How Many Starters in Free Agency? The Draft? | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

How Many Starters in Free Agency? The Draft?

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It's no secret that Miami has the ammunition and money to make serious moves in both free agency and in the draft. I'm not expecting the Suh-type signings, where the team overpays dramatically, but I do think the team will find some starters in free agency.

So, the question is how many starters in free agency and how many in the draft? I'm saying four in free agency and five in the draft. Specifically, I think Miami will sign two starting caliber offensive linemen in free agency and maybe bring in a pass rusher via that route. The draft? It's quarterback and everything else!
 
Hard to say at this time. As far as free agency, it'd be easier to tell how many starters once we bring them in cause of their body of work in the NFL.
As far as the draft, a QB won't start year one and as far as the other picks, it all depends on who they are. I can see 3 or 4 starters out of free agency but draft picks is a little harder to tell.
 
SF Dolphin Fan said:
It's no secret that Miami has the ammunition and money to make serious moves in both free agency and in the draft. I'm not expecting the Suh-type signings, where the team overpays dramatically, but I do think the team will find some starters in free agency.

So, the question is how many starters in free agency and how many in the draft? I'm saying four in free agency and five in the draft. Specifically, I think Miami will sign two starting caliber offensive linemen in free agency and maybe bring in a pass rusher via that route. The draft? It's quarterback and everything else!
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I suspect the debate will hinge on "starting caliber." Just about any FA OG can replace last year's group and an 'almost' average edge has a shot at starting. I also expect some overlap. With that as baseline, I'll say 'no idea' because I don't know how Miami sees players like Needham, Beigel, Davis, and AVG.

I expect FAs in at least 5 of DT, edge, LB, CB, S, OL, RB. Which gets me to overlap. Miami could sign a FA CB and draft a high CB. which one will start, or both? No idea. And I wouldn't be surprised the rookie QB sits behind RF. With that rambling background, I'll flip your numbers - 5 FAs and 4 rookies.
 
Danny said:
Hard to say at this time. As far as free agency, it'd be easier to tell how many starters once we bring them in cause of their body of work in the NFL.
As far as the draft, a QB won't start year one and as far as the other picks, it all depends on who they are. I can see 3 or 4 starters out of free agency but draft picks is a little harder to tell.
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Agree with you on the quarterback. I could see a drafted quarterback starting at some point in 2020, maybe near the halfway point. But unlikely game one.
 
Hope more in the draft but that’s unlikely, so I will say 7 in FA and 5 from draft.

It’s a terrible draft for interior oline, RB, CB, and DE, so I expect we go after those in FA.
 
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fansinceGWilson said:
I suspect the debate will hinge on "starting caliber." Just about any FA OG can replace last year's group and an 'almost' average edge has a shot at starting. I also expect some overlap. With that as baseline, I'll say 'no idea' because I don't know how Miami sees players like Needham, Beigel, Davis, and AVG.

I expect FAs in at least 5 of DT, edge, LB, CB, S, OL, RB. Which gets me to overlap. Miami could sign a FA CB and draft a high CB. which one will start, or both? No idea. And I wouldn't be surprised the rookie QB sits behind RF. With that rambling background, I'll flip your numbers - 5 FAs and 4 rookies.
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I wonder how the front office now views X. Howard. Personally, at least on the field, I think he could be Miami's best player. But after the domestic violence issue, even though there were no charges filed, you've got to wonder if Miami loads up on corners? This draft has so much talent at the position.
 
I want 2 offensive line starters in free agency.Then add another with a high pick.

Not sure what else they might be looking for in FA, DL picking look pretty slim, secondary maybe?

Draft wise they should add at least 3 starters assuming they use all their picks in rounds 1-3. A high pick QB won't start right now, but they should be able to add multiple starters with those next 5 picks.

Maybe more since the roster is so thin.
 
SF Dolphin Fan said:
I wonder how the front office now views X. Howard. Personally, at least on the field, I think he could be Miami's best player. But after the domestic violence issue, even though there were no charges filed, you've got to wonder if Miami loads up on corners? This draft has so much talent at the position.
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That's one of the big unknowns - CB. I may be in a small minority, but I thought the '20 CBs held up pretty well considering a nonexistent pass rush. I have no idea if Flo agrees or how many new CBs he wants. I'm not saying Miami had 4 possible starting CBs, but I won't be surprised if they think they have enough backups and just want 1-2 more starters. I think X returns.

As far as starters, it depends on how many Miami thinks they have on the roster and what priority they give upgrades. I can make a case for Wilkins, Godchaux, Baker, McMillan, either Beigel or AVG, X, Needham, and Rowe as starters. Maybe others. Almost all of them are subject to upgrade, but I don't know Flo's priorities. I think Miami will sign some clear upgrades, but, also, a a few FAs to compete against players currently on the roster. I can see a mid-tier FA LB, a day 2 LB, and beigel, AVG fighting for a starting job.
 
Ideally I would think your, signing a F/A to a big money contract, to start. The Eric Rowe type signings are made, because of familiarity with the player. Many of them are able to come in and produce right away, in either a starting or reserve role. Miami showed restraint in 2019, offering a certain price point and didn't budge. They didn't chase, like in years past. I'm hopeful Miami will be able to sign at least 2 starting caliber Offensive Linemen and perhaps a starting CB. Im not expecting it, but it sure be nice. I think they are going budget shopping. In the draft I'm hopeful they'll come out of it with at least 4 quality starting type players. Got my fingers crossed.
 
Flores and Co did a lot with a bunch of rejects and practice squad players. I like getting mid tier FA and making them better at a lower cost, then spending big on one or two top FA. Thuney needs to take a job in Miami. Build the OL so there is as better chance whoever plays QB will survive. Wouldn’t mind having Derrick Henry and an OL. Worked well for Tannehill!
 
dagger151 said:
Flores and Co did a lot with a bunch of rejects and practice squad players. I like getting mid tier FA and making them better at a lower cost, then spending big on one or two top FA. Thuney needs to take a job in Miami. Build the OL so there is as better chance whoever plays QB will survive. Wouldn’t mind having Derrick Henry and an OL. Worked well for Tannehill!
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I love Derrick Henry, but that's going to be a big contract. With the draft looking real good at the running back position, I'd go that way and maybe a mid-tier free agent as well.
 
DolfanDuBbZ~ said:
The worst thing this FO can do is throw good money at below avg players.

Be frugal and smart. One or 2 mid grade FA oline men and maybe a DT or edge, at most.
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I believe that's the approach we will see. Although, I wouldn't be surprised if Miami spent on a couple of proven starters. Thuney makes so much sense as he worked with Flores in NE. Guys like that who can make an easier transition to a new team.
 
Definitely need to grab a beast of an interior lineman or two in free agency, and preferably an expensive pass rusher. We need to draft a tackle in the first round that we are comfortable starting immediately, and another on day 2. I can see us drafting a CB anywhere in the first 3 rounds that can come in and compete for a starting gig. Same with safety. We'll obviously have a pair of rookie/FA starters in the backfield as well.

I like the idea of signing Jordan Howard and taking Cam Akers with the Saints pick.
 
Danny said:
Hard to say at this time. As far as free agency, it'd be easier to tell how many starters once we bring them in cause of their body of work in the NFL.
As far as the draft, a QB won't start year one and as far as the other picks, it all depends on who they are. I can see 3 or 4 starters out of free agency but draft picks is a little harder to tell.
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I could also see a couple mid round picks not be ready for the opener, but playing substantial minutes by year's end.

OPs queation is valid, and an interesting debate, but the answer may be a lot more complex than just giving a number.

I would also point out that just because someone is "starting", doesn't necessarily mean theycare very good. We had quite a few guys starting last season, who were not NFL starter talent.
 
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