This Dolphins draft is as much about quantity as quality only in that the team has to find a way to stave off the Patriots with their legion of five picks in the first three round and the Bills, which have only three picks the first three rounds but are taking their turns at the top of those rounds.
The Dolphins have a first round pick (15th overall) and are not scheduled to pick again until the third round with the 79th overall selection. The Pats will have picked five times by then.
I gave this long consideration as I set out to do my Dolphins mock for the first three rounds.
Having thought about it, I decided the Dolphins must move heaven and Earth to get back that one of two second round picks they used in the trade for, ahem, Brandon Marshall. And that's why my mock includes a trade back for Miami.
I believe the Dolphins will have the opportunity to trade back and for my purposes today I am saying the trade back partner is New Orleans. The Saints, you see, are a team on the cusp of playing for another title. They are thisclose to getting back to Super Bowl caliber. And so they need quality, not quantity. They want to get higher in the draft to pick a more dynamic player, and likely a defender in this defender-rich draft.
So for our purposes I'm making a trade for Miami.
(Full disclosure: This is just done in fun and as speculation. This is not based on anything sources are saying has been discussed or will happen. Just want to let everyone know that because the Internet can be a freaky place.)
I envision the trade as follows: The Dolphins trade their first round pick (No. 15 overall) and their third round pick (No. 79 overall) to New Orleans. The Dolphins get the Saints' first round pick (No. 24 overall), their second-round pick (No. 56 overall) and one of their third round picks (No. 88 overall).
What does this accomplish. It gets the Saints nine spots higher in the first round ostensibly to pick a better player. It moves the Dolphins down to a place in the draft I believe the value for what they're looking for -- running back, offensive line, wide receiver -- is greater.
Yes, the Saints lose their second rounder. But they have two third-rounders anyway. Yes, the Dolphins have to drop back in their third round. That's the price of dropping in on the previously closed-to-them second round.
And so here we are, at No. 24 overall in the first round.
With the 24th overall selection in the 2011 NFL draft, the Miami Dolphins select: Mike Pouncey (Center) of the University of Florida. I hate the pick. And I love the pick. I hate it because Pouncey will never score touchdowns. But I love it because it is a value selection at No. 24 -- five spots lower than where his brother Markice went to Pittsburgh. I also love it because the Dolphins need a center to solidify their offensive line. The position has been unsettled since 2008. Joe Berger is nice but his best asset to the team is as a backup. Pouncey could be the starter for the next decade.
With the 56th overall selection in the 2011 NFL draft, the Miami Dolphins select: Daniel Thomas (Running back) Kansas State. Mark Ingram will be gone by this spot. So will Mikel Leshoure, whom I would think the Dolphins will consider in the first round but pass on because he's not a value at No. 15 nor No. 24 for that matter. So it's the next best guy on the board at Miami's greatest position of need. Ryan Williams is also a candidate here, but I just think Thomas is bigger, quicker and fumbles less. Don't hate.
With the 88th overall selection in the 2011 NFL draft, the Miami Dolphins select: Traiwan Jones (Running back) Eastern Washington. I'm more excited about this running back than the previous one, but this one is too risky to take in the second round. Jones is a bullet. He ran a 4.30 on the Miami scouts' stopwatches at his Pro Day two weeks ago. He is a home run waiting to happen and the Dolphins need some of those on offense and special teams. By the way, the Dolphins have doubled down on draft picks before, picking two cornerbacks in the 2009 draft. I hope Arkansas tight end D.J. Williams will be here when Miami picks but he probably won't be. I love that kid. He reminds me of Keith Jackson.
I know, I know, you're going to wonder why I didn't address the QB spot. Well, this doesn't mean I'm on board the Chad Henne bandwagon. If you read my columns, this blog and listen to my radio show, you know that already. But I wait to address it in free agency. I go get a veteran.
OK, that's a lot to chew on. And there is much work for you to do. It is your turn to give me your Dolphins mock for rounds 1 through 3. If you believe the Dolphins will trade, you have to use that scenario in your draft as I did.
We will do rounds 4-7 next week.
Go!
It's always been about Pineapple skin.
Posted by: oscar canosa | April 24, 2011 at 11:56 PM
Home, I have people on the ground in Japan, you're posting bad info for the most part, misinformation for the rest....the rest of the blog is not interesting tonight. Sorry guys, guess I'll watch another religious movie!
Posted by: redsky | April 24, 2011 at 11:56 PM
If we've wiated 28 years to use a 1st round pick on a QB, why would we pick this year to change up?
The highest rated QB this year is a convicted theif, who was under investigation for conspiring to circumvent NCAA rules and regulations for monetary gain. Never took any snaps under center and ran a type of the spread in which you make ONE READ and GO!
The second best bet quit his original Alma Mater in Michigan. Was arrested for drunken diorderly amid all kinds of rumors and speculation. Then, FINALLY admitted to using drugs and skipped probably the most important Job interview of his life with the Carolina Panthers!
I wouldn't hire either one of these CERTAIN BUSTS to wash my windows!
Get Real!
Posted by: odinseye | April 24, 2011 at 11:59 PM
Seems some poster here likes to prove his ultimate respect for another poster with continuous drive by snipe attempts.
Kisses to you baby girl! LOL.............
Posted by: DyingBreed | April 24, 2011 at 11:59 PM
Hey Home...your govt implanted brain chip is malfunctioning...go, please go, you are so stupid with your conspiracy theories...its a bunch of horse-pucky
Posted by: cowkilla | April 25, 2011 at 12:00 AM
Again...Ireland's picks in this years draft... Acorn, acorn, acorn, acorn, and....acorn
Posted by: cowkilla | April 25, 2011 at 12:01 AM
Be sweet a little girl Oscar. Dont bite and scratch the boys! LOL..........
Posted by: DyingBreed | April 25, 2011 at 12:01 AM
Before me going more "cryptic", I need help with my biggest ? in the Draft. Who the hell is going to draft Kaepernik in Round 1? I know for sure there are 4 teams looking for QB's and I doubt is us who will select him. How about it guys?
Posted by: oscar canosa | April 25, 2011 at 12:01 AM
Odrick Merling Langford Soliai can handle the DLine. Moving Starks to Center, you now have a guy that thoroughly understands what the dliners are trying to do. He's athletic. Not sure if this is remotely feasible, but what if it is? That makes our online set for now, one less area to cover in this draft. I realize it may take time for him to learn Center and maybe that is too big of a draw back. But with Odrick back are we going to have room on the roster for all our de's anyway?
Posted by: 0x80 | April 25, 2011 at 12:03 AM
Oscarita,
We're sorry m'am, but you're the only person we've heard refer to Kaepernick as a 1st rd qb. LOL...............
Posted by: DyingBreed | April 25, 2011 at 12:04 AM
DB,
To be honest, I pretty much knew wzactly what you meant.
Thing is, I've been drinking. A ZOT!
When I get thisway, I just can't pass up the ooppurtunity to unload some potshots at Henning and Sporazo! For what thwey did to my teanm last year!
I apologize if you got caught in the crossfore!
PS: I dodn't spell check this just so you could see the "REAL" condition I'm in!!!!
Bottoms UP!!!!
Posted by: odinseye | April 25, 2011 at 12:06 AM
0x80,
Ive always respected your posts and still do. But geesh, there are guys that have played center since peewwe football and still are not successful nfl centers. Moving Starks to Center is one helluva reach.
Posted by: DyingBreed | April 25, 2011 at 12:07 AM
Hell, I forgot NT in my mug.
Posted by: oscar canosa | April 25, 2011 at 12:07 AM
LOL @Odin 12:06 AM!
Posted by: DyingBreed | April 25, 2011 at 12:08 AM
DB,
Actually Henne did great on third downs.
He sucked in the 4th quarter and in the red zone.
Hows that for a couple of disparaging attributes-LOL?
PS: I spell checked this one!
ValHalla!!!!
Posted by: odinseye | April 25, 2011 at 12:10 AM
DB,
I really didn't know how feasible that would be, but that thought got stuck in my mind. Just daring to think outside the box...if not the stratosphere.
Posted by: 0x80 | April 25, 2011 at 12:11 AM
Listen, half-Somalian, Kaepernik has been invited to participate in the Round 1 of the Draft spectacle. Now, that must mean something, yes?
Posted by: oscar canosa | April 25, 2011 at 12:11 AM
SOS!
To drunk to even post coherently!
ANOTHER SUCESSFUL HOLLIDAY!!!!
Bottoms Up!!!!
Posted by: odinseye | April 25, 2011 at 12:11 AM
0x80,
Sounds more like the stratosphere. LOL..........
Posted by: DyingBreed | April 25, 2011 at 12:12 AM
Odin,
Dont get it twisted, Henne was great on 3rd and short. 3rd and shorts were right within the sights of his checkdown rifle. 7-8yds or more were a huge challenge. LOL.............
Posted by: DyingBreed | April 25, 2011 at 12:14 AM
Now, now, don't let neophytes like me affect your self-steem, experts.
Posted by: oscar canosa | April 25, 2011 at 12:15 AM
odin,
Will you still respect us in the morning. Or will you just get up and leave us without even so much as a kiss? LOL...........
Posted by: DyingBreed | April 25, 2011 at 12:16 AM
Oscar,
As Ricky Williams would have once said, "This bud's for you bud"! LOL.............
Posted by: DyingBreed | April 25, 2011 at 12:18 AM
Ahem, be precise DB, there are many kinds of "buds".
Posted by: oscar canosa | April 25, 2011 at 12:20 AM
seedless baby seedless! LOL.............
Posted by: DyingBreed | April 25, 2011 at 12:21 AM
Oscar,
I dont have to be concerned about Roger Godell! LOL...........
Posted by: DyingBreed | April 25, 2011 at 12:22 AM
Dammit, now you guys know why Im always LOL! LOL........................
Posted by: DyingBreed | April 25, 2011 at 12:22 AM
And now, talking about Brandon Marshall..
Posted by: oscar canosa | April 25, 2011 at 12:23 AM
Bad buds suck. Makes you all rowdy on the blog! LOL...............
Posted by: DyingBreed | April 25, 2011 at 12:23 AM
Twisted?!?!
Yeah Baby! Sounds good to ME!
3rd and short, 3rd and schmort! Whoop! Whoop!
PS: You won't even hear the door closing. It;s intincts. Eyes open, roll, tumble, crawl! I put my pants on in the car!
Till The Wheels Fall Off!!!!
Posted by: odinseye | April 25, 2011 at 12:24 AM
Bud light and the As-hole can be considered seedless buds. More specific, DB.
Posted by: oscar canosa | April 25, 2011 at 12:25 AM
Outside of the shooting incident concerning Marshall. He's only proven he has serious personal relationships with women.
He's also proven he atracted to women that luv to fuss and fight as much as he does. LOL...........
Posted by: DyingBreed | April 25, 2011 at 12:27 AM
LOL @Odin 12:24 PM
Posted by: DyingBreed | April 25, 2011 at 12:28 AM
Oscar,
Dont know about you but I prefer bud heavy and "seed lite"! LOL...............
Posted by: DyingBreed | April 25, 2011 at 12:29 AM
Ahhhhhhhh............ My favorite song.......
SMOKE GETS INTO MY EYES! LOL.................
Posted by: DyingBreed | April 25, 2011 at 12:31 AM
LOTS OF ALLERGINS IN THE FLORIDA AIR. IM DOING LOTS OF COUGHING RIGHT NOW! LOL.................
Posted by: DyingBreed | April 25, 2011 at 12:32 AM
Marshall will now by psyched out like Tiger Woods or phased out the door. This leaves us with 3/4 of our receiving core as undrafted free agents. Way to go Ireland! Jeff, the guy who collects the garbage here was a WR in high school and still practices, want his number?
Posted by: oh gee | April 25, 2011 at 12:32 AM
Nothing like a great "RED HEAD"! LOL..........
Posted by: DyingBreed | April 25, 2011 at 12:33 AM
As a once famous sergeant once said, "I hear nothing, I say nothing, and I see noooothing!" LOL....................
Posted by: DyingBreed | April 25, 2011 at 12:34 AM
Now, now, DyingBreed, prety soon you are going to have to make a choice. It will be either a Bud light, a bad bud or someone that will plug your as-hole. Which will it be? Decide NOW!
Posted by: oscar canosa | April 25, 2011 at 12:36 AM
Oscar,
Ughhh..........
That kind of talk leads me to believe either youre a butt plug or lik having your butt plugged. Please dont tell which you prefer. Ughhh......... LOL............................
Posted by: DyingBreed | April 25, 2011 at 12:40 AM
Really two running backs and the way things are going it dosent look there even go to be free agency so we need to address all are needs in the draft
Posted by: hennetomarshall | April 25, 2011 at 12:43 AM
Guys be careful of Oscar. I let him know Im under influence of "seed lite" now he trying to take sexual advantage of me. Ughhhhh.......
Posted by: DyingBreed | April 25, 2011 at 12:43 AM
Oscar,
Are you one of those perverted sexual predators?
Posted by: DyingBreed | April 25, 2011 at 12:47 AM
That third option I told you about, DyingBreed, comes cheaper, and in certain places, for free. Look at the savings. But if you insist on paying good money for home-grown garbage T h c, I forgive you.
Posted by: oscar canosa | April 25, 2011 at 12:47 AM
I like Bud light.
Posted by: oscar canosa | April 25, 2011 at 12:50 AM
Oscar,
3rd option being having one's butt plugged sounds pretty damn gay to me.
YOURE A PERVERT SEX PREDATOR OSCAR AND NEED TO BE BANNED FROM HERE. i WILL NO LONGER RESOND TO YOU F*UCK PERV SEXUAL FREAK!!!
Posted by: DyingBreed | April 25, 2011 at 12:51 AM
I believe the Miami Dolphins will pick QB Colin Kaepernik with their 15th pick. And it will be a huge mistake for Miami.
Posted by: oscar canosa | April 25, 2011 at 12:54 AM
I believe many People in this Blog will do you the favor, DyingBreed.
Posted by: oscar canosa | April 25, 2011 at 12:57 AM
Oscar, Kaepernick at 15 is crazy, won't happen.....
Posted by: redsky | April 25, 2011 at 12:59 AM
Oscar, sorry, duh, the Dolphins suck at draft picks!!!! They might pick a janitor at #15!
Posted by: redsky | April 25, 2011 at 01:02 AM
He IS going in the first round, redsky. Less than 15th? It's possible. Someone has fallen in love with Colin's talents who I believe he is 2nd round material, at best.
Posted by: oscar canosa | April 25, 2011 at 01:02 AM
Well, let's see what happens, but no QB is worth a number 15 this year! I'm not impressed by any QB in the 1st round. Just my opinion....but that doesn't mean the Dolphins won't mess this up......
Posted by: redsky | April 25, 2011 at 01:10 AM
Agreed, redsky.
Posted by: oscar canosa | April 25, 2011 at 01:11 AM
You know, redsky, I believe this upcoming Draft will define the Future or non-future of the Miami Dolphins.
Posted by: oscar canosa | April 25, 2011 at 01:15 AM
Gotta say the more I hear Mallett interviewed the less impressed I am. He just doesn't seem like a bright kid at all, I'm sorry to say.
Yeah, I recognize that an NFL quarterback isn't required to give a lecture on post-modernism or quantum physics but nearly all the best ones also happen to be fairly bright guys in the vein of Brady or Rodgers.
Mallett gives off none of that air. I dunno, guys.
Posted by: kaz | April 25, 2011 at 01:38 AM
DO NOT TELL ME OF THESE IDIOT PLAYERS!! THERE IS ONLY ONE LOGICAL CHOICE AND IT IS LORD PELICAN!! LORD PELICAN SHALL RESTORE GLORY AND PRIDE TO THE MIAMI DOLPHINS PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM OF THE AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE OF THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE!!
MONSIEUR JEFF IRELAND, YOU MUST DRAFT LORD PELICAN!!
Posted by: Bwana | April 25, 2011 at 01:50 AM
...Here is some interesting research. Chad Henne only attempted 40 passes of over 20 yards last year. This brings up a few questions, and a few theories.
Henne had little if no effectivness in this area. But he also had limited chances to do this. I don't know if this was by design because the coaches didn't trust him. Or if it was by design and the design sucked.
Usually we were in sets that had 2-3 recievers and a tight end out on routes. This lack of down the field execution may not be all on the shoulders of Henne. If we only tried 40 times to get the ball down the field. Our recievers must be pretty bad at getting off their man, and our line must have trouble sustaining blocks to allow these plays to develop.
What happened(IMO) was a quarterback that became gun shy, and quick to get the ball out of his hand before the play could properly develop,or he believed he was going to be leveled.
Even Snachize had 59 attempts at this range. His percentage was about the same. But he had 19 more tries to get it right.
My point is. Maybe we don't know if Henne is capapble of throwing the deep pass efectivley. These plays are much more then having a strong arm, and accuracy. That is just half of the equation. To execute these down the field throws. The recivers must get open, and the line has to be able to hold the blocks for a few ticks longer then the conventional short to mid throws.
This lack of attempts is just one in a long pattern of mysterious playcalling gaffs by the offensive coordinator last year. We have a qb with a strong arm, yet we limit his chances to 40? No wonder he seems so innacurate. They were so far and few, we fans remember all of them.(by the way, Henne did have a very poor percentage at this yardage. But he had byfar the fewest attempts)
Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | April 25, 2011 at 02:06 AM
DD,
Sanchez also played more entire games and wasn't yanked for silly w/c crap either.
Posted by: . | April 25, 2011 at 02:54 AM
I think that New England may be a good trade down partner with their selection of picks. Remember- Wes Welker.
Posted by: jones | April 25, 2011 at 05:07 AM