List of special eligibility players for 2010 draft

I think despite all the conversation we have on this forum about trades and free agents of one sort or another, we all agree the way the Dolphins will mostly try to dig out of their 7-9 hole through the draft.

So the deeper the draft, the better it is for Miami. Well, today the NFL released it's list of draft-eligible underclassmen or players with special eligibility for the draft and the good news is it is 53 players long. That's the longest list -- tied with 2008 -- since 2001.

Tell me which players interest you.

No, not Eric Berry. He'll be gone before the Dolphins select at No. 12.

By the way, the practices for the East-West Shrine game in Orlando began on Monday and Bill Parcells was present checking out the talent for himself. But that's not the interesting part. Fact is, Parcells attended the practices for the Orange Bowl teams here in South Florida, too. He wants to see the talent up close and personal.

The intriguing thing to me is that Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall, a native of Central Florida was also at the practice. OK, math lesson of 2 + 2 hopefully =ing a beast WR for Miami.

As you know, Marshall was not on great terms with the Broncos when the season ended. He was, in fact, inactive the final game of the season for reasons the coaching staff determined. So the talk is Marshall may be available when the league year begins in March.

What if Marshall approached Parcells? What if Parcells approached Marshall? If it was going to happen, this would have been the perfect venue. Furthermore, with their interview of former Denver defensive coordinator Mike Nolan coming up, one would assume the Dolphins will be able to get the inside dope on Marshall if they are so inclined.

Obviously, it's up to them to be inclined. But if they are, opportunities are opening to them for gaining information on Marshall -- including talking directly to the player. Coincidently and unofficially, of course. 

By the way, be sure to catch up on today's non-news at the Herald website -- The Dolphins announced the hiring of Bill Sheridan as their inside linebacker coach. It only took them a week or so to announce it.

Player	Pos.	College
Basped, Kevin	DE	Nevada
Benn, Arrelious	WR	Illinois
Berry, Eric	DB	Tennessee
Best, Jahvid	RB	California
Bowman, Navorro	LB	Penn State
Bradford, Sam	QB	Oklahoma
Briscoe, Dezmon	WR	Kansas
Brown, Antonio	WR	Central Michigan
Bryant, Dez	WR	Oklahoma State
Bulaga, Bryan	T	Iowa
Burnett, Morgan	DB	Georgia Tech
Campbell, Bruce	T	Maryland
Clausen, Jimmy	QB	Notre Dame
Curran, Rennie	LB	Georgia
Davis, Anthony	T	Rutgers
Dunlap, Carlos	DE	Florida
Dwyer, Jonathan	RB	Georgia Tech
Franks, Dominique	DB	Oklahoma
Geathers, Clifton	DE	South Carolina
Gibson, Thaddeus	DE	Ohio State
Gresham, Jermaine	TE	Oklahoma
Griffen, Everson	DE	Southern California
Gronkowski, Rob	TE	Arizona
Haden, Joe	DB	Florida
Hernandez, Aaron	TE	Florida
Jackson, Kareem	DB	Alabama
Jones, Chad	DB	Louisiana State
Jones, Reshad	DB	Georgia
Joseph, Linval	DT	East Carolina
Marshall, Darius	RB	Marshall
Mathews, Ryan	RB	Fresno State
McClain, Rolando	LB	Alabama
McCoy, Gerald	DT	Oklahoma
McKnight, Joe	RB	Southern California
McNeal, Shawnbrey	RB	Southern Methodist
Mitchell, Carlton	WR	South Florida
Moore, Joshua	DB	Kansas State
Morgan, Derrick	DE	Georgia Tech
Norton, Jerell	DB	Arkansas
Pierre-Paul, Jason	DE	South Florida
Pouncey, Maurkice	C	Florida
Price, Brian	DT	UCLA
Rogan, Dennis	DB	Tennessee
Snead, Jevan	QB	Mississippi
Spievey, Amari	DB	Iowa
Tate, Golden	WR	Notre Dame
Thomas, Demaryius	WR	Georgia Tech
Thomas, Earl	DB	Texas
Warren, Donovan	DB	Michigan
Williams, Damian	WR	Southern California
Williams, Mike	WR	Syracuse
Worilds, Jason	DE	Virginia Tech
Wright, Major	DB	Florida

Comments

[Mark In Ottawa]

MIKE NOLAN !!!
MIKE NOLAN !!!
MIKE NOLAN !!!

[Kafel Hylton]

Briscoe, Dezmon

[EmoFinFan]

sign nolan already

[Finsfan]

Rolando McClean - get him!

[cuban menace]

Jeff, Maybe Morty Sienfeld can help you get a condo.....

[Rick]

Thomas and Thomas

Earl the FS from Texas would add that playmaker we are sorely missing on the back part of the defense.

Demaryius Thomas, raw but very physical WR, something else we currently lack.

problem is that if you go with those guys 1 and 2 then you are putting yourself in the position to not be able to upgrade the sorry LB corp.

[Mark in Toronto]

Derrick Morgan
Rolando McClain
Earl Thomas
Jason Pierre-Paul
Eversen Griffin

From these players on the list, I think one of these is the most likely to be the 'Phins 1st pick (in order).

Others past 1st rd grades interest me too:
Demaryius Thomas
Damian Williams
Donovan Warren

[L_Csonka]

McLain in a second

[Mark in Toronto]

Rick, 'phins can address the LB spot with signing Karlos Dansby who the administration like and can't be tendered by the Cards and is in his prime.

They can also pick an OLB in the 3d round. This draft is mega deep in edge rushers.

Not saying it's the optimal way to go but McClain may not be there when the phins draft and there is no other ILB worthy of being drafted ahead of Earl Thomas.

[cuban menace]

Mark is that your "D" list?????

[Mr.Hall]

I like DE Gibson from Ohio State,I would see him as an outside LB at the NFL level, would be a good special teams player as well. If we could get him with a second day pick.
I like OSU defensive players, usually come out well coached & ready to play at the NFL level, I don't think he's on the same level that Hawk & Laurantis were, but I think he would be a good player for Miami if we could get him at the right value, he's probably a little small he's only listed at 240 lb's at 6-2 isn't overly large.

[cuban menace]

NJ, I depend on your picks, Will I win a trip back home betting against the jets this week-end????

[cuban menace]

Or were the Mayans wrong with there end of the world predictions and the end of the world actually be FEB. 7, 2010????

[Mark in Toronto]

Cuban, I am only looking "D". This unit is still starting a player from the Jimmy Johnson era for pete's sake. Football is a young man's game. You need players from 26-30 years of age leading the charge, not 35+. If the Dolphins can add another 1 or 2 defensive starters from this draft and augment that with a free agent signing like Dansby - then the defense will be improved not only next year but for years to come and will hit their peak in 2 or 3 years - just about the same time as the offense. Novel approach, isn't it?

I like Gibson too as a later pick. He's another example of perhaps picking Earl Thomas in the 1st round and waiting until later for your edge rusher.

[Mark in Toronto]

Cuban, is there a point spread in your bet? if so, how much?

[cuban menace]

Nah it's stright up....

[Dolphins Insider]

"Look for miami to go with a DT in the first round. TE in the second. WR's 3rd and 4th. The rest will just be project players at ILB." -Based on several sources in the dolphins organization.

[dmurphy]

Marshall for Jinn and a 3rd next yr

[NHDolphan]

Hey mark in ottawa

I Agree

MIKE NOLAN!!!

[Phinatic]

We need A dominant LB badly

[Marcus]

Demaryius Thomas is built and plays like Brandon Marshall... Would be an excellent pick in the 2nd or 3rd round...

[McLovin]

i say if there is no clear player to pick at 12, why not trade out and acquire some quality picks.

[cuban menace]

Marcus, What's his criminal record look like???

[NJ PHIN FAN]

Cuban , pack your bags. Indy 31 Jets 17.

[greg z.]

i am waiting for the mike nolan signing! hurry! he will make much better decisions than the d coaches we had. we couldnt even make halftime adjustments.

[Laughingatsomebloggershere]

A free agent to sign is DT Franklin from SF, still young, UFA, and led the 6th rushing defense this past year. There is no DT ranked around 12 in the draft, and we could take LB, FS, or WR at 12. Money paid to Franklin should be around Fergie money, if not less. What do you think Mando, I havent heard his name mentioned once.

[cuban menace]

Thanks NJ,Can I depend on nice weather(70 to 80 Degrees)from you???:}

[The Seer]

Let Tuna lay down the law with Marshall, become reasonably assured that Marshall understands and will fit in, make sure to get Nolan's input & 'approval', and roll them bones with Marshall.

Sorry, NJ & other detractors, but this is the quickest & best solution to the WR problem. Better than drafting & waiting a year or two ro three, better than an ageing & overpriced Boldin or any other FA possibility out there. When he's right, Marshall's a stud.

Maybe he just needs a change of scenery.....it's happened before. And don't forget, Josh McD is a douche, too.

Get as assured as possible, bring in Marshall, and then move on the buidling the Defense.

Risky: yes. Rewardy: Hell yes.

[NJ PHIN FAN]

You got it menace.

[Ken]

I would love to see McClain but I just don't think he will be there at 12. My next choice would be Dez Bryant. There is a better chance of him being there at 12 but that is not guaranteed either.

[cuban menace]

PRAISE YOU...

[Dolphins Insider]

Laugh all you want. Several sources in the dolphins camp are saying DT early.

[NJ PHIN FAN]

Yeah Seer , just like Antonio bryant and terrell owens needed change of scenery with Bill Parcell on the cowboys. Bryant threw a towel at tuna's face and was gone . TO ? We all know how that turned out. LOL !!!! Marshall is the h1ni virus ans will require at least a 1st round pick . Sorry Ain't happining .

[Marcus]

Cuban, he seems to be a good kid... He can run block and is dangerous with the ball in his hands, big and strong... There will be some question of him being fast/quick enough to get separation in the NFL... In some clips like against the U of Miami, there is a play where he is right there with the corner and catches the ball right over top the cornerback and then explodes away from everybody for the touchdown... Then there are clips where corners are in his hip pocket... If he runs a 4.6, 4.5 he should be fine... I think Marshall ran a 4.6. There are comparisons to Mike Williams but I don't think Mike's issue was ability, it was attitude...

[NJ PHIN FAN]

Dez Bryant ain't happening either.

[kc]

i think jermaine gresham from oklahoma will be an excellent recieving tight end in the nfl maybe he could slip a little because he was hurt last year but after miami gets some D help with that first pick i wouldnt mind them getting a TE like this next if hes still available

[cocoajoe]

Mando, I think most agree (on defense) that we need NT and LBs. My concern is almost all college teams run a 4-3. So, scouts have to project what players will make a sucessful transition. Even if the pic eventually suceeds, it takes them longer to learn it.

I know there's not many but how many notable college teams run the 3-4? I did a search but didn't get anywhere.

[Marcus]

I wish Miami traded last year's picks for Pat Turner and Pat White for picks this year... This draft is stacked... Hey NJ, what will the score of the Senior Bowl be? South - 50 , North - 6... The South team is absolutely loaded with talent... It should be a blowout...

[Gerardo]

A 3-4 defense starts up front. Trade down a little into the 20's ,pick either Dan Williams from Tennessee or Terrence Cody from Bama. I would love McLain but he won't be there at 12.We can wait for a receiver. Very deep collection of wide receivers. We can get a good one in 3rd round.

[NJ PHIN FAN]

LOL @ marcus . The south team is Stacked !!!

[Marcus]

Gerardo, they did that last year... Hopefully they are only targeting the explosive receivers capable of being #1's, we don't need another Hartline and Camarillo (ex. Shipley and Decker) Golden Tate is exactly what they need... They will have to manuver to get him, 12 is too high and 44 is too late... Thomas has some intrigue, I have to see more of him before I put my stamp on him... At first glance I already see he is not Pat Turner...

[NJ PHIN FAN]

Alabama is 1 notable team that runs a 3-4 . Texas also ran alot of 3-4.

[Gerardo]

Marcus, 3rd round. Mardy Gilyard. WR-Cinny

[chad]

I'll take T bruce campbell on name alone

[Marcus]

Gilyard is not the man Tate is... Gilyard is a slower version of Jeremy Maclin. Tate is a thicker version of Steve Smith (Panthers). He comes from the spread so it will take a while for him to transition to the Pros... I like him but would rather have Tate.

[beerndrums]

If we don't make a play for Marshall,you know the Patsies and Jets will.We need to do something to kick start the offense or it will be another long season of "what if..."

[bobbyd12]

If the draft were held today, I would hope McClain was available at 12, if not Spikes from Fl would be my second choice, or trade down...

[techmaster_99]

Receiver pick has to be from an NFL style program. None of this He has Skills but is raw crap. Grab Marshall if you can, i think he is worth the risk

[Jose T.]

Wow, signing Brandon Marshall would fill a MAJOR need for the Fins, I just wonder what the Fins would have to give up in order to get him.

Also, if the Dolphins do pick up Marshall, then surely the Broncos would strongly consider drafting Dez Bryant to make up for losing Marshall, meaning there's a strong possibility Rolando McClain would fall to the Fins at no. 12. McClain would absolutely be an upgrade over the Fins current ILBs. If Nick Saban gushes about McClain, then the man can flat out play, because Nick Saban does not gush about anybody.

[Manuel]

We have to see the free agency and trades, we need 1 #1 WR, 1 FS, 2 ILB, 2 OLB, 1 NT, 1 #1TE, that means 8 starting players and some depth, that means we'll need 2 draft and a couple of free agents, so the team will be ready for 2011, not 2010, keep that in mind and not try to solve all the problems and holes in this draft

[Dolphins4life]

I hate the J-E-T-S!
Cost me a cee note but thats cool I was playing with house money. I was able to put a cee note on the Vikings to win it all at 6-1 odds before they won on Sunday! At the time the Colts were 4-5 favs; Saints were 2-1 and the fkn Boltz were 3-1. I'm licking my chops at that one. Vikes are down to 5-2 odds I'm telling you they have the Defense and the offense to win it all.

[PhinFan82]

Marshall is a beast and worth the risk. i think him and Henne could do some special things, big target for a big arm...make the move PLEASE!!!!!

[Michigan fin]

hopefully the fins can get their inside LB in the second or third round because if we're lucky we won't be picking in the first round (traded to denver for Marshal).

[Dolphins4life]

Dont sleep on Everson Griffen, from Southern Cali! He will be available 3rd round on and would fit well as a OLB in this system. Last few years the Trojans have been Line backer U and he's next in line.

[NJ PHIN FAN]

Jose , in order for miami to get marshall they would probably have to give up that # pick. That means no shot at Mcclain.

[Dolphins4life]

Bahahahah Marshall worth the risk?
Not gonna happen I think NJPHIN fan said it best H1N1!
Hey NJPHINfan how many games did Hardy miss last season? or his junior year? Come on you still want to keep Crowder in that line up we talked about the other day? lol

[Mike R]

I agree with PhinFan, it's not often you have the chance to acquire a proven top-10 WR. I know he comes with baggage but that's mostly because he's trying to leave a bad situation in denver. Marshall is worth the first rounder because he instantly upgrades our entire WR corp while making Henne's development much smoother. Of course keeping the 1st and somehow getting McClain would be nice too.

[Indiana Dolfan]

Mr.Hall - STAY AWAY from anyone from Ohio State...look what we got with Ted Ginn!!

[Marcus]

I have seen Everson Griffen going in the 1st round in some mocks.

NJ, another MLB that I like is Micah Johnson from Kentucky...

[Indiana Dolfan]

Stay away from problematic Marshall...