All the so-called experts as well as fans -- me included -- have for several months told you what the Dolphins' needs are without, you know, actually hearing it from the Dolphins. Those are among the closely guarded secrets of Team Big Tuna.
Well, the needs you heard about are still accurate. They're just incomplete.
The Dolphins can definitely use an OLB, a NT, WR, FS out of this draft.
But did you know LG should be on the list, too?
And perhaps even in the first round.
Surprised?
Don't be because the Dolphins have been, and continue to do much legwork on Idaho guard Michael Iupati, a 6-5, 331-pound behemoth that truly impressed on tape and continued to impress the Dolphins during the Senior Bowl week and in the game.
The Dolphins were so impressed they brought Iupati to town on March 15 and 16 for a visit. The Dolphins were the first team Iupati visited so they were obviously the first to recognize his potential worth. But they haven't been the last.
Iupati, who is expected to be available when Miami picks at No. 12 in the first round, has been a busy man lately, traveling to several other teams. The interest in him is substantial.
By the way, if the Dolphins go with an interior offensive lineman in the first round, it would almost have to be Iupati, as there isn't another player at the position that offers value so high. Iupati is the only one that does while Ole Miss guard John Jerry rates slightly lower.
So why would Miami seriously consider Iupati at that spot?
Well, have you heard, they have interior offensive line issues. Still. The club is expecting to trade left guard Justin Smiley at some point this offseason. That creates a void at the position. I suppose Nate Garner, who started four games at the spot last year, could be a candidate to fill the void, but who else will compete for the job?
Donald Thomas and recently acquired Richie Incognito are both right guards. That's their spot. That's where they are clearly best suited. Moving either to left guard is asking them to play out of position.
So the Dolphins need LG help assuming Smiley goes as planned.
Don't be surprised if Michael Iupati is that help. Don't be surprised if the Dolphins pick him in the first round.
[UPDATE: The National Football Post rates Iupati the No. 8 best prospect in the draft while ESPN.com's Scouts Inc. has rated at No. 14. So obviously, folks are thinking No. 12 is around the place he should be selected at this stage.]
CORNELL VS KENTUCKY IS ON CBS I THINK KEN WINS 100-12
Posted by: ALoco | March 25, 2010 at 10:08 PM
I would be happier with Iupati if they could find a trade-down partner, but I wouldn't be unhappy or angry even at #12. He is comparable to Suh/McCoy in that he is FAR AND AWAY the best player at his position. The dropoff from Iupati to the next guy (Ducasse or Asamoah depending on your politics) is extreme.
Posted by: Matthew | March 25, 2010 at 10:10 PM
Come on Cornell!
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 25, 2010 at 10:11 PM
Aloco,
Cornell is a very good school, smart people can shoot 3's like layup
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 25, 2010 at 10:12 PM
Craig M, if I'm not mistaken I believe the deal read McNabb and Ashanti Samuels for Raiders 1st and another CB...I've also heard that Al Davis has been claiming he hasn't made ANY money with the Raiders for last 5 years...he has no desire to pay a top ten pick...I've heard this reported by different people but since Al doesn't open his books who knows....As far as Berry, I only reported what Kiper said on NFL Live tonite about who he has now slotted in his Mock Draft
Posted by: bobbyd12 | March 25, 2010 at 10:12 PM
Kentucky is all freshman only in school for play basketball and don't even go to class. Cornell is all Senior and Junior in class everyday studying, no need to go to NBA, because they get a better job.
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 25, 2010 at 10:14 PM
I'm also rooting Cornell because they named their team after cinnamon gum
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 25, 2010 at 10:15 PM
THAT'S TRUE CARLITO, AFTER ALL YOU KNOW ABOUT CORNELL EVEN IF YOU LIVE IN THE F STATE OF EDUCATION
Posted by: ALoco | March 25, 2010 at 10:17 PM
Carlito, sounds like ur talking about University of Miami's Football team of the 80s LOL...I wish they would do an update of " where are they now" about those Championship football teams, I bet at least half those guys did time LOL
Posted by: bobbyd12 | March 25, 2010 at 10:17 PM
Better yet Danny Tarktanian's UNLV Basketball team, I bet 100% jail time for that whole team!!
Posted by: bobbyd12 | March 25, 2010 at 10:19 PM
Armando,
This Iupati news, and the recent Smiley revelation could be a part of Miami trading down slightly in the first round with San Fran, where many mock drafts have him going to them with one of their first rd. picks...????
Posted by: Steve | March 25, 2010 at 10:22 PM
Aloco,
You are right about education in this state.
Every child left behind. Except for Tebow. Bless him. LOL
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 25, 2010 at 10:24 PM
NOTICE GUYS ,CORNELL'S TEAM HAS NO BLACK PLAYERS IN THE TEAM.WHITE MEN CAN'T JUMP .
Posted by: ALoco | March 25, 2010 at 10:25 PM
They don't need to jump they got the 3's.
They have one black player, his name is token.
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 25, 2010 at 10:26 PM
Actually, ALoco, was it Jerry Tarktanion that coached that UNLV team in the 80s??? Danny is his son???
Posted by: bobbyd12 | March 25, 2010 at 10:26 PM
FOR THE RECORD CORNELL HAS ONE BLACK PLAYER ON THE FLOOR .
TEBOW IS GOING TO MAKE MILLIONS THIS YEAR ABOUT 10-15 TIMES WHAT HENNE IS MAKING .
Posted by: ALoco | March 25, 2010 at 10:27 PM
Bless Henne
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 25, 2010 at 10:28 PM
NJ,
Commercials
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 25, 2010 at 10:32 PM
Maybe Tele-evangelism too
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 25, 2010 at 10:34 PM
TEBOW IS GOING TO MAKE MILLIONS ,HE ALREADY STARTED DOING COMMERCILS FOR 1/2 MILLION ,HE'S GOING TO BE A FRANCHISE PLAYER ON SOME TEAM AND SIGN LONG TERM DEAL MAKES HIM MILLIONS NJ .GO SLEEP TO GO EARLY TO THE GYM .
Posted by: ALoco | March 25, 2010 at 10:34 PM
Commercials AND prayer...don't forget God wants Tebow to be a millionaire....why don't athletes ever thank God when they lose a game????
Posted by: bobbyd12 | March 25, 2010 at 10:35 PM
bobbyd12,
Maybe they do.
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 25, 2010 at 10:36 PM
All that money and he says he is a virgin...what do u spend money on if u don't drink or have sex????
Posted by: bobbyd12 | March 25, 2010 at 10:37 PM
WHEN HENNE SPOKE OF TEBOW LAST WEEK ,YOU NOTICE TEBOW DIDN'T RESPOND FOR A REASON .HE'S A FRANCHISE PLAYER AND KEPT HIS MOUTH SHUT TO KEEP HIS PRICE UP ,HE HAS NO TIME TO FIGHT .HENNE MAKE PENUTS .
Posted by: ALoco | March 25, 2010 at 10:38 PM
Yea well I never seen it, just once I want an athlete to get on camera and say "God blessed me today by making me a loser"
Posted by: bobbyd12 | March 25, 2010 at 10:38 PM
Bobby,
Is your name Bobby Rothlesberger? ;)
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 25, 2010 at 10:39 PM
Bobbyd12,
Maybe after a loss they thanking god for not be injure and have money to support their family or be able to have sex with many random women. ;)
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 25, 2010 at 10:41 PM
LMAO @ Carlito...I thought it was a legitimate question....by the way, Ben is going to pay this girl alot of money, no matter what us guys always pay for sex...straight cash or dinner and drinks and diamonds and furs....make money, give to woman for sex
Posted by: bobbyd12 | March 25, 2010 at 10:43 PM
Bobbyd12,
That is an empty way to live. Make money and find a lady that make money too, not a leach.
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 25, 2010 at 10:46 PM
You don't want to wind up with Peggy Bundy eating bon bons and watching oprah
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 25, 2010 at 10:47 PM
Bobby,
I recognize that it was Kiper who had said Berry would go to KC at 5 and not you. I've never trusted anything Kiper says. I don't see it happening. Pioli from the same school as Parcells with him being Paracells son-in law and with his days spent with Bellichek. Maybe he won't drop to us but I could maybe see Cleveland or Jacksonville grabbing him.
The latest rumour has Philly looking for a top 42 pick for McNabb. That sounds more reasonable.
Posted by: Craig M | March 25, 2010 at 10:49 PM
How can Tebow make millions on the Jags practice squad???Lmao!!
Posted by: STFU Tebow blowz | March 25, 2010 at 10:51 PM
I LOVE IT WHEN I SEE A RICH PLAYER WHO LOOKS REAL UGLY AND HAVE A BEAUTIFUL WOMEN NEXT TO HIM AND BELIEVE SHE LOVES HIM .HOW THAT CAN BE.
TO BE OR NOT TO BE ,I MEAN REAL UGLY LIKE CROWDER .
Posted by: ALoco | March 25, 2010 at 10:51 PM
How can Tebow make that much money on the Jags practice squad??He sucks the Gators have never had great QBs and never will.
Posted by: STFU Tebow blowz | March 25, 2010 at 10:52 PM
Yeah Tebow is a franchise player as a fullback lmao!!!
Posted by: STFU Tebow blowz | March 25, 2010 at 10:54 PM
stfu, bless you my son, we are truly blessed with your presence
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 25, 2010 at 10:54 PM
My old lady pays me to NOT have sex with her....it's a win-win situation for me.
Posted by: beerndrums | March 25, 2010 at 10:55 PM
Carlito lol....Craig M...legitimate question, Pioli is like Parcells and learned from him, with that reasoning would Parcells take Berry if he fell to 12??? Not that I believe for one second it will happen but with the same philosophy between them it would seem Parcells would pass too...
Posted by: bobbyd12 | March 25, 2010 at 10:55 PM
ALoco, big wallet = beautiful women. Looks are secondary
Posted by: bobbyd12 | March 25, 2010 at 10:58 PM
Beerndrums has the best of all worlds!!! His wife pays him not to have sex and he uses HER money to pay his girlfriend to have sex with him!!!! Bless u beerndrums
Posted by: bobbyd12 | March 25, 2010 at 11:00 PM
LOOKS COMES FORTH NOT SECONDRY BOBBYD12.
IF YOU R A WOMEN AND CROWDER ASKED YOU TO MARRY HIM ,WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ?
Posted by: ALoco | March 25, 2010 at 11:00 PM
SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!
Posted by: bobbyd12 | March 25, 2010 at 11:02 PM
Oh and no need for pre-nups, are love will overcome all problems
Posted by: bobbyd12 | March 25, 2010 at 11:03 PM
SHQ HAS IT RIGHT ,OPEN MARRIAGE SOLVE ALL ILLS .
Posted by: ALoco | March 25, 2010 at 11:03 PM
Possibly Bobby. I think Parcells has his eye on some other guys, one of who seems to be this guard we're looking at.
Man, I'm going to be bummed if we add ANOTHER offensive lineman in the first round. Somebody else said it today but it's true.....we're like Detroit. They just keep picking WRs and we just keep picking OL......very disappointing if it happens.
Posted by: Craig M | March 25, 2010 at 11:04 PM
Tebow will be the best fullback in the league one day take that Henne!
Posted by: STFU Tebow blowz | March 25, 2010 at 11:05 PM
Night gusy.....I'm out!!
Posted by: Craig M | March 25, 2010 at 11:05 PM
OK ,TIME FOR GOING TO BED W/MY BEAUTIFUL GIRL,FOR SHE'S NOT IN LOVE W/ME FOR MY MONEY ,SHE TRULY LOVES ME AND I KNOW THAT B/C I HAVE NOTHING .
Posted by: ALoco | March 25, 2010 at 11:06 PM
Goodnite gentlemen, and ALoco too!!!
Posted by: bobbyd12 | March 25, 2010 at 11:07 PM
bless everyone be blessed everday is a blessing. bless you
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 25, 2010 at 11:11 PM
And goodnite to Father Carlito
Posted by: bobbyd12 | March 25, 2010 at 11:15 PM
Aloco I hope your girl is not made of vinyl and full of air...LOL
Posted by: Ace | March 25, 2010 at 11:15 PM
Hey may not b bad if we trade down and get an extra 3rd plus the extra 4th Smiley will prob bring thats.
1st-Iupati Michael, Idaho, LG
2nd-Ricky Sapp, Clemson, SOLB
3rda-Torrell Troup, Central Florida, NT
3rdb-Reshad Jones, FS, Georgia
4tha-Jimmy Graham, Miami
4thb-Zane Beadles, OT/G, Utah could be a center
6tha-Scott Long, Louisville, WR
6thb-O'Brien Schofield, Wisconsin, WOLB incase wake doesnt develop. Will give him time to come back from knee injury.
6thc-Ben Burney, Colorado, CB fast 40
7tha-Stafon Johnson, USC, RB Smart player
7thb-Gerald Munns, Arizona State,ILB
7thc-Travis Ivey, Maryland,NT
Posted by: bobncfinfan | March 25, 2010 at 11:21 PM
Parcell's is trying to outfox Jerry Jones and give him a little payback.
The Cowsboys need an OG badly and have taken an interest in Lupati. The problem is he won't be there at 27.
Parcell's is dangling Smiley and raising interest in Lupati.
Ultimately, we end up swapping Dallas's 27th pick for our 43rd along with Smiley and a 4th, or preferably 6th rounder.
With the 12th and 27th picks we end up with a couple of LB's like McClain and Graham.
Follow me on tweeter for more useless psychic predictions.
Posted by: odinseye | March 25, 2010 at 11:42 PM
Odinseye,,,,,a psychic....I thought you were a mechanic.
Posted by: Ace | March 25, 2010 at 11:46 PM
Serious question guys.
Where do we go for a NT?
If we can get a sure thing with our 1st or 2nd pick I'm all for it.
The way it looks though, the best we could do is target Cam Thomas in the 2nd.
I'm not sold on Thomas(not sure he's any better than Solia), so I'd have to go elsewhere in the second.
This makes me lean towards trying to find a gem in the later rounds.
Any thoughts?
Posted by: odinseye | March 25, 2010 at 11:51 PM
Odinseye,,,,,a psychic....I thought you were a mechanic.
Posted by: Ace | March 25, 2010 at 11:46 PM
ACE,
Your local God of War is a God or many talents.
Posted by: odinseye | March 25, 2010 at 11:53 PM
Odinseye ... that would absolutely quick ass.
Posted by: Team Tuna | March 25, 2010 at 11:53 PM
quick ass.
Posted by: Team Tuna | March 25, 2010 at 11:53 PM
Sounds like this chick I used to know.
Posted by: odinseye | March 25, 2010 at 11:58 PM
ok i tried this last night let me try again for the love of god. I just got home from work did we get marshall yet or are we still fistpumping field goals in 2010?
Posted by: kc | March 26, 2010 at 12:04 AM