I'm bored, like everyone else on this board, so I thought I'd offer my analysis of each unit, rather than individual player, on the team. This gives a little different perspective of the Dolphins and may shed a different light as far as which players Saban may be looking at in the draft.
Offensive Line
This unit, in my opinion, was the weakest link and the ultimate downfall for Wannstedt. After his first year in which the unit performed very well, the line never again reached that level. Granted, Ricky gained 1800 yards a couple of years ago, but it was mostly Ricky and not the line that made that happen.
The apparent theme for Saban, in an effort to rebuild the line that performed miserably in 2004, is "more is better." He has collected a rather large group of tackles, including St. Clair, Pape, McDougal, McIntosh, Carey (have I missed anyone) to rebuild from the outside - in.
Both Linehan and Saban favor the road graders and power game, and I think that is exactly what they have in this group. Don't be fooled by Linehan's 3 WR sets and complex passing game, his offense is still contigent on the Dolphins having a respectable running game. I believe the goal this year is to have McIntosh and McDougal to start at both tackles, ensuring that the Dolphins will at least be proficient in run blocking. McIntosh will have a better year, due to his familiarity with Houck and the fact that he is healthier. St. Clair is the perfect backup who can play virtually any position. I think Carey moves inside and Pape may spend another year on the practice squad, depending on how well he does.
The interior will be anchored by Jeno James, who will bounce back from a sub-par year and once again become a superior run blocker with adequate pass-blocking skills. Rex Hadnot showed great promise as a RG last year, but is reportedly 350 lbs - that will not impress the new coach. I think Carey will win the RG position and Hadnot becomes the backup.
The center position is intriguing, to say the least. I believe McKinney, maybe more than any other lineman, was victimized by poor coaching. McKinney was a great center in college; nothing like the guy we saw last year. I think McKinney will be the most improved player and bounce back with a decent year. I personally believe Wade Smith will be cut. If he can't handle 260 lb DE's, how can he handle 320 DT's? Drafting an o-lineman on the first day is very likely.
QB's
As a group, I believe our QB's are decent. Feeley is not a great practice player and will frustrate his coaches to no end. He did show us though that under decent coaching (Jim Bates), he has talent, tenacity, and a drive to win. Frerotte will push him hard, but in the end Saban knows that Feeley is his best option and he needs him to succeed. Sage continues to be a great 3rd QB, but Saban will no doubt draft a QB in the mid-rounds to cover himself. Saban will develop a few more gray hairs with this unit over the course of the season (particularly AJ), but I think he will drag Feeley through it with reasonable success.
RB's
The vacuum created by Ricky has evaporated and reality is now upon us. Ricky will NOT play football this year and we are wasting our time talking about him. Closure is a good thing. WIthout a doubt a first day pick will be spent on a RB. Thank goodness this is a deep year for RB's. I think Ronnie Brown at #2 makes the most sense, because with Ronnie you get a lot for your money. You get a great receiver that will create mismatches, a big, fast, powerful running back, and a great blocker. His value and great attitude is the main reason I think he should be our first pick. Suddenly, with Brown, Morris, Minor, Gordon, etc this unit is transformed from a major weakness to a major strength.
WR's
This group currently lacks leadership. For many reasons, no one has stepped up and taken over. It's time for Chris Chambers to say this is my unit and we will win games for this team. Marty Booker is an excellent #2 receiver and will gladly support Chris. McMichael and Ronnie Brown create mismatches and opportunities for Chambers and Booker. I would still like to see another tall receiver added (wouldn't Edwards or Williams be nice) to enhance our red zone opportunities, perhaps Thompson can build on the improvement we saw from him last year. A WR in the mid rounds should be drafted.
I'll add TE's to this group. I think Linehan will be more effective with receivers than any other unit. I think you'll see big improvement from Donald Lee and McMichael should have a pro bowl year.
Defensive Line
This unit scares me. I am happy we picked up Carter and Holliday, but Holliday is limited and Carter has hit the dreaded 30's. This is an old, slow unit. Timbo continues to have back problems and Chester's knee still bothers him. Both are injury prone and let's face it... neither guy, especially Timbo, may contribute this year. In fact, Bowens may not even be able to play at all. Jason will continue to dominate and David Bowens should be solid. I'm not as excited as other people about the d-line. Could you imagine if Bowens retires and Jason has a lengthy injury? I expect Saban will draft 2 defensive linemen (DT and DE) to add some much needed youth.
Linebackers
Again, this unit is graying around the temples. Junior is 36, Zach is now in the dirty 30's, and the rest of this group is mediocre. We know what we have with Spragan, but this is the year we find out about Eddie Moore. Pope is nice backup. If everyone stays healthy, this unit will be fine, but don't be surprised if you see a late season swoon. Not enough talent and youth to keep this group strong the whole season. A mid round (3rd or 4th) pick is also a possiblity for this unit.
Defensive Backs
Patrick will be missed a great deal, but with Madison, Poole, Edwards, and Howard there should be enough talent, especially in Saban's system, to be a very solid group.
The safety position is a very different story. I can't think of one player that you can project as a solid starter. Tillman has never proven anything yet. Bell cannot stay off the IR list and Tebucky is now a 30 year old journeyman who can tackle, but is not a skilled cover back. Safety should be a priority in the draft. We could take one as early as round 2 (if we get the pick from KC).
Special Teams
Thankfully, Saban kept Armstrong as the Special Teams Coach from the Wannstedt regime. In great turmoil, Armstrong produced some very respectable special team players. Wes Welker, the fan's choice from last year, will continue to be a solid return man. I think Saban will, however, add a speedy guy from the draft, to help with return duties. Cover teams will be excellent - the Dolphins are stocked with good special team players and Armstrong will have them ready. It appears Saban may stick with Mare and Turk one more year. I would like to see Mare bounce back and have the year he is capable of.
In summary, there are glaring weaknesses on defense, especially if injuries beset the d-line and linebackers. The offense is a work in progress, but may end up being a very good unit by season's end. The defense, however, is hold your breath and pray the old guys stay healthy kind of unit. That said, this looks like about an 8-8 team to me. With a little luck and good health, we may reach 9-7.
