The Nine

[SF Dolphin Fan]

The Dolphins defense is considered aging and there's no doubt that the best players are getting up there in years. There are some young players who could make a difference, though, and help this defense remain strong for years to come. That is if they reach their potential. Here's a look at nine young players on defense.

1. Crowder - started as a rookie and has been solid. Doesn't look like a pro-bowl type, but should be steady.

2. Roth - could end up being the most productive of the nine young players mentioned. Has played well and looked like a difference maker at times.

3. J. Allen - the one guy in the secondary who could emerge as a shutdown corner.

4. Daniels - has the versatility to play corner or safety and is a good tackler. I see him more as an average starter.

5. R. Wright - has a ton of ability, but has been called an underachiever.

6. Solai - will get plenty of playing time behind Traylor. Can't wait to see this guy in the pre-season.

7. Vickerson - kind of the forgotten man, but played well in NFL Europe. A make or break year for him in a way.

8. K. Smith - the Dolphins need young linebackers so he might have a chance to make the team. Don't know too much about him.

9. Wright - the 7th round pick from Colorado is one player I'm looking forward to watching. Reports on him so far have been positive.

Doubtful that there's a Jason Taylor or Zach Thomas in this group, but you never know. Expectations for Taylor and Thomas weren't very high when they first came into the league. Miami still needs to get some playmakers on defense and Cam Cameron has his work cut out for him, but some of these guys could make a difference.

 

[PhinGeneral]

I think we're going to need to draft a few more impact defensive players in the next year or two. Too many of those young guys are still major question marks.

The one guy, however, that I think you do sell short is Crowder. He hasn't risen to an elite level yet, but there are a lot of people around the league, including Bill Belichick, that really think highly of the guy.

 

[chillyphins]

I actually think that Soliai could develop into an Elite player at his position ala Thomas and Taylor. Also, R. Wright could be a sleeper to have a huge year. He carried a round 1/2 grade in last year's draft. The guy is a monster.

As for disapointments...I think Jason Allen has huge bust potential but that will not be seen until he can get some continuity and security at one position. Toward the end of this year we should see what his potential is.

 

[CammyCamCam]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=z4ZzziZ7sOE

 

[Loburian]

The Dolphins defense is considered aging and there's no doubt that the best players are getting up there in years. There are some young players who could make a difference, though, and help this defense remain strong for years to come. That is if they reach their potential. Here's a look at nine young players on defense.

5. R. Wright - has a ton of ability, but has been called an underachiever.

I think you have Rodrique Wright confused with Manny Wright.

Manny is an underachiever for sure, R. Wright had shoulder surgery last year.

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

I think we're going to need to draft a few more impact defensive players in the next year or two. Too many of those young guys are still major question marks.

The one guy, however, that I think you do sell short is Crowder. He hasn't risen to an elite level yet, but there are a lot of people around the league, including Bill Belichick, that really think highly of the guy.

If Vernon Carey proves worthy at left tackle, I fully expect Miami to look for an impact defensive player in the first round come next April. In a way, that's why I think Carey is one of the most important players on the team this year. If he can't make it at left tackle, the Dolphins have to solve that position and there are supposed to be a few really good ones in the 2008 draft. As far as Crowder goes, I think he could be more productive inside when/if that move happens.