The Dolphins Make Me Cry.com - Forums

  Happy Draft Day Dolfans!  This is the thread to talk about and discuss the 2008 NFL Draft.  While you're sitting around, eating some food, and drinking the beverage of your choice.  Throughout this process, I've compiled many of the names of players that the Miami Dolphins have talked too.  Keep in mind, this isn't everybody they've talked too.  But these names have been gathered through various sources, i.e: Sun-Sentinel, Miami Herald, The Palm Beach Post, KFFL, 560 WQAM, etc.  Keep an eye out for some of these names, and enjoy the day, today!

Quarterbacks

- Brian Brohm, Louisville
- Chad Henne, Michigan
- Kyle Wright, Miami
- Joe Flacco, Delaware
- Eric Ainge, Tennessee

Running Backs

- Ray Rice, Rutgers
- Kevin Simth, UCF
- Yvenson Bernard, Oregon State
- RB Tim Hightower, Richmond

Fullbacks

- Rolly Lumbala, Idaho

Wide Receivers

- Adrian Arrington, Michigan
- Mario Manningham, Michigan
- D.J. Hall, Alabama
- Will Franklin, Missouri
- DuVaughn Flagler, Gardner-Webb
- Devin Thomas, Michigan State
- Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma
- Andre Caldwell, Florida
- Limas Sweed, Texas
- Darnell Jenkins, Miami
- Lance Leggett, Miami
- John Dunlap, N.C. State
- Pierre Garcon, Mount Union
- Donnie Avery, Houston
- Paul Raymond, Brown
- Dexter Jackson, Appalachian State

Tight Ends

- Jermichael Finley, Texas
- Brad Cottam, Tennessee
- Kellen Davis, Michigan State
- Dustin Keller, Purdue

Offensive Tackles

- Mike Butterworth, Slippery Rock (Yes, that's an actual school)
- Brandon Keith, Northern Iowa
- Chad Rinehart, Northern Iowa
- Duane Brown, Virginia Tech
- Anthony Collins, Kansas
- Carl Nicks, Nebraska
- Sam Baker, USC
- John Greco, Toledo

Offensive Guards

- Ryan Poles, Boston College
- Shawn Murphy, Utah State
- Andrew Bain, Miami
- Derrick Morse, Miami

Thanks for starting this thread Dolfan.

EVERYONE PLEASE KEEP ALL DRAFT RELATED CONVERSATIONS IN THIS THREAD.

We don't need 14 threads talking about the same thing!

  Moving onto the defense and specialists.

Linebackers

- Taveras Gooden, Miami
- Dan Connor, Penn State
- Keith Rivers, USC
- Beau Bell, UNLV
- Wesley Woodyard, Kentucky
- Cliff Avril, Purdue
- Jerod Mayo, Tennessee
- Kelly Poppinga, BYU
- Marcus Howard, Georgia
- Steve Allen, West Texas A&M
- Phillip Wheeler, Georgia Tech
- Gary Guyton, Georgia Tech

Defensive Ends

- Quentin Groves, Auburn
- Lawrence Jackson, USC
- Curtis Johnson, Clark-Atlanta
- Brian Johnston, Gardner-Webb
- Calais Campbell, Miami
- Bryan Smith, McNeese State
- Kendall Langford, Hampton
- Derrick Harvey, Florida
- Jeremy Thompson, Wake Forest

Defensive Tackles

- Kory Robertson, Virginia Tech
- Carlton Powell, Virginia Tech
- Teraz McCray, Miami
- Dre Moore, Maryland
- Pat Sims, Auburn

Cornerbacks

- Tyvon Branch, Conneticutt
- Justin McKinney, Kansas State
- Patrick Lee, Auburn
- Tracy Porter, Indiana
- Charles Godfrey, Iowa
- Terrell Vinson, Purdue
- Brandon Flowers, Virginia Tech
- Patrick Wells, Ferris State

Safties

- Quentin Demps, UTEP
- Thomas DeCoud, California
- Kenny Phillips, Miami

Long Snappers

- John Rochford, Miami

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/palmbeach/miamidolphins/entries/2008/04/26/will_the_dolphins_next_pick_re.html

Will the Dolphins’ next pick really be at No. 32

By Tim Graham | Saturday, April 26, 2008, 11:48 AM

NEW YORK — Now that we’ve reached NFL draft day, Manhattan — as well as the phone lines from war room to war room — are buzzing.

We can’t say for sure what the Dolphins are up to, but after trading their fourth-round pick to the Cowboys for tight end Anthony Fasano and linebacker Akin Ayodele, we know they’re open to maneuvering.

GM Jeff Ireland said at Tuesday’s news conference to announce tackle Jake Long had signed that the Dolphins would look into getting back into the first round.

“I think it is something that will be explored,” Ireland said. “I think it will depend if the right player is there whether we move back up in there and go after the player, obviously.”

So what do you think? Will the Dolphins stand pat for now and make their next pick at No. 32?

Will they move up, and why? Who will they target?

Will Jason Taylor be involved?

Let’s hear your predictions.

I hope they can net a first rounder for JT.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-flsptoppick26pnapr26,0,1298476.story

Top selection nowhere near a sure thing in NFL Draft

By Ethan J. Skolnick
Sun Sentinel

April 26, 2008

Russell Maryland had won two national championships at Miami but had never felt such euphoria. Of all the players eligible in the 1991 NFL Draft, the Cowboys chose him first. After the defensive lineman celebrated with his family in California, he boarded a plane to Dallas.

After landing, he felt something else:

Skepticism from Cowboys fans and media.

"And everyone is like, 'This is the kid?'" Maryland said, 17 years later. "And the questions start coming, and the pressure starts mounting, it's like: 'What can this guy do to help us come back from a [7-9] season?' So it's a great amount of pressure."

It's pressure that very few men know, and Jake Long soon will.

Today in New York, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will announce Long as the Dolphins' No. 1 selection, five days after the former Michigan offensive tackle signed a rookie contract that guarantees him $30 million. At his introductory news conference in Davie on Tuesday, Long said that he welcomed pressure, promising to "work hard, try to be a good leader, make myself better and help make the team better."

Every No. 1 overall pick promises the same.

Some succeed. Peyton Manning, Orlando Pace, Troy Aikman, Bruce Smith, John Elway.

Many fail. David Carr, Tim Couch, Courtney Brown, Steve Emtman, Aundray Bruce.

None do either in the shadows. Every step is watched from the start. So NFL executives must do everything to identify the right guy.

"There's no question it's different," former NFL general manager Charley Casserly said. "You want a high-character player, because he is always going to be under scrutiny. You hope he's mature enough to handle all the pressures that come with it. Of course, it's very hard to judge that."

While running the Houston Texans' draft in 2006, Casserly sought three things in a potential No. 1 overall choice: communication skills, solid representation, supportive family. He selected North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams over Texas quarterback Vince Young and USC running back Reggie Bush, knowing the pick would be panned.

"There's never been a number one pick that ever had to go through what he had to go through," Casserly said.

Williams emerged as a star last season, and Casserly recently interviewed him for NFL Network.

"I think he's done a remarkable job of handling it," Casserly said.

Casserly called Long's transition a "piece in the cake" compared to what Williams endured.

Maryland faced a unique challenge. He joined a team already on the rise. The Cowboys were 7-9 in 1990, and acquired the No. 1 overall slot from New England by sending leftover draft choices from the Herschel Walker trade. Jimmy Johnson had recruited and coached Maryland before leaving the University of Miami for Dallas. Johnson knew what he was getting.

Not everyone did.

"The first day I walked in the locker room, my teammates were like, 'Hmm, I wonder what this guy can bring to us that we didn't already have,'" Maryland said. "You've just got to come in there and prove yourself; it doesn't happen on the first day."

Maryland approached the assignment humbly, considering himself a role player who could play the "A gap" on defense hard and well.

"I remember the first drills that I took part in, in the first training camp in 1991," Maryland said. "My first play, I made a play in the backfield, and guys were like, 'Man, This guy is quick.' And a lot of them were like this guy is a fluke, he doesn't really have any technique. Which I didn't. But the one thing that I did have was the tenacity, that a lot of the guys took [a liking] to. Because they hadn't seen that in a lot of their players before."

Maryland was fortunate to stay healthy through most of his career, playing 10 seasons, winning three Super Bowls participating in one Pro Bowl.

Many No. 1 overall picks haven't been as lucky.

The Bengals chose Penn State running back Ki-Jana Carter first overall in 1995, a year after taking Ohio State defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson first overall. Carter tore a knee ligament on the third carry of his first exhibition game. Other setbacks limited him to 1,144 career rushing yards. Now a South Florida resident, Carter insists that he could have overcome the pressure had he avoided the injuries. In 1995, media coverage wasn't as expansive and stifling. No NFL Network. Few, if any, internet sites.

So that made his transition easier.

So did the proximity to his Columbus hometown. So did the guidance of Wilkinson, who hosted Carter during the first minicamp.

Carter later had one friend stay with him, serving as a supportive ear. He recommends that Long keep close friends close, while proceeding cautiously with everyone else, since "people are going to come at him from every angle." (Especially since Long signed for four times as much guaranteed money as Carter's record-setting rookie signing bonus in 1995).

Carter is often included among No. 1 overall busts, even though his struggles were caused by bad Astroturf, not inadequate ability or effort.

"Does it hurt?" Carter said. "Sometimes it does. But I'm a strong-willed person. Granted, I'm disappointed with what happened with my career too, but everything happens for a reason."

Going first: blessing or burden?

"For me, I think it was a blessing," Carter said. "Only 30-something people can say they were No. 1 overall."

Only 39 taken since the AFL/NFL merger. Only one by the Dolphins: Jake Long.

  It's not looking good right now.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/palmbeach/miamidolphins/entries/2008/04/26/does_anyone_want_jt.html

Does anyone want JT?

By Edgar Thompson | Saturday, April 26, 2008, 11:49 AM

Word out of Jacksonville is the Jaguars no longer are interested in Jason Taylor.

The Dolphins wanted the Jags’ first-round pick (No. 26), the Jags offered one of their third-rounders (Nos. 71 or 89).

No one blinked.

Now any chance for a deal seems to be dead.

The Washington Post reports the Redskins, who need a pass rusher and want to trade out of the No. 21 pick, aren’t interested in Taylor.

One rumor making the rounds Friday is Taylor to Tampa Bay for the Bucs’ second-round pick (No. 52).

But Philadelphia CB Lito Sheppard, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, worked out for the Bucs, who would trade that pick to the Eagles.

People close to Taylor believe he’s gone. Taylor is trying not to focus on the situation.

He surely has mixed emotions, balancing leaving his home in South Florida with playing for a Super Bowl contender.

The Dolphins likely are going to keep inquiring and ultimately might drop the asking price to something that seems out of whack (a third-round pick?) for a player like Taylor, a six-time Pro Bowler coming off an 11-sack season.

Ex-Dolphins great Dick Anderson, a Pro Bowl safety for the ‘72 and ‘73 Super Bowl teams, said he hopes the Dolphins don’t let Taylor go for nothing.

“If you don’t get a first-round draft choice and a live body, I think you keep him,” Anderson said Friday. “There’s a lot of reasons to keep a leader on your team.

“You just don’t find people like Jason very often. You build teams with character.”

But Anderson knows from personal experience that in the eyes of management nearly everyone on an NFL roster is expendable.

Anderson said he was shocked when he found out a few years after the fact that he’d been dangled as trade bait following the 1968 season, when he earned AFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

“There’s discussions going on all the time no one knows about,” Anderson said. ” A football player is commodity. They’re always trying to get better.

“Anybody can be fair game at some time.”

JT’s time finally has arrived.

It ought to be interesting to see who the Rams and Falcons will take.  The media guys here are arguing Chris Long vs Glen Dorsey. 

My opinion? Dorsey is much better than Long, Gholston, and Ellis. Let's use comparisons that have been circulating. Long is compared to Kerney, or Jared Allen, or Kampfman, or Wistrom. [Okay, fair enough, good to have.] Dorsey is compared to Jerome Brown and Warren Sapp.

If you had to pick between Kerney and Brown, what would you do? Brown was not only a great player, he was second-to-none in character and heart and soul of his defense. Beyond Reggie White.

Most pass rushers don't come from the 1st round anyway, and recall that every time a team had a Cortez Kennedy, or a Warren Sapp, or a Jerome Brown, or a Bryant Young, or a Randy White, they wreaked havoc. Screw need and take the player that'll be the heart and soul of defense in 2018. That's Dorsey.

Since the Rams have a history of blowing draft picks, I wouldn't be surprised if they take neither.  I'd better have a beer or two ready for Mr. StL so he doesn't throw things at the tv!  ;D

I would love for us to trade again for a shot at Chris Long.  I would become an NFL fan like I once was at 8 years old.

Just an FYI.  ESPN.com DraftCast has a live chat going.

RAY RICE!!!  WOHOOOO!!

Here we go!

Jake Long? WOW! What a surprise!

  JAKE LONG!  Gee, I didn't see that one coming.   ::)  Seriously though, I've said once, and I'll say it again.  Welcome to Miami, Big Jake.

I second that. :)

  For those interested, the lowdown on Big Jake.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/jake-long?id=278

Thanks and keep them coming.  I am planning on creating a YouTube video with the draft picks.  I already have the song:  Who Are You by The Who.

I have a strong feeling that Long will be reunited with his college QB today.

http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_football_dolphins/2008/04/huzienga-endors.html

Huzienga endorses possible Taylor trade

Back when the Dolphins were in London last season team owner H. Wayne Huzienga said if Jason Taylor or Zach Thomas wanted to be set free from football purgatory he wouldn't stand in their way.

Well, it appears 50 percent of the Dolphins ownership has given the Trifecta the green light to move Taylor, the face of the franchise, who would like to end his career with a contender.

During an interview with ESPN Radio 760 today this is what Huizenga said when asked if Taylor will be a Dolphins by the end of the day.

"I don't know the answer to that question. I like Jason a lot, and I think everybody likes Jason. I want what's best for Jason. If he wants to go where he's got a shot at getting a Super Bowl trophy, I'm all for that. He deserves that," Huizenga said. "If we can get him placed in a spot where he can go to the big game, then we would do that. We've had a lot of conversation but we never really got down to saying trading him. That never happened. What's the best thing for Jason? He's got a big career ahead of him yet...He should go where he can go to the big game."

Does that mean the Dolphins should take less than their initial asking price, which is a first round pick?  And if Taylor is gone by the end of the day who becomes the face of this franchise in 2008? Is Ronnie Brown next in line?

> Posted by Omar Kelly at 2:07:47 PM

  I'm kinda of going the opposite way.  I think some team will get to Henne before the Dolphins do.

hahaha  Falcons!

I don't understand all the hatred for Ryan. I think he's going to be a stud.

Anyway, lets keep the thread on topic- DOLPHINS DRAFT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vp-is6S_b_g

So we can't talk about the rest of the draft?  What fun is that?

  Okay, I know it's early.  But, who do you think Miami will take at #32?  If Quentin Groves is unavailable, I'm thinking they'll take a CB or DE Lawrence Jackson, USC.

Start a thread in the NFL forum.

I think it'll be a CB if Groves isn't there. I still feel they will be picking prior to #32 though. Talib will probably not be available, and same for Cason. Brandon Flowers?

  I was thinking Brandon Flowers.  Definately has the prerequisites for a Bill Parcells CB.  Supports the run, and a solid tackler.

Go to the thread in the NFL forum for all non-Dolphins related draft items.

So you guys think that if good QB's are available in round 2 we pick them up or address other needs like D-line or secondary?

I still feel the Fins will pounce on the chance to get Henne. I think the picks should be CB and D-line though.

  Forgot about the quarterbacks, most likely whoever we draft won't even play this year.  Fix the DL and secondary.

http://dolphinsindepth.blogspot.com/

Jags trade-up to get DE hurts Dolphins

You can remove one of the teams that had shown the most interest in trading for Jason Taylor from the list of possibilities.

The Jacksonville Jaguars traded up from No. 26 to No. 8 today and used the pick on Florida DE Derrick Harvey. Harvey had all of 4.5 sacks last season and yet the Jags gave up their pick in the first round (No. 26 overall, along with their two third round picks) for the chance to move up.

So where does that leave the Dolphins as they try to trade Taylor?

Philadelphia, Washington, Dallas, and lately San Diego and Green Bay are showing as the biggest interest if a trade is to be made.

Frankly, I don't see anyone giving up a first round pick for Taylor, however. We'll see.

I feel like since we haven't unloaded taylor,I'd be a bit surprised of we take a OLB/DE with the 32 pick as we sit now...

^ Yep, I think help in the secondary is in order.

I really hope we get Henne though. 

This might be a long shot but I hope Mike Jenkins is available at that #32 spot

  I'm shocked Tampa didn't take Jenkins.  If he's at 32, Miami needs to give him serious consideration.

So long as they don't take a QB with the 32nd pick ...

I would be VERY happy with Jenkins at 32.

Ahhh, well, pipe dream... (Jenkins @ 32)

That ain't gonna happen  :(

Lorenzo Booker traded to the Eagles for a 4th round pick.

bummer =/

I don't like that at all. He was a 3rd rounder last year and the few chances down the stretch where he got a chance, he performed well.

Booker's a playmaker, he'll do really well for the Eagles. Mark my words, we'll come to regret this trade.

This is an AWFUL move.

We got our starter coming off an injury and RW...

For a 4th rounder no less.

Yeah, it made me scratch my head and say "what?"

Apparently Parcells and Ireland didn't see Booker as a great fit for the offense that Sparano is going to run. I'm scratching my head here as well, but I'm still in the "trust the Irish Tuna" mode though...

Trading Booker is a HORRIBLE move by us.

I don't like the way this is going for us one bit.

Another example of us shipping off a young player.

we are on the clock for our second pick.

On the clock again....

Uhmmm... who the heck do we grab here?

Merling? Brohm or Henne?

Or maybe even Flowers?

Time to find out-
DE Phillip Merling

makes me think there is something in the works for Taylor....

taken from nfldraftcountdown.com

Phillip Merling...

Strengths:
Terrific size and bulk with long arms...Great quickness...Has a non-stop motor...Is very strong and powerful...Plays with a nasty demeanor...Excellent range and he is relentless in pursuit...Natural pass rusher with a variety of moves...Can take on multiple blockers and shed the double team...Does a nice job versus the run...Has good instincts & awareness...Reliable tackler...Solid technician...Does a nice job in space...Extremely versatile...Can play a number of positions in different schemes.

Weaknesses:
May lack elite athleticism...Won't scare anyone off the edge...Does not have great timed speed and isn't real explosive...Might be a bit of a 'tweener...He can be too aggressive at times...Will get pushed back...Needs to work on his hand use...Has to work on keeping his shoulders square...Intelligence could be an issue with him.

Notes:
Uncle Chris Rumph was his position coach at Clemson...He prepped at Fork Union Military Academy...Has experience at both defensive end and defensive tackle...He can project to end or tackle in a 43 defense or end in a 34 scheme...Very different player from Gaines Adams but is a better all-around player...Not real flashy but is a very good prospect who will be in high demand...Awfully similar to Trevor Pryce.

Was there really anyone else we could grab here? I mean, sure, we could've gone QB, but there was absolutely no reason to believe Parcells/Ireland/Sparano wouldn't give Beck a shot, with McCown as the safety net.

That left Merling (DE) and... well.. Flowers (CB). There were a bunch of receivers as well, of course, but really, that's so far from our primary needs it isn't even funny (cue "family" jokes). I'm thankful we didn't go WR, let's just leave it at that ;-)

Most of the boards I saw had a pretty big jump from Merling and Flowers to the next non-WR available.

I'm just happy they did not take a QB this early.

OK, what do we do next?

We're quickly getting low on players I've ever heard of... so I need to look at it in terms of need. Right now, I'm thinking secondary and defensive line.

Does the trade of Lorenzo Booker indicate that Ireland will go after a running back?

What if one of the two other quarterbacks (mentioned as first round possibles not named Matt Ryan) is available?

I have Brohm as the best QB this draft. I'm convinced he'll be great. I think Henne can be good as well, but I have more questions about him.

IF one of these guys should fall, do we grab them from a sheer "value" point?

I don't think either one of them will fall far enough for us to get them.

Sht, we just zoomed by Brian Brohm.
Phillip Merling? Not a bad pick but...
we just passed up Brian Brohm
Im not crazy about Beck
is Fat Tuna?
Phuck...
we just passed up Brian Brohm

Two of my Clemson buff friends say that Philip Merling is destined for greatness in the NFL.

Take that for what it's worth!

Bears took a running back, so we're running out of teams who're looking to grab a first-day quarterback.

Maybe, just maybe, one of them falls to us at 26. If it happens, I say we pull the trigger. I have no idea whether or not Beck will succeed - and I don't think he was given enough time last year to even allow one to form an opinion on the matter - but talent like Brohm and Henne doesn't come often late in the second.

Others interesting prospects who might be available:

Quentin Groves (DE), Dan Connor (LB) and Marcus Harrison (DT).

Groves seems like he has the greatest upside, while Connor seems to be a bit safer, although how his skills fit a 3-4 defense, I don't know.

If he's still around for our next pick and they take someone else then I'll REALLY be pissed

we shoudln't be drafting a QB in round 2 .. period

if you wanna draft a QB .. wait till round 4-6

beck is our guy

Well all I'll say Fau is I'll be reminding you of that comment when the story gets more told about Beck and his marginal value becomes even more apparent.  Our need at this position is even more than the Falcons who used their #3 overall on one and while I am not upset that we didn't it's only because there's comparable guys available in the 2nd but if we don't do it then we need Cam Cameron back because even he had that much sense.

thank you green bay !

^ YES

Fins take Henne.

Well Henne's still available although I would have preferred Brohm

chad henne .. *sigh*

They might as well just cut Beck now.

YES

OH God I would rather have had Brohm.  >:(

Well yeah that's what happens when you roll the dice too much although I'm pretty happy with the way the draft is going

I would much rather have had Brohm, but I think Henne is also going to be successful at the next level.

Next season sure is going to be exciting. I can't wait!

Sweeeet.

I like the Henne pick. Another Southeastern PA QB!

BTW- 3 of the 4 QBs taken so far are from SouthEastern PA/ Southern NJ.

Let the QB debate begin  ...  or should I say continue.

ALRIGHT!!! Henne will be a good QB in the future.

Every other coach/GM regime brought in "their guys" at QB. Why should this regime be any different? (Wanny had Fiedler. Spielman wanted him out, brought in Feeley. Saban wanted him out, brought in Harrington and Culpepper. Cameron wanted them out, brought in Green and Beck. Obviously, Ireland/Sparano want their own guys.)

Can't say I'm too thrilled with that pick.  I was not a big fan of Henne in college.  Since the jury is still out on Beck and since the Fins have so many other glaring needs to address.  But hey, I don't claim to know more than the Dolphins brainstrust does, so I'll keep the faith that they know what they are doing.  But if they HAD to take a QB, I would have liked to have seen Brohm slip one more spot to the Fins.  

*Scans for Sunstroke's gloat-free "I told you so" post about John Beck.*

I love the Henne pick. He has a chance to be a good NFL quarterback, which is more than you can say for anyone else who's played the position since 1999.

As for Brian Brohm, he looked a lot worse playing for a bad Louisville team last year. And the Dolphins are a bad team right now.

One nitpick: would it have been worth the risk to fill another need at 57 and take Henne at 64? Only the Bucs were any risk to pick a QB between 58-63 (the other teams being the Colts, Giants, Cowboys, Pats, and Packers who just took Brohm).

If they passed on Henne at 57, who is to say some one wouldn't jump up to the bottom of round 2 to grab him?

How much do they save if they cut Beck.

  I really like the Chad Henne pick....especially at #57.  Henne will have a much better NFL career then Brian Brohm will.  Parcells/Ireland/Sparano put together a great first day of the draft.  I am VERY happy with Miami's first 3 picks.   Can't wait to see who we pick tommorrow.    

  I was happy that they drafted Phillip Merling.  If Merling wasn't coming off a sports henia injury, he would have been an automatic first rounder.  I am rather upset that we took Chad Henne, when we had Patrick Lee sitting right in front of us.  Anyways, here's the lowdown on Chad Henne.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/chad-henne?id=252

  No doubt about it, very stupid trade.

good pick with henne i have no clue who the our second rounder was... we still could've got ainge later so im not totally satisfied with that pic.

Ainge played exceptional while tennesse made it to the sec championship game against the eventual champs


brohm freakin sucks, i don't know what you guys are talking about.

http://www.miamidolphins.com/newsite/news/top_story.asp?contentID=5756

Phillip Merling Conference Call

(On how often he met with the Dolphins prior to being drafted) -- “I met with them at the Senior Bowl and talked to them at the combine, but I haven’t spoken to them since. They got to watch me work out and stuff like that, but I’m just glad everything worked out.”

(On what they said his role would be) -- “I don’t know. I just want to come out there and help out the defense. I want to learn from the defensive linemen and the coaches and everybody that’s there. When I get there I guess they’re going to tell me my role and I will do my role exactly as they ask me to do it.”

(On if he was surprised that he fell to the second round) -- “I was surprised a little bit, but it doesn’t really matter at all right now. I’m happy with where I’m going. I’m going to a good team that’s competitive and I just want to play. It doesn’t matter if I go in the first or second round.”

(On the sports hernia and how much it affected his play last year, as well as the offseason workouts) -- “It affected me a lot last year. My leg was hurting in the games. A lot of days it was hurting after the games. When I was at training I remember I wasn’t getting top speed at a lot of things and I was wondering what was going on. At the combine, when the medical trainers found I had a hernia, I just had the surgery and I’m fine now. I worked out, I had no pain after the work out; so that was good. Now I’m just ready to get back into the helmet and shoulder pads.”

(On if he thinks he will be healthy enough to participate in rookie camp) -- “I will be there, full speed and ready.”

(On who is with him right now) -- “I’ve got my family and my friends here. They’re all at my grandmother’s house. Everybody is just glad that my name’s off the board and everything went well.”

(On if Jason Taylor is one of his heroes) -- “I really do look up to Jason Taylor and I like the way he plays, how fast and aggressive he is. I know it will be a good opportunity to learn behind him and learn with him and experience winning.”

(On his strengths and weaknesses as a player right now) -- “I think I am a balanced defensive end. I think contain the run extremely well and get to the quarterback. I think I do a lot of things. I think I play natural, I don’t try doing some things, I just do it. I think those qualities will help me out there.”

(On what teams told him he needed to work on) -- “They all said I could use some more technique. That’s just what everyone wanted, technique in getting to the quarterback more. But other than that, they said I played the game very well. I play hard, I run with my motor on, I don’t stop, and that’s the key out there.”

(On if any teams spoke to him about becoming a pass-rushing linebacker) -- “I think I was more of a defensive end. If they wanted me to do that, I could do that. I feel confident with my speed and my abilities to be able to do that.”

(On if he saw Miami as a good possibility as where he would end up) -- “I didn’t know. This came out of the blue. This was a shocker to me. I’m just glad that it’s all over with and I’m glad that I’m with a good team.”

(On what he thinks of the chance to play under a Bill Parcells-led team) -- “That means a lot. He’s a legendary coach. I mean, I know he’s going to be a great man and that he’s a legendary coach and a person who’s hard. And I like that type of coaching – someone who is going to get on you. I know that the type of coaching he’s going to bring to the Miami Dolphins, is hard-nosed football, which is something I like to play.”

(On how he found out the Dolphins were going to draft him) -- “Over the phone. They called me.”

(On who his agent is) -- “Jimmy Sexton.”

(On what his emotions were like during the day and the first round) -- “I was getting nervous waiting for my name to get called, if I was going in the first, but that’s okay, though. I’m in the second round early and it doesn’t really matter where I’m it, it matters where I end up. This is how I start and I’ll finish a lot stronger and a lot different.”

(On if he watched a lot of NFL football and his impressions of the Dolphins season last year) -- “Actually, I was concentrating on college football and stuff like that. I wasn’t really into the NFL and its teams, I was a little too busy to watch the NFL.”

(On players he looked up to growing up) – “ I mirrored my game after a combination of different people because I didn’t want to be stuck in one box. I wanted to be like a Jason Taylor, a Julius Peppers, a Richard Seymour – just somebody who is well- rounded, somebody that could get to the quarterback, somebody who could drop into coverage. I didn’t want to be labeled as an extreme pass rusher or as a run stopper or just an athlete. I wanted to be everything out there. So I modeled my game after a couple of guys in the NFL.”

(On if he knows how many wins the Dolphins had) -- “Yes, I know how many wins they had.”

Who do you all think the dolphins will take tomorrow with the first pick in the 3rd round? Maybe Dan Connor; the team could use a good linebacker?

http://www.miamidolphins.com/newsite/news/top_story.asp?contentID=5758

Chad Henne Conference Call

April 26, 2008
  
(on his day and the emotions he went through during the day) It definitely was a roller coaster, kind of going up and down. But it was a great opportunity to wait this long and get with a good organization.

(on playing with DE Jake Long again) Oh, it’s a wonderful feeling to play with Jake. Definitely a good friend and a great person and I’ll be glad that I’ll have a couple more years with him.

(on any conversations he had with the Miami Dolphins) Well, I knew they were interested. They came up to Michigan to work me out. Took us out to dinner and said, pretty much, if you are around in the second round we’ll take you down here. It happened to be later, but it’s a good fit for me.

(on what his strengths as a quarterback are) I think that, first of all, I bring leadership qualities. Being a four-year starter at Michigan definitely developed me into that. Intelligence, being able to pick up things fast and performing on the field. Also, just my physical abilities, going out there and making plays.

(on how many other teams mentioned interest in him if he was still available in the second round) There were many – we didn’t know if teams were going to trade down or trade up. There were definitely possibilities with different teams. I know some of those called me right before pick 29 to say they were going to trade up and try to take me, and that didn’t happen, so I’ve just been sitting around.

(on the strengths that he brings to the position and the things that he needs to work on) I think the strengths are just my leadership qualities, being able to come in and handle all of the pressure, and then being able to play at a high level. My intelligence, just learning things fast, and picking up and kind of performing out there. My physical talents, my arm strength, making all those throws. Things I have to work on…obviously, continue to work on understanding NFL defenses and picking up the speed of the game. And just being able to avoid the rush and making those plays out there.

(on if he feels that he can be a starter in the NFL) I don’t know if I’ll have the opportunity to step in right now, but I mean, I know John Beck’s there, so, I’ll eventually go down there and compete. And whatever happens I’ll just take it as it is and just prepare like I’m going to compete for the starting job.

(on if the heat and humidity will be a challenge for him) No, I don’t think so. I’ve been out here training in California and I’m kind of used to the weather. But playing wise, it doesn’t really get too cold playing in Michigan, except for maybe November, but it’s pretty hot during September and October.

(on if the Dolphins told him he would be competing for the starting position this year) They described…obviously, there’s a quarterback there, John Beck, and I’m not sure who else is there. I’ll definitely compete and you know, we’ll see, we’ll see when I get down there.

(on if the Dolphins’ work out was different than any other teams’ workout) Pretty much what they had me do, they had me come in and go on the board and just draw some plays from my offense. And then make a couple of coverages to draw up and draw up a play that will attack that coverage. And after that, we went out on the field. Then they put me through a bunch of throws, trying to fit balls into some holes, instead of just shooting the ball and throwing it as hard as you can.

(on if he thought the Dolphins might draft him at the top of the second round) Yeah, I thought it would be a possibility, but anything goes and I definitely learned that today.

(on if any other teams than the St. Louis Rams were interested in him) St. Louis, Baltimore was up there, Chicago talked about it a little bit, Seattle, Atlanta drafted early but they were also interested. There were a bunch of teams with need for quarterbacks who contacted me.

(on where he has been following the draft and who is with him) I’m out in San Clemente, California, I’m training in Orange County, so I’m out here with my family, and my girlfriend and her parents and my agent’s out here.

(on if, as a kid, he was a fan of Dan Marino’s) Definitely, he came from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I’m on the Philadelphia side, but definitely watched him go through and be a great, successful quarterback for the Miami Dolphins.

I also wondered about Connor in the 3rd, seems like he could slide into the lineup very easily.

Thanks for posting those interviews Dolfan. I'm not that familiar with Merling, so its good to read interviews with him and see his reactions.

  I could see the team going DT, with Pat Sims of Auburn. 

Like sunstroke and others said, it would be great if we could trade down and try to pick up a couple more 3rd and 4th rounders.  We still have a lot of issues but I'm glad we had a good draft.

Agreed.  I watched him wreak havoc on FSU's offensive backfield two years in a row.  Watch out for this kid. 


Could very well be that they drafted Merling to start grooming him as JT's replacement.  Maybe they'll keep JT around to mentor him.  Seeing as he wasn't traded today, that could very well be the case. 


I like the Henne pick as well, and I was shocked that both him and Brohm fell this far.

According to Sciotto, the Dolphins have already made their pick, but they can't announce it till the first round begins tomorrow at 10 am.  Dan Connor is still on the board.  I hope it's him. 

As for the Booker trade, while I am disappointed, I can see the reasoning behind it.  They basically dropped a few spots in the 4th round, and gave up a backup RB for a startling LB and a TE that could compete for a starting job. 

As for who they take at the top of round three tomorrow- here's an interesting thought...
Earlier today, I said this:
.

Is it possible they will be joined by another former Michigan player on the offensive side of the ball- Mario Manningham?

I just want to say 1 thing: I think the Dolphins had an excellent Day 1 draft. What a difference Parcells makes, huh guys? The guy builds WINNERS. Don't ever take it for granted.

Side Note: I like the Giants pick, Kenny Phillips (S, the U).

Well it was a risk and there really isn't another option here - we have a lot of other needs but this one had to be addressed now and we can pick from among the rest first pick tomorrow.  As for the thing with Beck well a team doesn't have a need at a position when they have a guy they know they can count on at it and Beck is anything but that.  The hope is that one of them will develop into an above average QB and while Henne or Brohm aren't sure things by any means they both have a better shot at it then Beck, which I've been saying for the last year.  I like the Henne pick here, I hated the Beck pick the moment he was selected.  It's only been a year and the story's not told yet but it will be.  We're several years away from being a contender and we'll need a good QB then and this kid has a good shot. 

I'm not sure why anyone's thinking that.  Even if someone steps up and goes to the pro bowl then you still need a good backup and McCown isn't even that.  Beck might be and as a matter of fact I think he's got a good chance to grow into that role.  I'm as far from a Beck fan as you can get but it makes absolutely no sense to cut him.  He's making about a million a year which is less than a third that dirtbag McCown is getting.  If we had a real QB we'd be spending a lot more here on just the one guy.  You got these 3 guys and it's just a matter of who can step up and you have a better chance with 3 although McCown should be on the practice squad really.

I agree with you KC.

And picking up Henne with a second rounder (late 2nd round I might add) is not that much of a stretch.  Especially when you consider who our last 3 QB's have been as a result of a loss of a 2nd round pick.  

A.J. Feeley
Daunte Culpepper
John Beck

I love this pick.  I do think he has potential and the fact that he's back with his studly Tackle Mr. Long, things are looking up.

This is still up in the air,and rumors are that he's been traded for picks in next years draft.....

Guru keeps making me cry,bring up some of the second round picks spent on Qbs..... :D

I agree with the thought,that This admin,is bring in thier guy ...Henne is thier guy as of now,and We didn't trade up to get him,he fell to us in our lap at the pick........So I have no problems with the pick...

I regret it already as many of us do.  This is a pick that worked out and we traded for a lower pick which who knows about.  I guess since we have that franchise player Ginn we can deal away all the other guys even after a good rookie season.

LOL Lil B.  I know I keep repeating myself but I just want to people to know that we've done a lot of dumb things with our second round draft choices regarding QB's and Henne, IMO will turn out to be worthwhile. 

I haven't been this excited after a draft, since...well...I can't remember a draft that I like as much as this one so far. 

The thing that does have me most confused is that Lorenzo Booker move.  I would understand for a 3rd rounder, but a 4th?  I don't get paid what Parcells does so obviously he must know something about him or some other prospect that we don't. 

I would like to see us pick up Dan Connor.  I'll be honest its mostly to fill that huge void our boy Zach left.  Undersized, strong, extremely committed I like what this guy could do and knowing first hand what an impact a defensive general like Thomas made this guy could turn out to be something special.

Definitely a big improvement over past seasons. There's a hell of a lot of work to do but this is a good start so far and I expect we'll do well over the rest of the thing. 

You guys are right Dan Connor is a no brainer here and has late first round talent and potential.  #2 rated LB in the draft.

All in all a fantastic draft compared to the last few years.

http://www.miamidolphins.com/newsite/news/top_story.asp?contentID=5759

Jeff Ireland Day 1 Wrap-Up

April 26, 2008
   
(On summing up what the team accomplished today) -- “I think we’ve accomplished a lot, actually. It started last night with taking Akin Ayodele and Anthony Fasano. I think we’re adding two quality players into the mix. They’re both very competitive kids that will bring the value of the depth chart up. So, overall, having Jake (Long) already done, that’s a big plus for us. Phillip Merling brings us a quality pass rusher. He’s a big guy that we like, a solid kid, competitive, tough, brings good depth to the end position. And Chad (Henne) obviously brings competition at quarterback. So, I think we’ve brought the level of competition in all five spots, and we’re excited to have all five of those guys.”

(On if the quarterback position is vital) – “ I think it should be. And it’s a competitive position. We just brought another guy in to compete for the job.”

(On if he thought about taking a quarterback at the top of the second round) – “No.”

(On his opinion of QB Chad Henne) -- “Well, he was a four-year starter at the University of Michigan. I like that. He’s a great leader. He’s got an aura about him that you like about a quarterback. He’s highly competitive. He’s tough. He’s got mental toughness. Doing my homework, he had, I think, nine come from behind fourth quarter wins in his career, and I think that was more than any other quarterback we studied. Those are just a few things we liked about him. He’s got a strong arm and accuracy.

(On what he likes in QB John Beck) -- “John’s got a quick release, a strong arm, and he’s highly competitive. But you never have enough of those guys, to me. It’s going to bring some competition to the position and we like both these kids, and Josh McCown as well. So, it’s going to be a good battle for these guys.”

(On if there was anything that John Beck could have done in the offseason to prevent the team from drafting a quarterback this high) -- “Not necessarily. No. I think he’s done everything David (Lee, QBs coach) has asked of him, everything we’ve asked of him. We like John. This has no bearing on whether we like John or don’t like John or anything like that. We’re in the business of collecting football players, good football players. And that’s what we’ve done.

(On what sold him on DE Phillip Merling and if his hernia concerned him) -- “We weren’t concerned about the injury. We had Coach (Kacy) Rodgers (Defensive Line) go there, a couple of days ago. We have all the medical reports. Nothing really concerned us from that aspect. He still has a ways to go in regard to becoming full strength. But we feel pretty good about him and he’ll be full strength before too long.”

(On if he was specifically targeting the defensive line and quarterback positions today) -- “Not necessarily. You’ll learn from me, I’m a core position guy. I like drafting core positions and definitely a pass rusher/defensive end is a core position. Quarterback is a core position. We weren’t targeting him but he ended up being good value for us.”

(On if there was anything that happened Saturday in the draft that surprised him) -- “Not necessarily. There were really no surprises to be honest with you.”

(On if the quarterback position is wide open and if Chad Henne has a chance to start immediately) -- “That’s up to him. It’s up to him.”

(On if he has an idea of who they will take with their first pick on Sunday) -- “We’ve got a pretty good idea who we’ll take, but we’re going to field calls hopefully through the night and the morning and see what that brings us.”

(On if he was surprised Phillip Merling was there) -- “No. that’s about where we had him.”

(On if he was concerned Green Bay would take Chad Henne right before the Dolphins did) -- “Our studies and due diligence showed that Green Bay had a shot to take a quarterback. Yeah, we were real concerned about that and took a deep breath when they did take a quarterback but it wasn’t the guy that we coveted.”

(On if he think Phillip Merling would have been there when he was had he been 100 percent healthy) -- “No at all. That’s about where we had him on the board. So we thought we had good value for him.”

(On with the concern of Green Bay taking a QB, if he thought about moving up ahead of Green Bay) – “No. We stayed put.”

(On his biggest difference running this draft with Miami as compared to his past drafts with Dallas) -- “Not a big difference. I mean it’s just a good communication group here with Tony (Sparano) and Bill (Parcells). The same thing it was when I was in Dallas with Jerry (Jones) and Bill or just Jerry and Stephen (Jones) last year. So it’s pretty much the same routine. You know you’re jumping on the table for guys you like. You’re building a case for the guys you like. And there is always good discussion and pretty much the same routine for me.”

(On him being a core position guy and with the lack of them if he will try to fill some those spots on Sunday) -- “Well I wouldn’t say we don’t have any of those. I think we have some of those players here. We’ve got to get better production out of some of those guys. But what we’re lacking right now, I don’t want to give any strategy away so I’m going to probably not talk about where we’re going towards tomorrow. I think there are a few guys that fit the core position that we’ll be going after pretty early.”

(On the decision to trade RB Lorenzo Booker to Philadelphia) -- “It was really more systematic here. I don’t think he really fit our system that we’re trying to put in place here and we fielded the call pretty early in the process about him. He’s a great kid. He’s a playmaker. At the end of the day he just really didn’t fit the system that we’re putting in place here.”

(On what type of players the Dolphins are looking for at the running back position) -- “Well we’re looking for guys that play plays- play a lot of plays. If you’re a third runner it’s kind of hard to get that player on the field. If he doesn’t play special teams and you’ve got Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams in front of you, I don’t know how you’re going to get that player to the field right now. So there’s a little bit of a system there that he just doesn’t fit.”

(On how much discussion there was today of trading Jason Taylor) -- “Really none today. Didn’t get any calls. So there was no discussion.”

(On the rumor that Jason Taylor had been traded to Tampa Bay) – “You said it. I was not aware of it. I was aware of it after the fact, but obviously it’s strictly rumor.”

  Some Phillip Merling videos and information:

http://cbs4.com/video/?id=53974@wfor.dayport.com

http://cbs4.com/video/?id=53978@wfor.dayport.com

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d807f49ca

http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/phillip-merling?id=778

http://dolphinsindepth.blogspot.com/

Bad news for Beck: You're not one of Bill's peeps

One thing I think we all should have learned about Bill Parcells by now is that he knows who he likes and doesn't like and he is loyal to his peeps.

H fired Randy Mueller and Cam Cameron, in part, because he didn't know them. He hired Jeff Ireland and Tony Sparano, in part, he knew them and felt comfortable with them. Parcells is big on familiarity and that's the reason he's got a corps of assistant coaches that follow him from place to place.

Picking his guys and sticking with them is HUGE for Parcells.

And that is the reason John Beck should be worried.

Beck is not a Parcells guy. Parcells didn't scout him, didn't draft him, didn't sign him. And that makes Beck the only one of Miami's three quarterbacks that Parcells did not pick or scout or sign.

Parcells inherited Beck from the previous regime while he went out and got Josh McCown as a free agent and drafted Chad Henne Saturday.

So that puts Beck at a disadvantage. Henne and McCown are not going to get a free ride by any means, but I do believe they rate higher than Beck in the mind of Parcells -- because they were picked by Parcells.

That means any tie on any matter goes to McCown and Henne. And not Beck. For Beck to win the coming quarterback competition -- assuming he's even in the competition, by the way -- he's going to have to outplay the other two.

Ties go to the other guys because they are Parcells guys.

One final thought: Yes, I said assuming he's in the competition. It is a big assumption, in my opinion. Given what I've seen of how Parcells has basically torn up the roster -- with the latest move being a trade of running back Lorenzo Booker -- I would not be surprised if Beck ends up traded or cut altogether by this time next year.

The only way he avoids that fate is by being waaay better than Henne and McCown. It's the only way he overcomes not being one of The Big Tuna's peeps.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/dolphins/content/sports/epaper/2008/04/27/a1b_fins_lede_0427.html

Help arrives: Dolphins acquire three more potential starters

By EDGAR THOMPSON
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Sunday, April 27, 2008

DAVIE — It was the first time he had been in charge of an NFL Draft, but General Manager Jeff Ireland was anything but timid.

Instead, Ireland attacked his new role with a sense of confidence and conviction reminiscent of the man sitting at his elbow in the draft room, Bill Parcells.

During a 24-hour period beginning Friday night, the Dolphins picked up two players from Dallas in a trade, traded away another and drafted two more Saturday during the draft's second round to join No. 1 pick Jake Long, whom the team signed last week.

Miami selected Clemson defensive end Phillip Merling with the first pick of the second round (No. 32 overall) and Michigan quarterback Chad Henne with pick No. 57.

The Dolphins also were poised to trade Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Taylor, but a reported deal with Tampa Bay for three draft picks never materialized.

When the dust settled after the draft's Day 1, the Dolphins had acquired four potential starters and a quarterback who will be given the chance to win the job.

"We accomplished a lot," Ireland said. "We're excited to have all five of those guys."

Ireland is ready to try to do it all again today,

The Dolphins will go on the clock at 10 a.m. with the first pick of the third round (No. 64). Ireland said he, Parcells and coach Tony Sparano "have a pretty good idea what we want."

It's the first time the third round opens the second day of the draft. Ireland said he hoped to hear from teams hoping to move up and make the first selection of Day 2.

"We're going to field phone calls during the night and see what that brings us," he said.

By taking Long, Merling and Henne, the Dolphins addressed some of the areas Ireland believes are critical to building a team. The rookie GM calls them "core positions."

Long fills a hole at left tackle, Merling provides a pass-rusher, and Henne, who is second in Big Ten history with 87 touchdown passes, will boost the competition at quarterback.

Ireland and the Dolphins addressed two other question marks Friday night by trading their No. 100 pick to Dallas for tight end Anthony Fasano and linebacker Akin Ayodele.

Miami recouped that fourth-round pick Saturday when it traded second-year running back Lorenzo Booker to Philadelphia for its fourth-round pick (No. 115).

Booker (5-foot-10, 191 pounds) came on late in his rookie season, catching 28 passes in the final five games. But he isn't considered an every-down back and did not fit into the Dolphins' plans.

"He didn't fit the system," Ireland. "We're looking for a guy who plays a lot of plays."

Few Dolphins have played more plays than Taylor, who holds the team record with 130 consecutive starts. But his days in Miami seemed to be over when the team chose Merling.

The Dolphins had been hoping to trade Taylor, a six-time Pro Bowler, for a first-round pick. But no team was willing to do that for a player who turns 34 on Sept. 1.

Now Merling could end up with Taylor as his mentor, unless the Dolphins trade him today.

"I like the way he plays, how fast and aggressive he is," Merling said. "I know it will be a good opportunity to learn behind him and learn with him."

Merling said he was surprised to hear from Miami. The team had not spoken to him since the NFL scouting combine in February.

Merling's value had dropped in the view of some teams because he recently had surgery for a sports hernia. Ireland said the Dolphins attended a private workout at Clemson on Thursday and have no concerns about Merling's health.

"He still has a ways to go to become full strength," Ireland said.

Henne, on the other hand, had been seen as rising up draft boards, some saying he could be a first-round pick.

Henne said Ireland and Parcells had hinted they would select him with the 32nd pick.

"It happened to be later, but it's a good fit for me," Henne said.

  Some Chad Henne videos:

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d808010e9

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d8073833e

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d807632b7

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d806db022

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d806db964

Good picks so far.I hated to see Booker go.This leaves us with a guy coming off an injury,Cobbs,and a guy that isn't sure whether he wants to play football/smoke weed/teach yoga.I'm not feeling good about our RB position.Oh well,it's still early.

We could see another RB drafted today.  They are a dime a dozen. 

  Some Day One thoughts before we head into Day Two.

- Jake Long  ;D  Nuff Said.

- Phillip Merling was EXCEPTIONAL value at 32.  If he hadn't of suffered that sports hernia, he would've been long gone by 32.  Merling is going to be good football player.  Solid pick!

- I was intially upset over the Chad Henne pick, mainly because Patrick Lee was still on the board, and the Dolphins need secondary help.  However, Henne probably should've went a lot higher, and getting him at 57 is pretty hard to pass up.

Question of the Day:  Let's play "what if."  If Coach Sparano named  Chad Henne the starting quarterback for the 2008 season, would you be comfortable with Henne as the starter?

  Miami traded the first pick of round 3 to the Lions.  The dolphins pick 3rd in round 3  and pick up another 6th round draft pick.

  I figured Miami would be fielding some calls for that first pick of the third round.

No way, I am wholeheartedly in Beck's camp...

Bwahahahaha...just kidding, of course I'd be ok with it. ;D


A 6th was all we could get? I mean I know it is only two spots, but I was hoping for a more significant trade to start rd 3.

Good move.  Move down two spots in the third round, and pick up an extra pick today. 

Dolphins are up...... let's hope they grab some defensive help. 

  We're up next.  I'm kind of curious what the pick will be.  DT, LB, or CB?

I'm leaning toward DT Marcus Harrison...

Adam Schefter from NFL Network is saying lineman. It has seemed he has inside info.

Kendall Langfrod, DE

 If Chad Henne outperforms Josh McCown and John Beck in camp and preseason, I would be VERY COMFORTABLE with Sparano naming him the opening day QB 2008.  Henne has the size, tools, toughness and smarts to come in and compete and possibly be the starter for the Dolphins.  Starting all 4 years at Michigan is a big positive for Henne.  

Kendall Langford??   Who is this guy??  I thought Tuna likes guys from big schools that are up against top competition.  Why 1-AA??

Have to admit...it takes an interesting pick to make me say "who?" in round three, but I definitely said it here.

  The lowdown on Kendall Langford.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/kendall-langford?id=270

http://www.footballsfuture.com/2008/prospects/kendall_langford.html (http://www.footballsfuture.com/2008/prospects/kendall_langford.html)
http://www.nfldraftdog.com/2008_nfl_draft/kendall_langford.htm (http://www.nfldraftdog.com/2008_nfl_draft/kendall_langford.htm)

I like his size...but another DE?

At least I now know he doesn't have inside info! Its kind of funny. Prior to each pick, they've asked him what he thinks, and he usually has the pick right, even really obscure ones. I figured they were giving him inside info to make their coverage better than ESPN's.

I hope Parcells-Ireland are right on this one, because I see guys like DT Marcus Harrison, OG Oniel Cousins, CB Charles Godfrey being passed up and I wince a little bit.

I like this pick...he's 6'6'', 295 lbs, and has prototype size for a 3-4 defense. You can see Parcells has a blueprint in place, and he's molding the roster to fit his overarching scheme. This fellow is raw, but has a big upside if the football gods choose to smile on Miami.

And with 2 DE's drafted, it makes me think something is in the works for JT, though I could certainly be wrong.

Taking these bigger DE's says this is gonna be a linebacker driven defense..... and it also sends a message regarding JT's future with the Dolphins, IMO.

My biggest issue with Langford is that he looks like a true tweener. Too slow to play DE, and probably too small to play DT. I think his speed will be a problem, because you can get away with being a little slow in 1-AA...but in the NFL, where everyone moves faster than a speeding bullet, I think this lack of speed will be an issue.

There is nothing in the works fro JT. We have to draft these DE's because Taylor will be gone in another season or two anyway. No one is going to jump on a guy who is on the verge of retiring with the salary he has. The draft picks required would be too high or you would have to give up your own quality player.

I loved day 1. I was a bit confused with the start of day 2, but it looks like we are definitely preparing for a 3-4 team to be hitting the field.

besides, in a 3-4 team, JT isn't a DE .. he's a LB

I'd like to see both Beck and Henne get some time out there.  We're not really going anywhere with any of these guys and development will be a big part of this.  You just don't want to throw anyone to the dogs too much and that's what McCown is for. 

Langford is an interesting pick - I can give the team the benefit of the doubt that they really feel he belongs here talent wise but I'm not sure at all on whether we could have picked him up later.  I'm bummed out though that we didn't get Dan Connor and his off field escapades didn't bother Carolina too much and they got a hell of a prospect in the third round and a guy who should be a Dolphin now.

Here's a blurb from nfldraftwatch.com, from last Dec:

Kendall Langford, DE, Hampton, is a very intringuing prospect. Every year, you have one DE prospect who starts rising up the draft boards, usually do to athleticism. Langford will likely be that prospect this year.

Langford is at least versatile, as he played both tackle and end at Hampton. He’s on a team that had 5 combine invites last year, so scouts definitely know who he is.

Langford is a very quick and agile end. He gets into the backfield easily and knows how to make plays. He has a mean streak in him, and gives good effort. He sheds blocks very well, particularly with his rip move. Surprisingly, he’s even a good open-field tackler. He has a decent body build, and he’s tall.

As always, there’s concern about the level of play. His productivity may be a cause of playing against much lower level tackles, so there’s questions of how he’ll fare against the Orlando Paces and Bryant McKinnies of the world. He also plays a little high, his technique isn’t great. His athleticism isn’t otherworldly, though adaquate.

Langford is a big sleeper, and he’s definitely been garnering attention from scouts. Most prognosticators say he’s a first-day pick, and I tend to agree with that prediction, though he may slip a little. If he can deliver in the all-star bowls and the combine, he’ll be a high pick. If he falters, expect his stock to fall faster than a fat guy off a cliff.

In a minute:

    *
      Pros: Makes plays. Very agile. Knows how to get into the backfield with a great rip move. Good at shedding blocks.
    *
      Cons: Poor competition. Technique is less than stellar. Athleticism isn’t incredible.
    *
      Pro Comparison: None jump out, though he’s very similar to fellow draft prospect Calais Campbell, DE, Miami.
    *
      Best Situation: Getting picked by a team that can utilize his versatility and play-making ability, but doesn’t need to be a every-down player.
    *
      Will Go in Round: 3. I’m not sold on him, but draft niks like him, so who am I to differ?

Add Dan Connor, Pat Sims, and Justin King to that list.  I'm wincing as well.

I know nothing about Langford so I can't really say anything from personal perspective.  But Kiper said that he had him pegged as a 5th rounder.  Not that Kiper is always right by any means, but that is a pretty big stretch from 5th round to early 3rd round.  But like I said before, I have trust in Parcells and the Dolphins staff so I will be cautiously optimistic!

Random sarcastic sidenote...Did anyone see Glenn Dorsey's family at his table when the Chiefs picked him yesterday?  If an NFL team wanted to "draft a player's family," ala Cameron-Ginn, the Dorsey family is definitely the one to pick. Everyone in that family, mom, dad, both sisters, were ALL over 300 lbs, and little sister is pushing 350 if she's an ounce. Dad looked like he was bigger and stronger than Glenn, and while Mom was probably the lightest of the bunch (around 300-310), she looks like she plays with a mean streak...

  We're on the clock!

  OG Shawn Murphy, Utah State.  Here is the lowdown on Shawn Murphy.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/shawn-murphy?id=834

More quality beef for the rebuilding BBQ...good stuff.

Nice run on interior O-line in round 4, started off by SF grabbing C Cody Wallace.

Unless Miami makes a trade, their next pick is in rd 6 (#176)

looks like the tuna is building his team from the trenches.smart.I don't care how many skill guys you have,if you can't get them the ball,or you leave your defense on the field the whole game(like we did last year)you can't win.Lools like the Dolphins will be a physical,hard nosed team in the future!Old school,hell yea!

  I was reading Shawn Murphy's analysis, I thought it was funny when he was compared to one of the guys we already have...  Justin Smiley!

:)

"Older than most prospects, as he will be 26 years old during the course of the 2008 season...He still is quite raw around the edges and is an over-aged prospect. He has the tools to develop into a starter in a few years. He just needs patient coaching to help him unearth his talent and is a nice late second-day project."

Really don't like the sound of that.  In a few years he'll be 30 and ready to retire.

Didn't Murphy just cost us a 4th (that we picked him with) and a 7th...I think we traded up a few spots...but the NFL network didn't say anything..and thier scroll went to commercial....(I was on the treadmill,and couldn't hear)

^^^ Yeah, I smiled (smileyed?) when I saw that as well. I think the similarities are in the finesse points of play (hand position, switching, etc...), but Smiley is a much more physical G at this point than Murphy is.

Smiley wasn't very physical when he came in though...he worked that area of his game up to where it is now. Interestingly enough, back in the 2004 draft, the perceived lack of a physical side (and a good bit of size) were the primary distinguishing points between two very good "guards" in that class. The other OG isn't an OG anymore, he projected as an OT, and Miami traded up to get him. Yep...Vernon Carey. Smiley ended up sliding to the middle of the second round.

;D

A guy who can push Drew Mormino for the starting job at left guard.  Looks like Tuna is starting his rebuilding project from the point of attack. 

So far, LB and DB have not been addressed yet.

http://www.miamidolphins.com/newsite/news/top_story.asp?contentID=5765

Kendall Langford Conference Call

April 27, 2008
  
(On if the Dolphins spoke with him at the Senior Bowl) – “I talked to them at the Senior Bowl. I talked to the defensive line coach (Kacy Rodgers) and the defensive coordinator (Paul Pasqualoni).”

(On if he is surprised the Dolphins took an interest in him and drafted him in the third round) – “I’m just blessed. I’m glad they got me. They surprised me. I’m glad to wear the aqua and orange. I’m glad that everything is over and I’m ready to come down there and play ball.”

(On if the Dolphins spoke with him about playing either defensive tackle or defensive end) – “Traditional defensive end.”

(On his strengths and weaknesses at the position) – “I think I am a power player. I get after the ball. I chase the ball. I believe I make plays. My weaknesses are I need to work on my technique and playing lower.”

(On if he is concerned about the level of competition he will be facing in the NFL after playing in the MEAC) – “Not so much. I believe that I am going to go out there and compete. I’m a competitor. That’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to go out there and compete every down and give the guys my best. I’m not so much concerned about it.”

(On what it means to be drafted on the second day) – “As long as I get an opportunity that’s all I can ask for.”

(On where he is while the draft is happening) – “I’m at home in Petersburg, Virginia with my family and my girlfriend.”

(On how he ended up at Hampton University) – “They stuck with me through the whole SAT process.”

(On what schools were recruiting him) – “Virginia Tech, UVA, Morgan State and a few other I-AA schools.”

(On what round he and his agent thought he would be drafted) – “We were looking at the first day, but this is close. We were looking at anywhere from the two to four range. I’m just blessed. I’m happy I got the opportunity to be a Dolphin.”

(On how he feels he measures up to the other defensive ends in the draft) – “I feel like I’m amongst the best. I feel like I’m right along with those guys that went yesterday. I look forward to coming in and showing that I am.”

(On what it means to be coming to a Dolphins’ team that is in full rebuilding mode) – “An opportunity. There is plenty of opportunity. I think that Coach (Bill) Parcells is a great guy. I think the whole coaching staff are great guys. I’m trying to get the Dolphins back to where they used to be.”

(On what NFL player he would compare his game to) – “I would say a bigger style end like a Richard Seymour or someone like that.”

(On if he spoke with Head Coach Tony Sparano) – “No.”

(On who called him when the Dolphins drafted him) – “Bill Parcells.”

(On what he does that is similar to Richard Seymour) – “Being that he’s a bigger end, he can play end and tackle. He’s a physical player. He’s not a speed guy. That’s how I look at myself.”

(On what it was like to receive a call from Bill Parcells) – “That’s big. That’s big. I grew up looking at that. That’s big.”

Dear Mr Ireland and Mr Parcells...

It would be really cool if you guys could please package up a couple of 6ths, or a 4th-5th next season to move up now and grab NT Athyba Rubin out of Iowa State.

Thanks for your attention,

'Stroke

  I'm shocked that he hasn't even be selected.

The 5th round sucks balls...Phins and Niners have zero picks. I'm taking this round off to grab some lunch, do some laundry and maybe a little navel lint extraction.

Back for rd 6...

http://www.miamidolphins.com/newsite/news/top_story.asp?contentID=5767

Shawn Murphy Conference Call

April 27, 2008
  
(On what it means to him that the Dolphins traded up to select him) – “It’s an honor to me to be drafted by any team, at any pick, let alone that they traded up to draft me. It’s a great honor and it’s also, I feel, a responsibility.”

(On who called him with the news of being drafted) – “I talked to a few people. I talked to Coach (Tony) Sparano. I talked to the head scout. I talked to a few people.”

(On if the Dolphins told him what they saw in him) – “The only thing they really said was they wanted me to come out and play the way they saw me play on film, which was a great compliment. They didn’t mention any specifics. It was just the basics, along those lines of they liked the way I played and they wanted me to come out and try to play that way down in Miami.”

(On how his father, Dale Murphy, helped prepare him for playing professional sports) – “He prepared all of his kids well, no matter what profession they enter. He’s given me advice these last few months leading up to the chance of me becoming a professional athlete. He’s been a great guide and a great mentor. He’s always there. He’s never forceful or pushed any of us in any direction, but he’s always there. He’s been a great comfort and a great help these last few months.”

(On what advice his father has given him leading up to the draft) – “The main thing he would always talk to me about was just to do everything that was within my power to do and to let the things that are out of my control take care of themselves. It’s not worth worrying about stuff you can’t control and that you have no power over. You have to worry about what you can control and you have to do that to the best of your ability.”

(On what strengths he believes he brings to the Dolphins) – “I feel like I have a large upside. I’m relatively new at the position, but in the two years I’ve played, I feel like I’ve learned and progressed a lot as a player. That’s all I can hope for coming in to Miami, just the chance to be able to learn even more and progress even more as a player. I feel like in a place like Miami I can really expand and grow as a player with the coaching staff out there.”

(On if he thinks he can be a starter from Day 1) – “We’ll have to see what happens with what the coaches decide. I feel like I’m a very competitive person. I feel like I have a great ability. I have to come in and prove myself first and be able to do the best that I can and see what the coaches have to say. I have no idea.”

(On how he started playing football) – “The basic way – 12 years old, pee wee league. I just started playing as a defensive end. I played that up until about two years ago.”

(On being a defensive player that was moved to the offensive line) – “Yes. I was a defensive guy in junior college. They asked me if I wanted to try out the offensive line and it stuck. I was pretty natural at it. I ended up being a better o-lineman than a d-lineman, so I stuck with it.”

(On Miami not being too far from his hometown of Atlanta) – “Not at all. It’s right there in the neighborhood, too. We spent a lot of my childhood springs in West Palm Beach, Florida. My family loves Florida. They love it down there. They’re down there all the time. It’s going to be real exciting.”

(On how he feels about going from the snow of Utah to the beaches of Miami) – “It sounds really good to me right now. It’s almost May and we’re still getting snow storms every now and then. It’ll be nice to get in warm weather.”

(On feeling a responsibility to the Dolphins) – “It’s obviously a responsibility if a team picks you. It’s an honor and a responsibility. In a way, to me, it feels like you’re indebted to them to prove yourself as a player and to become the player they want you to be. The fact that they traded up to get me just reinforces that fact even more to me. From a psychological standpoint that they expect a lot out of me and I know I’m capable of delivering it. I have to deliver it.”

(On if he has gone on his mission) – “Yes, I went to Brazil.”

(On his age) – “I’m 25.”

(On if being with a team that was 1-15 gives him a better chance at more playing time) – “I don’t necessarily think so. It’s obviously the NFL and every team has exceptional athletes and dominant players. So any team in any situation, it would be difficult to come in, It’s going to be a tough fight no matter what team you’re on.”

(On why he chose to play football over baseball) – “It was just a sport that stuck with me. I liked baseball for certain qualities. It was a little bit more relaxing to me, but when football season came around it felt like the sport that felt more natural to me as a sport that I enjoyed playing. It just struck a cord with me more than baseball did.”

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-flsphydespec27sbapr27,0,6831077.column

It's QB roulette for Dolphins in NFL draft

Will Henne pay off? It's luck of the draw

Dave Hyde
Sports Columnist

April 27, 2008

DAVIE - Kansas City's head coach worked out two quarterbacks, on successive March days, at schools a few hours apart. He told each he would draft one of them. He kept his promise, too.

The quarterback who wasn't drafted sat at home, simmering, as he fell on draft day, and kept falling, all the way into the Dolphins' lap.

Not Chad Henne on Saturday.

Dan Marino, 25 years ago.

"It's a day of mistakes," Marino said this week. "Look how I ended up here. How many teams made a mistake?"

Saturday, the Dolphins continued their annual offseason game of Searching For Dan Marino by catching a falling Henne. Maybe this new regime made a mistake in the way every previous regime of the past decade has made. Or maybe, this time, it will benefit from others' mistakes in passing on the Michigan quarterback.

That's the perfect word for this day, the only one if you have some common sense and sense of history: maybe. Because no one knows the answer, no matter how sure they are today, as this same second-round draft pick has shown through the years on Dolphins quarterbacks.

In 2004, A.J. Feeley was The Hope.

In 2006, Daunte Culpepper was The Man.

In 2007, John Beck was The Future.

Now, Henne's just The Latest One.

That's four second-round picks used. In fact, if you want to tally the full cost of attempting to find a franchise quarterback since Marino left, add in two fifth-round picks, three sixth-round picks and two seventh-round picks.

The question is whether the cost will keep rising, because you can't stop taking quarterbacks until you're certain of having one. That's the First Law of Football.

"You never have enough of these guys to me," Dolphins General Manager Jeff Ireland said.

The best personnel guy the Dolphins ever had, Joe Thomas, took Rick Norton with the first overall pick in the expansion year of 1966. When Norton flopped, Thomas used the No. 1 pick the next year on another quarterback, Bob Griese.

"I was going to keep taking one until I had one," Thomas said.

The thinking is no different now. The wait is just longer. The Dolphins are nine years out from having a franchise quarterback, and that's why they're in their fifth regime since then. Do you want to hear again how New England took Tom Brady in the sixth round?

Ireland said he likes Beck, likes Josh McCown and obviously likes Henne. But the only certainty is that there's another quarterback controversy coming to a training camp where the primary controversy is whether there is a quarterback.

Henne, in the only valid comparison to Marino there is, could list those who showed interest in him and didn't take him on draft day.

"St Louis, Seattle, Baltimore, Chicago, Atlanta," he said.

He left out Green Bay, which took Louisville QB Brian Brohm with the 56th pick, one ahead of Henne.

Ireland said he liked Henne over Brohm anyway and dug out a nifty stat to show his thinking. He said Henne had nine come-from-behind wins in the fourth quarter, the most of any quarterback in this draft. That's a good stat, one Mel Kiper never found.

So the first day of the draft is done. Jason Taylor remains a Dolphin, which shows the necessary trade didn't happen. Specialist Lorenzo Booker was shipped away for a fourth-round pick, which isn't much considering he showed some talent on a team with so little last year.

A "system" trade, Ireland said of Booker, meaning this regime likes running backs who play every down.

But the big news is the Dolphins have used high picks on two Michigan players, tackle Jake Long and Henne. As long as they keep Appalachian State and Ohio State off the schedule, maybe it will work out.

"I know John Beck's there, so I'll go down there and compete," Henne said.

By the way, Kansas City rookie coach John Mackovic took Todd Blackledge over Marino with the seventh overall pick in 1983. His career record was 30-34. That's what the kind of decisions made on another draft day mean to careers.

I'm not sure what to make our late round picks.  They never seem to work out for us, except for Yeremiah Bell.

I may be mistaken.  If you guys can give any examples of late picks that did work out for us, please enlighten me.  I just can't think of any off the top of my head.

Dan Van Herder
Mark Clayton
Zach Thomas
... to name a few

I like the fact that Shawn Murphy is the son of hall of famer Dale Murphy (I know, Dale's not in the hall yet, but he should be). They say you can't teach size...you either have it or you don't. Shawn has it. You can't teach genetics either, and Shawn has that too.

The more I look at our picks, the more I feel that Miami has added a helluva lot of talent in the last 24 hours. I'm looking forward to training camp already. ;D My only question is on Langford, and he gets the pass for now because Tuna and Ireland like him, and that's enough for me on an unknown player.

 ;D

So I spent the weekend inProvidence, and missed most of the draft . Did they Take any WR's? I would have liked them to have picked up manningham

  Nope, haven't picked up a WR yet.

  We're on the clock!

  RB Jalen Parmele, Toledo.  Here is the lowdown on Jalen.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/jalen-parmele?id=2643

No doubt about it.  Parcells and Co. are looking to get younger AND bigger at the same time.  This guy is probably insurance in case Ricky and Ronnie can't go..... plus a developmental project. 

Two more picks in this round, and two more in the second.  Sit back and relax Dolfans, it's not over yet.

Yeah but we could have done with talent at CB (and WR, but I guess technically everywhere!) and we're very late in the day to be finding that?

So why did we trade Lorenzo Booker then?

I said younger AND bigger.  Parmele has the size to be an every-down back.  Booker does not. 

  Well, Adrian Arrington out of Michigan is still available.  Word is, is that Miami likes him.  Maybe he gets drafted with Miami's next pick.  We'll see.

Good idea.  Let's bring three players from MEEEEEECHIGAN in the fold.  I'll bet Jim "Mad Dog" Mandich will be howling on Sports Talk WQAM. 

Dolphins have two of the next 17 picks.  Stay tuned!!!!

Maybe, but from the reports, Parmele doesn't have the versatility to be an every down back.  He can't hit the corner well.

Puzzling that we'd trade Booker, only to get Parmele.  Maybe they're trying to get him as a downhill runner on 3rd and short.  ...or play him as a FB hybrid to block a lot.

  He probably has value on Special Teams. 

Five picks left before Miami selects at #195, and I swear, there is still talent out there at a lot of positions.  WRs on the board like Arrington (though tthe whole UM thing needs to chill a little), Paul Hubbard, DJ Hall... LBs like Ali Highsmith, Erin Henderson... DBs like DeJuan Tribble, Josh Barrett and Simeon Castille...

Still meat on the bone...we're not finished with the draft feasting yet.

With the 29th pick of the 6th round the Miami Dophins draft Safety Dolphin-UK out of Bristol, England.....

Next year I'm going to declare for the draft :)

I think we need WR, they take time to settle, and assuming our future QB is on the roster now.....would be nice to get one in now,.....

Athyba Rubin and Paul Hubbard just went off the board before Miami could get another shot at them...I am totally unamused.

3 picks to #195, then a short wait before our second 6th rounder at #204.

  We're on the clock!

  OG Donald Thomas, UConn.  Here is the lowdown on Donald.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/donald-thomas?id=844

I guess this is the scattergun approach to building O and D lines?

I actually quite like the idea of drafting all one type of personel........but you need to stick to it not pick and choose....

Donald Thomas a OG from Connecticut.  Made All Big East last season.  Man, Parcells is really building this team from the point of attack.  Only two skill players drafted thus far.  Nine more picks till they draft again.

I know nothing about this guy...but if it's good for the Irish Tuna, it's good enough for me.

I am not seeing scattergun though, as much as I see them sticking to their draft evaluations and grabbing the highest rated player on their board. In Miami's case, the line was so depleted that I have no problem seeing more picks there to build depth. I do hope we use our next pick on a DB though, because the pickings really do seem to be getting slim at that position.

That may be. But considering the Fins' general lack of talent at just about every position, "specialty running back" does not seem a good use of a draft choice. Especially when, as Sunstroke suggests, there are possible impact players floating around unclaimed.

  Well, in reading Donald's analysis, it said he compared to Randy Thomas.  Parcells drafted Randy Thomas when he was with the Jets.

  We're on the clock!

Anyone else confused by that pick?

  RB Lex Hilliard, Montana.  Okay, another RB?  That doesn't make any sense.

Another RB, this one from Montana.  

So far, nothing has been done to address the WR corps or our secondary.  Plus players being picked are all coming from smaller schools.  This is very baffling.

  Here is the lowdown on Hilliard.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/lex-hilliard?id=256

Now that I've had a chance to think it over, maybe Parcells is looking to jettison both Ronnie and Ricky two years from now assuming both Hilliard and Parmele have developed.  Any thoughts on both those backs?

Hmm I see a theme with our newly drafted backs...all big boys...

I see us looking to try to sign a couple undrafted free agents..to be Wr's...

  That's a risky proposition.

RB is the position that needs the least addressing at this point.  I would have liked to pick up a wideout.  A big one if at all possible.  

I don't see what the point is in planning on getting rid of Ronnie.  He's only a few years older but thats like drafting next year to replace the draft of this year, even if they were productive.  

The Dolphins have two picks in the seventh round.  If Arrington lasts to the seventh round, do you grab him then?

  Why not?  We don't need another RB, that's for certain.

If I had to guess, I think they're just filling the roster with "best available" types.  I think that at this point in the draft, you're kinda throwing darts, anyway.

Hell to the yes!  That guy has talent and if developed could be a really clutch reciever.  We need WR's!

I don't think either RB signing reflects on Ronnie at all, because a healthy Ronnie Brown is head and shoulders above either one of these guys...not even close.  But if I were Ricky, I might be sweating it a little.

Maybe because Parcells likes guys who are mentally and physically tough as well as properly conditioned.  Ronnie has proven to be a talented back, but he has also proven that he can't stay healthy over a full season.  

Yahoo only show us with the compenstory pick in the 7th (245)...We traded up to get Murphy.....

Also yahoo listed Hillard as a FB....

I must say I'm pretty puzzled by the picks today.  Drafting duplicates, and ignoring the holes at receiver...  Two running backs?  Weird.  Especially after trading Booker.

maybe their isn't any good WR's left in the draft.

Saints just snatched up Arrington.

Well darn  >:(

Will they take a WR and if so who? 

Nope.  They just made their last pick.  Lionel Dotson, a DT from University of Arizona.  They grabbed an interior D-Lineman.

Not a single LB, WR, or DB drafted today by the Dolphins.  And I must note, this is the second draft in a row where they have not drafted a DB. 

Baffling...... very baffling.

  Here's the lowdown on Lionel Dotson.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/lionel-dotson?id=1702

  I'm still a bit baffled with the Lex Hilliard pick.  I can understand drafting Jalen Parmele to offset the loss of Lorenzo Booker, but the Lex Hilliard pick could've been used to draft Adrian Arrington.

http://www.miamidolphins.com/newsite/news/top_story.asp?contentID=5773

Jalen Parmele Conference Call

April 27, 2008
   
(On what it means to him to be selected by the Dolphins) – “It means a lot. I had a good visit with them on the 15th. I got to meet a lot of the coaching staff, the general manager, the head coach and (Bill) Parcells briefly. We had a good talk. I’m glad that everything went well and that I get to become a Dolphin.”

(On what the Dolphins said they were looking at in him as a player) – “They told me they were looking for a player with some versatility. They liked my character and they were looking for some quality player that can contribute to the team whether it’s special teams or being a backup running back. That’s what they told me.”

(On what he considers to be his strengths and weaknesses) – “My strengths are my ability to run with power. I have good power when I run, an explosion. As far as what I need to work on, my consistency, my technique in blocking. It gradually got better through the years, it’s just one thing that I need to improve on.”

(On who his agent is) – “Bruce Tollner with Rep 1 Sports.”

(On who he is sharing this moment with) – “My dad, my mom and two of my brothers.”

(On when he thought he would be drafted) – “I was watching (the draft). I wasn’t really sure. I was watching it wind down. I was projected late-round or a free agent, so I was expecting something later or not. I think once I we saw my name and got the call I got real excited and happy. It was really a mood swing for me.”

(On what he knows about the Dolphins) – “I know quite a few things. Obviously about the legacy of Dan Marino. They were the only team to go undefeated throughout the whole season. Ricky Williams, he was one of my favorite backs as a Dolphin, so I got to watch him run. I like the way he ran. I know a few things about the Dolphins.”

(On being excited about learning from RB Ricky Williams) – “I’m excited about playing with people I watched on TV when I was younger and going through high school and watching them run. It’s definitely something I’m looking forward to.”

(On where he is from and how he ended up at Toledo) – “My hometown is Midland, Michigan. Toledo recruited me early. I went to their senior day camp and a week later they offered me a scholarship. Since then I got to meet with the coaches and I went to a few of their practices and got acquainted with some of the players. That’s really what drew me in there.”

(On what other schools showed interest in him) – “I got offers from FAMU (Florida A&M), Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan.”

http://www.miamidolphins.com/newsite/news/top_story.asp?contentID=5771

Donald Thomas Conference Call

April 27, 2008
   
(On what it means to him to be selected by the Dolphins) – “It’s really a great honor to be drafted, first of all, and to know that Bill Parcells saw that I was a player he could work with and mold into a great offensive lineman. I think it’s just an honor. I’m happy to be a Miami Dolphin now.”

(On if he ever thought he would be playing in the NFL when he was playing recreation league basketball) – “When I started playing at UConn, I walked onto the football team. I just wanted to be able to play Division I football. Now that I’m successful I’m able to play at the highest level, so I’m very excited about that. I’m really happy just to be here right now.”

(On if he went to the University of Connecticut to walk on) – “I went to school just to go to school and be a regular student. I was there and I saw I was just as big as some of the kids there to really compete with them. I decided to try my luck and walk onto the football team. It took some time to start playing, but it finally worked out for me after a couple of years.”

(On if there was a point this season he thought he had the talent to be drafted) – “Halfway through, towards the end of the season, scouts were starting to come see me practice. They (coaches) told me I had the ability and opportunity to play at the next level and just keep working and stay humble. They were definitely telling me and I just took that and ran with it.”

(On how surprised he is about being drafted) – “It’s unreal. I can’t even put it into words. I can’t believe that this is happening and I’m just so happy that this is happening.”

(On if he has a relationship with Head Coach Tony Sparano) – “I’ve always known that he’s from Connecticut. I never met him or anything like that. I know a few old teachers of mine that actually knew him. They were telling me, ‘Dolphins, Dolphins. I know Coach Sparano.’ Things of that nature, but I never met him before.”

(On what his conversations with the Dolphins were like leading up to the draft) – “I only had a couple of calls with them. They called me earlier in the week to make sure they had my right draft-day number and to see if I was healthy and if everything was alright. They didn’t show their hand like everyone else did right away. I’m just glad that they decided to draft me.”

(On what he was doing on draft day) – “I was sitting in my bed. Somebody was finally going to pick me up after the fifth round. I was just sitting here hoping, praying and sweating.”

(On what he knows about the Dolphins’ offensive line situation) – “I know that they are pretty much revamping. They have Jake Long now and he is the cornerstone of the offensive line. I just want to make sure that I’m able to be able to compete, learn as much as possible and hopefully work my way into the lineup at some time in the future.”

(On if he prefers playing on the right side or left side) – “Right and left.”

(On what side he played in college) – “Right guard.”

http://www.miamidolphins.com/newsite/news/top_story.asp?contentID=5772

Lex Hilliard Conference Call

April 27, 2008
   
(On if he is related to Ike Hilliard) – “No, not at all.”

(On recovering from his Achilles tear) – “It was tough, but I had a lot of support from my family and teammates. It wasn’t too bad. The doctor told me I would come back in a year. I ended up doing it in 10 months. That was pretty incredible, just having the support of my fans, my family and the people around me.”

(On if his thumb is healed) – “That’s all good. It’s ready to go.”

(On if he is more of a fullback or a running back) – “I’ll play whatever. It may have to be on special teams. I’m ready to go. I’m ready to do whatever it takes to help the Miami Dolphins win.”

(On if he expected to be drafted) – “I was hoping for it. I didn’t really know what to expect going into it. Round-by-round passed and I never knew what to expect, then all of a sudden I get a phone call from an unknown area code. The excitement hit my heart hard.”

(On who called him to tell him he was drafted) – “The general manager for the Miami Dolphins.”

(On his hometown) – “Kalispell, Montana.”

(On his strengths and weaknesses) – “My versatility. The one thing I have to work on is my break-away speed. I’m not a guy that can take it 90 yards, but at the same time I am a guy that can get you five, six yards every down. I’m ready to work at it every down.”

(On what he has heard about Bill Parcells) – “I heard he is a great coach. A buddy of mine, Cory Proctor, he played for him at the Cowboys. He loved the guy. Cory was a good friend of mine while he was here and he still is. I just look forward to playing for Bill.”

http://www.miamidolphins.com/newsite/news/top_story.asp?contentID=5782

Lionel Dotson Conference Call

April 27, 2008
   
(On his ‘L-train’ nickname) – “I was practicing one day and I was hitting a lot of people and knocking them on the ground and they said I was like a train, so they called me ‘L-train.’”

(On when he received his nickname) – “My junior year in high school.”

(On how it feels to be a member of the Miami Dolphins) – “It feels lovely. It feels great. I just wanted my opportunity so that I can show that I can play. God-willing, I got an opportunity.”

(On if the Dolphins showed a lot of interest during the draft process) – “They’ve been calling me throughout this whole second day. Towards the end I felt they were going to get me. They told me to hold on, so I felt good about it.”

(On what round the Dolphins started calling) – “Around the sixth.”

(On if he knew he was going to be selected by the Dolphins) – “I didn’t know. They just told me to hang in there and they’re going to see how the draft goes.”

(On if any other teams contacted him) – “Yes.”

(On what teams contacted him) – “Atlanta, the Giants and the Cardinals. That’s about it.”

(On if he thinks his injury history caused him to slip in the draft) – “I don’t really know what the reason was. I saw some stuff off the top of my head. It doesn’t matter now. I’m not going to live in the past. I’m a Miami Dolphin now. I’m just going to try to focus on this, making the team and contributing as a rookie.”

(On if he is healthy) – “Yes.”

(On his strengths) – “I bring quickness, toughness and athleticism to the NFL. I feel like I can rush the passer and I think that’s one of my greatest assets.”

(On what he feels like he needs to work on) – “My upper-body strength, my pad level and my hands. Also, some of my lower body strength. Strength is a big thing for me to work on at the next level.”

(On how much he benched at his workout) – “I didn’t bench.”

(On where he is from) – “Houston, Texas.”

(On if that is where he watched the draft) – “Yes.”

(On if he watched the entire draft) – “Yeah, I watched the whole draft.”

(On what it was like watching the entire draft) – “It was kind of frustrating and nervous, but at the same time nobody knows in the NFL draft. That’s why it’s the NFL draft – anything can happen. That’s why I’m just happy to get drafted by the Dolphins.”

(On his agent) – “Kenny Zuckerman.”

(On if being from Texas helped Bill Parcells notice him) – “I don’t know. Maybe. I hope so.”

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/palmbeach/miamidolphins/entries/2008/04/27/parcells_plan_continues_to_tak.html

Parcells’ plan continues to take shape

By Edgar Thompson | Sunday, April 27, 2008, 06:25 PM

The Dolphins’ first draft under Bill Parcells is in the books.

On Day 1, the team picked up three players from major programs, including Michigan teammates Jake Long and Chad Henne.

But you’d have to be a serious fan of college football to be familiar with any of the Dolphins’ second-day picks. None of these players is a household name.

Only two of the six players - UConn G Donald Thomas and Arizona DE Lionel Dotson - went to BCS conference schools. And the Huskies and Wildcats aren’t exactly upper-echelon BCS schools.

The other draft picks came from Hampton (DE Kendall Langford), Utah St. (G Shawn Murphy), Toledo (RB Jalen Parmale) and Montana (RB Lex Hilliard).

This shows the belief Parcells and GM Jeff Ireland have in their ability to evaluate talent and select the right pieces they need to build a team.

Day 2 wasn’t flashy, but it was functional.

The team selected two guards; a pair 290-pound-plus defensive ends who might have the ability to move inside if needed; and two straight-line, bruising running backs who will earn their keep on special teams.

The team didn’t select a cornerback or wide receiver, seemingly a couple of positions of need. But the Dolphins could find a few among the pool of undrafted free agents and bring them into next weekend’s rookie camp.

If Randy Mueller and Cam Cameron had put together this draft, this group would have had a better chance inciting Dolfans than exciting them

But the Big Tuna is calling the shots now.

I have a feeling most everybody out there is pretty pleased.

I heard he's a tweener (too slow to play safety, too small to play corner) AND a project ....

^^^ Ohhh Bad combo...I heard the same thing about Te in S. Missouri...They thought he was too too old,too much of an injury risk,not enough upside.....

Same thing with the Left Tackle in Central Florida.  Too old, too much of an injury risk, and has an alcohol problem and is one more fifth of scotch away from a yearlong suspension.   ;D ;D ;D

This is funny.

Donnie Avery was a nice catch, I think.