Dolphins owner Steve Ross, whose team was engulfed by a bullying scandal that made them a national story, said character will be a "major" part of player evaluation this year.
"I always believed in that," Ross said Monday during the first day of the three-day NFL owner's meetings, "but I think people are now more in tune. You've got to be aware of everything."
None of the Dolphins' free agent acquisitions this year have had high-profile incidents in their recent past, whether it's on-field or off-the-field.
"There's no question today you have to be a lot more aware of everything that's going on around you," Ross said.
However, there is at least one draftee that could pose an interesting situation. Michigan offensive tackle Taylor Lewan is regarded as a certain first-round pick, and probably a top 15 selection. Although he isn't likely to be available by the time the Dolphins draft at No. 19, Lewan faces an April 18 arraignment in connection with an assault charge stemming from an incident on Dec. 1, following Michigan's loss to Ohio State. Lewan has denied wrongdoing.
Ross, a proud Michigan alum who recently donated millions of dollars to his school, didn't comment on whether those incidents might dissuade the Dolphins from selecting Lewan.
"You've got to look at it and understand it," Ross said of players that might have baggage. "I'm not going to talk about Taylor Lewan. I think the world of Taylor Lewan.
"The fact he went to Michigan should be enough about his character," Ross said with a smile.
