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Kirwan's take on Miami's needs going into draft
Miami Dolphins
Cornerback: The Dolphins recently signed free agent Eric Green, but their best corner, Will Allen, will turn 31 in August, and there's no depth behind them. In a division that now features Randy Moss and Terrell Owens, this team needs a shut-down corner.
Defensive tackle: Parcells follower Jason Ferguson is 34 and has struggled to stay healthy in recent seasons. The key to the 3-4 defense that Miami runs is having a big-bodied two-gapper who can hold his ground at the nose, and the jury is still out on backup Paul Soliai, a fourth-round draft pick in 2007.
Wide receiver: Davone Bess was a nice story last season, and Ted Ginn Jr. is beginning to emerge as a playmaker. Greg Camarillo and [URL="http://www.nfl.com/players/brandonlondon/profile?id=LON011720"]Brandon London[/URL] are worthy complementary receivers, but the Dolphins still lack a big-time threat who demands double coverage.
Defensive end/outside linebacker: Joey Porter had a breakout 2008 season with 17.5 sacks, but no one else on the roster approached double digits (Matt Roth was second with 5.0). Miami's draft picks from a year ago, Phillip Merling and Kendall Langford, might improve as pass rushers, but Porter, 32, isn't getting any younger, and Miami needs a hybrid DE/OLB who can get to the quarterback from different spots on the field.
Guard: The offseason signings of Jake Grove and Joe Berger will help solidify the interior of the offensive line, but Justin Smiley is coming off multiple surgeries and Donald Thomas is an unproven sixth-round draft pick who is in just his second season.
Offensive tackle: Certainly, Jake Long is a cornerstone player and Vernon Carey is a strong run blocker who was re-signed to man the right side. But Miami could use a swing tackle to provide some depth, and I don't believe the team would be against upgrading from Carey at his position. There are several strong right tackle prospects in this draft.
Inside linebacker: Channing Crowder is a productive tackler inside, but he has bad knees and has struggled to stay healthy in recent seasons, and he's not proven to be a three-down player. Akin Ayodele is another reliable player, but he will turn 30 this year. It wouldn't be a bad idea to find a younger player for coach Tony Sparano to groom.
Draft choices: Nos. 25, 44, 56, 87, 126, 161, 214, 232, 237
Kirwan actually breaks down the other teams in the AFC East aswell.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/story?id=09000d5d80f7de1a&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true
Miami Dolphins
Cornerback: The Dolphins recently signed free agent Eric Green, but their best corner, Will Allen, will turn 31 in August, and there's no depth behind them. In a division that now features Randy Moss and Terrell Owens, this team needs a shut-down corner.
Defensive tackle: Parcells follower Jason Ferguson is 34 and has struggled to stay healthy in recent seasons. The key to the 3-4 defense that Miami runs is having a big-bodied two-gapper who can hold his ground at the nose, and the jury is still out on backup Paul Soliai, a fourth-round draft pick in 2007.
Wide receiver: Davone Bess was a nice story last season, and Ted Ginn Jr. is beginning to emerge as a playmaker. Greg Camarillo and [URL="http://www.nfl.com/players/brandonlondon/profile?id=LON011720"]Brandon London[/URL] are worthy complementary receivers, but the Dolphins still lack a big-time threat who demands double coverage.
Defensive end/outside linebacker: Joey Porter had a breakout 2008 season with 17.5 sacks, but no one else on the roster approached double digits (Matt Roth was second with 5.0). Miami's draft picks from a year ago, Phillip Merling and Kendall Langford, might improve as pass rushers, but Porter, 32, isn't getting any younger, and Miami needs a hybrid DE/OLB who can get to the quarterback from different spots on the field.
Guard: The offseason signings of Jake Grove and Joe Berger will help solidify the interior of the offensive line, but Justin Smiley is coming off multiple surgeries and Donald Thomas is an unproven sixth-round draft pick who is in just his second season.
Offensive tackle: Certainly, Jake Long is a cornerstone player and Vernon Carey is a strong run blocker who was re-signed to man the right side. But Miami could use a swing tackle to provide some depth, and I don't believe the team would be against upgrading from Carey at his position. There are several strong right tackle prospects in this draft.
Inside linebacker: Channing Crowder is a productive tackler inside, but he has bad knees and has struggled to stay healthy in recent seasons, and he's not proven to be a three-down player. Akin Ayodele is another reliable player, but he will turn 30 this year. It wouldn't be a bad idea to find a younger player for coach Tony Sparano to groom.
Draft choices: Nos. 25, 44, 56, 87, 126, 161, 214, 232, 237
Kirwan actually breaks down the other teams in the AFC East aswell.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/story?id=09000d5d80f7de1a&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true
