The Dolphins just finished their first Organized Team Activity of the offseason, and we’ll have full articles later today about the quarterback competition – and everyone’s reaction to Stephen Ross’ comment that Matt Moore will “probably” be the starting quarterback – and about the hectic pace of the Dolphins’ practices.
Here are several other quick hit items from today’s OTA, the first full-squad practice of the 2012 season:
* The Dolphins had 86 of 89 players in attendance. The only three who didn’t practice were rookies who have to finish school and by NFL rule are not allowed to practice yet: Stanford right tackle Jonathan Martin, Oregon linebacker Josh Kaddu and Portland State offensive lineman Dustin Waldron.
* The Dolphins also had three players sit out practice today: CB Vontae Davis (unspecified injury), RB Jerome Messam (recent meniscus surgery) and RB Jonas Gray (unspecified injury). Davis suggested that his injury isn’t too serious. “We got some time, and the good thing is when I’m ready, I’ll be able to go 100 percent,” he said.
* Some new positions on the defense, which will primarily use a 4-3 scheme (the Dolphins had been a 3-4 team since 2005): Jared Odrick plays left defensive end; Cameron Wake at right defensive end; Olivier Vernon has been working at right defensive end, where he feels most comfortable, but not with the starters; Kevin Burnett and Koa Misi flip-flopped between strong and weak-side linebacker, but Burnett will likely play on the weak side; Karlos Dansby is the middle linebacker; Reshad Jones was at free safety and Chris Clemons at strong safety; and Richard Marshall subbed in for Davis at cornerback.
* On offense, John Jerry played right guard, Lydon Murtha lined up at right tackle in Martin’s absence, and WR Legedu Naanee took several reps alongside Davone Bess and Brian Hartline. Reggie Bush lined up in the slot, as well.
* Count Burnett among those who doesn’t take too much stock in OTAs. “We don’t have our identity yet. It’s just guys running around in shorts, he said. “We’re not playing in pads. You got to reserve your comments until we actually play a football game. This guy isn’t playing for his life and you’re not playing for yours. Now you’re learning the system.”
* Vernon, the Dolphins’ third-round pick, is still raw as a football player. He didn’t pick up the game until high school, and started just 16 games at the University of Miami. “I need to learn football,” he said. “I’m still in the learning process. I don’t know that much about football. I’m still fresh.”
* Play of the day: Ryan Tannehill forced a slant pass into double coverage that Jimmy Wilson (now a safety) deflected into the air, but right in stride to rookie receiver B.J. Cunningham, who took it to the house for a 60 yard touchdown.
* Players competing for the punt returner job: Bess, Bush, Lamar Miller, Clyde Gates, Rishard Matthews, Marcus Thigpen.
* Not to cop out, but all three quarterbacks looked pretty solid in Tuesday’s OTA. David Garrard threw some beautiful slant passes and displayed nice touch. Moore looked good rolling out of the pocket (the new offense will feature a lot of playaction and bootleg passes). Tannehill practiced mostly with the backups, but threw with some nice anticipation.
* Tannehill, who is running much of the same offense he did at Texas A&M, said he wants to “speed my drops and reads up, but just the comfort level of the offense, I feel pretty good. … Knowing the offense and having that background definitely helps me not focus on that as much and help me get adjusted to the speed of the game.”
* The Dolphins currently have 12 receivers vying for five roster spots, and Philbin said at this point it’s hard to judge them. “We haven’t seen a lot of press man-to-man yet,” he said. But Philbin said he has three criteria: “One of the things that will be interesting to see is how they separate against man coverage. You’re looking for guys who can make a play on a vertical ball down the field, that’s something that’s very important. And third, a guy that’s a consistent ball catcher, I know it sounds simple but sometimes it’s overlooked.”
* Philbin, on how the practice went: “I was really pleased with the effort out there today. I thought the execution was relatively good for the vast majority of practice. The last team practice we had got a little sloppy. My guess is guys got a little tired, the heat and reps caught up with them.”
* Philbin, on what he hopes to accomplish during this three-day OTA (Wednesday and Thursday are closed to the media): “You want to start building some chemistry. We exposed the guys to a lot of information. You want to see some leaders emerge, you want to see the units play together, you want to see good communication on both sides of the ball. You’re looking for a lot of chemistry, communication and that consistency a little bit.”
* Davis said his goal this year is “leading by example. My biggest thing is doing everything I’m supposed to be doing and getting a lot of guys to follow.” Davis earned a 1-game suspension last year for unprofessional conduct during practice.
* Davis also joked about his friend Yeremiah Bell joining the Jets last week after being cut by the Dolphins. “The Jets? Come on, why the Jets, Yeremiah Bell?”
* The Dolphins had four guests at practice. Two are currently on the Florida Gators’ coaching staff: Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn (who coached with the Dolphins under Nick Saban), and defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson. Two former Packers were present as well: cornerback Al Harris (a Pompano Beach native and member of the Dolphins in 2010) and offensive lineman Marco Rivera. Both played for Philbin in Green Bay.
* Seventh-round receiver Rishard Matthews signed his rookie contract on Tuesday. The Dolphins have now signed three of their nine rookies.