Dolphins offensive projections

[DolFan619]

http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_football_dolphins/2008/08/dolphins-roster.html

Dolphins offensive projections

Crunching the numbers won't be easy, but the Dolphins' decision makers have seen enough of their training camp roster to indentify the players that are keepers. They want young, they want big, and they want physical.

If a player fits that criteria, and has proven himself to be a fast learner, reliable player, and special teams contributor, it's likely that his stay in South Florida will be extended until an upgrade can be found. And do believe Jeff Ireland and Bill Parcells will be searching for one. I'm told to expect them to churn the bottom of the roster every week during the regular season.

After watching dozens of practices, and four exhibition games, here is my offensive projections for the 53-man roster, which will be carved out on Saturday. Waiver wire claims will likely be announced on Sunday.

OFFENSIVE PLAYERS

Quarterbacks (4) - Chad Pennington, Chad Henne, Josh McCown, John Beck

As Tony Sparano has been saying for weeks, why not keep four? Pennington is the starter, but he hasn't made it through a 16 game season in a while. McCown has value because he's the ideal starter if Pennington goes down early (first five or six games), allowing Henne to continue his grooming for the future. Why cut Beck, last year's second-round pick who still have value, when the Trifecta could possibly find a trade partner either by the trading deadline, or before next year's quarterback thin draft. I would be absolutely shocked if Beck is cut and the Dolphins let some other team acquire him for free.

Tailbacks (4) - Ricky Williams, Ronnie Brown, Patrick Cobbs, Jalen Parmele.

Williams is the starter and Brown backs him up while he continues to recover from his ACL injury. Brown's 47 rushing yards against the Saints was a nice start, but more work needs to be done. It would also be ideal for Brown to serve as the third-down back, and reserve fullback. Cobbs has likely done enough as a special teams player to extend his stay. Parmele is the best of the rookie backs, but if something hot and young hits the waiver wire (say a tailback the Trifecta has had their eye on for the past three years) don't be surprised if they pounce, and try to stash Parmele on the practice squad. One tailback will make the practice squad and it very well could be Lex Hilliard.

Fullback (1) - Boomer Grigsby

Grigsby is the best all-around player, unseating Reagan Mauia, last year's starter. Mauia proved during the exhibition season his catching problems in 2007 had little to do with his broken wrist. But don't be surprised if the Dolphins continue shopping for an upgrade.

Tight end (3) - Anthony Fasano, David Martin and Sean Ryan

Fasano and Martin are serviceable, but the Dolphins will need more longterm help. But don't expect that to come until next year's draft. I just can't get past the fact Peelle is the highest paid tight end, and I suspect the Trifecta can't either. That's why I've got Ryan sticking, and Peelle getting the boot. However, it's possible they could cut Peelle and try to resign him to a contract that pays him like he's the third tight end. This decision can go either way.

Offensive tackle (3) - Jake Long, Vernon Carey, and (ANOTHER TACKLE)

Long's proven he'll be a solid starter. Now he's got to prove he can be better than a solid left tackle. One scout I know, who initially didn't like Long as the No. 1 pick, watching him during the exhibition season and admitted he was wrong. He now believes Long can be a pretty good left tackle, maybe a Pro Bowler if the offense has success. Carey's a proven vet, but considering he's on the last year of his deal it would be ideal to add another promising tackle for the future. But that's easier said than done. Ikechuku Ndukwe is improving as a tackle, but is he good enough for this position not to get addressed via the waiver wire? I suspect not. One tackle will likely make the practice squad.

Offensive guard (4) - Justin Smiley, Donald Thomas, Shawn Murphy and (ANOTHER GUARD)

Smiley and Thomas are solid starters, and this offensive line is starting to gel. Rookie Shawn Murphy is improving. But the Dolphins must improve their depth at the interior of the offensive line. In a pinch Trey Darilek can fill in as a starter because of his versatility. But how much upside does he present. Don't be surprised if the Dolphins pick up Dallas' leftovers here since Sparano is already familiar with them, and vice versa.

Center (2) - Samson Satele and Trey Darilek

Satele started all of his rookie season and showed that he's made some improvements during the exhibition season, outside of the sack he allowed against the Saints. Darilek will be serviceable, but the Dolphins will likely add a third center to the practice squad. I suspect it might be Matt Spanos over Mike Byrne, but I could be wrong.

Receiver (5) - Ted Ginn Jr., Derek Hagan, Ernest Wilford, Davone Bess, Greg Camarillo

This is a tough one. Ginn and Hagan (who was disappointing against the Saints, dropping two catchable passes) are the starters. Wilford is likely safe because of the financial commitment the Trifecta made to him. The unit's most seasoned veteran also proved he's a red zone threat against New Orleans. Camarillo is the top special teams contributor of all the receivers, but Bess, the undrafted rookie, has the most upside. One of those two could find themselve in jeopardy of being cut based on what's available on the waiver wire. The Trifecta might decide to give a talented youngster (maybe a drafted rookie who doesn't make his original team) a test drive. One, if not two receivers, will likely make the practice squad, and I suspect Anthony Armstrong is presently the frontrunner.

Since I'm on a roll I'd just like to account for the special teams spots.

Punter (1) - Brandon Fields

Longsnapper (1) John Denney

Kicker (1) - Dan Carpenter

The defense is coming, but as you might expect it was a long night in New Orleans last night and I've got a bit of a hangover,  headache. Shhhhhhh.

Deuces.

> Posted by Omar Kelly at 11:30:40 AM

[YoFuggedaboutit]

Good read by Omar Kelly.  Now lets hear what he thinks about the D.