and depth at DB.
3. Play the Market. Outside of landing a LT, I would be willing to wait for the second tier of free agency. Great deals can be made after a few days in free agency. Think of when Brent Grimes was signed last year. I would be willing to be aggressive for a LT, but outside of that, I will be patient and then look to fill the roster with quality fits.
4. With that said, I would be aggressive in free agency fixing the roster.
5. Sign released veterans. Signing a veteran that had just been released does not count against the compensatory draft pick formula for 2015.
6. Find high character and responsible veterans and draft picks to help give direction to the locker room.
7. I would create a plan with the intent of winning this year and giving Joe Philbin a chance to succeed.
Roster Beliefs
* Find the next "Randy Starks". Randy Starks was a quality free agent signed from Tennessee years ago. He has proven to be a great signing. However, now is the time to find another free agent that can come in and play DT at a quality level. I am also willing to let Paul Soliai play the market and see what he is worth. I am looking for a wide body, run stuffer at DT to play with Jared Odrick.
* Pick up veteran RB as a change of pace with Lamar Miller. I want the veteran to be effective in the passing game with blitz pickups. I want him to be a guy that while in the 4 minute drill you can look to as stability to help kill the clock. Finally, perhaps the veteran can teach the finer points of the position to Miller as I am not giving up on Miller as an effective RB in the NFL.
* I am keeping Mike Pouncey, If he is suspended, Nate Garner is his replacement.
* I would release Phillip Wheeler (post June 1st designation) and be willing start LB Jelani Jenkins if I can cannot find a suitable upgrade. I think Jenkins has athletic ability and can be effective in coverage. He is intelligent kid that might be able to make a jump in his second year. It is not acceptable to bring Wheeler back for 2014.
* Jamar Taylor is going to be viewed as a "pick" from this year's draft. He will be counted on to help the pass defense first as a dime or nickel CB. If he is successful in those roles, he would move into more responsibilities on defense.
* I am willing to go "young" behind Ryan Tannehill. I typically prefer a veteran behind a young QB. However, Tannehill is going into his third year and becoming more experienced. Moore has a huge base salary. Plus, I think it is a good investment to take a look at a young QB with upside.
* Jettison Jon Martin and turn the page.
Roster Decisions
Release:
CB Patterson
QB Moore
LB Wheeler- Post June 1st designee
Trade:
OT Martin (if no deal can be made, I would waive him)
Restructure:
WR Wallace
Re-sign Targets
CB Grimes (I would franchise tag if no deal can be agreed upon)
FS Clemons
CB Carroll
DT Soliai
WR Moore
No Re-sign
RT Clabo
LT McKinnie
OG Jerry
OG Incognito
DT Starks
CB Owens
OT Yeatman
OG Watkins
CB Stanford
TE Keller
OG Arkin
LB Spitler
2014 Needs
Offense: LT, RT, LG, RG, OT(swing), RB, FB, QB
Defense: WLB, CB, CB, CB, DT, DT, FS
Free Agency Targets
Contract key
$$$: High end offer
$$: Middle tier offer
$: Low end offer
Notes:
* If the market supersedes my intended expense, I am not considering going above my price outside of LT. LT is the only position I am "impatient" with.
* I did not add free agent targets that are probable to be tagged.
* While I was aggressive, I made a realistic plan based on the Dolphins current room and targets that might be available.
LT: I am going to attack this position in free agency in the early minutes of the signing period. I am not convinced that a starting caliber LT will available at #19 nor do I want to trade up and lose valuable picks in a supposed deep draft. This position must be secured with a quality veteran. I put Monroe ahead of Albert because he is younger, but Albert is currently the better player.
Targets: Eugene Monroe $$$, Branden Albert $$$, Anthony Collins $$
CB: Re-sign or Tag Brent Grimes. He is a heck of CB and needs to be on this team. I would look at the Tim Jennings contract with the Bears as the structure of a deal. If I cannot come to an agreement, I would tag him.
RT: This will be a free agent target as well. Remember how depressed the RT market was last year. I think with patience a quality RT fit can be had. Sebastian Volmer had to wait a long time last year and "only" got 17 million over 4 years with 8.25 guaranteed.
Targets: Zach Strief $$, Austin Howard $$, David Stewart $, Mike Johnson $, Eric Winston $
DT: I am looking for a capable run stuffer. The DT group is deep. Allow the market to play out and quality DT can be signed with great value.
Targets: Paul Soliai $$, Linval Joeseph $$, B.J. Raji $$, Ryan Picket $$, Cedric Thornton $$, Vince Wilfork (if released) $$
OG: I am not spending big money here. I have to find a ZBS fit.
Targets: Wade Smith $, Zane Beadles $, Roger Saffold (inj risk) $, Vladimir Ducasse $, Chris Snee (if released) $
CB: A quality CB opposite of Grimes is needed. There are two unproven candidates in house, but it is necessary to have a solid CB on the other side of the field that has performed at the NFL level. Again, play the market here.
Targets: Tarrell Brown $$, Dominique Rogers Cromartie $, Nolan Carroll $, Carlos Rogers (if released) $, Corey Graham $, Michael Jenkins $
FS: Re-signing Chris Clemons is a priority because I think he is a solid football player. However, I am dumping a ton of money into him at the same time. If I cannot re-sign him, I will turn to do the draft. If I cannot draft a suitable, starting caliber FS, I am willing to start Jimmy Wilson at FS.
Target: Chris Clemons $
TE: I am not a fan of the depth of the TE group in the draft. The top has nice players, but there there is not enough depth. I am going to look for an experienced target in an interesting FA group. I would like to see if I can find Tannehill reliable target, especially in the Red Zone. Also, a reliable target to play opposite of the athletic Charles Clay could give defenses fits. Finally, I still like Dion Sims, but feel it is necessary to double down on this position going into '14.
Target: Scott Chandler $$, Jermichael Finley $$, Brandon Pettigrew $, Ed Dickson $
RB: As explained above, I want to find an experienced hand to help out at RB. The league does not pay for RB and I would not either. I would wait for the market to dry up to strike. RB's are left all the time well beyond the draft. Find a fit at that time.
Targets: Donald Brown $, Legarrette Blount $, Maurice Jones Drew $, James Starks $
FB: This was a missing spot on the roster last year. A true FB is needed for '14. FB's are not expensive in this day in age. Short yardage situations were bugaboo for Miami last season. A lead blocker is necessary. Plus, some of these FA FB's have nice hands to help out in the passing game.
Target: John Kuhn $, Greg Jones $, Vonta Leach (if released) $
Swing OT: A vital depth position, that if not filled properly, can derail a season.
Targets: Khalif Barnes $, Jeremy Trueblood $, Ryan Harris $
Draft:
Notes: Obviously, my success or lack thereof in free agency will determine draft day. I am going to try to set myself up to be able to go BPA instead of looking at needs in May. If I can land my OT's and a veteran DT in FA, I have flexibility for the draft. While many have the same round projection below, I would determine by May who is the better player and if the same grade exists…select a player based on what position is the bigger need.
OG: I need an OG that can start right away. This is a need early in the draft.
Targets: Zach Martin (1), Xavier Su'a-Filo (1/2), Chris Watt (3)
FS: If I cannot re-sign Clemons, Calvin Pryor is very intriguing to me at 19. I wonder if he ends up going earlier than 19 by the time the draft comes into view. Pryor is one of favorite players in the draft at this point. Big time playmaker.
Targets: Calvin Pryor (1), Dion Baily (2-4), Terrence Brooks (3-4), Kenny Ladler (4-5)
WLB: If Wheeler is axed, finding a WLB to compete with Jenkins is necessary. Shazier and Van Noy are 3 down LB's that would improve the defense.
Targets: Ryan Shazier (1), Kyle Van Noy (1/2), Christian Kirksey (3/4)
DT: If I am sitting at 19 and there is value in a DT, I have no issue running the card up for a big man. A Louis Nix or an Aaron Donald would help the team. I do think that some of the other positions of need are going to be there, but DT is best played in waves. However, I might look for a DT in the mid rounds.
Targets: Calvin Burnett, Daquan Jones, Justin Ellis/mid round
CB: A team can never have enough CB's. Much like the DT's, if a highly graded CB drops to 19, I would have to think long and hard about adding a cover CB. I have no issue drafting Justin Gilbert or Kyle Fuller at 19. As the draft unfolds, I will look to draft a CB. There is nothing wrong with competition for Taylor and Will Davis.
Targets: Bradley Roby (2) Stanley Jean Baptiste (2-4), Pierre Desir(3-4)
QB: I am looking for a project and player that could bump Pat Devlin.
Targets: Zach Mettenberger (3-4), Brett Smith (4), Aaron Murray (4/5)
