The Dolphins Make Me Cry.com - Forums

Now that our Dolphins' season is done, it's time to talk draft.  I've seen people on here talking about "we need to draft a WR" or "we need to draft a LB".  Now is your chance to scout some guys who you think will fill that position.

I think everyone can agree that the Dolphins need a NT.  Soliai is good, but not great.  If we are going to get a NT, it has to be in the first round.  The choices are Terrence Cody and Dan Williams.  I'm torn between these two.  On one hand, Cody is just a mauling beast.  On the other Williams is a little more athletic and in shape.  I think I'd still pick Cody over Williams though.  Of course if Eric Berry is still on the board, draft him over both Cody and Williams, but he will probably be long gone by our first round pick.

The second round is our chance to get a WR.  Damien Williams, Dez Bryant and Brandon LaFell should be gone by our second round pick, as well as possibly Golden Tate.  Arrelious Benn should still be available.  I'm a little torn on this pick as well.  If Tate is still available, he'd make an immediate NFL impact, as he is more NFL ready being in a pro-style offense, yet Benn has more potential, but is a little raw and would need to be coached up a bit.  Tate is slightly faster, but Benn has a big size advantage (Tate: 5'11'' 195 lbs., Benn: 6'2'' 214 lbs).  Benn has been known to drop passes and take plays "off", where as Tate has very soft hands, and a "never say die" attitude, plus runs very good routes.  If Tate is still around, I say draft him, otherwise draft Benn.

Of course, this will probably all change once the combine is over.  I'll get into the later rounds later, but what says you about who we should draft?

They could get Danario Alexander in the 2nd round.

I like his size and speed (6'5'' 215 lbs, high 4.5 forty).  His route running is bad though.  He will probably go in the later rounds, unless he has a good combine.

He did have great stats this year (113 receptions, 1,781 yards, 14 TDs).  He could be a mid-late round gem.

A guy I work with is starting the "draft Brandon Spikes" bandwagon.

Thoughts?

He started as a top 20 pick, and is now projected to go in the second round.  There is a reason for that.  He over-pursues plays, the whole "eye gouging" thing, he disappears at times during a game and he horrible in the zone.  Of course, if he has a good combine he could be a top 20 pick again, but as of right now, we'd have to spend a 2nd round pick on him, and that's not even guaranteeing he'll be there at our second round pick, plus we wouldn't be getting that #1 WR everyone is craving.  Using a 1st rounder on Spikes would be reaching.  If we were to use a 1st or 2nd on a MLB, I would rather go with Rolando McClain in the 1st, he's an all around better LB than Spikes.

If it were up to me, I'd get a MLB in the mid-to-late rounds.  There are a lot of big, talented guys in rounds 3-5.

I have my eye on Micah Johnson in the third round.  The guy is HUGE (6'2'' 254) and could be a monster in the middle, especially with Terrance Cody in front of him.

From a different thread...


Not taking anything away from McClain, but do you think he might have benefited from having Mt. Cody in front of him, thus making him look better than he really is?  Don't get me wrong, I think McClain is a stud and is way better than Brandon Spikes, I'm just saying it's something to consider.  Also, do you think Dan Williams is that much, if at all, better than Cody?  I would be ecstatic to have any of those three on the phins, and want to hear your opinion on it.  Personally, I like Cody the best.  I mean look at the guy...HE'S HUGE!  6'5'' 365 lbs.  Ya, I want that guy on my team.

Total 'Cane homerism alert!

Draft another Gator MLB to make no game changing plays?  I'll pass!

LOL, I'd be lying if I didn't say that crossed my mind as well.

That is EXACTLY what I said to him, and he continued to tell me how much better Spikes is than Crowder.  I drank the Kool Aid for a minute, but I'm still not sold.  Did I mention this guy is a die-hard Gator alum?

^^^I guess anything's possible.  I'm always all over Gator fans about Gator wide receivers in the NFL, too, and then Percy Harvin happened...

Why don't you guys look past Florida?  There are good football players in the rest of the country, too.

No there aren't... ::)

Percy Harvin isn't THAT good.  He's a slower Ted Ginn, with slightly better hands and gets injured a lot.

If fans got do the drafting, half of the Rutgers team would wind up playing for the Jets.....Boston College and UConn would be well represented on the Patriots.....Every Charger would come from USC.....etc. 

^ Maybe but I would want to see Mizzou players on the Dolphins. ;D

Bad route running?  I think not.  He'll go in the 2nd or 3rd round.

Yeah, but when I wanted the 'Phins to draft Vince Wilfork over Vernon Carey, I feel like I was right (even though Carey's a very nice RT).  When I wanted Reggie Wayne over Jamar Fletcher in 2001, I think we all know that would've been nice.

When Clinton Portis came out, all anyone wanted to talk about was William Green from BC.  When Andre Johnson came out, everyone liked Charles Rodgers as the greatest WR prospect in ages...we 'Canes fans knew better.  Anyway, when it comes to UM players, they work out pretty well, so I don't feel quite as silly for openly lobbying for the Dolphins to take a 4th round chance on Jimmy Graham.

I'm going off what a few websites have said about where he is projected to go.

NFLdraftscouts.com says he's projected to go in the 3rd.
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=75582&draftyear=2010&genpos=WR (http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=75582&draftyear=2010&genpos=WR)

Walterfootball.com says he's projected to go 5-6 round and he runs bad routes (#19 on list in link).
http://walterfootball.com/draft2010WR.php (http://walterfootball.com/draft2010WR.php)

fftoolbox.com says he'll go in 3-4 round.
http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/profile_display.cfm?prospect_id=2275 (http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/profile_display.cfm?prospect_id=2275)

www.nfldraftdog.com says his weakness is route running, but he is going to be the best WR in this draft class.
http://www.nfldraftdog.com/2010-nfl-draft/danario-alexander.html (http://www.nfldraftdog.com/2010-nfl-draft/danario-alexander.html)


So going by all of that, that's why I said he would be a mid (3rd round) to late (6 round) pick and that he runs bad routes.  I have to admit, the more I look at his body of work and skill set, the more I want to take Alexander and not Benn.  He's bigger and doesn't seem to drop the ball like Benn does, and there is a possibility to take him in the 3rd round, and use our 2nd rounder on other needs, like LB or Safety.  Hmmmm.

^ If people think he runs bad routes, that can be taught.  You can't teach hands, size and speed.  Without him Mizzou would have sucked donkey balls this year. 

Yeah, I completely agree with you there.  The guy is a beast.  I would be happy to draft him.

Glad to have you on board. ;D

I think there are at least 3 or 4 of us already that wouldn't mind seeing Alexander sitting there for Miami in the 3rd round, where he's projected now. My only worry, and it's a big one, is that he seems like "exactly" the type of receiver who impresses the living shit out of personnel folks when they get up close and personal with him in private "show us your skills" settings. Methinks he's going to have a green up-arrow attached to his name on draft boards in the months leading up to the draft, and he might not even be available when Miami's 2nd round pick comes up.

I know, I know...pessimism is no fun, but that's just the way I see things shaking out.

fyo was asking me in the "who stays, who goes" thread, what would be the solution if Fasano walks?

What about drafting Dennis Pitta, BYU in the 3rd round?  He has great size (6'5'' 250 lbs.), decent speed (mid 4.6 forty), and had a monster year in 2008 (82 receptions, 1,072 yards and 6 TDs) and a pretty good year in 2009 (62 receptions, 829 yards and 8 TDs).  Walterfootball.com had a new mock released today and it had us taking (to the liking of Gator fans) Aaron Hernandez, Florida in the 3rd round. 

The only thing is I really wanted to take Micah Johnson, MLB, Kentucky with this pick, but he may still be around in the 4th round.  Some scouting sites say he could be better than Spikes, and by combine time, could be a 2nd rounder. 

Demaryius Thomas, anyone?  Would not mind seeing that beast line up at WR for Miami...

Reasons I do not want to take Demaryius Thomas...

http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2010dthomas.php (http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2010dthomas.php)

Thanks for the link, Tenshot.  I wasn't aware of his route running issues.  I looked at him and saw Oronde Gadsden (physical blocker, huge frame, "un-pressable" at the line of scrimmage, rediculous red zone threat, etc...)

While I enjoy reading Walterfootball.com's mock drafts, I can't ever take their scouting reports at face value without my own corroboration. A couple of years ago, we had Matt McGuire from that site on our radio show, and he proclaimed that Andre Woodson from Kentucky would become a great NFL QB. Not a good one...a great QB. He's a free agent now, and never advanced past the practice squad after being drafted by the Giants.

Not saying that site doesn't do some good scouting, but always remember that they are not infallible, and can be prone to predispositions that affect that scouting. Always trust your own eyes before you trust someone else's.

earl thomas, assuming he comes out early from texas, is gonna be a damn good free safety in the nfl. can cover, good ball skills, speed, can hit... just a real playmaker, and would fill an immediate need in the secondary.

I completely agree with you.  Its one of my favorite sites to go to, but I don't take to heart everything they say on there.  If I see something like what he says about Demaryius Thomas, I'll research it a bit more and check out what other sites say, watch some youtube videos on the player, ect.  Most other scouting sites say the same thing about Thomas.  Another example; he has Dan Williams ahead of Terrence Cody right now, but I think Cody is going to be a more dominant DT in the NFL.  I see Walterfootball as more a jumping off point to research some prospects.

I agree completely...I use it to point me in specific directions to look when forming my own opinion.

I do "really" like the fact that Walterfootball.com's current mock draft has my 49ers going after WR Danario Alexander in round three.

A WR duo of Crabtree-Alexander has me all a'twitch here...all we'd need then is a real QB and a RT upgrade, and we might actually have an offense that can match our rapidly-developing studly defense. ;D

(Posting with two sincere disclaimers. 1: Discussing "draft slotting" in January, before Combine, Pro days, personal workouts, etc, for any player outside the top 3-5 overall is like throwing darts...blindfolded...in a wind tunnel. 2: My own personal mock draft slotting system is contained solely between ear #1 and ear #2 and is prone to change at a moment's notice if new information/visual evidence is added or if general whim should take me)

OK, Random draft thought...Three players that, by my own current "mock draft slotting," are round 3 or later that I would take for either of the two teams I love to cheer for (SF and Miami) without hesitation, because I think they will turn into quality NFL players at outstanding value:

1) CB Jerome Murphy, South Florida (currently projecting in rd 3). While he is playing corner now, I look at his frame, the way he plays in space and tackles (with prejudice) in the open field, and when I squint my eyes while watching him play, I see an NFL free safety waiting to beef up and blossom. Natural ballhawk mentality. I want him, and if I could throw a preemptive third rounder and reserve him now, you bet your ass I'd do it.

2) QB Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan (currently projecting in rd 3). I'll give credit where due...if it weren't for ESPN's new college fantasy football game, I likely wouldn't have seen any Chippewas action outside Sportscenter highlights. Instead, I watched 5 of their games, and I drooled over young Mr LeFevour during all of them. Good-but-not-Roethlisbergian size (6'3" 230 lbs), solid arm that throws with a lot of accuracy on the short to medium routes, and while he puts a little too much air under it at times on the deep ball, I've seen enough deep balls on a line that I think the occasional loft can be coached out of him. Really love his pocket presence...he rarely takes a "hard" sack, and think his leadership intangibles are tops in this year's QB class. I caught both of CMU's losses this year, on the road against my Arizona Wildcats (FBS #21 ranking in total defense) and at Boston College (#23 in same). Despite both teams beating him pretty handily, there wasn't a guy on CMU's offense in either game that wasn't running full fire until the final play of the game. If he's there in round three when my 49ers come up, I would apply foot to Alex Smith's ass in the general direction of the door and usher in the new age of Boogie LeFevour in the Bay area.

3) OLB (for 3-4 scheme) Antonio Coleman, Auburn (currently projecting in rd 4). Unlike Central Michigan, I've gotten to watch a lot of Coleman during his 4 years at Auburn. I think confusion about what his natural position at the next level will be, I see a clear-cut OLB in a 3-4 scheme. Great ability to get off the ball quickly, and already has a nice array of attack moves that's allowed him to consistently get into the pocket. One tool in his shed that I feel will make him a quality NFL OLB is his ability to adjust from "pass rush" mode to "run stop" mode at full speed and get his hands on the RB before he can escape. One other thing I like is that he really seems to have gotten better every one of his three full seasons as a starter in the toughest conference in college football.



(edited for typo-mania)

^ Nice rundown there Stroke.

1)  Of course I'm going to agree with you on any South Florida guy you want on the fins ;).  I'd also take George Selvie with the 3rd rounder, even though he's fallen off a lot of people's radar due to having a bad senior year.  Actually, Selvie may be a 4th rounder, so I'd take him then.

2)  I've also watched a few Central Mich games and Dan LeFevour is the real deal.  The guy has a "never say die" attitude.  I think he'd be an awesome pickup for your 49ers in the 3rd.

3)  Coleman seems like a late round gem.  He has decent stats, a lot of experience, and decent size.

I've said this a few time now, but I really want to draft Micah Johnson in the 3rd.  He is huge and, if healthy, would be an absolute beast on our team.  In my mock, I have us taking Terrence Cody 1st, Danario Alexander in the 2nd (StL convinced me ;)), and with Johnson in the 3rd, that is hell of a first three picks.  Imagine, Cody at NT...6'5'' 365 lbs.....Johnson at MLB, 6'2'' 254 lbs....maybe mix in a package where you have Cody and Soliai on the same line.  *Drools*

In the previous Walter mock, he had my 49ers taking 4 players in the first 3 rounds that I absolutely would have LOVED to see wearing 49ers caps on draft day. He had us taking CB Joe Haden, OT Brian Bulaga, OG Mike Iupati (Both OL sides of beef I'm enamored with) and WR Danario Alexander. I swear, I had a pigskin semi for several days when that posted. ;)

The last Mock that I checked out had us taking Rolando McClain at #12 and Jeremy Williams WR, Tulane in round 2.

My question is, what are your thoughts on Myron Rolle?  He is back from his year at Oxford, and is a very shift safety.  I am looking forward to seeing what he does at Senior Bowl practice and the game.

I was watching the Senior Bowl practices yesterday on NFLN, and am already starting to drool over some of the players I'm seeing out there.

I am not as high as some on WR Jeremy Williams. He seems like he half-ass's routes sometimes and loses focus. I also think his numbers at Tulane were padded a bit by the fact that Tulane seemed like they were ALWAYS down big, early in games this season, and they basically spent the last 3/4 of almost every game in desperation air-it-out mode.

I wouldn't mind taking Rolando McClain in the first.  The way Terrence Cody's draft stock is going right now, we could get both him and McClain in the first two rounds.  I have to agree with Stroke...I think Jeremy Williams is a tad over-rated, as are guys like Arrelious Benn and Marshawn Gilyard.  I just hope Danario Alexander is around in the 3rd round (StL sold me on him :)).

I think Myron Rolle would be an excellent late round acquisition.  6'2'' 220 lbs and runs a 4.4 forty.  He is pretty raw though.  He could be Bell's eventual replacement, and could learn a thing or two from him.  Hell, with that speed, he could probably play FS too.

* I actually like Arrelious Benn a bit, but for one specific reason and no other. I believe he has better "body control" than any WR in this class. Not saying he's the best, or even top-5 overall, but when it comes to adjusting his body mid-air, sliding off hard collisions, that sort of body control, he is pretty amazing. I also think that is one particular skill that can't be coached into a receiver. You either have that natural body control or you don't.

* I heard a couple of guys on the radio talk about Rolle being a late round pick as well, but I just don't see it working out that way, for a couple of reasons. First, I think he is going to impress greatly in individual workouts on the physical side, and you KNOW that no one is going to interview better than the articulate Rhodes scholar. Second, any devaluing that could come from his taking a year off from football is easily offset by the fact that Rhodes scholarships are fairly good signs of extreme intelligence, and safety is a position where a good brain is as valuable as fast feet. I don't see him getting out of round 3, and if he really impresses with the physical stuff, I'll bet he sneaks into round two.

If he's there in round 3, I would be ecstatic to have him on either the Phins or Niners next season.

Because I'm bored, and I want something to do, I decided to look over tape on all the top WR prospects.

Dez Bryant
Height: 6-2. Weight: 210.
Pros: Great size, fantastic jump ball ability, physical, fast long striding runner.
Cons:  Doesn't run good routes, more of a fly route guy that jumps up and battles for the ball

Damian Williams
Height: 6-1. Weight: 190.
Pros: Fantastic route runner, soft hands, surprisingly elusive, great concentration.
Cons:  Slight frame, slower than I thought (but quick).

Arrelious Benn
Height: 6-2. Weight: 214.
Pros:  Very physical, good size, a lot faster than I initially thought, good concentration.
Cons: Average route runner, drops passes.
(I'm eating my words from earlier Stroke...after watching some more film on him, I'm impressed).

Brandon LaFell
Height: 6-3. Weight: 209.
Pros: Physical, great size, agile for size, good jump ball ability, Hines Ward type blocker
Cons: Drops easy catches, route running could be better

Golden Tate
Height: 5-11. Weight: 195.
Pros: Excellent route runner, very soft hands, elusive, fast, can run the Wildcat
Cons: Small size...that is really the only thing I could find bad about him

Jeremy Williams
Height: 6-0. Weight: 205.
Pros: Good jump ball receiver, good route runner
Cons: Slow top end speed (not a home run threat), not very physical, average build, seems afraid of contact

Jordan Shipley
Height: 6-0. Weight: 195.
Pros: Insane concentration, very elusive, pretty good route runner (runs the sickest double moves I've ever seen), not afraid to go over the middle.
Cons: Doesn't have elite top end speed, somewhat small

Eric Decker
Height: 6-2. Weight: 215.
Pros: Great possession WR, soft hands, physical, not afraid of contact
Cons: Slow, not a home run threat

Marshawn Gilyard
Height: 6-0. Weight: 179.
Pros: Home run threat, elusive, fast
Cons: Toothpick frame, avoids contact, doesn't break tackles, sometimes lacks concentration

Danario Alexander
Height: 6-5. Weight: 221.
Pros: Massive build, very physical, fights for that extra yard, fast for his size
Cons: Bad route runner, drops easy catches from time to time, doesn't have elite speed, stats are a little inflated due to a lot of catches being bubble screens.


Benn, LaFell, Tate, or Alexander are all good choices IMO.

I'm watching the senior bowl right now.  Man, NT Dan Williams looks impressive.  I wouldn't mind taking him with our first rounder.

Brandon Grahm, DE Michigan, has a motor that doesn't stop.  Already has 2 sacks, 1 FF, and a tackle for loss.  Guy is always in the backfield.

Gilyard had a great game...over one hundred yards and a touchdown at the senior bowl.  I'm still not sold on him because I think he won't be able to get off the jam at the next level.  On the flip side, the announcers were comparing him to DeShaun Jackson, so who knows.

The guy is a certified beast...I don't know if you saw, but Matt McGuire on Walterfootball had Miami taking JPP with our first rounder...if McClaine and Dan Williams were off the board by then, I'd say sure, why not, but I don't think he's better than those two.

Having said that, I still believe he is the best hybrid DE/OLB in this draft, but unfortunalty, that is not as much an immediate need as ILB / NT / or even WR (although, I still think I'd take JPP over Dez Bryant). 

The only downside I know of for JPP is he is stupid.  Like REALLY stupid.  Vince Young Wonderlic stupid.  Seriously though, how smart do you need to be to play OLB?  If you are "football smart" it doesn't really matter how intelligent you actually are.

I've also hear that people are scared that he was just a one year wonder.  I'm sorry, but look at the guy.  He is as athletically gifted as a OLB / hybrid DE can be, plus he has the stats to back it up.

So, in conclusion, I've watched him all year long, seeing as I'm a USF honk an all, and yeah Stroke...I'm glad you see how "sexy" a pick he could be....hell, I'd be happy as hell if he were a Phin.  I think he might be the first All Pro USF guy in the NFL (as far as I know Kawika Mitchell is the closest thing, but I think JPP can be a Superstar).

I think we'd do well to go defense with the first pick.  I'd like to see us take a nose tackle or inside linebacker.

I see a couple of mocks having the Dolphins taking OLB Sergio Kindle of Texas.  Anyone got a writeup on him?

I think he could be a good OLB, but he is a tad over-rated.  He has good size (6-4 255 lbs.) and is versatile.  His problem is he gets washed by blockers and he's not very physical considering his athleticism.  He'll go in the first round, but I think he's more of a 2nd or 3rd round guy.  He reminds me a little of Gaines Adams...all finesse and no physicality.  With some coaching at the next level, he could be great, but if I'm going to spend a 1st round pick on a rush LB, I'd spend it on JPP or try and get Jerry Hughes in the 2nd round.

^^^^
The problem with that is I actually think we're pretty well set up at rush/OLB for now. 

What we need to find out is can Cameron Wake and/or Charlie Anderson be an every down player.  We know JT doesn't have much left except as a pass rusher anymore, and Porter it seems will be gone. 

I'd much rather we got Pierce and drafted ILB at least with the early picks.  We need help but I see OLB as being a 3rd round or lower priority where ILB/NT for sure and Safety are bigger needs.

I totally agree with you.  As much of a USF honk as I am, I'd still be a little upset if we used our first rounder JPP or any OLB for that matter.  It's ILB / NT or bust if you ask me.  Rolando McClaine, ILB Alabama should be our pick, and if he's gone, then Dan Williams, NT Tenn will be there.  I'd be ecstatic to have either.

^^^ And as much as I'd love Pierre-Paul on my Niners, our first 3 picks are going on OL and DB, because those are our biggest needs. Our pass rush really powered up in the second half of last season, and we finished tied with Miami for 3rd most sacks in the NFL. Pierre-Paul's edge rush would be nice to have, but 650+ lbs of blue chip offensive linemen (or 350 lbs + CB Joe Haden) would be even nicer.

Brandon Graham from Michigan really looked good at the combine, and is generating a ton of buzz as a potential monster edge-rushing OLB in a 3-4 scheme.

The WR I've been pimping since this time last year, Arrelious Benn, looked great as well...athletic as the day is long and didn't drop anything thrown his way. If he dares slip into rd 2, I wouldn't mind seeing Miami pounce on him to be their new #1 WR target.

I don't know who is aware of this, but I thought I would mention Denario Alexander had some loose cartilage cleaned up out of one of his knees and is not attending the combine.

For anyone interested... Everyone pretty much knows that Miami is going after at least one LB and at least one DL fairly early in the draft festivities, and today is LB and DL day at the combine (NFL Network). Yes, Rolando McClain is present for your viewing pleasure...as are a ton of other great D-linemen and linebackers.



I still love Danario...

Note...I have to take back something from my previous post. I just saw a report that says:

"NFL Network reports that Alabama ILB Rolando McClain didn't go through any drills at the Combine due to a hamstring injury.
McClain's absence from the forty and agility drills was initially believed to be non-injury related, but it appears he has an excuse..."

Another Combine note... and shameless pimp of another site for which I have no affiliation whatsoever. If you want to see the measurables (40 times, bench reps, jumps, etc...), Walterfootball.com has the info very neatly organized for reference purposes. There's also a Combine blog, though that is relatively opinion-based. The numbers, however, are quite official. ;D

http://www.walterfootball.com/combine.php (http://www.walterfootball.com/combine.php)

I Heart Weatherspoon,and then Big love for the local Kid Clay Harbor in the TE Group,4th fsastest 40 time, Number 1 in the bench press 30 reps,and 2nd in the broad jump with 10'.....

this team needs olb > wr > nt > fs > ilb

^^^ I agree with those positions being need positions, but I consider ILB to be at the other end of the row.

I'd probably lay it out as ILB > WR > NT > OLB > FS

I'm really starting to like Linval Joseph from East Carolina ( 6-4, 328, 39 reps @ 225lbs) and  Jeff Owens Georgia (6-1, 304, 44 reps @ 225 lbs) if we don't take Dan Williams in the first.  Jeff Owens is undersized to be a NT, but could be asked to put on some pounds for the role (he would only need to add 10-15 lbs to be considered at NT).  44 reps is mighty impressive.  Now that Cody dropped the weight for the combine, I'm back on his bandwagon again, but only if it's the second round.

I've been meaning to ask Stroke a question.  I watched a lot of film on Rolando McClain, and he didn't seem all that impressive to me.  He seems pretty slow and is faked out by misdirection pretty easily.  On the positive side, even though he is slow, he is a good coverage LB and is insanely strong (I saw him swatting offensive linemen away like flies) and seems to have good instincts..  Do you really think he is that good, or do you think he is so highly rated because the ILB class this year is so thin?  Why do you think he's so great?

Having said that, I still think McClain is the best ILB in this year's draft, and would not be disappointed in the least if we drafted him, although I would prefer Dan Williams.

I think it's pretty clear that the front office feels the same way as you about ILBs.

crowder is not great, but he is young and serviceable.

team needs an olb way more than ilb.

in fact, i think if you get a good space eating nt, crowder will become a better player.

BUMP

What do y'all think about going all USF players the first three rounds?

Round 1: Jason Pierre-Paul... considered the number one rush LB in the draft.  Could be the next Ware, but also could be the next Gholston.

Round 2: Nate Allen...ballhawking free safety and as solid as they come at the position.  Could be this years Byrd.

Round 3: Carlton Mitchell...doesn't have the stats, but ran a 4.4 forty at his pro day today, and has size 6'4'' 210-215.  I think he will be the steal of the draft.

I know it sounds like I'm being a USF Homer, but all of the guys mentioned have tremendous upside and they wouldn't be a reach in any of the rounds.

^^^^

In reply to your earlier post, I think you're going to see them take a linebacker unless one of two things happen, and my reasoning for this is that #12 is probably too high to take a nose tackle for money reasons.

1.  They trade the pick down.  We took Daryl Gardner at 20 which in terms of salary is eons away from #12.  This might be why we haven't heard anything about who they're going to draft.

2.  In addition to Dansby, we get a couple more linebackers via trade.  This is not likely to happen but we've all seen weirder.

This theory would sound a whole lot better if two of the top 10 picks in round one weren't also going to be nose tackles (Suh-McCoy). ;)

I just don't see McClain being drafted at #12 any more...not with Dansby's signing. NT, DE/OLB, FS, WR and OG seem like the positions that Miami will likely target within the first 3-4 rounds, though I've wondered since last year's draft whether Sean Smith's eventual position could be FS, so maybe you could substitute CB for FS in that positional need list.

The funky aspect of projecting Miami's (or any team's) draft strategy is that you have to accurately identify four different things...

* you have to isolate which positions are actually need positions. We fans might think "oh man, Miami really need an OG," but the coaching staff might be thinking "we really love OG-Player X, who is already on the roster, so OG isn't as much of a need." You can get a little sneak peek at this by watching how that team behaves in free agency...which positions do they invite the high level FA's in for?

* you have to determine which individual players within that team's need positions are rated highly by that team's draft braintrust. Miami sends a second level scout to Player A's pro day, and the entire Irish Tuna Coalition attends Player B's pro day. Which player do you think Miami is more interested in? You can also augment this by listening to comments made by the coaching staff about players currently on the roster, as long as you filter the PC coach-speak out.

* you have to be able to plot out where the value lies in each round, given the values assigned to those individual players by that team. A big mistake often made in mocks is that the mocker will take each round as it's own individual event, rather than one part of a larger, much more dynamic event.

* you have to understand the tendencies of the person making the final draft decision. Every GM has particular draft preferences. Everyone knows Parcells loves assigning high draft priorities to linebackers and edge-rushing DE's. Some GMs like drafting smaller O-linemen, others may like going for high upside guys from smaller schools, etc...

On top of all that, you then have to at least have a basic grasp of the need positions and individual player values for the other 31 teams in the league (from THEIR perspective), as that will have a pronounced impact on which players will be available at any point of the draft.

Sounds daunting, doesn't it?

Exactly...now turn off the lights, blindfold yourself, spin around 3 times and then try to throw a dart at the bullseye hanging on the opposite wall. Your odds for success are roughly the same.

Here is a "what if" situation... if Berry or Haden drop to us, do we draft them?  I say definitely on Berry, and probably on Haden, then we could move Sean Smith to FS.

If Berry is there, it's a no-brainer, unless the reason he's sliding to #12 (injury, arrest, whatever, between now and then) is enough to make Miami check themselves as well.

Haden...I kinda wish Miami would just let him slide on down to SF at #17, because he is #1 on my wish list for that half of my Pigskin Self. I think an NFL team needs 3 good cover guys, whether that's 3 CBs or 2 CBs and a versatile FS, so I'd have no problem (ok, just a small problem) with Miami drafting Haden.

I'm not sure about first round, but I wouldn't be surprised to see us take corner fairly high...Even with all our other needs...

Will Allen is older,and coming off an injury..We lost Nate Jones to the Broncos in Free agency,which leaves Vontae Davis,Sean Smith,Jason Allen,and Evan Oglesby as the only corners.(Plus our hole at FS)...I CAN see the Trifecta doing like they did when they drafted guys like Jason Fergason,Jay Ratliff, and wait and take them in the lower rounds....

At this point I would be happy with the Dolphins taking Jason Pierre-Paul, Dez Bryant, Dan Williams or Brandon Graham, as long as it's not Sergio Kindle.

Do you guy's think Washington not needing a QB changes anything in the top ten in the draft? Might it change who falls to us?

Hard to say...they may look at McNabb as the short-term fix and draft a QB in round one anyway, or they may think he's good for 2-3 years and pass on Clausen in round one and draft a different position. I don't think it will have a huge effect on Miami though, as I think any non-QB that Washington might draft at #4 will be an O-lineman (probably Okung), who likely isn't on Miami's draft list. It might affect some other teams, who could, in turn, snatch one of the defensive players that Miami is targeting though...it's a domino thing when you deal with draft repercussions.

^^^

I don't think Washington's trade will affect who falls to us all that much.  You have to remember we're not really looking for a quarterback especially in the first round, so the way I look at it is, even if this guy were available would we draft him?  I would guess that the McNabb trade means that Clausen will actually fall into the mid-to-late first round because a lot of people aren't sold on him, and this may knock Tim Tebow down to a late 1/early 2 area. 

Also Stroke, in reference to your earlier suggestions about Suh and McCoy, I don't recall defensive tackles taken at or near the top 10 a particularly sound pick, but I could be wrong. 

I dispute your logic ;)

The Redskins are going to pick SOMEONE at #4. That pick can affect all subsequent picks, including ours. The obvious choice for the Skins, IMHO, would be a big tackle for the Oline. To me, the top of this draft (first half of round 1) is shaping up to be a run on tackles. Let's say Washington goes with Okung. Well, half the teams picking between the Redskins and the Dolphins are also potentially in the market. If "their guy" is picked, those teams could well go DB or DE.

THAT would affect the Dolphins' pick.

Of course, there are so many holes to address on this team, that it doesn't really matter. I can't imagine that Suh or McCoy fall, but one of Eric Berry (S), Derick Morgan (DE), Dan Williams (NT), Rolando McLain (ILB), JPP (DE), or Joe Haden (CB) is bound to be available at #12. Even Dez Bryant would be a reasonable pick, IMHO. It would certainly address a huge need...

Good post, I was this thinking the same thing earlier.  I think we can all agree that we are guaranteed to take on of the guys listed, adding in Earl Thomas and Brandon Graham, so how do you rank them in wanting them on the phins?  I say:

1- Eric Berry
2- JPP
3- Joe Haden (Sean Smith can be moved to FS)
4- Dan Williams
5- Dez Bryant
6- Brandon Graham
7- Derrick Morgan
8- Earl Thomas
9- Rolando McClain

Realistically, I'd be happy with any one of them, but I wish the idiots at NFL.com would stop saying we're going to take Sergio Kindle.  He is a second round pick at best and I personally think he'll bust.

Ok Hopefully  this takes Dez Bryant (thankfully) off our draft board..

Fairly safe assumption Dez Bryant is most likely a Bronco.

I Guess the Front office didn't thin there was enough upside with Tate or Benn in the 2nd round.... :D

Where do we go with our third round pick (73 overall), which just became more important...

one thing i want to know, does this mean we are definitely going defense with our first round pick.

Yes...100% guaranteed. It was probably a lock even before the Marshall Plan.

Bumpty,Bump,Bump.....After reading Tenshot's Mock draft, and thinking about my questions there....Then after reading Peter King's Mock draft,loving the idea of trading down with the Eagles,and picking up second round picks....(But didn't really like the idea of taking a RB in the first round)

How far down could we drop back,and still get DT Dan Williams?

Hmm, that's a tough one...first off, he might be gone by the time we pick at #12 because Buffalo or Denver might take him...after that, there is a possibility that the Giants might take him over Brian Price at #15, then there is a good posibility of the Texans taking him at #20, Dallas at #27 and at the very latest the Chargers at #28.  Because he is the highest rated NT in the draft, it's less about "best player available" and more about "we need a dominant NT for our 3-4, and will reach if we have to".  Then again, I think Dan Williams should be in the same discussion as Suh and McCoy, talent wise, but that's just my opinion.

^ thank you...That's what I was wondering,Who else might take him....