Jeff Ireland: The interview, the Wilson flap

I got the opportunity to speak with Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland one-on-one Saturday night after his work was mostly done with the draft and the adding of priority free agents.

That conversation gave me a better understanding of exactly how it is the Dolphins attack the draft when Ireland and Bill Parcells are sitting in the war room together. I wrote about that as part of my column that appears in Monday's Miami Herald.

Another part of the column, by the way, tells you how Ireland seemed to be getting more comfortable even as this draft was proceeding. He actually made jokes when he was in front of the media. The guy was cool.

But we're not 100 percent there yet.

This interview gave me the opportunity to ask about a topic that's been bothering me for a while now:

I wanted to know why it was Ireland seemingly misled at the Indianapolis Combine on the subject of Gibril Wilson. As you know, everyone assumed Wilson was a goner after a season in which he played poorly and cost Miami chances to win at least two games -- Indianapolis and New Orleans.

But Ireland went to the Combine and in speaking with the media -- to his credit, against the wishes of Parcells -- defended Wilson so vehemently that it seemed like Wilson was coming back.

"We have our evaluation of Gibril Wilson," Ireland said at the time. "We know what kind of player he's capable of being. I think he's going to be a very good player for the future. He was disappointed in his play last year. He will tell you that. I think he can play better. We'll just have to see. I think he will."

Of course, everyone assumed Ireland meant Wilson would play better for the Dolphins. Bad assumption. The Dolphins cut Wilson when the new league year opened in March.

"I didn't say anything that was wrong," Ireland told me during our interview. "I didn't say anything that was false. If you read the transcript, I said he's going to be a good player in the future. I knew what I was saying. You know, he's a player on my team. And I'm going to defend a player on my team. I'm not going to say anything else bad out there. I do believe he's going to be a good player in the future. I like the kid. It was probably not the right position for him. That's obvious now. But I did believe what I was telling you. I was telling the truth.

"I just wasn't giving you every thought in my head."

Fair enough. It wasn't Ireland's fault that folks like me made an assumption. As Ireland told me in another part of the interview, every draft mistake his makes is a lesson he learns.

Count this a lesson learned for yours truly.

Comments

[Hopeful 'Phins Fan]

Please Herald, release a 2010 app for Android!!!

[Fishypete]

I'd be shocked to see anything much out of him as a returner.

[bobbyd12]

Ted Ginn's average kickoff return was 24.9 yds...per CBS Sports that put him right in the middle of the pack...that made him an "AVERGE" kickoff return man...

[Fishypete]

Shawn Murphy has been released by the Buc's.

[superPHIN]

I hope they dont show interest in Adalius Thomas who was just released by NE, this team needs to get younger not aged old LB's who may have one or two yrs left in their career. The Wets like old washed up playmakers, i say let them have 'him!!!

[Account Deleted]

Marc, Ginns kickoff return average is 24.9. Cobbs is 19.4 and he missed most of the 09 season. Not exactly jaw dropping numbers there so I wouldn't be too worried. So we start at the 20 instead of the 25. I think it's safe to say that Marshall will make up for those lost 5 yards.

[Fishypete]

Trade Smiley for a returner...

[bobbyd12]

People seem to forget we also have a second year player in Kory Sheets who is going to get a shot at KRs....there will be competition in this camp and who knows?? Maybe someone will break out and have a fine year...But Ginn was average, I hope whoever does it will be ABOVE average

[odinseye]

billbill,

Tim Dobbins isn't on the team?

Did I get the name wrong again?

What am I missing?

[superPHIN]

Marc, Ginns kickoff return average is 24.9. Cobbs is 19.4 and he missed most of the 09 season. Not exactly jaw dropping numbers there so I wouldn't be too worried. So we start at the 20 instead of the 25. I think it's safe to say that Marshall will make up for those lost 5 yards.

Posted by: NYScott | April 26, 2010 at 03:31 PM

NYScott,

FOR 47.5 MILLION $$$$$=HE SURE AS HELL BETTER!!!

[Fishypete]

Tim Dobbins.

[Account Deleted]

superPHIN ,,,LOL. Lets hope right?

[Fishypete]

Dobbins is on the Dolphins roster..so relax

[Marc]

20+ Yd returns, tied for 8th, 40+ yd returns tied for 6th, TD's, tied for SECOND! Ginn that is~!

[Marc]

Oh, he was 5th in total Yds as well. He was middle of the pack in AVG, but, if you take away those with 10 returns or less he shoots up into the top 1/3 in that category as well. Like it or not, believe it or not Ginn is one of the best returners in the league...

[carlito from golfito]

Yeah... his numbers are skewed by one game... the rest was pura basura

[A. Foley]

Booby will ALWAYS side with'/for Parcells, that's a no-brainer

Posted by: Marc | April 26, 2010 at 02:54 PM

Marc we noticed you called bobby by the name of booby. We noticed a certain person calling him that yesterday...hmmmmm

[Marc]

34 20+ Yd returns and 4 40+ Yd returns!

That's HARDLY skewed by that single game! Give it up

[Marc]

I've called Bobby Booby for 8 mos...In fact, I can recall the first time I did it. If it caught on that's great, but, I'm not sure what you're implying A Foley

[carlito from golfito]

Umm... 2 of those plus 40 yard returns were in one game... understand?

[A. Foley]

marc keep that talk up and you be labeled a pats or bills fan

[carlito from golfito]

That means half of his returns over 40 yards were in one game... understand?

In 14 other games he only had 2 returns over 40 yards... understand?

Numbers skewed by one game... understand?

[Marc]

THIRTY FOUR 20+ Yarders, and FOUR 40+ Yarders, FIFTH in overall yards!

Do you get that?!

[Jrljr2]

All I know is I would much rather watch Cobbs run hard, hit the wedge or hole and gain twenty than watch Ginn tip toe around and ocassionally break a long one that artificially inflates his average. Sorry about the run on sentence but watching Ginn infuriated the shyt out of me. You could clearly see that he was afraid of contact. Thankfully he's gone.

[A. Foley]

marc we are not implying anything. You can call him booby, that ok by me. LOL

[superPHIN]

doesn't makeup for his overall worth to the team with his constant drops and fumbles throughout the years. Save face marc, ITS DONE!!!

[Marc]

Wow, so because I point out that we lost our best returner and one of the best in the league I'm a Pats or Jets fan? Unbelievable

[alto]

marc please give it up. I see you points. Good job. These thickheaded numbskulls are brainwashed by their own opinions.

[odinseye]

According to NFL.com Cobbs KO return avg. is 22.6

I can live with that if it means we don't have to watch Ginn drop passes and curl up in the fetal position.

[carlito from golfito]

Marc,

A 20 yard return is average... nothing to brag about... cares if he had 100 21 yards returns... the guy was scared

[A. Foley]

marc calm down. nobody said you were a pats/bills fan. That is the mentality of the few insulters on these blogs, well at least yesterday that is.

[carlito from golfito]

Marc should have moved to SF with Teacup Teddy... he would fit right in with his dress

[A. Foley]

See what i mean. These people wont let it down. You are fighting for someone that is not even on our team anymore. These people here dont see things the way you do.

[superPHIN]

hey, if u like ginn that much, u can always flip over to the niners??!!

[A. Foley]

case in point: Marc you now get insulted for thinking different. This crowd amazes me. Insult carlito and the wrath of GOD will come down. Keep working it marc you will see the truth

[A. Foley]

marc I was wrong they called you a niners fan instead of a bills fan. keep working the crowd, it will be like a feeding frenzy. Contagious isnt it?

[odinseye]

Carlito,

Yo. You beefin wit Marc? Whazzup?

Got yo back Dawg!

Yo Marc? Zup Homie? Yeah you a jet fan.

I said it! Whazzup NOW!!!!

[bobbyd12]

"one of the best returners in the league". 24.9 average, right in the middle of the pack per CBS Sports...when ur in the middle, ur AVERAGE...that does not make you "one of the best returners in the league". Again, the FACTS ruin an opinion..

[Jrljr2]

Marc, you are factually correct in what you are saying. What everyone elase is saying is that Ginn has really been a frustrating player to watch, especially when you factor in the rep he came into the league with. He is just a guy that we are all happy to see gone. He isn't the best guy to have on a team that prides itself on physicality and aggressiveness. Especially, on special teams.

[superPHIN]

Foley,

he obviously felt like ginn was more valuable to miami than not so i was just giving him an alternative, whats so insulting about that???

[bobbyd12]

A Foley, having fun???

[A. Foley]

bobby good post, clean, precise, no foul language.

jr1jr2 good post, man of reason.

ODY you are proving my point to marc about the insulters on this blog. Keep up the good work.

[carlito from golfito]

LOL... I'm not beefing or fighting with anyone... also didn't insult anyone... Marc said himself he wear dress sometime

[A. Foley]

Yes bobby I always have fun. My meds are working today and I made it out of the basement for the first time in months.

[bobbyd12]

Middle = Average. Not the best, not the worst...I can't believe we are on this blog talking about THE Draft Bust Ted Ginn?? LOL He be gone, he ain't comin back

[A. Foley]

Superphin no problems. You are ok.

[bobbyd12]

Good Mr. Foley, always take them meds, very important...

[A. Foley]

Carlito well let marc deny that right here and now. Go ahead marc.

[superPHIN]

i agree with bobby12,

its like JT all over again.....madness!!!

[Jrljr2]

I don't know about Marc, but I would bet my last dollar that Ted Ginn wears a dress. LOL

[Marc]

Middle in ONE STAT! Top of the league in every other MEANINGFUL stat. You guys are ridiculous sometimes. You REFUSE to accept someone elses FACTS.

You're right, he's gone. WHO WILL REPLACE HIM? That's all I care about

[A. Foley]

marc what about the dress??

[Jrljr2]

One question and please don't attack me, I am seriously inquiring. Did anyone happen to see that Misi did only 2 reps on the bench at the combine? It says it on his profile on ESPN. Wondering if that is a typo or if he had an injury because that doesn't seem possible. I ask because I have to admit, even without seeing him play much, I am liking this pick more as time goes by.

[Pingpell]

Hey, Adalius Thomas was cut today. How about adding him to the team? He was a monster in Baltimore. Another benefit: he's going one of two places: NYJ's or Baltimore. Up here in NJ: I'm sick of hearing about how smart the Jets are. Just for that reason, I would love to grab him.

[superPHIN]

Cobbs will replace him just fine marc. And who knows we might even get a couple of big plays on offense too!!!*lol*,,,,but seriously cobbs was pretty good in Special teams when he was healthy!!

[odinseye]

ODY you are proving my point to marc about the insulters on this blog. Keep up the good work.

Posted by: A. Foley | April 26, 2010 at 03:59 PM

Your Welcome. Always glad to help out.

Marc,

Just kidding. It's like the other poster said. Ginn has frustrated me more than other other Dolphin I can remember.

[superPHIN]

Hey, Adalius Thomas was cut today. How about adding him to the team? He was a monster in Baltimore. Another benefit: he's going one of two places: NYJ's or Baltimore. Up here in NJ: I'm sick of hearing about how smart the Jets are. Just for that reason, I would love to grab him.

Posted by: Pingpell | April 26, 2010 at 04:10 PM

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!did we not chase taylor away for the same reason, to get younger!!!

[mike]

all i can say is i just wanna win....
go dolphins !!!!!

[Fishypete]

Ginn's gone...why argue?

[Doof]

I'm amazed to see someone touting Ginn as a good return man. He had one good game and a small handful of good returns.

2009 stats:

Total returns - 52
Total yards - 1,296
Average per - 24.9

Now do the freakin' math and subtract 200 yards on his two TD returns in the Jest game.

Total returns - 50
Total yards - 1096
Average - 21.92

The guy averaged 21.92 on 50 returns. He phucking sucked except for the Jest game!!