Let's prioritize

[spiketex]

We have some pressing needs in several key positions that need to be addressed through the Draft and Free Agency. I am unsure re the prioritization of those needs. However, if pushed I'd say:

#1 Defensive Tackle to stop the run. Our Defense deteriorated badly when teams learned we were weak at stopping the run.
#2 MIKE Linebacker with a big motor who's also a great tackler
#3 Cornerback (possible 2 are needed)
#4 Wide Receiver who is a big physical threat in the red zone

Other needs include:
#5 Backup QB (Likely that Matt Moore won't be coming back)
#6 Running Back (Lamar Miller looks good but it would be nice to have some depth to complement Damien Williams)

Welcome your thoughts... How would you prioritize the needs?

 

[artdnj]

spot on

 

[Daytona Fin]

ESPN’s Todd McShay has Miami picking Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes at No. 14 in his mock draft.

McShay writes: “Two of Miami's top needs are inside linebacker and wide receiver, but it's too early to take an ILB here and all three of the WRs worth drafting at No. 14 overall are already off the board in this scenario (Amari Cooper, Kevin White, Devante Parker). Cornerback is another need area, and while [Washington’s] Marcus Peters has better tape, he brings with him some baggage after being kicked off of the Washington team last season. The Dolphins aren't in the business of taking chances on character risks right now, so Waynes might make more sense. He's a playmaker with very good ball skills and has the length and athleticism to hold up as a cover corner, and he shows good recognition skills and can help in run support. His biggest weakness is technique, but that's coachable.”

Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/spor...-marlins-personnel-nuggets.html#storylink=cpy

 

[claytonduper]

We have some pressing needs in several key positions that need to be addressed through the Draft and Free Agency. I am unsure re the prioritization of those needs. However, if pushed I'd say:

#1 Defensive Tackle to stop the run. Our Defense deteriorated badly when teams we were weak at stopping the run.
#2 MIKE Linebacker with a big motor who's also a great tackler
#3 Cornerback (possible 2)
#4 Wide Receiver who is a big physical threat in the red zone

Other needs include:
#5 Backup QB (Likely that Matt Moore won't be coming back)
#6 Running Back (Lamar Miller looks good but it would be nice to have some depth to complement Damien Williams)

Welcome your thoughts... How would you prioritize the needs?

I agree with most of your thoughts, but I'd like to add a few additional thoughts in making these decisions. First, keep in might that with our current coaching staff, draft picks don't always play their first years, especially the lower draft picks. Second, we will not be very active in the free agent market. With these thoughts in mind, I would suggest the following:

#1. Defensive Tackle: If we can't pick up a stud named Suh is there any other free agent worthy? Strong chance our 1st for a DT. This should immediately help our LB group.

#2: Big physical WR: I would love to go with a top WR with our first pick; just not sure our front office will pull the trigger.

#3: Guard: we need at least one more solid guard. I think we pick one up in free agency. Not top tier, but the second tier guys.

#4: CB: Draft one and pick up another in free agency, again nothing top tier.

#5: QB and RB with later picks. I think we release Moore to save money and we need a grinder type back for those 1-2 yards.

#6: Kicker. I see no upside with Sturgis unless he has played hurt all this time and IF he is fully healed I'd give him another chance otherwise we must go another direction.

I've left LB out. We just have too many other needs. I am also hoping that Misi was never 100% might play much better when healthy. I still have some hope that a healthy Ellerby could be good enough and provide more depth; Jennings deserves a full time role and perhaps Dion finds a home. We already have a couple of youngsters in McCann and Tripp who could surprise.

 

[spiketex]

How did I forget Offensive Guard? Billy Turner will be in the mix but we probably need to spend a fair amount on a really good experienced Guard in free agency.

 

[claytonduper]

After reading many of the post-season posts it clear we will jettison Wheeler but shouldn't we retain a healthy Ellerby which should strengthen our LB group. I can't foresee any rookie LB who would come in and immediately compete with this coaching staff (Coyle).

 

[fishfanmiami]

I think we need an answer on what's to become of Wallace. If he leaves doesn't WR jump to the top of the list ?
I agree guard is a priority and should be taken care of in free agency.

i like the rest of your list Spikey. DL , MLB , CB then QB and running back later on.

 

[insomnia411]

1. MLB - Our defense could take a huge step forward with a Keuchly type of beast in the middle. Misi and Jenkins at OLB with a real tough playmaker in the middle would be a fierce LB corps. I'm not sure if that type of guy is in this draft, but I really like Taiwan Jones later in the draft, or maybe Perryman or McKinney will somehow fall to us round 2.

2. Well rounded, outside wide out - Tannehill has a couple of really nice inside/ underneath receivers in Landry and Clay, and a good deep threat in Wallace. What he really needs is a well rounded, polished, red zone threat that can get open and catch everything. I'd love White or Parker at 14 but I fear they'll both be gone. I honestly feel that Jaelen Strong and DGB will prove themselves worthy of the 14th pick come draft time, though I probably like Strong more than most. Guy catches everything, he's huge, and is a crisp route runner. Reminds me of Marshall a little bit.

3. Fat, run stuffing DT - We need a fat, sweaty, Keith Traylor style run stuffing machine to plug up the middle and protect our linebackers. Our run D was an atrocious joke last year (see the Baltimore and Denver games) and a large reason for that is the lack of anything behind Odrick at DT. Gotta cut Starks, re sign Odrick, and draft a big fat guy. Although I want a wide out at 14, I wouldn't mind Danny Shelton if he's there either.

4. Pass rush, pass rush, pass rush - Pass rush is a need that doesn't get a lot of attention on this team because of Cam Wake. I've got news for you, Wake is getting old, Vernon isn't better than average, and Dion Jordan is useless. In today's NFL you can never have too many pass rushers, a great pass rush from the front 4 carried the Giants to two super bowls, and if the BPA at 14 is a pass rusher, I wouldn't mind that selection either.

5. Offensive guard - We better hope that Billy Turner is ready for the big time next year, because as it stands right now, our guards stink. I think that we are best served addressing guard in FA, maybe drafting one late, and hoping Billy Turner is the man for one of the guard spots.

6. CB
7. RB
8. S

... We have lots of needs. Crap.

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

We have some pressing needs in several key positions that need to be addressed through the Draft and Free Agency. I am unsure re the prioritization of those needs. However, if pushed I'd say:

#1 Defensive Tackle to stop the run. Our Defense deteriorated badly when teams learned we were weak at stopping the run.
#2 MIKE Linebacker with a big motor who's also a great tackler
#3 Cornerback (possible 2 are needed)
#4 Wide Receiver who is a big physical threat in the red zone

Other needs include:
#5 Backup QB (Likely that Matt Moore won't be coming back)
#6 Running Back (Lamar Miller looks good but it would be nice to have some depth to complement Damien Williams)

Welcome your thoughts... How would you prioritize the needs?

Need some serious help on the offensive line as well. I might put offensive guard right up there with defensive tackle. Might be hard to find that inside linebacker this year. I do like Perryman from Miami maybe in R2 if he's there. Would like to see Franklin from Denver as the #1 target in free agency.

 

[hoops]

if you break down miamis tape and you dont have offensive guard on the list you should...point blank...it's ugly...but we do have billy turner waiting in the wings and i'm a absolute believer this kid is not only gonna help us but be a long term starter in miami...let him work thru some kinks we will be better for it...

although long term he damn well may be a tackle for us...nothings changed for me there

 

[Spesh]

1) Receiver. Thats a disaster in both the short and the long term. Drafting a receiver not only helps in the short term(which is to say, starting 2016) but also in the long term. Giving Tannehill a reliable weapon for the rest of his career would make life easier for everyone. Id love for us to double down on this position in the draft, worst case scenario is we have 3 great players for Tannehill to throw to.

2) Linebacker. Yeah.

3) Free Safety. Has everyone forgotten that, yet again, Louis Delmas injured his knee? We havent had a free safety worth keeping since ****ing Renaldo Hill.

4) Tight End. As was glaring obvious to some of us for years now, Charles Clay ain't gonna cut it. Oh, a good enough player in his own right, but nothing more than a "number 2" tight end. We need a game changer at that position. We need a guy who can go up and snag the ball in the redzone. Clay will suffice for another year if we have to focus on the first 3 "needs", but we need an upgrade there.

5) Running back. We need "good" there, not "thoroughly average".

And thats pretty much it. Oh, i concede will have a lot more problems than 5 positions, but they either aren't worth pursing or we need those on the roster to step the **** up for once.

Defensive tackle is not a need. Suggesting that indirectly gives Kevin Coyle a free pass. Randy Starks and Earl Mitchell didnt suddenly forget how to be competent defensive tackles. Our piss poor coaches were piss poor. They deserve some blame for having a down year(especially Starks when compared to his other seasons) and not overcoming our idiot coaching, but one down season doesnt necessitate blowing up the unit. Dont let dreams of Suh crashing through the back field(and our locker room) cloud your vision. Im willing to give them the benefit of the doubt for another year.

Corner? We just spent a 2nd round pick, a 3rd, a 4th, and $10 million bucks at that position. We have a elite corner on the other side of the field, just find someone who can play competently. Sink or swim with the guys on this roster.

Offensive line? No, its not good enough. Not even close. But we've spent the 1st overall pick, the 15th overall pick, the 19th overall pick, a 2nd round pick, three 3rd round picks, a 4th round pick, a 6th round pick, and over $100 million bucks on that unit. Stop. Repeating. The. Same. ****ing. Mistake. Every time we blow a high pick or spend big bucks on the line people on here scream "YES, THIS WILL FINALLY SECURE OUR LINE!!!1!1!". Well, im finally taking those posters up on their word. Time for young guys like Billy Turner to put on their big boy pants and get it done. Time for our coaches to finally manufacture ways to make that line productive(credit goes to John Benton for getting stretches of competency last season, we just need that to happen for 16 games). If we really are a mere guard away, then we should be fine. Contrary to popular belief, other NFL teams dont have 5 elite players along their lines. Lets copy what they do.

 

[Travis34]

Spesh, your post is so.... off?

I mean corner is absolutely a need. So is DT. And the line, you're complaining about every OL pick no matter the round, yeah bad players (hope turner develops) but how can you complain about 3rd or 4th or even later? Need to pool some resources into rebuilding the Ireland mess.

Do you really think receiver is our BIGGEST need since you listed it 1?

 

[Spesh]

Spesh, your post is so.... off?

I mean corner is absolutely a need. So is DT. And the line, you're complaining about every OL pick no matter the round, yeah bad players (hope turner develops) but how can you complain about 3rd or 4th or even later? Need to pool some resources into rebuilding the Ireland mess.

Do you really think receiver is our BIGGEST need since you listed it 1?

Why does 1 bad year from Randy Starks outweigh the 6 solid-to-great years hes provided for us? Earl Mitchell was a fine defensive tackle for the Texans, why are his years there irrelevant? Please explain all of that. Also, why do you believe Kevin Coyle is a good defensive coordinator?

Anyways, before Goodell figured out he could royally piss people off by extending the draft an extra day, 3rd round picks were second day selections. Teams love loading up on that round because they can get the talent of 1st and 2nd round picks for the very affordable price of 3rd round slots(this was more prevalent before the new CBA). Just because our GM's have continuously busted in this round doesnt make it ****. We've been **** because we keep busting.

And yes, receiver is our biggest need. Its been our biggest need since our idiot ex-GM decided to trade Brandon Marshall. Not that you will read this(you'll just ignore what i actually said in a vain attempt to appear astonished about what i actually said) but heres a thread on it:

The article has a good number of quotes from general managers and coaches in the link that I didn’t quote in order to save space, so I encourage all to read it in its entirety, but the bottom line is it takes a year or two in order for draft picks to develop. This is not new, as receivers have a history of taking time to develop. Even Calvin Johnson was relatively mortal as a rookie with just over 750 yards.

Those who believe we are only a player or two away from contending will undoubtedly see that as a deal breaker. The fact remains that the longer we wait to draft a receiver the longer it will take us to get production at that position. If we pass on a receiver this year, it will take at least 2 years before we can get another player ready to play. Assuming we draft a receiver next year.

http://www.finheaven.com/showthread.php?354215-The-Wide-Receiver-Mythology-Index&highlight=

 

[Travis34]

Why does 1 bad year from Randy Starks outweigh the 6 solid-to-great years hes provided for us? Earl Mitchell was a fine defensive tackle for the Texans, why are his years there irrelevant? Please explain all of that. Also, why do you believe Kevin Coyle is a good defensive coordinator?

Starks is getting old. No secret he is declining. Sure Mitchell was fine, but so was Odrick. Three average players, none of whom are huge guys. We need a DT out there WITH Odrick & Mitchell eating up space. Did I mention Coyle at all? Through his time here we've seen good and bad. How much of that is on players vs coaching? I'm not high on the guy man, especially after how he plays late in games and never makes adjustments, questionable playing of players,etc..

Anyways, before Goodell figured out he could royally piss people off by extending the draft an extra day, 3rd round picks were second day selections. Teams love loading up on that round because they can get the talent of 1st and 2nd round picks for the very affordable price of 3rd round slots(this was more prevalent before the new CBA). Just because our GM's have continuously busted in this round doesnt make it ****. We've been **** because we keep busting.

I'm not saying it is? You were advocating how much we've dumped into the OL dumpster fire. Well its not getting better sitting on it and doing f***ing nothing. Turner is MAYBE an answer at a guard spot. Pouncey is best at C. Who gets killed in the other spot? It's fine to take a guard or OL in any round. But in our current situation, I actually agree that in the first 2 rounds, we have other higher needs, playmakers first. But this year, past that, im fine with some depth or youth to develop along the line. Needs totally rebuilt more or less.

And yes, receiver is our biggest need. Its been our biggest need since our idiot ex-GM decided to trade Brandon Marshall. Not that you will read this(you'll just ignore what i actually said in a vain attempt to appear astonished about what i actually said) but heres a thread on it:

http://www.finheaven.com/showthread.php?354215-The-Wide-Receiver-Mythology-Index&highlight=

I believe I read that thread when you posted it, BUT, I will bookmark it to read later because i respect the work you put into that one. I don't disagree we need a steady influx of receivers, I'd draft multiple this year. I really want Dorsett... I just think that "biggest" need of our team is elsewhere.. By cutting a lot of trash and a good FA, we could really open the door to go BPA for the draft, and do whatever the hell we want.

That all starts with axing Starks, Finnegan, Ellerbe, probably Gibson, etc.. we will easily have enough for some upper tier FA's. The question is can we get Orlando Franklin here and maybe Knighton or another DT.

 

[Hc90]

Needs for me ... In order

Number 2 corner
Guard
MLB
receiver
DT