My article on the Dolphins' situation at No. 1 | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

My article on the Dolphins' situation at No. 1

ChrisJNelson

ChrisJNelson

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Hopefully my posting here won't bother anyone, but as an aspiring journalist I'd like to share it and get any feedback I can. I've written an article for KFFL.com about the Dolphins' situation the No. 1 pick, what their options are, and what they are likely to do. If you're interested, check it out and let me know what you think.

Link: http://www.phins-spotlight.com/2008/04/miamis-options-at-no-1.html
 
I thought it was a great well writen article and you have skills. I noticed on the side that you hope to be a beat writer for the Dolphins and wish you luck with that.
 
Very nice article, well thought out. Its anybody's guess who the fins will take, but you have some valid poinys with Long and Gholston.
 
How about the option of selecting McFadden? While I don't like the idea it may need mention because he is the most talented player in the draft.
 
I gave you a "10" rating: well-written article and informative for anyone who's not been in a forum like Finheaven in the last 3 months -or isn't too familiar with the Dolphins organization. Good Job! You hit all the salient points. I'm pulling for a Long but on the outside chance, you might also want to include Glenn Dorsey in the equation now that his health has been certified since he is such a presence.
 
Thanks everyone for the feedback and kind words. I appreciate it.

rayfinkle5 said:
How about the option of selecting McFadden? While I don't like the idea it may need mention because he is the most talented player in the draft.
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I just don't consider him a realistic enough option to mention.

Vaark said:
I gave you a "10" rating: well-written article and informative for anyone who's not been in a forum like Finheaven in the last 3 months -or isn't too familiar with the Dolphins organization. Good Job! You hit all the salient points. I'm pulling for a Long but on the outside chance, you might also want to include Glenn Dorsey in the equation now that his health has been certified since he is such a presence.
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Dorsey isn't big enough to play nose in the 3-4, so he's really of no use to Miami. They have their ends (which Dorsey would be in the 3-4) in Starks and Holliday.
 
I am sorry man but that was not worth the effort. There was nothing in there that even a casual fan hasn't already read already. It is much more interesting to read if the writer has an opinion not just a rehash of old arguments.
 
TraderJoe said:
I am sorry man but that was not worth the effort. There was nothing in there that even a casual fan hasn't already read already. It is much more interesting to read if the writer has an opinion not just a rehash of old arguments.
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I'm sorry you felt that way. But I would say that it definitely has some opinions in it. You don't think some Dolphins fans want/think we'll take Ryan or Jake Long. I'm better some do. But I even go as far as to say they will not draft Ryan and that Jake Long is the third best choice. Certainly not every Dolphins fan feels that way.
 
ChrisJNelson said:
I'm sorry you felt that way. But I would say that it definitely has some opinions in it. You don't think some Dolphins fans want/think we'll take Ryan or Jake Long. I'm better some do. But I even go as far as to say they will not draft Ryan and that Jake Long is the third best choice. Certainly not every Dolphins fan feels that way.
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You are right I was wrong, but for me everything that was said has been posted a thousands of times already so this does not provide any new info or insight. It came off as a fluff piece.

Your points on J. Long "Long is the most widely accepted top prospect and probably the only player at his position being given significant consideration for the top spot. Long is an extremely talented player, but many feel he is not an elite left tackle prospect. Some even believe he might be better suited for the right side - something you don't typically look for when drafting a tackle as high as Miami would be." This everyone knows already and only says what everyone else is saying. Tell us about the film you have watched, why you feel he is not right.

But then when you have an opinion and say "..the drop-off from Long to those available in the next two rounds is not that big. Why take Long in Round 1 when you could go elsewhere with the pick and still land Sam Baker (Southern California) or Carl Nicks (Nebraska) in Round 2, or even Anthony Collins (Kansas) or Barry Richardson (Clemson) in Round 3?" is just plain crazy! The drop-off after the first 3 guys is huge!And then you make a case for drafting a guy who by your article may not even have a position for 2 years?

If your goal is to become a writer, IMO, you need to say something that creates interest, has an opinion and can sound credible.
 
TraderJoe said:
I am sorry man but that was not worth the effort. There was nothing in there that even a casual fan hasn't already read already. It is much more interesting to read if the writer has an opinion not just a rehash of old arguments.
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I agree with you to a point BUT writing for mass media requires the style you write and he did a good job at it.

Besides, there are guys who get paid millions a year who can't get any more in depth information from the Dolphins and BP.

Good job Chris! I gave ya a 9.
 
TraderJoe said:
You are right I was wrong, but for me everything that was said has been posted a thousands of times already so this does not provide any new info or insight. It came off as a fluff piece.

Your points on J. Long "Long is the most widely accepted top prospect and probably the only player at his position being given significant consideration for the top spot. Long is an extremely talented player, but many feel he is not an elite left tackle prospect. Some even believe he might be better suited for the right side - something you don't typically look for when drafting a tackle as high as Miami would be." This everyone knows already and only says what everyone else is saying. Tell us about the film you have watched, why you feel he is not right.

But then when you have an opinion and say "..the drop-off from Long to those available in the next two rounds is not that big. Why take Long in Round 1 when you could go elsewhere with the pick and still land Sam Baker (Southern California) or Carl Nicks (Nebraska) in Round 2, or even Anthony Collins (Kansas) or Barry Richardson (Clemson) in Round 3?" is just plain crazy! The drop-off after the first 3 guys is huge!And then you make a case for drafting a guy who by your article may not even have a position for 2 years?

If your goal is to become a writer, IMO, you need to say something that creates interest, has an opinion and can sound credible.
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Sorry, I'm still not seeing the issue here. I had an assignment from KFFL and that's what I wrote, so it's not just a topic I came up with. The stuff on my blog would be more that kind of stuff. I'm more concerned with the quality of writing than anything else here. Plus, I would say there is definitely an advantage to having actual sources as a Miami beat writer. Everything I know I gain from following the news and watching football. It's not like I can call up my scout sources.

And I happen to disagree about the quality of offensive tackle prospects. While I would agree that Long, Clady and Otah are the big three, it's quite possibly some of these second- and third-rounders end up with better careers. The top ones are just safer bets, but there is still some good upside after Round 1. I'm a very firm believer that the offensive tackle position is deep enough that taking Jake Long is not the best course of action.
 
ChrisJNelson said:
Sorry, I'm still not seeing the issue here. I had an assignment from KFFL and that's what I wrote, so it's not just a topic I came up with. The stuff on my blog would be more that kind of stuff. I'm more concerned with the quality of writing than anything else here. Plus, I would say there is definitely an advantage to having actual sources as a Miami beat writer. Everything I know I gain from following the news and watching football. It's not like I can call up my scout sources.

And I happen to disagree about the quality of offensive tackle prospects. While I would agree that Long, Clady and Otah are the big three, it's quite possibly some of these second- and third-rounders end up with better careers. The top ones are just safer bets, but there is still some good upside after Round 1. I'm a very firm believer that the offensive tackle position is deep enough that taking Jake Long is not the best course of action.
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Disregard negativity and keep on writing! :up:
 
Good stuff and Gholston comes off in the same light somewhat as a Dorsey or Mcffaden pick. IMO the pick will almost certainly be defense and a LB if Parcells is really calling the shots as that has certainly been his MO in the past!
 
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