Random Thoughts Part three

[Kyndig]

Defense.
Priorities: Nose Tackle, Defensive Tackle, Inside linebacker, Safety * 2
The defense needs to be fortified in the trenches, we need a young developmental player at inside linebacker, and we need two safeties. One to replace Jevon Holland who we will likely not resign, and Jordan Poyer who is washed.

Defensive Tackle.
In terms of the trenches, we should invest at least two draft picks there, beg Calais Campbell to come back, probably bring back Benito Jones and Deshawn Hand. We need another zero to compete with Benito Jones, and we need another defensive tackle to play opposite of Zack Sieler. I would predict a first and or second round pick will be used on either an offensive tackle or a defensive tackle, in either order unless we draft a quarterback with one of those picks. In any case, we need to fortify the trenches and infuse some young talent in the trenches on both sides of the ball.

Excellent news, this years Defensive Tackles class is considered to be deep and strong. The following defensive tackles are expected to be selected in the top 100 picks:

1. Mason Graham – Michigan
• Height/Weight: 6’3”, 320 lbs
• Projected Round: 1st
• Strengths: Quick first step, disruptive interior pass rusher, excellent hand technique.

2. Deone Walker – Kentucky
• Height/Weight: 6’6”, 345 lbs
• Projected Round: 1st
• Strengths: Massive size and strength, versatile in both 3-4 and 4-3 schemes, dominant run stopper.

3. Walter Nolen – Ole Miss
• Height/Weight: 6’4”, 310 lbs
• Projected Round: Late 1st to Early 2nd
• Strengths: Elite athleticism for his size, disrupts both run and pass plays, high motor.

4. Kenneth Grant – Michigan
• Height/Weight: 6’3”, 335 lbs
• Projected Round: 2nd
• Strengths: Strong run defender, capable of collapsing the pocket, great leverage and hand usage.

5. Tywone Malone – Oregon
• Height/Weight: 6’4”, 315 lbs
• Projected Round: 2nd to 3rd
• Strengths: Great size and athleticism, shows flashes of dominance in both run defense and pass rush.

6. Derrick Harmon – Michigan State
• Height/Weight: 6’5”, 320 lbs
• Projected Round: 3rd
• Strengths: Strong at the point of attack, excels in run defense, potential to develop into a pass rusher.
7. Darron Reed – Florida State
• Height/Weight: 6’4”, 290 lbs
• Projected Round: 3rd
• Strengths: Explosive off the snap, versatile defender, high upside as a pass rusher.

Man, if we could get two of these guys, our DLINE would be looking pretty damn good for 2025 and the foreseeable future.

Safety. I expect the team to move on from both Poyer and Holland after this year. This means we’ll need to bring in probably one FA and one draft pick as well as bring back Elijah Campbell. There was talk of maybe JaRam playing some safety, but that was mostly among the fan base. There are some pretty good FA safeties that will be available, but they might be too expensive:

Budda Baker, Talanoa Hufanga, Tre’von Moehrig, and Camryn Bynum.

Based on current 2025 NFL Draft projections, here are the safeties expected to be selected in the top 100 picks:

1. Malaki Starks – Georgia
• Projected Round: 1st
• Strengths: Versatility, elite athleticism, high football IQ.

2. Nick Emmanwori – South Carolina
• Projected Round: 1st-2nd
• Strengths: Size, physicality, and range in coverage.

3. Andrew Mukuba – Texas
• Projected Round: 2nd
• Strengths: Ball-tracking ability, instincts in zone coverage.

4. Kamari Ramsey – USC
• Projected Round: 2nd-3rd
• Strengths: Strong tackling and man coverage skills.

5. Xavier Watts – Notre Dame
• Projected Round: 3rd
• Strengths: Coverage skills, run support, and football IQ.

6. Kevin Winston Jr. – Penn State
• Projected Round: 3rd
• Strengths: Athleticism and versatility, capable of playing multiple roles in the secondary.


We aren’t going to have a lot of cap room until after June 1st if then, so we’re likely going to add the most to our roster through the draft. I really wouldn’t mind seeing two offensive line and two defensive line picks with our first 4 picks, save for maybe a QB if then right one falls to us.

However, the personnel issues are far easier to correct than the culture issues I pointed out in the beginning of this long diatriabe, and if we don’t correct those issues, we are still not likely to win anything. I will be watching, but I’m keeping my expectations in check.

 

[artdnj]

We need a lot, but are in good position as long as the commission doesn’t take our first pick away for the Tyreek wrist thing. I like best player available, but we’ll see who’s there.

 

[Kyndig]

We need a lot, but are in good position as long as the commission doesn’t take our first pick away for the Tyreek wrist thing. I like best player available, but we’ll see who’s there.

I hear ya. I think BPA will be either a Dtackle, Offensive Tackle at 13, those are pretty deep positions this year and they line up neatly with our greatest needs.

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

If Miami can find guard help in free agency, the team could go back-to-back defense, which is taking advantage of the talent in the draft.

Personally, Id take Warren at 13 if he's there.

Graham is high on my list as well, but I doubt he makes it to 13. I would be happy with Nolen.

Pearce, Scourton, Stewart or Landon Jackson are a few ends that could be high on Miami's list. Both Phillips and Chubb have had numerous injuries. Can't really count on them.

 

[Kyndig]

If Miami can find guard help in free agency, the team could go back-to-back defense, which is taking advantage of the talent in the draft.

Personally, Id take Warren at 13 if he's there.

Graham is high on my list as well, but I doubt he makes it to 13. I would be happy with Nolen.

Pearce, Scourton, Stewart or Landon Jackson are a few ends that could be high on Miami's list. Both Phillips and Chubb have had numerous injuries. Can't really count on them.

Our cap situation is going to be difficult to count on and safety, defensive tackle, and backup qb are also important holes that may be better filled by a veteran whereas it may be easier to bring in a roookiemguard and have him ready to
Start then a Safety and we absolutely need a veteran backup Qb. .

Offensive line needs draft picks as well and Grier all but said he was going to spend at least three draft picks on the Oline in his press conference when he referenced the draft that brought in AJ, Hunt, and kindley. I don’t see us taking an edge early in the draft this year, I also don’t see Calais Campbell coming back as if he did he’d want to chase a ring with a real contender, so I think the priorities on defense are two defensive tackles and at least one safety in the draft as well as an offensive tackle
And a couple of guards as well as a developmental qb. Those are probably our top 5 priorities and then you could add a safety as a 6th need

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

Our cap situation is going to be difficult to count on and safety, defensive tackle, and backup qb are also important holes that may be better filled by a veteran whereas it may be easier to bring in a roookiemguard and have him ready to
Start then a Safety and we absolutely need a veteran backup Qb. .

Offensive line needs draft picks as well and Grier all but said he was going to spend at least three draft picks on the Oline in his press conference when he referenced the draft that brought in AJ, Hunt, and kindley. I don’t see us taking an edge early in the draft this year, I also don’t see Calais Campbell coming back as if he did he’d want to chase a ring with a real contender, so I think the priorities on defense are two defensive tackles and at least one safety in the draft as well as an offensive tackle
And a couple of guards as well as a developmental qb. Those are probably our top 5 priorities and then you could add a safety as a 6th need

Good points. I hope Miami doesn't reach for a guard, though.

I'm not saying it would necessarily be a mistake to take a guard in th1st, but I think 2nd and 3rd round is the value point there.

Agree, defensive tackle makes a ton of sense and 1st round fits. Nolen or Grant fall right in the Dolphins range.

 

[fin007]

 

[ForksPhin]

I think Baker already signed an extension with the Cardinals. He would have been well out of our price-range, anyway.

 

[Phins up]

If Miami can find guard help in free agency, the team could go back-to-back defense, which is taking advantage of the talent in the draft.

Personally, Id take Warren at 13 if he's there.

Graham is high on my list as well, but I doubt he makes it to 13. I would be happy with Nolen.

Pearce, Scourton, Stewart or Landon Jackson are a few ends that could be high on Miami's list. Both Phillips and Chubb have had numerous injuries. Can't really count on them.

I agree we should go BPA rather than need.
Grier has been ok with last FA class but his biggest mistake has been not drafting top 10 talent for the position, regardless of the position.
Time to start changing that by getting bonafide talent such as Warren who could become top 10 TE at some point.
We are not competing for a SB in the next season or two so might as well grab elite talent that might become dominant players for us while cost controlled.

 

[Kyndig]

I agree we should go BPA rather than need.
Grier has been ok with last FA class but his biggest mistake has been not drafting top 10 talent for the position, regardless of the position.
Time to start changing that by getting bonafide talent such as Warren who could become top 10 TE at some point.
We are not competing for a SB in the next season or two so might as well grab elite talent that might become dominant players for us while cost controlled.

I wouldn’t hate that. However, they also value certain positions more than others with that first round pick. I’d forecast either an OT, DT, or a qb with our first round pick.

 

[NoblePhin]

Mason Graham and Xavier Watts would be awesome adds to the defense.

 

[Bob512]

I think Baker already signed an extension with the Cardinals. He would have been well out of our price-range, anyway.

Baker is an EXCELLENT player......he isn't leaving Arizona unfortunately

Plus, as you pointed out, we are in the discount aisle at the shopping center

 

[Bob512]

Defense.
Priorities: Nose Tackle, Defensive Tackle, Inside linebacker, Safety * 2
The defense needs to be fortified in the trenches, we need a young developmental player at inside linebacker, and we need two safeties. One to replace Jevon Holland who we will likely not resign, and Jordan Poyer who is washed.

Defensive Tackle.
In terms of the trenches, we should invest at least two draft picks there, beg Calais Campbell to come back, probably bring back Benito Jones and Deshawn Hand. We need another zero to compete with Benito Jones, and we need another defensive tackle to play opposite of Zack Sieler. I would predict a first and or second round pick will be used on either an offensive tackle or a defensive tackle, in either order unless we draft a quarterback with one of those picks. In any case, we need to fortify the trenches and infuse some young talent in the trenches on both sides of the ball.

Excellent news, this years Defensive Tackles class is considered to be deep and strong. The following defensive tackles are expected to be selected in the top 100 picks:

1. Mason Graham – Michigan
• Height/Weight: 6’3”, 320 lbs
• Projected Round: 1st
• Strengths: Quick first step, disruptive interior pass rusher, excellent hand technique.

2. Deone Walker – Kentucky
• Height/Weight: 6’6”, 345 lbs
• Projected Round: 1st
• Strengths: Massive size and strength, versatile in both 3-4 and 4-3 schemes, dominant run stopper.

3. Walter Nolen – Ole Miss
• Height/Weight: 6’4”, 310 lbs
• Projected Round: Late 1st to Early 2nd
• Strengths: Elite athleticism for his size, disrupts both run and pass plays, high motor.

4. Kenneth Grant – Michigan
• Height/Weight: 6’3”, 335 lbs
• Projected Round: 2nd
• Strengths: Strong run defender, capable of collapsing the pocket, great leverage and hand usage.

5. Tywone Malone – Oregon
• Height/Weight: 6’4”, 315 lbs
• Projected Round: 2nd to 3rd
• Strengths: Great size and athleticism, shows flashes of dominance in both run defense and pass rush.

6. Derrick Harmon – Michigan State
• Height/Weight: 6’5”, 320 lbs
• Projected Round: 3rd
• Strengths: Strong at the point of attack, excels in run defense, potential to develop into a pass rusher.
7. Darron Reed – Florida State
• Height/Weight: 6’4”, 290 lbs
• Projected Round: 3rd
• Strengths: Explosive off the snap, versatile defender, high upside as a pass rusher.

Man, if we could get two of these guys, our DLINE would be looking pretty damn good for 2025 and the foreseeable future.

Safety. I expect the team to move on from both Poyer and Holland after this year. This means we’ll need to bring in probably one FA and one draft pick as well as bring back Elijah Campbell. There was talk of maybe JaRam playing some safety, but that was mostly among the fan base. There are some pretty good FA safeties that will be available, but they might be too expensive:




We aren’t going to have a lot of cap room until after June 1st if then, so we’re likely going to add the most to our roster through the draft. I really wouldn’t mind seeing two offensive line and two defensive line picks with our first 4 picks, save for maybe a QB if then right one falls to us.

However, the personnel issues are far easier to correct than the culture issues I pointed out in the beginning of this long diatriabe, and if we don’t correct those issues, we are still not likely to win anything. I will be watching, but I’m keeping my expectations in check.

Nice post to finish this off.....

DT is deep in this draft and if we draft well, can set ourselves up for the next few years. Also, need to get a safety out of this draft, I doubt (hope) we don't resign Holland and look elsewhere

With 10 picks, we have an opportunity to go a bit heavier on defense to give Weaver some additional weapons to use and still pick up what is needed on offense. However we will need to hit on a high number of these picks, which has not been something we have done consistently. Can it happen, sure......will it, remains to be seen

We have had some solid LB play in 2024 from our Free Agent signings, we need to build on that. The LB situation in Miami has been bad for years, so this year was a very noticeable difference

I would expect to see drafted a DT, NT, Safety, LB and potential CB

 

[Kyndig]

Nice post to finish this off.....

DT is deep in this draft and if we draft well, can set ourselves up for the next few years. Also, need to get a safety out of this draft, I doubt (hope) we don't resign Holland and look elsewhere

With 10 picks, we have an opportunity to go a bit heavier on defense to give Weaver some additional weapons to use and still pick up what is needed on offense. However we will need to hit on a high number of these picks, which has not been something we have done consistently. Can it happen, sure......will it, remains to be seen

We have had some solid LB play in 2024 from our Free Agent signings, we need to build on that. The LB situation in Miami has been bad for years, so this year was a very noticeable difference

I would expect to see drafted a DT, NT, Safety, LB and potential CB

I would expect to see an OT, G,G, DT, NT, QB (not necessarily in order of course) and maybe a Safety as well. Grier all but said he was going to draft 3 Olinemen in the first 4 rounds as he did in the draft that brought AJ, Hunt, and Kindley to the team.

 

[Kyndig]

Baker is an EXCELLENT player......he isn't leaving Arizona unfortunately

Plus, as you pointed out, we are in the discount aisle at the shopping center

Yeah, I was just listing the top ones available. We don’t have the cap space for him unless we traded tyreek hill for him?