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Hayden Fox's 2016 Offseason Plan

Hayden Fox

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Overarching Philosophy

  1. Gain Immediate Cap Flexibility: By releasing high salary/unproductive/aging players, extending Jordan Cameron and restructuring Ndamukong Suh, Mike Pouncey and Reshad Jones, I would quickly gain the ability to attack free agency with few restrictions.
  2. Fix the Trenches: Specifically, the guard position must be improved. One guard position I will attacking in the opening hours in free agency. The other will be filled through a competition of a lower-tier free agent, draft pick, Billy Turner and Jamil Douglas.
  3. Re-Tool the Defense: Simply put the defense is not good enough. A major facelift is needed between the philosophy being used and personnel. The unit needs more talent and needs to get more athletic.
  4. Improve Depth: Miami was too thin last season. Through more development and adding talent to the back half of the roster, Miami needs more answers when injuries hit or to have a replacement ready for a struggling starter.
  5. Find Players with Prior Experience with the Coaching Staff: This was an area that Joe Philbin failed. Acquiring players with a past relationship with the the coaches does three things: 1) They can come in and hit the ground running in terms of understanding the systems and techniques being taught. 2) The player might also help the learning curve of the current players when learning the new system/terminology. 3) The new coaches would immediately have allies within the locker room.
  6. Find Value in Free Agency: While I would attack Guard and CB immediately in free agency and would be willing to spend to get the deal done, I would look to find value in other free agent signings. It is time that Miami creates a solid “middle class” within the roster. I am certainly getting aggressive in free agency, but would be looking to sign multiple players from the veteran minimum to the 6 million dollar range.
  7. Draft Healthy Players: The players Miami drafts have to be able to come in and contribute right away in OTA’s and minicamp. Draft only players that have a current clean bill of health by the time they participate in their pro day.

Roster Beliefs


  1. Franchise Tag Olivier Vernon: I am not sure a contract can be agreed upon this year and maybe ever. However, Vernon is asset. First of all, he is a very productive pass rusher and only getting better. He had some tremendous games against some quality LT’s. At only 25 years old, you do not let him walk out the door. I am going to have to make the difficult decision to release Cam Wake. I love Cam Wake. Wake has been an incredible all-time great. I have advocated keeping him, but I was too sentimental. Coming off a major injury and in his mid 30’s, keeping and/or extending Wake is just not smart business. Tagging Vernon allows the team to possibly trade him for picks if a deal is attractive enough. Getting a high compensatory pick next season does little for the team. My plan is to keep OV for another year, but also I am willing to deal him as the draft gets closer if the deal is good enough.
  2. Improve Both Guards: The position was left too young and inexperienced last year. The team needs to add one, top tier guard early in FA. The other guard position I will create competition by adding a low tier free agent, mid round draft pick, Billy Turner and Jamil Douglas. I am hoping through a stiff competition a serviceable to solid player will emerge. For the record, I am not giving up on Douglas. I liked the pick last season and always thought he needed a year to get physically stronger.
  3. Blow Up the LB Corp: The 2015 LB Corp literally made no game changing plays. The lack of a quality MLB killed the defense. The unit needs more athletic ability and players with instincts.
  4. Re-make the Defensive Backfield: Reshad Jones is an elite SS. I am happy with giving Bobby McCain the NCB role. Also, do not sleep on Tyler Patmon getting an opportunity inside. I am excited about Tony Lippett’s development. With all that said, Miami needs two boundary CB’s. Miami lacked anyone last year opposite of Brent Grimes, so that is obvious fill. However, I am also sending Brent Grimes packing. He can still play and his cap number does not bother me compared to other CB’s. That said, I am not saddling my new coach with Miko Grimes. The distractions of the family are leaving Davie. I would try to trade Grimes to a contending team for a late pick. Perhaps the Carolina Panthers or Green Bay Packers would be interested. If I cannot trade him, I will release him with a post-June 1 designation. Finally, free safety is a huge need. The team needs a “coach on the field” that also has instincts in the deep patrol.
  5. Allow Adam Gase to Collect QB’s: Gase’s success with QB’s has been off the charts. Hopefully, Ryan Tannehill is his next success. With that said, allow Gase to take projects and try to develop them on the side. Whether that is a free agent or midround pick, if given time, Gase will develop a QB for this franchise. The FO needs to allow enough roster flexibility to allow Gase to work with his QB’s.

Roster Moves

No Re-sign
QB Moore
FS Delmas
LB Sheppard
OG Smith
OG McClendon
OT John
TE Williams
TE Stoneburner
WR Matthews
DT Thomas
LB Johnson


Players to Release
DE Coples
CB McCain
OT Fox
DE Jordan 3.2
WR Jennings 4.0
DE Wake 8.4
LB Misi: I will not release him until I have signed or drafted a LB to replace him. 3.7
OG Thomas 1.6
DT Mitchell 2.5
LS Denney 1.1
CB * Grimes: I would attempt to trade Grimes for a Day 3 pick. If I failed, I would release him with a Post June 1 designation. 6.5 or 8 mil
Approx Savings: 28 million

Contract Restructures
DT Suh
SS Jones
C Pouncey
Approx Savings: 31 million

Extended Contracts
TE Cameron: I would extend his contract and cut his cap number in half. I think he could thrive for Gase.
Approx Savings: 4 million

****From these moves and the current money under the cap, Miami will have just about 63 million in cap room. After the Vernon tag and RFA/ERFA’s are tendered, Miami will have just over 43 million dollars to use in free agency. Remember, that the team could have 15 million more dollars freed up immediately if Vernon is tagged and traded.

Franchise Tag
DE Vernon: I am completely opposed to letting Vernon walk free into free agency. The tag and trade idea is something I have thought of for awhile now. However, my intention is to have him play under the tag for the 2016 season if a deal cannot be agreed upon.

RFA Tenders
S Thomas

ERFA
CB Patmon
WR Hazel
S Gary

Attempts to Re-sign
DE Shelby
LB Paysinger
RB Miller

Free Agency Plan

Spending Key
Tier 1: 8 million and over
Tier 2: 6-8 million
Tier 3: 4-6 million
Tier 4: 2-4 million
Tier 5: Minimum salary to 2 million
(The listed next to the player’s name is how much I would be willing to spend on the player.)

Targeted Positions:

LG: Out of the gates of free agency, I am attacking the guard position. Once and for all, this offensive line is getting fixed with proven talent along with having legit options in depth. Kelechi Osemele will be my first target because of his ability to dominate at LG and also be a capable backup to Branden Albert in case of injury. I want to get more physical.
Targets:
Kelechi Osemele Tier 2
Alex Boone Tier 3 (would know Chris Foerster well and be a strong fit)
Jeff Allen Tier 3
Ramon Foster Tier 4

CB: I am jettisoning Brent Grimes one way or the other. If not because of the distraction that is his wife, I would keep him. However, he is a distraction and he must be moved. I would love to see if I could get a late pick for him, but if not, I would move on from him.
Targets:
Pacman Jones Tier 3 (Great replacement for Grimes. Plays with an edge/loves Joseph)
Casey Hayward Tier 2
Leon Hall Tier 3 (Steady vet that would provide leadership that has been lacking)
Jerrud Powers Tier 3
Jeremy Lane Tier 4
Possible Release(s): Brandon Carr Tier 4

FS: It is vital that the team finds a captain of the secondary. Early in free agency, will attempt to fill this position.
Targets:
Reggie Nelson Tier 3
Rodney McLeod Tier 3
Walter Thurmond Tier 4
David Burton Tier 5 (has lacked opportunity in Denver, but has potential as a starter)
Michael Griffin Tier 5

MLB: Another target in free agency will be MLB. I would really like to target Vincent Rey because he knows Vance Joseph and the new LB coach, Matt Burke. Rey would also give flexibility in terms of his position. He could easily play SLB if the team came up with a talented MLB in the draft. However, Rey was productive in Cincinnati no matter where he played. That said, I would try to find a solid free agent LB for good value. Also, I am going to hope to continue to develop Zach Vigil. He has potential to be a starting LB in the league with more experience.
Targets:
Vincent Rey Tier 4
Stephen Tulloch Tier 4 (Year two off of the knee injury, he will be much improved)
James Laurinatitis Tier 4
Derrick Johnson Tier 4
Rolando McClain Tier 4
Damario Davis Tier 5
DeMeco Ryans Tier 5
Possible Release(s):
Rey Maualuga Tier 4

RB: I am willing to pay up to 6 million a year for Lamar Miller. However, if he can make more than that on the open market so be it. The RB market will be glutted and the position is being devalued by the year. Find value in a back to work with Jay Ajayi. I am not paying any of the other RB’s 6 million a year. My “own guy” that has low mileage on his odometer, I am willing to pay a bit more to.
Targets:
Lamar Miller Tier 3
Bial Powell Tier 4 (one of the most underrated FA’s in this year’s group.
Matt Forte Tier 4
Ronnie Hillman Tier 5
Chris Ivory Tier 4

DT
I will continue to let the DT flatten through free agency. There are always quality DT’s available later on. Add to the fact that this draft is chalked full of DT’s, veteran DT’s are going to find the pickings slim. I want two things from my DT FA: 1. a wide body that will help stop the run and 2. Be a role model for Jordan Phillips. Phillips can be a stud, but needs to be shown the way.
Targets:
Terrance Knighton Tier 4 (got nothing last year, why would that change a year later)
Brandon Mebane Tier 4
Brandon Thompson Tier 4
Al Woods Tier 5

RG
I am going to try to fill the RG position by adding a low cost FA. This pick up might not end up being the starter...perhaps he might not make the roster. I truly believe that Jamil Douglas should be given a shot make a jump in year two, plus I will add a guard from the draft. However, a vet will be added to the mix, playing for low money on the roster.
Targets:
Jahri Evans Tier 4 (The aging Evans will find an unkind market)
JR Sweezy Tier 5
Amini Silatolu Tier 5
Manny Ramirez Tier 5 (could help as a backup center)
Geoff Schwartz Tier 5
Vlad Ducasse Tier 5
Possible Releases: Louis Vasquez Tier 4

QB
I think Logan Thomas is an interesting backup that can be worked with. At the same time, I will look for a veteran QB, that could put pressure on him in OTA’s and minicamps. Perhaps this QB does not even make the team come August, but I still like a veteran around the meeting room.
Targets:
Jimmy Clausen Tier 5 (He might be of big help to Tannehill as he learns Gase’s system.)
TJ Yates Tier 5
Colt McCoy Tier 5
Matt Hasselbeck Tier 5

WR
I feel the team needs to have a graybeard in the receiver’s room. Perhaps after the draft, the team could add such a player.
Targets:
Nate Washington Tier 5
Andre Caldwell Tier 5
Jason Avant Tier 5
Possible Releases: Brandon LeFell Tier 5

LS
After releasing John Denney, I will need a LS. I would not be opposed to bringing Denney back for lower money. However, a LS will be needed.
Targets:
Jon Dorenbos
Greg Warren
Clark Harris

Draft Focus

While the draft is still a long way out, it is starting to take shape. It is vital this season the team looks to draft BPA. This is a very solid draft on defense and that is the side of the ball, that I would address with at least my first three picks.

(Next to the player is where I currently rate them in terms of round I would draft them.)

Positions to Draft
CB: I think this should be the target in round one all things being equal. I want to match a rookie with my new free agent CB.
Targets:
Vernon Hargreaves RD1: I like Hargreaves, but his size bothers me and I wonder about his long speed. There are some concerns. However, he is competitive, has great short area quickness and ball skils.
Eli Apple RD1: Love his upside and dimensions to match up with AFC East receivers. He is a bit handsy, but he is so young and can be coached up.
William Jackson RD1
Mackensie Alexander RD1
Kendall Fuller RD2
Artie Burns RD2
Rashad Robinson RD2

DE: It is vital Miami adds a DE early in the draft. With Vernon tagged, perhaps the draft pick could end up as Vernon’s replacement in 2017. If Vernon is traded, DE could very well become the most important position to draft in round one.
Targets:
Shaq Lawson RD1
Emmanuel Ogbah RD1
Kevin Dodd RD2
Chris Tapper RD2
Carl Nassib RD2
Shillique Calhoun RD2
Bronson Kaufusi RD3
Jihad Ward RD 3

LB: If a completely healthy Myles Jack falls to 8, I would run the card up to the podium. I would try him at MLB and if it failed, I would move him to WLB. Special player and person. I do not think he will be there at 8, but it is a vintage BPA situation.

I would also add Derron Lee to this discussion. Lee is a pure WLB, but he is special. The potential is through the roof. Unlike Jack, he will be there at 8. Lee will be interesting study leading up to the draft.

Both Jack and Lee will have the ability to match up with Rob Gronkowski and other big TE’s. Jack and Lee are two interesting prospects.

SLB: It is imperative that Miami gets more explosive at LB.
Targets:
Josh Perry RD2: I love this kid. He has potential to play MLB. Big, athletic kid that has high character.
Joe Schobert RD3: All he does is produce.
Kyler Fackrell RD 3
Eric Striker RD 3

*** I am holding on to Misi in case I miss on a potential starter in the draft.

Other positions/prospects to watch rounds 4-7/Undrafted FA
OG: Christian Westerman, Graham Glasgow, Sebastian Tretola, Joe Dahl (could play some OT), Vadal Alexander. This pick would have the opportunity to compete with Jamil Douglas and Billy Turner for the RG position.
MLB: Tyler Matakevich, Nick Kwiatkoski, Nick Vigil, Kentrell Brothers
FS: Deon Bush (love this kid), KJ Dillon, Justin Simmons
CB: Xavien Howard, Brian Poole, De’Vante Harris
TE: Jarrell Adams
OT: Fahn Cooper, Pearce Slater, Avery Young
WR/KR: Tajae Sharpe, Jordan Payton, Kolby Listenbee, Jalin Marshall, Duke Williams
QB: Brandon Allen, Nate Sudfeld, Vernon Adams

Other Roster Notes:
Billy Turner will become my backup RT. If I was not able to sign Osemele, Ju’waun James would be backup LT. I have always thought that Turner was a better fit at OT than guard. I am taking care of flip OT in house ultimately.

I am keeping Jamar Taylor through camp. Vance Joseph as worked wonders with CB’s in his coaching career. I was a Taylor backer before and after his selection, but he has been a brutal disappointment. I am willing to give Taylor one more look.

**** Feel free to discuss and debate. The hot stove is almost upon us.

(All salary cap numbers are based on overthecap.com and free agent list used is via rotoworld.com)

Here was my 2014 offseason plan
[url]http://www.finheaven.com/showthread.php?352200-Hayden-Fox-s-2014-Offseason-Plan[/URL]

Here was my 2015 offseason plan

[url]http://www.finheaven.com/showthread.php?363519-Hayden-Fox-s-2015-Offseason-Plan[/URL]
 
Good write up. I don't agree with all of it but still good reading.
 
My decision to release Cam Wake is brutal and a complete about-face for me. However, a mid 30's pass rusher that is coming off of a bad injury is too steep for the Fins. He might not even be cleared by April. They must find a way to keep the emerging pass rusher or get something of importance in return.

---------- Post added at 12:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:31 PM ----------

Good write up. I don't agree with all of it but still good reading.

It will be tough to find agreement this offseason. Life will be polarizing here and will not be settled until the games are played.
 
Nice read, I agree on Grimes and draft day should be interesting. I think we'll go with Hargreaves but it could get interesting. I really want 2 Lbers as our current heap should be sent to the bone yard.
 
My decision to release Cam Wake is brutal and a complete about-face for me. However, a mid 30's pass rusher that is coming off of a bad injury is too steep for the Fins. He might not even be cleared by April. They must find a way to keep the emerging pass rusher or get something of importance in return.

---------- Post added at 12:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:31 PM ----------



It will be tough to find agreement this offseason. Life will be polarizing here and will not be settled until the games are played.

Whether Wake is on the team or not, they still needs to find another pass rusher or two because we will be losing either Vernon and/or Shelby.
 
It would be a mistake to restructure Suh. It would also be a mistake to dedicate $15 million to a good-but-not-great pass rusher.
 
I agree with moving on from Wake and Grimes and going defense with the first couple of draft picks.
I'm very intrigued with the idea of totally revamping the LB corps in round 1 and 2.

Jenkins - Jack - Perry oh yeah. That lb corps behind Suh/ Phillips should fix our run D pretty damn quick.
 
Nelson or pacman jones , one of them will be a dolphin. Hopefully both. Matt forte is a free agent? Is this correct? I'll go after forte big time because I swear if pats grab forte their offense will be ridiculous.
 
I agree with moving on from Wake and Grimes and going defense with the first couple of draft picks.
I'm very intrigued with the idea of totally revamping the LB corps in round 1 and 2.

Jenkins - Jack - Perry oh yeah. That lb corps behind Suh/ Phillips should fix our run D pretty damn quick.

Only if/when Phillips learns to play with a lower pad level and not get turned so easily at the point of attack.
 
Great write up Hayden :up: Thanks for your time and effort.

Coples and McCain have been cut already.
 
Only if/when Phillips learns to play with a lower pad level and not get turned so easily at the point of attack.

Wouldn't mind a flyer on a fat run stuffing DT later in the draft. We need a space eating DT next to Suh if Phillips never pans out.
 
Great write up Hayden :up: Thanks for your time and effort.

Coples and McCain have been cut already.

Oh I know, I was just keeping a list of those cut. I think I have Fox too. The cuts from those three are accounted for via overthecap.com. Just a list of who has/I would purge.
 
Those must take a ****load of time and effort to put up! Thank you very much!
 
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