My thoughts on the offseason moves so far….
What I liked
Brent Grimes – the guy has been the best defensive back since the days of Surtian and showed that his injury was not going to be an issue. The deal that was made seems to benefit both sides and allows Miami to keep a player that actually wanted to be in Miami. My hope is that in his second year and knowing he will be in Miami for the next few years he takes on more of a leadership role.
Randy Starks – I loved the fact that Miami is keeping some of their developed talent. When Starks is on he is an absolute monster on the inside. He can help both in the run game and provide middle penetration. His deal makes him an absolute steal.
Earl Mitchell – This is my favorite signing after Grimes. He was misused in Houston as he was not good fit for the 3-4 schemes, but he should have a major impact in Miami’s 4-3 he is much better at gap penetration and causing havoc in the backfield. The middle penetration is going to make hard for QB’s to step up into the pocket. He was also effective against the run and even though his PFF score doesn’t show it it is hard to deny the fact that Houston was a whole yard better against the run with him in the lineup.
Branden Albert – While he is getting paid more than he should, Miami needed to land one of the big three LTs and he was one that wanted to play in Miami. Should provide much needed protection for Tannehill and instantly becomes Miami’s best lineman. HE is also a high character player and reportedly a great locker room guy, something else Miami desperately needed.
The hiring of Bill Lazor and John Benton – One of Miami’s biggest issues the last few seasons was the lack of development of the offensive line players and lack of creativity on offense. Both guys are needed upgrades to the team coaching staff and should have as much of an impact on the offense as the new players.
Mixed feelings
Louis Delmas – I see him as a potential upgrade over Clemons as he plays with more passion and is viewed as more of a playmaker. Because of his play style he does pick up penalties and can get beat deep. His injury history concerns me as well, though I will give him credit for playing the 3rd most defensive snaps last season in Detriot.
Shelly Smith – Has potential and fits the Dolphins scheme and looks like an excellent run blocker, but his pass blocking could be a liability. Has never been a full time starter even on a team with a less the mediocre line.
What I don’t like
Age – seems like the Dolphins are spending a lot of money on the over 30 crowd.
Not addressing the offensive line more – So far they have signed two guys, one of which is a fringe starter. I understand this is a very deep draft for lineman, but it is always good to have some insurance. I would be less concerned if Hickey had the picks Ireland had last draft and not sure he has enough to fill the holes he needs to.
Linebackers – again this would be less of a concern if the team had added another starter to the o-line and the team could use one of its first 2 pick on a LB, but it doesn't look that way. This is an area that needs an upgrade especially if the Dolphins are going to be more of a gap penetration defensive line. Hopefully some shakes out, but I will be very concerned if enter 2014 with the same 3 guys.
Cortland Finnegan – Not sure it was a good move to sign a slot corner for the kind of money he got. Especially after the two seasons he has just had. At one time he was a top 10 – 15 CB in the NFL and if he returns to that form then it was a great move, but I highly doubt it happens. If Taylor steps up and plays well then this move is a wash.
Depth – with so many players with injury histories I wonder who will be stepping in if one of them goes down.
Overall Impression
Positive – I like the addition of Lazor and Benton which cannot be stressed enough, good coaches get the most out of their players and I look forward to what they bring. I feel they have improved both lines and have made adjustments for their losses. Are they better than they were last season, yes….as long as they address rest of the offensive line in the draft I feel the roster as a whole is better (even if slightly) than last season.
What I expect from the draft
At least two linemen, fortunately this is a very deep draft at the tackle and guard positions and the Dolphins should have no problem finding two quality starters in the first four rounds.
I also expect an LB early as they need someone who can push for starting playing time.
RB – I like Lamar Millers speed, but they need someone who can pound it in there on short yardage.
What I liked
Brent Grimes – the guy has been the best defensive back since the days of Surtian and showed that his injury was not going to be an issue. The deal that was made seems to benefit both sides and allows Miami to keep a player that actually wanted to be in Miami. My hope is that in his second year and knowing he will be in Miami for the next few years he takes on more of a leadership role.
Randy Starks – I loved the fact that Miami is keeping some of their developed talent. When Starks is on he is an absolute monster on the inside. He can help both in the run game and provide middle penetration. His deal makes him an absolute steal.
Earl Mitchell – This is my favorite signing after Grimes. He was misused in Houston as he was not good fit for the 3-4 schemes, but he should have a major impact in Miami’s 4-3 he is much better at gap penetration and causing havoc in the backfield. The middle penetration is going to make hard for QB’s to step up into the pocket. He was also effective against the run and even though his PFF score doesn’t show it it is hard to deny the fact that Houston was a whole yard better against the run with him in the lineup.
Branden Albert – While he is getting paid more than he should, Miami needed to land one of the big three LTs and he was one that wanted to play in Miami. Should provide much needed protection for Tannehill and instantly becomes Miami’s best lineman. HE is also a high character player and reportedly a great locker room guy, something else Miami desperately needed.
The hiring of Bill Lazor and John Benton – One of Miami’s biggest issues the last few seasons was the lack of development of the offensive line players and lack of creativity on offense. Both guys are needed upgrades to the team coaching staff and should have as much of an impact on the offense as the new players.
Mixed feelings
Louis Delmas – I see him as a potential upgrade over Clemons as he plays with more passion and is viewed as more of a playmaker. Because of his play style he does pick up penalties and can get beat deep. His injury history concerns me as well, though I will give him credit for playing the 3rd most defensive snaps last season in Detriot.
Shelly Smith – Has potential and fits the Dolphins scheme and looks like an excellent run blocker, but his pass blocking could be a liability. Has never been a full time starter even on a team with a less the mediocre line.
What I don’t like
Age – seems like the Dolphins are spending a lot of money on the over 30 crowd.
Not addressing the offensive line more – So far they have signed two guys, one of which is a fringe starter. I understand this is a very deep draft for lineman, but it is always good to have some insurance. I would be less concerned if Hickey had the picks Ireland had last draft and not sure he has enough to fill the holes he needs to.
Linebackers – again this would be less of a concern if the team had added another starter to the o-line and the team could use one of its first 2 pick on a LB, but it doesn't look that way. This is an area that needs an upgrade especially if the Dolphins are going to be more of a gap penetration defensive line. Hopefully some shakes out, but I will be very concerned if enter 2014 with the same 3 guys.
Cortland Finnegan – Not sure it was a good move to sign a slot corner for the kind of money he got. Especially after the two seasons he has just had. At one time he was a top 10 – 15 CB in the NFL and if he returns to that form then it was a great move, but I highly doubt it happens. If Taylor steps up and plays well then this move is a wash.
Depth – with so many players with injury histories I wonder who will be stepping in if one of them goes down.
Overall Impression
Positive – I like the addition of Lazor and Benton which cannot be stressed enough, good coaches get the most out of their players and I look forward to what they bring. I feel they have improved both lines and have made adjustments for their losses. Are they better than they were last season, yes….as long as they address rest of the offensive line in the draft I feel the roster as a whole is better (even if slightly) than last season.
What I expect from the draft
At least two linemen, fortunately this is a very deep draft at the tackle and guard positions and the Dolphins should have no problem finding two quality starters in the first four rounds.
I also expect an LB early as they need someone who can push for starting playing time.
RB – I like Lamar Millers speed, but they need someone who can pound it in there on short yardage.
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