I wrote this last off season when I was bored one afternoon.
I sent it in to phins.com after I wrote it and told Curt to post something like this with some depth behind it( Shashaty's stuff is real surface level). But I think he thought I wanted money or somethin.
Just came across it in my documents and thought it was pretty interesting.
2008 Dolphins Opening Day Projected Depth chart, with explanation and cuts
Starting FS
#1 Jason Allen-Clearly the most physically gifted safety we have on the roster. Great size, speed ratio. He’ll fend off challenges from Crocker and Hill. Has the talent to be one of the top ten safeties in the NFL, needs to translate that onto the football field. This is his year
#2 Chris Crocker- A Valuable back up will unsuccessfully challenge J.Allen for starting role but will see the field often in nickel/dime packages and special teams. A very good coverage safety.
#3 Renaldo Hill-If healthy in time for training camp would also compete for starting job, The Dolphins would be very fortunate to have a 3rd string safety of Hills caliber. Lets hope he is healthy.
Starting SS
#1 Yeremiah Bell- One of the leaders of the defense, seems to always be in the right place at the right time when he is on the field. Health is a big question though, of his 5 year career he’s only been healthy for 3. If healthy it’s his job to lose and he will be a stud for the defense.
#2 Keith Davis-A valuable special teamer who could step into the starting lineup and be serviceable if needed. He also has health questions though, missing 8 games last year
Cuts
Courtney Bryan-undrafted free agent from 2007 just doesn’t have enough talent to beat out any of the 5 guys in front of him, could still make the roster if injuries take down anyone of the top 5, which is likely.
Safety Summary
Overall Safety is a big question mark for the defense. We have the talent, and If everybody is healthy then the competition will be fierce for the starting jobs. But that is a BIG IF. Look for J. Allen to make a name for himself this year. He simply has too much talent not to be utilized. Now we know he is better in actual games than in practice.
Starting Cornerbacks
#1 Will Allen -Played very well last year, has a ton of speed and is pretty consistent. Would be an ideal #2 corner but is forced to be the # 1 guy because lack of competition.
#2 Michael Lehan- resigned this off season by the Parcells and company which is a good sign they liked what they saw from him. Solid corner who again would be ideal as the #3 guy but is forced into the starting lineup due to lack of competition.
Backups
#3 Nathan Jones- solid special teamer and quality backup, will have the advantage over T. Daniels for the nickel job because he is a Parcells guy. In 5 defensive back sets I expect Crocker on the field though, not Jones. That is unless Goodman is 100% which I don’t expect.
#4 Travis Daniels-make or break year for Daniels, Fans set expectations too high for him after his solid rookie season, Is a solid backup and that’s it.
#5 Will Billingsley - extremely fast, raw project. Too much speed to cut. Runs a 4.3 forty. If every one above him is healthy the Fins can risk keeping him around as a project.
Cuts
A. Goodman- if he is 100% then he is the #3 corner and would challenge Lehan for the # 2 job. I don’t expect him to be healthy enough to compete though and in the end he gets cut.
J. Thomas-not talented or experienced enough
S. Barbers-undrafted free agent would have to really excel in camp to make roster.
Cornerback summary
Overall the Cornerback position is lacking elite talent, look for Cornerback to be a top priority in the 2009 off-season. This is a serviceable group though. There are many health questions, if Goodman is 100% then that adds an important piece. Billingsley is very intriguing and I’m rooting for him in training camp to be a diamond in the rough.
Starting inside linebackers
#1 Reggie Torber- Solid yet unspectacular tackler. Just what you need from a 3-4 inside linebacker.
#2 Channing Crowder- He needs to make more plays but will fend off Ayodele. Contract season. I expect him to excel from the new coaching staff. Actually a really good fit for the inside of 3-4. Not athletic enough for the outside.
Backups
#3 Akin Ayodele- will lose in a very close competition with Torber and Crowder. A valuable member of the team will be a great backup and special teamer.
#4 Charlie Anderson- Special teams stud will also be in the race for one of the starting spots. Would only be a serviceable starter.
Starting Outside Linebackers
#1 Jason Taylor-Future Hall of Famer. Will start at OLB in our 3-4 and DE in our 4-3. Either way he won’t leave the field. It Would not be smart to trade him unless he is REALLY unhappy with the situation. The team really needs his pass rushing skills
#2 Joey Porter-Solid Playmaker, will stay on the field as an OLB for the 3-4 and the 4-3. Will play better than last year because of a full training camp. Took him awhile last year to get going
Backup
#3 Q. Moses- a rush linebacker in a 3-4 defense. Has the talent, just needs to put it to use. He is lucky the Fins have no depth at OLB. May actually play a very vital role in the decision to use the 3-4 or 4-3. With no OLB depth the Fins may be forced to use the 4-3. If Moses steps up and can prove that he could fill in for Taylor or Porter than the Fins have more options.
Linebacker cuts
Edmond Miles-doesn’t fit anywhere, not big enough for the inside on 3-4 and doesn’t have the pass rush ability for the outside. His only chance is if the fins decide to use strictly a 4-3.
Kelvin Smith-same situation as Miles. Both will have to really excel for a chance
These Undrafted Free agent Linebackers actually have a better shot than Miles and Smith, as they were brought in by Parcells. But in the end we have to much talent on the D-line to keep anymore linebackers.
K.Saunders
T.Brown
K.Poppinga
J.Glymph
Linebacker summary
The Inside Linebacker battle should be intense. Ayodele, Crowder and Torber fighting for two jobs will only help the team. Porter and Taylor can both bring pressure to the opposing quarterback. Depth at the OLB spot is very thin though. If something happens to Taylor or Porter and Moses doesn’t surprise us. Then the Dolphins will most likely have to play a 4-3.
Starting defensive tackle
#1 Jason Ferguson-Big , hard to move DT, will anchor the nose tackle position if we use a 3-4 and start at DT in the 4-3.
Backups
#2 Randy Starks-20 million dollar free agent will lose in the battle to start at one of the DE positions and in the end he will spell Ferguson as the nose tackle.
#3 Paul Soliai- Huge, if Sparono lights a fire under his butt he would be a nice young nose tackle. Has the talent but played soft last year. He needs to watch some Casey Hampton film and take notes. He was the 52nd player to make my roster, that should say something. Hangs in there by a thread.
Starting Ends
#1 Right DE-V. Holliday- just a solid football player, will fend off R. Starks in a great competition. An ideal starting DE in the 3-4. Tough against the run but can also penetrate.
#1 Left DE-P. Merling- Once he is healthy he will show why he was considered a top 15 draft pick. Ideal 3-4 Defensive end. Big, Strong athletic football player
Backups
#2 R. Wright- Will come in and spell Holiday and Merling. A good young football player. Will be in the competition for one of the starting jobs
#3 K. Langford-A true unknown. Parcels and Company saw enough potential to use a high third round pick on him. Enough talent in front of him to develop slowly. A very big upside. Basically unmovable on the D-Line
#4 A.Toribio- High effort big man will fend off Dotson for the last D-line job.
Defensive Line cuts
M. Roth- too young and good to cut, but unless we exclusively use a 4-3 I just don’t see him fitting in. Can’t anchor well enough to play end in the 3-4. In the end I think we will trade him, A 4th round pick is the best we can get for him. If we go with a 4-3 he will be a regular in the D-line rotation
L.Doston-Practice squad player, Will battle Toribio for last D-line job. Has some upside.
K.Robertson- Huge, needs a great camp to back up Ferguson.
R.Nincovich- Only chance is to prove his worth as a pass rushing OLB
Defensive Line summary
Overall The defensive line became a strength this off-season. With the additions of Ferguson, Merling, Starks and Langford to go along with Holiday and R. Wright the Dolphins became a team that will NOT get pushed around. We now have good veteran leadership to go along with solid young talent. Our D-line depth is so good that we may be forced to play a 4-3 to get our best players on the field. I’m not going to bet on that though
Starting Quarterback
#1 John Beck- extremely accurate, gritty leader. Watching Tape of him just gives you the feeling that with a little experience he will find ways to win games for the Dolphins. The quarterback position will be one of the best competition battles in training camp. McCown and Henne are both talented. But in the end Beck wins the job. He has very sneaky mobility and a great feel for pass rush. Last years embarrassing experience was great for his development, giving him more motivation. If the O-line comes together expect him to be the surprise player in the NFL this year. I know, that’s a bold statement.
Backups
#2. McCown- Solid veteran will be a reliable and steady backup. He wants SO bad to be the starter that if he loses there is a chance he could become a locker room cancer. The Raiders offered him the backup job to J. Russell and he moved his family to Miami for a chance to start. He will give Beck a run for his money though. that’s for sure
#3. Henne-I’m really looking forward to seeing Henne develop. He is the kind of guy that probably doesn’t know what it’s like to finish 2nd place in anything, let alone 3rd place. This quarterback battle is the best we have had in years. Henne will lose the battle to Beck, and Mcown is more seasoned and will be a better #2 option to come off the bench. Henne will develop and eventually the Dolphins will have a great problem, two starting Caliber quarterbacks.
Starting Running back
#1 Ronnie Brown- Talent wise he is the ideal NFL running back. Great teammate, Great runner, Great blocker Great pass catcher. He can outrun, out power or out juke defenders. He has it all, except he is injury prone. And there are questions to whether he can come back 100% from his serious knee injury. When he is 100% there is no running back in the NFL who is more complete.
#2 Ricky Williams- The question about Rick is can he keep it together for a full season? Well now he is forced to financially. He has the talent to be a starter, and will be a huge asset this season with Ronnie coming back from his knee injury.
#3 Jalen Parmele- A tough hard nosed runner similar to the running styles of Ron and Rick. Will have to earn his paycheck on special teams. Will beat out P.Cobbs for the 3rd RB position
Cuts
P. Cobbs - will have to really contribute on special teams to beat out Parmele.
Starting Fullback
#1 Reagan Mauia- Apparently he is the type of guy you don’t want to stare at ,our your going to get socked in the face. He will have to get his off-season arrest taken care of if he wants Parcels to keep him around. A real Bad A$$. The type of guy you don’t want to see on an opposing team. Devastating blocker.
#2 Boomer Grisby- Another special teams stud brought in by Parcels. Too good on special teams to get cut, not as good of a runner as Lex Hilliard, but he gets the nod due to his special teams prowess.
Cuts
Lex Hilliard- Qaulity running fullback won’t beat out Maui or Grisby
The Dolphins running backs have a ton of Talent and a ton of questions. R. Brown needs to come back 100% from his injury, R. Williams needs to stay focused on football and R. Mauia needs to stop punching guys in the face. But if all those things happen, then the Dolphins are set.
Starting Wide receivers
#1 Ted Ginn- The fastest player I have ever seen. He wins every foot race before it even starts. When he returned the kickoff for a touchdown against the Bills last year(it was called back because a penalty)Terence Mcgee, who happens to return kicks for the Bills, had a great angle on Ginn while trying to tackle him, I mean a really good angle and McGee is fast, but Ginn just turned on the Jets and sprinted past him for the touchdown. It is a very good example of how fast Ginn really is. The video can be seen on you tube. Ginn is a weapon, but he must be utilized properly. The Dolphins need to find as many ways as possible to get the ball in Ginns hands
#2 Earnest Wilford- A great compliment to Ginn, Wilford has good size and hands, He plays physical and will easily fend off Hagan and Perry for the # 2 job
Backups
#3 Tab Perry- this might be a surprise for some, but if Perry can stay healthy he has a very good chance to earn the #3 position. He is very talented with size, speed and hands. Health is a big question though.
#4 Devon Bess- Bess is an ultra quick slot receiver with great hands. Could be utilized to move the chains with quick throws. Has the advantage over Hagan because Hagan can’t catch.
#5 Derek Hagan- A tall athletic receiver who has trouble catching the ball. If he improves his hands in the off-season then he will battle Wilford for #2. But if he still consistently drops the ball then he can not be counted on.
Cuts
G. Camarillo- Dolphins fans will forever be grateful for this man. He kept us from the misery that would have been 0-16. But he isn’t talented enough to make this years squad
David Kicus- He has a real chance of making the team. If he shows consistent hands and excels on special teams then he has a good chance at the #5 spot.
Jayson Foster-Will have to beat out D.Bess if he wants to make the team. An ultra quick slot receiver who could take some pressure off Ginn and return punts.
Selmon Lymon- A tall physical receiver who would have to light up training camp to make roster
Justin Wynn -see Lymon
The receiver position is some what of a mystery. Besides Ginn the talent level is very average. It may be a serviceable group if Perry and Wilford really step up. Hagan has the talent but he really needs to work on his hands. Bess and Foster are very intriguing young prospects.
Starting Tight End
#1 Anthony Fasano- Talented enough for Parcels to use a 2nd round pick on just two years ago, was stuck behind All-Pro Jason Witten the past two years but probably learned a thing or two from the Star. A solid blocker with good hands, he will have every chance to lock up the starting position.
#2 Justin Peele- Very underrated. A very solid all around player, Is an ideal #2 tight end but may be too expensive to keep on the roster for another year if he doesn’t win the starting job.
#3 Sean Ryan- has a chance to make the team if the Dolphins keep 3 tight ends. A decent backup at best
Cuts
David Martin- is often overly criticized, he actually is a good all around tight end, but just not good enough to beat out Peele or Fasano. Might have some value via trade, possible 7th rounder. Too expensive for the # 3 role.
Arron Halterman- A Cameron guy who stands little chance of making the team.
Mathew Mulligan- Undrafted free agent will need a great training camp to make roster.
The tight end position is solid but not spectacular. Fasono, Peele and Martin are all solid tight ends. Peele and Martin have proved they have reached their ceiling and will never be anything more. Fasano has some upside and the talent to develop into a quality starter.
Offensive tackle
#1 Left tackle- Jake Long- the first pick in the draft has a ridiculous amount of talent. He benched 225 pounds 37 times with long arms, tied for most among all rookies. He filled a huge need immediately and gives the Dolphins a solid Left tackle.
#1 Right tackle- Vernon Carey- played left tackle last year and played well, but as a 335 pound mauler, he is built for the right side. I expect him to receive Pro Bowl consideration on the right side of the line.
Backups
Julius Wilson- An athletic big man, the Dolphins must be counting on him to be a solid back up because there aren’t many other options
Dan Gore-A converted DT from Boise state, he is a project who has the talent but will need to refine his skills
Cuts
Dan Heerspink- This undrafted free agent will have a lot to prove in camp if he wants to make the roster
Offensive guard
#1 Left guard- Justin Smiley- A free agent this off-season the Dolphins picked up this wily vet to stabilize the guard position . He is a tough hard nosed football player, and should be able to open holes for Ronnie Brown.
#1 Right guard- Shaun Murphy- Has a similar temperament to Smiley. Plays a little nasty. Talented enough to fend off D. Thomas and D. Mormino for the starting right guard position next to Vernon Carey.
Backups
#2 Drew Mormino- looked great last year in training camp. Was likely going to end up with a starting job before his injury. Will Give Murphy a tough battle at Right guard. In the end will end up being the teams best backup offensive linemen. Would most likely step in for Satele at center if he were to get hurt
#3 Donald Thomas- a project player who is fairly new to football. Has enough talent to eventually start at guard in the NFL. For the Dolphins sake it would be best to not have to count on him for at least a year. Should be a solid back up this year.
Cuts
Ike Ndukwe- 5 years in the NFL and 5 appearances in an NFL game. Enough said. If he makes the team, hopefully it is because he has improved and we only depend on him as a backup.
Mike Byrne- Undrafted free agent will have to impress to make roster
Trey Darilek-not talented enough to beet out D. Thomas
Starting Center
#1 Samson Satele- He came in as a rookie last year and played very well. Athletic, leader who should be around for years to come. He is one of the best young offensive lineman in the game .
The offensive line should be able to field 5 quality starters. But the depth is extremely thin. With Dan Gore, Drew Mormino, Donald Thomas and Julius Wilson as our best options for backups. Don’t be surprised if the Dolphins add more depth after the June cuts. The 5 starters should be good and nasty though. Parcels has quickly added young talent to the offensive line with Smiley, Murphy, Long and Thomas.
Specialists
Kicker
#1 Jay Feeley- you just can’t replace a kicker that only missed two field goals all season. No matter how short his kickoffs are.
Punter
#1 Brandon Fields- young punter has a year of experience under his belt and a very strong leg.
Long snapper
#1 John Denney- the long snapper that ended Ed Perry’s career. He snaps the ball without mistakes.
Overall Jeff Ireland and Bill Parcels have been able to add a wealth of talent to the roster in a very short period of time. The main questions still on the roster is depth along the offensive line and Outside linebackers. The receivers also have some proving to do. Adding a top flight cornerback in next years draft should be a priority. If the Dolphins remain healthy this year we should improve dramatically from the past couple years. If these 6 questions are answered yes at the end of the 2008 season then The Dolphins have the talent to win at least 8 games, as long as we can stay healthy, which is very important.
1.Was Ronnie Brown able to make it through the season healthy and did he look the same after the injury?
2.Was the offensive line able to mesh and stay healthy?
3.Is John Beck a staring caliber NFL quarterback?
4.Were at least 2 of our injured defensive backs(Bell, Hill, Goodman, Davis) able to come back healthy and contribute?
5.Did the rookie class look promising and contribute on a regular basis?
6. Were the 2008 Dolphins able to stay relatively healthy?
I sent it in to phins.com after I wrote it and told Curt to post something like this with some depth behind it( Shashaty's stuff is real surface level). But I think he thought I wanted money or somethin.
Just came across it in my documents and thought it was pretty interesting.
2008 Dolphins Opening Day Projected Depth chart, with explanation and cuts
Starting FS
#1 Jason Allen-Clearly the most physically gifted safety we have on the roster. Great size, speed ratio. He’ll fend off challenges from Crocker and Hill. Has the talent to be one of the top ten safeties in the NFL, needs to translate that onto the football field. This is his year
#2 Chris Crocker- A Valuable back up will unsuccessfully challenge J.Allen for starting role but will see the field often in nickel/dime packages and special teams. A very good coverage safety.
#3 Renaldo Hill-If healthy in time for training camp would also compete for starting job, The Dolphins would be very fortunate to have a 3rd string safety of Hills caliber. Lets hope he is healthy.
Starting SS
#1 Yeremiah Bell- One of the leaders of the defense, seems to always be in the right place at the right time when he is on the field. Health is a big question though, of his 5 year career he’s only been healthy for 3. If healthy it’s his job to lose and he will be a stud for the defense.
#2 Keith Davis-A valuable special teamer who could step into the starting lineup and be serviceable if needed. He also has health questions though, missing 8 games last year
Cuts
Courtney Bryan-undrafted free agent from 2007 just doesn’t have enough talent to beat out any of the 5 guys in front of him, could still make the roster if injuries take down anyone of the top 5, which is likely.
Safety Summary
Overall Safety is a big question mark for the defense. We have the talent, and If everybody is healthy then the competition will be fierce for the starting jobs. But that is a BIG IF. Look for J. Allen to make a name for himself this year. He simply has too much talent not to be utilized. Now we know he is better in actual games than in practice.
Starting Cornerbacks
#1 Will Allen -Played very well last year, has a ton of speed and is pretty consistent. Would be an ideal #2 corner but is forced to be the # 1 guy because lack of competition.
#2 Michael Lehan- resigned this off season by the Parcells and company which is a good sign they liked what they saw from him. Solid corner who again would be ideal as the #3 guy but is forced into the starting lineup due to lack of competition.
Backups
#3 Nathan Jones- solid special teamer and quality backup, will have the advantage over T. Daniels for the nickel job because he is a Parcells guy. In 5 defensive back sets I expect Crocker on the field though, not Jones. That is unless Goodman is 100% which I don’t expect.
#4 Travis Daniels-make or break year for Daniels, Fans set expectations too high for him after his solid rookie season, Is a solid backup and that’s it.
#5 Will Billingsley - extremely fast, raw project. Too much speed to cut. Runs a 4.3 forty. If every one above him is healthy the Fins can risk keeping him around as a project.
Cuts
A. Goodman- if he is 100% then he is the #3 corner and would challenge Lehan for the # 2 job. I don’t expect him to be healthy enough to compete though and in the end he gets cut.
J. Thomas-not talented or experienced enough
S. Barbers-undrafted free agent would have to really excel in camp to make roster.
Cornerback summary
Overall the Cornerback position is lacking elite talent, look for Cornerback to be a top priority in the 2009 off-season. This is a serviceable group though. There are many health questions, if Goodman is 100% then that adds an important piece. Billingsley is very intriguing and I’m rooting for him in training camp to be a diamond in the rough.
Starting inside linebackers
#1 Reggie Torber- Solid yet unspectacular tackler. Just what you need from a 3-4 inside linebacker.
#2 Channing Crowder- He needs to make more plays but will fend off Ayodele. Contract season. I expect him to excel from the new coaching staff. Actually a really good fit for the inside of 3-4. Not athletic enough for the outside.
Backups
#3 Akin Ayodele- will lose in a very close competition with Torber and Crowder. A valuable member of the team will be a great backup and special teamer.
#4 Charlie Anderson- Special teams stud will also be in the race for one of the starting spots. Would only be a serviceable starter.
Starting Outside Linebackers
#1 Jason Taylor-Future Hall of Famer. Will start at OLB in our 3-4 and DE in our 4-3. Either way he won’t leave the field. It Would not be smart to trade him unless he is REALLY unhappy with the situation. The team really needs his pass rushing skills
#2 Joey Porter-Solid Playmaker, will stay on the field as an OLB for the 3-4 and the 4-3. Will play better than last year because of a full training camp. Took him awhile last year to get going
Backup
#3 Q. Moses- a rush linebacker in a 3-4 defense. Has the talent, just needs to put it to use. He is lucky the Fins have no depth at OLB. May actually play a very vital role in the decision to use the 3-4 or 4-3. With no OLB depth the Fins may be forced to use the 4-3. If Moses steps up and can prove that he could fill in for Taylor or Porter than the Fins have more options.
Linebacker cuts
Edmond Miles-doesn’t fit anywhere, not big enough for the inside on 3-4 and doesn’t have the pass rush ability for the outside. His only chance is if the fins decide to use strictly a 4-3.
Kelvin Smith-same situation as Miles. Both will have to really excel for a chance
These Undrafted Free agent Linebackers actually have a better shot than Miles and Smith, as they were brought in by Parcells. But in the end we have to much talent on the D-line to keep anymore linebackers.
K.Saunders
T.Brown
K.Poppinga
J.Glymph
Linebacker summary
The Inside Linebacker battle should be intense. Ayodele, Crowder and Torber fighting for two jobs will only help the team. Porter and Taylor can both bring pressure to the opposing quarterback. Depth at the OLB spot is very thin though. If something happens to Taylor or Porter and Moses doesn’t surprise us. Then the Dolphins will most likely have to play a 4-3.
Starting defensive tackle
#1 Jason Ferguson-Big , hard to move DT, will anchor the nose tackle position if we use a 3-4 and start at DT in the 4-3.
Backups
#2 Randy Starks-20 million dollar free agent will lose in the battle to start at one of the DE positions and in the end he will spell Ferguson as the nose tackle.
#3 Paul Soliai- Huge, if Sparono lights a fire under his butt he would be a nice young nose tackle. Has the talent but played soft last year. He needs to watch some Casey Hampton film and take notes. He was the 52nd player to make my roster, that should say something. Hangs in there by a thread.
Starting Ends
#1 Right DE-V. Holliday- just a solid football player, will fend off R. Starks in a great competition. An ideal starting DE in the 3-4. Tough against the run but can also penetrate.
#1 Left DE-P. Merling- Once he is healthy he will show why he was considered a top 15 draft pick. Ideal 3-4 Defensive end. Big, Strong athletic football player
Backups
#2 R. Wright- Will come in and spell Holiday and Merling. A good young football player. Will be in the competition for one of the starting jobs
#3 K. Langford-A true unknown. Parcels and Company saw enough potential to use a high third round pick on him. Enough talent in front of him to develop slowly. A very big upside. Basically unmovable on the D-Line
#4 A.Toribio- High effort big man will fend off Dotson for the last D-line job.
Defensive Line cuts
M. Roth- too young and good to cut, but unless we exclusively use a 4-3 I just don’t see him fitting in. Can’t anchor well enough to play end in the 3-4. In the end I think we will trade him, A 4th round pick is the best we can get for him. If we go with a 4-3 he will be a regular in the D-line rotation
L.Doston-Practice squad player, Will battle Toribio for last D-line job. Has some upside.
K.Robertson- Huge, needs a great camp to back up Ferguson.
R.Nincovich- Only chance is to prove his worth as a pass rushing OLB
Defensive Line summary
Overall The defensive line became a strength this off-season. With the additions of Ferguson, Merling, Starks and Langford to go along with Holiday and R. Wright the Dolphins became a team that will NOT get pushed around. We now have good veteran leadership to go along with solid young talent. Our D-line depth is so good that we may be forced to play a 4-3 to get our best players on the field. I’m not going to bet on that though
Starting Quarterback
#1 John Beck- extremely accurate, gritty leader. Watching Tape of him just gives you the feeling that with a little experience he will find ways to win games for the Dolphins. The quarterback position will be one of the best competition battles in training camp. McCown and Henne are both talented. But in the end Beck wins the job. He has very sneaky mobility and a great feel for pass rush. Last years embarrassing experience was great for his development, giving him more motivation. If the O-line comes together expect him to be the surprise player in the NFL this year. I know, that’s a bold statement.
Backups
#2. McCown- Solid veteran will be a reliable and steady backup. He wants SO bad to be the starter that if he loses there is a chance he could become a locker room cancer. The Raiders offered him the backup job to J. Russell and he moved his family to Miami for a chance to start. He will give Beck a run for his money though. that’s for sure
#3. Henne-I’m really looking forward to seeing Henne develop. He is the kind of guy that probably doesn’t know what it’s like to finish 2nd place in anything, let alone 3rd place. This quarterback battle is the best we have had in years. Henne will lose the battle to Beck, and Mcown is more seasoned and will be a better #2 option to come off the bench. Henne will develop and eventually the Dolphins will have a great problem, two starting Caliber quarterbacks.
Starting Running back
#1 Ronnie Brown- Talent wise he is the ideal NFL running back. Great teammate, Great runner, Great blocker Great pass catcher. He can outrun, out power or out juke defenders. He has it all, except he is injury prone. And there are questions to whether he can come back 100% from his serious knee injury. When he is 100% there is no running back in the NFL who is more complete.
#2 Ricky Williams- The question about Rick is can he keep it together for a full season? Well now he is forced to financially. He has the talent to be a starter, and will be a huge asset this season with Ronnie coming back from his knee injury.
#3 Jalen Parmele- A tough hard nosed runner similar to the running styles of Ron and Rick. Will have to earn his paycheck on special teams. Will beat out P.Cobbs for the 3rd RB position
Cuts
P. Cobbs - will have to really contribute on special teams to beat out Parmele.
Starting Fullback
#1 Reagan Mauia- Apparently he is the type of guy you don’t want to stare at ,our your going to get socked in the face. He will have to get his off-season arrest taken care of if he wants Parcels to keep him around. A real Bad A$$. The type of guy you don’t want to see on an opposing team. Devastating blocker.
#2 Boomer Grisby- Another special teams stud brought in by Parcels. Too good on special teams to get cut, not as good of a runner as Lex Hilliard, but he gets the nod due to his special teams prowess.
Cuts
Lex Hilliard- Qaulity running fullback won’t beat out Maui or Grisby
The Dolphins running backs have a ton of Talent and a ton of questions. R. Brown needs to come back 100% from his injury, R. Williams needs to stay focused on football and R. Mauia needs to stop punching guys in the face. But if all those things happen, then the Dolphins are set.
Starting Wide receivers
#1 Ted Ginn- The fastest player I have ever seen. He wins every foot race before it even starts. When he returned the kickoff for a touchdown against the Bills last year(it was called back because a penalty)Terence Mcgee, who happens to return kicks for the Bills, had a great angle on Ginn while trying to tackle him, I mean a really good angle and McGee is fast, but Ginn just turned on the Jets and sprinted past him for the touchdown. It is a very good example of how fast Ginn really is. The video can be seen on you tube. Ginn is a weapon, but he must be utilized properly. The Dolphins need to find as many ways as possible to get the ball in Ginns hands
#2 Earnest Wilford- A great compliment to Ginn, Wilford has good size and hands, He plays physical and will easily fend off Hagan and Perry for the # 2 job
Backups
#3 Tab Perry- this might be a surprise for some, but if Perry can stay healthy he has a very good chance to earn the #3 position. He is very talented with size, speed and hands. Health is a big question though.
#4 Devon Bess- Bess is an ultra quick slot receiver with great hands. Could be utilized to move the chains with quick throws. Has the advantage over Hagan because Hagan can’t catch.
#5 Derek Hagan- A tall athletic receiver who has trouble catching the ball. If he improves his hands in the off-season then he will battle Wilford for #2. But if he still consistently drops the ball then he can not be counted on.
Cuts
G. Camarillo- Dolphins fans will forever be grateful for this man. He kept us from the misery that would have been 0-16. But he isn’t talented enough to make this years squad
David Kicus- He has a real chance of making the team. If he shows consistent hands and excels on special teams then he has a good chance at the #5 spot.
Jayson Foster-Will have to beat out D.Bess if he wants to make the team. An ultra quick slot receiver who could take some pressure off Ginn and return punts.
Selmon Lymon- A tall physical receiver who would have to light up training camp to make roster
Justin Wynn -see Lymon
The receiver position is some what of a mystery. Besides Ginn the talent level is very average. It may be a serviceable group if Perry and Wilford really step up. Hagan has the talent but he really needs to work on his hands. Bess and Foster are very intriguing young prospects.
Starting Tight End
#1 Anthony Fasano- Talented enough for Parcels to use a 2nd round pick on just two years ago, was stuck behind All-Pro Jason Witten the past two years but probably learned a thing or two from the Star. A solid blocker with good hands, he will have every chance to lock up the starting position.
#2 Justin Peele- Very underrated. A very solid all around player, Is an ideal #2 tight end but may be too expensive to keep on the roster for another year if he doesn’t win the starting job.
#3 Sean Ryan- has a chance to make the team if the Dolphins keep 3 tight ends. A decent backup at best
Cuts
David Martin- is often overly criticized, he actually is a good all around tight end, but just not good enough to beat out Peele or Fasano. Might have some value via trade, possible 7th rounder. Too expensive for the # 3 role.
Arron Halterman- A Cameron guy who stands little chance of making the team.
Mathew Mulligan- Undrafted free agent will need a great training camp to make roster.
The tight end position is solid but not spectacular. Fasono, Peele and Martin are all solid tight ends. Peele and Martin have proved they have reached their ceiling and will never be anything more. Fasano has some upside and the talent to develop into a quality starter.
Offensive tackle
#1 Left tackle- Jake Long- the first pick in the draft has a ridiculous amount of talent. He benched 225 pounds 37 times with long arms, tied for most among all rookies. He filled a huge need immediately and gives the Dolphins a solid Left tackle.
#1 Right tackle- Vernon Carey- played left tackle last year and played well, but as a 335 pound mauler, he is built for the right side. I expect him to receive Pro Bowl consideration on the right side of the line.
Backups
Julius Wilson- An athletic big man, the Dolphins must be counting on him to be a solid back up because there aren’t many other options
Dan Gore-A converted DT from Boise state, he is a project who has the talent but will need to refine his skills
Cuts
Dan Heerspink- This undrafted free agent will have a lot to prove in camp if he wants to make the roster
Offensive guard
#1 Left guard- Justin Smiley- A free agent this off-season the Dolphins picked up this wily vet to stabilize the guard position . He is a tough hard nosed football player, and should be able to open holes for Ronnie Brown.
#1 Right guard- Shaun Murphy- Has a similar temperament to Smiley. Plays a little nasty. Talented enough to fend off D. Thomas and D. Mormino for the starting right guard position next to Vernon Carey.
Backups
#2 Drew Mormino- looked great last year in training camp. Was likely going to end up with a starting job before his injury. Will Give Murphy a tough battle at Right guard. In the end will end up being the teams best backup offensive linemen. Would most likely step in for Satele at center if he were to get hurt
#3 Donald Thomas- a project player who is fairly new to football. Has enough talent to eventually start at guard in the NFL. For the Dolphins sake it would be best to not have to count on him for at least a year. Should be a solid back up this year.
Cuts
Ike Ndukwe- 5 years in the NFL and 5 appearances in an NFL game. Enough said. If he makes the team, hopefully it is because he has improved and we only depend on him as a backup.
Mike Byrne- Undrafted free agent will have to impress to make roster
Trey Darilek-not talented enough to beet out D. Thomas
Starting Center
#1 Samson Satele- He came in as a rookie last year and played very well. Athletic, leader who should be around for years to come. He is one of the best young offensive lineman in the game .
The offensive line should be able to field 5 quality starters. But the depth is extremely thin. With Dan Gore, Drew Mormino, Donald Thomas and Julius Wilson as our best options for backups. Don’t be surprised if the Dolphins add more depth after the June cuts. The 5 starters should be good and nasty though. Parcels has quickly added young talent to the offensive line with Smiley, Murphy, Long and Thomas.
Specialists
Kicker
#1 Jay Feeley- you just can’t replace a kicker that only missed two field goals all season. No matter how short his kickoffs are.
Punter
#1 Brandon Fields- young punter has a year of experience under his belt and a very strong leg.
Long snapper
#1 John Denney- the long snapper that ended Ed Perry’s career. He snaps the ball without mistakes.
Overall Jeff Ireland and Bill Parcels have been able to add a wealth of talent to the roster in a very short period of time. The main questions still on the roster is depth along the offensive line and Outside linebackers. The receivers also have some proving to do. Adding a top flight cornerback in next years draft should be a priority. If the Dolphins remain healthy this year we should improve dramatically from the past couple years. If these 6 questions are answered yes at the end of the 2008 season then The Dolphins have the talent to win at least 8 games, as long as we can stay healthy, which is very important.
1.Was Ronnie Brown able to make it through the season healthy and did he look the same after the injury?
2.Was the offensive line able to mesh and stay healthy?
3.Is John Beck a staring caliber NFL quarterback?
4.Were at least 2 of our injured defensive backs(Bell, Hill, Goodman, Davis) able to come back healthy and contribute?
5.Did the rookie class look promising and contribute on a regular basis?
6. Were the 2008 Dolphins able to stay relatively healthy?