The players are the thing and here are 56 possibilities

Can we be real?

Conference Championship Weekend is upon us. And if the Miami Dolphin are ever going to again participate in one of these weekends, it will take TALENT on the field. Yes, it is interesting the team is hiring and firing coaches this week (check out the previous couple of posts).

But the players are the thing.

The players make the plays. The players make the difference. The players, the players, the players.

Because that is true, I am starting to shift to player-talent mode on this blog. That means the focus will be less on the coaching (not sure whether that makes coaches who read this blog happy or sad) and much more on the players (not sure whether that makes players who read this blog happy or sad).

We start today with some future prospects. The NFL has granted 56 talented (most of them) players special eligibility to enter the April 28-30 draft. Each player met the NFL's three-year eligibility rule and submitted a written application renouncing their college eligibility. The deadline for turning those applications in to the NFL was January 5.

So this is it for the underclassmen entering the draft.

Consider the players:

Player	Pos.	College
Adams, Darvin	WR	Auburn
Austin, Marvin	DT	North Carolina
Ayers, Akeem	LB	UCLA
Baldwin, Jon	WR	Pittsburgh
Bowers, Da’Quan	DE	Clemson
Brown, DeAndre	WR	Southern Mississippi
Burton, Brandon	DB	Utah
Casey, Jurrell	DT	Southern California
Clay, John	RB	Wisconsin
Claytor, Nick	T	Georgia Tech
Cobb, Randall	WR	Kentucky
Dareus, Marcell	DE	Alabama
Doss, Tandon	WR	Indiana
Evans, Darren	RB	Virginia Tech
Fairley, Nick	DT	Auburn
Gabbert, Blaine	QB	Missouri
Green, A.J.	WR	Georgia
Gurley, Tori	WR	South Carolina
Guy, Lawrence	DT	Arizona State
Hamler, Jamel	WR	Fresno State
Harper, Jamie	RB	Clemson
Harris, Brandon	DB	Miami
Hill, Will	DB	Florida
Houston, Justin	LB	Georgia
Hynoski, Henry	RB	Pittsburgh
Ingram, Mark	RB	Alabama
Jones, Julio	WR	Álabama
Keiser, Thomas	LB	Stanford
Leshoure, Mikel	RB	Illinois
Lewis, Dion	RB	Pittsburgh
Lewis, Javes	DB	Oregon
Little, Greg	WR	North Carolina
Liuget, Corey	DT	Illinois
Mallett, Ryan	QB	Arkansas
Moore, Rahim	DB	UCLA
Newton, Cam	QB	Auburn
Parr, Zane	DE	Virginia
Peterson, Patrick	DB	Louisiana State
Quinn, Robert	DE	North Carolina
Ridley, Stevan	RB	Louisiana State
Rodgers, Jacquizz	RB	Oregon State
Rudolph, Kyle	TE	Notre Dame
Sands, Robert	DB	West Virginia
Sash, Tyler	DB	Iowa
Siliga, Sealver	DT	Utah
Smith, Aldon	DE	Missouri
Smith, Torrey	WR	Maryland
Smith, Tyron	T	Southern California
Tarrant, Jerrard	DB	Georgia Tech
Todman, Jordan	RB	Connecticut
Vereen, Shane	RB	California
Watt, J.J.	DE	Wisconsin
Wilkerson, Muhammad	DT	Temple
Williams, Aaron	DB	Texas
Williams, Ryan	RB	Virginia Tech
Wilson, Martez	LB	Illinois

Comments

[nyfinfan]

Talent!! and Maybe a Czar who didn't stab his own team in the back to help the daM$n enemy!!Just sayin.

[cowkilla]

Second!!!
Kidding...GArY with the silent "r"

[cowkilla]

AJ Green of GA looms like a very interesting player...

[dude]

marc ingram

[zonk-39]

The Dolphins Never seem to look at any Players from the U of Miami....they just come here on other Teams and seem to want to beat the Dolphins.....WHY is that?????

[turd ferguson]

Sure would be nice if they could pick 5 of those guys before the draft & sign them as FA's. Ah, dare to dream.

[cowkilla]

You are right man, if I were looking at college players to potentially draft..I would look at Miami, FSU, Gators, USF, and UCF first, then I would move around the country...

[TorturedDolphan]

Yes the fishes need more Crowders and Careys lol. More dummies and overweight turnstiles.

[JUSTIN CREDIBLE]

WE NEED PLAY MAKERS THE MORE THE BETTER I DON'T LIKE MARK INGRAM HE'S SLOW AND DON'T HAVE GOOD FEET. I LIKE FAST ELECTRICFYING RBs LIKE CHRIS JOHNSON, BUSH ETC ETC.

WE PASSED ON DEZ BRYANT LAST YEAR AND EVEN THOUGH I WAS BEGGING FOR HIM WE COULD HAVE HAD A PUNT RETURNER KICK RETURNER A BETTER #2 WIDEOUT AHH WHATEVER LET ME MOVE ON.

A.J GREEN
JULIO JONES
NICK FAIRLEY

THESE ARE THE ONLY 4 PLAYERS I KNOW RIGHT NOW BUT I KNOW MARK's NOT THE ANSWER.

I'M STILL FOR GIVING CHAD ANOTHER YEAR BECAUSE EVEN THOUGH HE's NOT GREAT HE's NOT AS BAD AS YOU THINK.

HIS NUMBERS ARE WHERE THEY SHOULD BE BUT I JUST HOPE HE GETS INJECTED WITH SOME EMOTIONS
BECOME A LEADER AND TAKE CHARGE OF HIS TEAM.

THIS TEAM WITHOUT ANY EXTRA PLAYER CAN BE REALLY GOOD WITH THE RIGHT COACH.

I BELIEVE THIS TEAM WITH ANY OF THE PASS COACHES WOULD HAVE DONE BETTER.

EVEN CAM

PLAYER WISE I TAKE THIS TEAM OVER MOST.

[TorturedDolphan]

"I don't know who the bleep Anne Frank is. I'm mad right now. Bleep it.".

Also stated he couldn't find London on a map.

- Channing Crowder representing his pro team, Miami, and of corse the with all the grace and intellect of a 5 yr old.

Lmfao.

[JUSTIN CREDIBLE]

1ST ROUND PIC SHOULD BE A TRADE UP FOR A.J GREEN

IF WE STAY PUT THEN VON MILLER, NICK FAIRLEY, CAM NEWTON

[Dbmfins]

3 picks for the Dirty Sanchez this sunday as the terrible towels burry the, I wanna be like the cheating Patriots, lousey Jets.

[Dbmfins]

Who cares about Nick Fairley! Dolphins need OFFENSE OFFENSE OFFENSE. Look at the past ten years of drafting. Its been almost all defense. Thats why the Dolphins have the problems they have today. No pick in the second round either. The Dolphins must go offense with the first pick. PERIOD.

[neffel]

Fairley und Green were long gone before we are on the clock get Ingram in the 1st and Trade all other picks with the Panthers for a 1st rd Pick in 2012, and then we will get Andrew Luck or the QB from USC.

[greg z.]

the last 2 drafts were disastrous;fans realized it when picks were announced. announcer commented that some were reaches who could have been had in later rounds.bellichek took ireland to school with his 2010 pats draft picks. presently there is no room for more mistakes on draft day or free agents. we need a safety,oline help and weapons on offense. most of all we need a vet NFL qb like orton or even vince young to jump start a stagnant offense. we need ballers on the field;guys who play to win(might rub off on sparano).

[phinsman]

Everyone shouldn't be surprised that Miami will trade down in the first round because all of the QB's including Newton will be gone! Which is why signing Young is huge!!!!! If someone who doesn't need him signs him. Our draft is screwed! However. Once thet trade down and get an extra 3rd and 6th. They will probably take the tackle from Wisconsin!

[finfan4life]

Any news on last years draft picks?? Other than botched opportunities!

[bryan in ohio]

ingram all the way at number 15! and we better sign vince young he is the silver platter moment we must act on!

[Barrett Wallace Lives]

If this regime takes a defensive player in the 1stround, they will not be here next year.

The owner says that he wants an exciting, aggressive offense, three yards and a cloud of dust is not going to get it. We need play makers at WR, RB,TE and QB. If they take Fairly or even a OLineman, they can just pack their bags. Exciting is scoring points, quick strikes, long plays, not long drives, grind it out, one penalty or negative play and you're screwed.

I would luv to see a wide open offense. A offense were the Safeties always had to play back, because a deep pass could come at any time, which would ease ethe load on the running game.

Don't give me the "we need defense" BS. I want points.

[Kris]

Armando.....none of these players will do.....

1st....there NOT SENIORS....WE ONLY DRAFT PLAYERS WHO DON"T HAVE THE TALENT TO COME OUT EARLY.....

2nd.....I haave heard of all these schools....our crack staff is currently reviewing tapes from a little school out in B F E....Bum F*k Egypt....they were tipped off.....This is were all the true ACORNs and GEMS are found......

when we trade back to # 32...then select that DL from BFE.....THEN the rest of the NFL will know how SMART and CRAFTY Ireland and Sparano really are......These guys do thier homework.....

[Dark Matter Rising]

No freaking defensive picks. If the draft shows that QBs start to drop, then attempt to trade back, if not stand pat and take Can Newton

[Poizen]

WE NEED TO IMPROVE THE O-Line. You want success in the NFL? O-Line.

[DC Dolfan]

I'm still stunned Chad Henne got passed over for the ProBowl by Matt Cassel (to take Brady's spot). Blasphemy! What the h*ll is the NFL thinking?

[Buffalo Bill]

A pulling guard who can block is your number 1 weakness. Your O.line play sucks!

[Poizen]

Sign Young? the guy threw temper tantrums like a 6 year old while on the practice field. He also quit football because he could not take the stress and pressure.

Oh, wait, I get it. Come to Miami where the fans are so nice, and there is never adversity on the dolphins...

Sorry for the sarcasm, but the guy has not proved much on the field, then he quits on his team, and throws temper tantrums when the coach does not approve of what he does.

This team does not seem like a good fit for v. young.

[Poizen]

DC, come on man... you were gonna lighten up on Henne, remember?

[Buffalo Bill]

Newton won't be around at 15

[Poizen]

Newton goes with Fig.

Eat to many figs you get very runny stool

Never a positive, especially on the football field.

[DC Dolfan]

No Poizen, I'm serious. The Raiders game, guy looked like a young Marino. Tennessee, TELL me you didn't think it was over when he came out and Thigpen went in. Those 2 games ALONE should have gotten him in.

[Buffalo Bill]

Brandon Marshall would have Vince Young in the nut house after two games.

[NHDolphan]

I don't think Young, or McNabb are the right short term answers for us.

I would rather see someone like Orton for the short term while we draft or search for a younger more promising QB to develope.

[ALoco]

I JUST HEARED JASON TAYLOR INTERVIEW ON ARAMANDO AND HIS MIDGET, IT WAS A GOOD INTERVIEW BY ARMANDO ,HE DIDN'T KISS HIS YOU KNOW WHAT TOO MUCH .

[NHDolphan]

If a proven good rookie QB isn't available at our pick we should trade back and pick up an extra pick in the second round.

I only hope they don't waste the picks whoever they choose.

[DC Dolfan]

Ok, for realz, you guys can overlook A.J. Green if you want to. When I see him I think of Megatron. TWO 6'4" receivers on the same team, think about it. Kermit the Frog could be the QB, and those guys would still each have 100yds a game. Who you gonna double-team, Marshall, Green, please do. Bess will torch you up the middle all day.

I have 2 words for this blog, A.J. Green!

[Poizen]

Does Jason still sound like he feels a little guilty to the dolphans? I really never thought he should sound that way, but every interview i have ever heard, you always sensed a little regret/guilt. Again, I don't think he should, but it was kinda cool to hear it in his voice... :)

[DC Dolfan]

Poizen, what's the best antidote to an inaccurate QB? EXACTLY, BRANDON MARSHALL AND A.J. GREEN!!! Let's get it done!

[Poizen]

DC, I do not know what to do with you, still on Henne's arse and he reads the blogs. you alone are trying to destroy Henbo. LOl

Anyway, you are spot on for a draft pick with A.J.

the only thing counter to that is, we NEED O-LINE improvement, and that should be the #1 priority for this team. Depth on the O-Line, and smart O-line players.

[Kris]

A.J.Green is two words? You dummie, that's two words.

[DC Dolfan]

NH, a "proven good rookie QB", lol.

Are those like unicorns? I don't think a draft QB can ever be proven (since he hasn't stepped on the field yet, and trying to match college talent to what's needed in the NFL is about as proven as a meteorologists week out forecast).

But, if there were a proven good rookie QB, I'd say we should give all our draft picks to get him too, so I agree with you there.

[MW]

DC, Green is a top 5 pick, he may go #1, he will not be around when we pick

[DC Dolfan]

You think Henne reads this blog? Dang, that's gotta sting. I'd slit my wrists if I was him and read this blog.

Kris, check your facts, A.J. stands for *ssjuice. So yeah, *ssjuice Green, two words.

[Eddie]

Right at the top Adams WR Auburn would make a nice addition to the Dolphins' WR corp. He would be an excellent compliment to Marshall and put Bess where he permanently belongs in the slot.

[DC Dolfan]

MW, why you tryin' to bust my bubble when I'm all high on life this fine Friday morning?

I know we're going to get Pouncey, but for once can't I dream that we'd pick up a 1st-rounder that might electrify our stadium full of the opponents' fans?

Coaches read the blogs, they've crossed out everyone's but Poizen's, and are on-board with another 1st-round lineman pick. I'm just trying to even it out some. Best thing fans can do is find 3rd-later round linemen talent and push all those names everyday on here. Try to subconsciously manipulate Ireland's tendencies.

[MW]

Sorry DC I did not mean to bust your bubble nor interfere with your draft manipulation plan

[The truth]

Pick up vince young & Deangelo williams in free agency then pick up offense lineman Pouncey with first pick.

[mike]

Anyone who is calling for Vince Young to come to Miami should check themselves in to an insane asylum.

[Barrett Wallace Lives]

Taking an OLineman in the 1st round will signal the end of Ireland and Sparanos Dolphin careers, unless they are going to get a kickass QB and WR in FA and BTW Kyle Orton isn't it. Mcnabb or Young would be our best bet unless they can somehow get Dennis Dixon from the Steelers.

You can support your line with support players, but you can not do that with the skill positions, haven't we found that out.

[Miamisam]

Jason Taylor is a traitor and should not be inducted into the ring of honor. He should have done the honorable thing and retired. So he wins a SB with the Jests, so what, he will forever be tarnished in the eyes of Dolphin fans if for nothing else for celebrating with all those Jest fans after the NE win. Those are the same fans that he berated for all his time in Miami, JT can you say hypocrite?? I hope the Steelers beat the Jests by 40 and JT goes home the loser that he is and will always be in the eyes of Dolphin fans.

[Poizen]

YOu mis-read my post, I do not care how we get linemen, BUT WE NEED THEM. It does not have to be the draft, but that should be the teams primary focus in my opinion.

I still have no clue how people see vince young as a GREAT idea here in Miami.

It seems more risk than reward to me.

[Miamisam]

Another thing, then JT comes out and talks spit about Sparano. Come on JT, I guess once you put on that green jersey you lost your class just like all the other Jests. I think that Ryan signed JT because his wife has cute feet. LOL. LOSER.

[d-dense]

Go JT, hate the Jets, but that was a parcels/Ireland/Sparano problem.

[dishpan]

Buffalo Bill writes dumb sh if

[d-dense]

Miamisam, you talking about 1 win at home Tony? If he looses 2 games he's gone.

[Andy NJ]

Happy Friday Fellas,

I said yesterday that one day I am enamored with the idea of Mark Ingram and the next day Ryan Mallet and Cam Newton. I understand this team doesn't have a very good offensive line and that is where a team starts is the front lines. However, Miami has addressed the lines forever it seems. I can't remember taking a player that sold jerseys, made fans excited and was the face of the frachise in Miami and no Ronnie Brown wasn't it. He broke down year after year and although he had a decent yards per carry average he never was a game changer from the the RB position. The gimmick and now dysfunctional Wild Cat was his claim to fame. I understand injuries did him in too but that's part of the game.

I want a player and team we can be excited about. I remember the years of Jay Fiedler and Lamar Smith which actually was more exciting then what Miami has now because of icons in Miami like Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor.

Miami has some decent building blocks and foundation pieces. Defense has Cam Wake, Dansby, Vontae Davis, Sean Smith, Langford, Starks, Soliai and the O has Jake Long, Brandon Marshall would be a star again if he found a QB to get him the ball, and Bess who is the type of player winning teams have to pick up them crucial 1st downs and move the chains.

Where is the game changer on this roster at QB and RB? The 2 positions that touch the ball more then anyone on the field need get settled if Miami ever wants to be competitive with the rest of the league on a year to year basis.

If I had to choose between my 2 guys Mark Ingram and Mallet I would take Mallet. Forget his footwork that is something that can get fixed. Forget his release that is something for the the team to fix. Mallet is the real deal. He gets the ball out in a hurry and is a very good decision maker. He has had games when you think what the hell is he thinking but his TALENT is 1st round worthy. He is going to be a very goond NFL QB.

[Barrett Wallace Lives]

Vince Young may benefit from a change of location. He would not be the first NFL player who had a reputation for being an oddity that when relocated became an asset to the team and community. None of us know the realy situation with Young and Adams and Fisher, but to say that the kid isn't a winner and a Playmaker on the field is just flat out wrong. McNabb would also be a great choice because he adds experience to a growing team. You never hear of any serious issues with McNabb and he has produced results with inferior talent. Dennis Dixon is a very talented young man and proves it every time he gets a chance, I liked him a lot coming oout of Oregon, a proven winner and leader. This is the kind of talent that we need.

[Patrick Ergle]

My Fellow Phins Fans, The hiring of Daboll as our OC is a blessing in disguise. Hennings plan of "play not to win" will be no more. Im thinking that Chad Pennington would make an excellent QB coach. His NFL record speaks for inself. Dont you think that Henne got no respect at all. I only hope that this coaching staff hasnt ruined his potential. Draft offense 1st!!! Put weapons around Henne like (Dirty) Sanchez has and lets see what happens. One last thing. Remember how smug Parcells looked sitting in his lounge in stadium? Im so glad those days are gone!! Good bye Mr. Bill.
Stick by our team guys!!!
Iowa Phins Fan

[Andy NJ]

Ingram would be the pick if and only if Mallet is gone and/or Miami picks up Vince Young who between Henne and Young the QB situation would be addressed even if it is not fixed and I could deal with that.

If Miami doesn't go after a talented yet immature Vince Young and Mallet is available and they don't take him to me would be the worse feeling of this already head scratching off season.

[DC Dolfan]

Sorry Poizen, I hope Tony reads you post @ 9:03am. Refreshing.

Andy, I would never buy an Ingram jersey (I have one already, it's 23). However, I WOULD purchase a few A.J. Green jerseys (home, away and orange).

[ALoco]

MAIMI NEEDS TO TRADE UP AND PICK THE GREAT JAOCRY HARIS FROM THE U

[theeorig-joeschmoe]

>A pulling guard who can block is your number 1 weakness. Your O.line play sucks!
---------------------------------------
Blasphemy, Buffalo Bill!

The Oline is fine! Its all Henne's fault. And if you need proof, just read the delusional rants here.