So now you know that Mike Mayock believes the Dolphins will draft outside linebacker candidate Sergio Kindle because he is rated No. 7 among the draft analyst's best players, and Miami needs a defensive playmaker, and all those great football reasons.
And that is dandy for an analyst looking purely at a player's skill set and matching them to a team's needs. But drafting for an NFL team is more than purely projecting whether a player can play a position or adjust to a scheme or has the physical prowess to perform.
NFL drafting is also about knowing the person, his habits, his character. And Mayock doesn't measure any of that which the Dolphins must absolutely measure before taking a gamble on anyone such as Kindle.
You see, Kindle, by all accounts a fine athlete, has had some off-field issues during his 22 years on the planet. And the Dolphins must and will collect data on those issues and include them in their evaluation of Kindle.
This isn't new. Every team does this. But for some reason, unless the issues are obvious, guys such as Mayock and Mel Kiper rarely account for them. They loved Rey Maualuga last year, but didn't say anything about the drinking problem that most teams were aware of. Not surprisingly, Maualuga, supremely talented, had a drunk driving incident in January and then reportedly checked himself into a alcohol rebabilitation center.
Now you understand why he didn't go higher in the 2009 draft?
Kindle's current state of mind and character is for NFL teams to judge now. But I can tell you he's had trouble before that Mayock didnt mention in speaking about him Tuesday on a national conference call.
In July of 2007, when Kindle was a sophomore, he was arrested for DWI. He was suspended for the first three games of the season and had to perform community service.
In June of 2009, just prior to Kindle's final season at Texas, he was involved in a car accident in which he drove his car into an apartment building at 2:50 in the morning on a Wednesday. Kindle then got the help of some friends, pulled the car out of the wrecked apartment, and put it on the street.
Then Kindle fled the scene. Having suffered a concussion, his story is he was very tired and simply went home to sleep. Kindle claims there was no alcohol involved in this accident and that he was simply texting a coach when it happened.
(Um, show of hands in the comments section for anyone who totally buys this story.)
Kindle's car, by the way, was registered to his father: Johnny Walker.
I kid you not.
Anyway, even if you are a believer, you must wonder how Kindle would handle playing in a town like mine because we got a couple of places to party down here. Fact is, even people close to Kindle wonder if he should be playing in a town like Miami.
Kindle's high school coach Bobby Estes told the New York Times in January that he and his wife "cringe" at the idea of Kindle ending up in a city like Miami and are hopeful, instead, he ends up "in a cold-weather city so he would stay inside more."
“Is he Colt McCoy and Tim Tebow citing Scripture? No,” Estes said. “But I do know that he knows right from wrong. I hope he’s making mature choices."
Kindle told the newspaper stories about his reputation as a drinker and a partier don't worry him. He told the newspaper he's "not the Sergio of '06-'07," and is now "walking a straight line."
Well, it's up to NFL teams to find out if that "straight line" is one drawn by a cop during a field sobriety test.
We don't want Peppers in Miami. If you know anything about this guy, he takes plays off. Besides, he is going to want ridiculous money. The only reason you might consider him is to keep him away from New England but honestly, I'd be Ok with them tying big bucks to this guy.
And for the guy who said McClain SUCKS, based on what? What about this guy makes you think he sucks? I guess you must know something that all the experts don't? The guy ends up winning the Burkus award and you say he 'sucks'. Your a bright man!!
Posted by: Craig M | February 24, 2010 at 06:20 PM
Menace . i was out for my mother's birthday yesterday but i saw your post. sarasota U M numbnuts takes the cake !!
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | February 24, 2010 at 06:20 PM
Look for (Gebril) to be cut in the next few days.No worries.
Posted by: PO-BLACK TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 06:24 PM
I' always , you should go back to your original name . it's authentic and Original. I'm always is stupid.:)
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | February 24, 2010 at 06:24 PM
Craig, its simple your a simple minded fool.And angry at that.
Posted by: PO-BLACK TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 06:29 PM
Menace . i was out for my mother's birthday yesterday but i saw your post. sarasota U M numbnuts takes the cake !!
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | February 24, 2010 at 06:20 PM
Agree 100 %
Posted by: cuban menace | February 24, 2010 at 06:29 PM
Rob In OC , that's the problem . Wilson is NOT A FREE SAFETY !!. Also i've got a player for you to keep an eye On. Carlton Mitchell from south florida. 6-4 215 pounds runs in the 4.45 range. OF the 40 balls he caught , 8 went for 50 yds or more. He will be a steal in round 3 and he might move into the 2nd with a good combine. check him out. forget dez !!
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | February 24, 2010 at 06:35 PM
later fellas !!
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | February 24, 2010 at 06:36 PM
olb first? why? nolan will make wake the dumerville of this defense and charlie anderson is very capable on the other side. he led the team in tackles the three games he started and had a 3sack game. maybe hes not a superstar but one rule of the draft ive beleived in since helping the dolphins with the draft in the late 80s and that never make a good position great when you can make a poor one good.unless its QB ie marino. pickett at dt? he was a bust for the rams and hdnt done anything now until his contract year.
Posted by: steve | February 24, 2010 at 06:37 PM
Craig,talking about being a bright person what about the comment you made about the BURKUS AWARD.And may i say your a VERY BRIGHT PERSON.
Posted by: PO-BLACK TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 06:41 PM
the plumber nj knows lot about original and authentic .
Posted by: po pink trash | February 24, 2010 at 06:45 PM
Like you mean original like being po pink trash and po black trash how you copy po white trash
Posted by: ALoco | February 24, 2010 at 07:03 PM
Aloco,good to see you here.You are the man.
Posted by: PO-BLACK TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 07:05 PM
HAAAAAAAAAAA
Posted by: NJ PHIN TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 07:06 PM
NJPHIN TRASH,man i love that.The family is growing.
Posted by: PO-BLACK TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 07:11 PM
NJ IS FAMOUS FOR ITS TRASH .WE HAVE THE BEST TRASH IN THE US .
Posted by: NJ PHIN TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 07:12 PM
NJPHIN,well i can,t argue with that.But here in NY we have it up to are Necks.YOU WIN.
Posted by: PO-BLACK TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 07:17 PM
Po-Back,
So I made a spelling mistake....big deal!! You knew what I mean. I have no time for smart a**es like you. Take a hike pal!!
Posted by: Craig M | February 24, 2010 at 07:29 PM
There again you prove my POINT.Go take a flying leap 3rd grader.You got STUPID.WHY?
Posted by: PO-BLACK TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 07:34 PM
CRAIG IS RIGHT AND PO-BLACK IS JUST A PONY .
Posted by: NJ PHIN TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 07:35 PM
Try sticking to talking to football, my man. That's what this blog is about. If you want to get into name calling maybe you should find another blog. If you don't know anything about football, as I suspect, then maybe you let the rest of us enjoy talking about it.
Posted by: Craig M | February 24, 2010 at 07:36 PM
Thanks NJ....appreciate it....
Posted by: Craig M | February 24, 2010 at 07:37 PM
THAT'S RIGHT CRAIG , LEAVE US TALK FOOTBALL .
Posted by: NJ PHIN TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 07:37 PM
Let me guess....now your impersonating other guys. Your going to get run, man....but go ahead. Armando will track you down.....
Posted by: Craig M | February 24, 2010 at 07:39 PM
How many Molsons will Mark in Toronto drink if Canada wins????
I hope Canada can pull it off, I would like to see a rematch with the U.S.A. for Gold
Posted by: carlito from golfito | February 24, 2010 at 07:42 PM
Craig, WOW.Are you done.I do know football maybe not as GREAT as you.But i did NOT start this YOU DID.Like your some kind of GENIUS.Would you like to start over maybe?
Posted by: PO-BLACK TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 07:44 PM
STICK TO FOOTBALL MAN , STICK TO FOOTBALL PO-BALACK.
Posted by: NJ PHIN TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 07:45 PM
Where is poor Golfito trash?
Posted by: carlito from golfito | February 24, 2010 at 07:46 PM
YOU ARE NOT TRASH , YOU ARE DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH CARLITO.
Posted by: NJ PHIN TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 07:47 PM
Thanks,NJPHIN TRASH.
Let me first say i really wish we get a DT with the 12th pick.
Posted by: PO-BLACK TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 07:51 PM
2-0 canada
Posted by: carlito from golfito | February 24, 2010 at 07:56 PM
3-0 CANADA
Posted by: NJ PHIN TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 07:58 PM
3-1 CANADA
Posted by: NJ PHIN TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 08:02 PM
THANKS FOR THE REPORT NJPHIN.GO CANADA.I CAN SEE A REMATCH.WE WIN THE GOLD.
Posted by: PO-BLACK TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 08:02 PM
4-1
Posted by: NJ PHIN TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 08:09 PM
HOKEY IS A GREAT SPORT NOT LIKE FOOTBALL .JUST BIG FAT MAMAS .
Posted by: NJ PHIN TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 08:10 PM
NJPHIN TRASH, what is HOKEY?
Posted by: PO-BLACK TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 08:13 PM
KOKEY IS HOCKEY PO .
Posted by: NJ PHIN TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 08:20 PM
WOW I"M CCEAR NOW.THANKS NJPHIN TRASH.
Posted by: PO-BLACK TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 08:22 PM
YO WECOME
Posted by: NJ PHIN TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 08:23 PM
EVERY TIME I SEE YOU
I FEEL YOU
I LOVE TO BE
A BIRD FLYING
Posted by: NJ PHIN TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 08:25 PM
Sorry for the goof on (CLEAR).I"m studying for a exam.And reading and typing to you.
Posted by: PO-BLACK TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 08:26 PM
OK, TIME TO CALL IT A NIGHT ,LATER .
Posted by: NJ PHIN TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 08:29 PM
5-1
Posted by: NJ PHIN TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 08:30 PM
6-1
Posted by: NJ PHIN TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 08:32 PM
Good Night NJPHIN TRASH.Hope you can get a life Craig.
Posted by: PO-BLACK TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 08:33 PM
6-2
Posted by: NJ PHIN TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 08:34 PM
7-2
Posted by: NJ PHIN TRASH | February 24, 2010 at 08:43 PM
But I don't think anything he's written is unfair to the other guys based on that love for Graham.
Posted by: Finheavenblows! | February 24, 2010 at 10:21 AM
One thing for sure....finheavens man love for Armando....he stands by his man. LOL bwahahahaha
Posted by: Sonny Crockett | February 24, 2010 at 08:59 PM
Id be surprised if the Trifecta got any decent work done via FA this year.Theres not that much around.Dansby is hinting that the GIANTS is his preferred option while word is Rolle wants the WETS....other than that all the others are past their prime or not a major upgrade at all.....this then means that they will need MORE picks in the draft...theyre gonna draft DOWN to 15th anget picks...theyl pick up GRAHAM at 15th and then go NT and another linebacker.....I think theyl do the Boldin trade...all the rest will have to be lower rounds stuff....Thomas the WR with the broken foot will be a steal in the 4th round if there......we should get 11 picks I feel..but lose a 3rd for Boldin...10 left
No room for errors or luxury speculative picks...why not trade WHITE now???.....I beleive he still would fetch a 3rd...????
Alf from Ozzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Posted by: bigalfy | February 24, 2010 at 10:01 PM
bigalfy,
What makes you think any team will give up a 3rd for White?
Posted by: Ace | February 24, 2010 at 10:11 PM
While I haven't expressed the thought here, on Sunday morning I started questioning wether a loss to the US would be a bad thing. Seemed Team Canada was missing some cohesion - they just were not playing like a team. They seemed to click against the weaker German team and comepletely dominated a very powerful Russian team tonight.
I like what I saw today..
GO CANADA GO
Posted by: LipsinToronto | February 24, 2010 at 10:16 PM
I'm with you Lips!! GO CANADA GO!!!
They looked great tonight!! I have to think that Brodeur's play took a little bit out of their sails on Sunday. We still have a long way to go and the Swedes or Slovaks will be tough!! Would love to get another crack at the Americans. I think that could be a Game for the Ages!!
WE WANT MILLER!!!!.....bring him on!!
Posted by: Craig M | February 24, 2010 at 10:22 PM
Bigafly is a Such a DILL !!!
Posted by: Crocodile Dundee | February 24, 2010 at 10:27 PM
GO TEAM USA GO
GO TEAM USA GO
GO TEAM USA GO
GO TEAM USA GO
Posted by: Ace | February 24, 2010 at 10:29 PM
Go check out Pro football talk theres a HUGH rumor at the combine that the fins WILL PAY for Carlos Dansby!!!!
Posted by: TD IN THE HOUSE | February 24, 2010 at 10:32 PM
Bigalfy I am not knocking you, but you say we need MORE picks for the draft, then not even 4 sentences later say we need to acquire Boldin? I'm not seeing the logic here.
Posted by: Bootang25 | February 24, 2010 at 11:16 PM
I told you , bigafly is a DILL !!!
Posted by: Crocodile Dundee | February 24, 2010 at 11:21 PM
Td in the house...Key word "rumor" and there will be tons of rumors this week
Posted by: bobbyd12 | February 24, 2010 at 11:42 PM
TD IN THE HOUSE,
WOW! That would be killer and I hope it's 100% true. From now till after the draft it will be extremely hard to tell intentionally floated rumors, from real rumors, from kinda true, to cold hard facts.
It would be one huge step in returning stability to a DEF that is transitioning to a new DC, already will lose one cagey vet in Porter (I'm totally fine with that) and may end up losing what has been a heart and soul mainstay on DEF for a long, long time in Taylor(I still think he has one more year to contribute as a role player if he signs off on that). He and Zack epitomize true pro's that would give anything to win and play every game as if it was their last. In Zacks case it's already past tense and may be for Taylor as well depending how FA goes and what comes from the draft.
I feel if the Fins pick up Dansby they at least have another veteran leader if they chose to part ways with Taylor. Can't say enough about good about Taylor's career and hope that he is at least considered for the HoF someday.
Cheers,
Posted by: Rob in OC | February 24, 2010 at 11:51 PM