When the draft resumes this afternoon, I'm hoping the Dolphins land a certain RB that I've had my eyes on for a while whose name I will not type here because, believe it or not, I've recently learned at least one rival AFC team reads this blog for updates on what the Dolphins are thinking -- obviously not recognizing that I don't know squat about squat.
Joke's on them!
Nonetheless, I won't mention this RBs name at this point, not that it's a big secret.
Lookit, the Dolphins need speed today. It is lacking for them on offense. It is lacking on defense, although not to the same degree. It is definitely lacking on special teams.
Speed, speed, speed, speed, speed, speed!
When Bill Parcells first started constructing this team it started looking like a mirror image of the 1990 New York Giants for a while there. The Dolphins were big, hulking, and bulking. This team looks very imposing in the airport.
But the game has changed since 1990 and is played on the field not in an airport. So the plodding Fins have some adjusting to do.
They need speed to be more dynamic. They need speed to make sure those kickoff returns and punt returns stop going 90 yards in the other direction. They need speed to do something that we haven't seen around here a lot lately: Blow somebody up with a 90-yard punt return of their own, or hit them on a 74-yard run, or throw a 68-yard bomb over the top of their defense, or return an interception 101 yards.
So my hope is today is about turning the Incredible Hulk into Flash. Or something like that.
The hope for today is a:
Change of pace fast RB.
A return man. Must be ... fast.
(Hopefully the Dolphins can get two for one by having the fast RB also be a fast return guy.)
OLB help to punish Tom Brady and Slim Shady now that they're boys in New England.
Maybe a NT. He's the only one that doesn't need to be fast. Don't sleep on the NT, by the way.
[NOTE: Live blog happening right here at noon. Yesterday was the biggest day on this blog in all of 2011. Enormous! Thank you. And thanks to that team for checking in. I don't know anything.]
unless they get a new qb, d'angelo williams will not come to miami. he said it all depends on the qb situation, same as resigning with the panthers, now with cam newton, he will most likely resign. smart choice!
Posted by: dolphin 77 | May 01, 2011 at 09:49 AM
Agreed Dolphin 77
Posted by: DevonNite | May 01, 2011 at 09:59 AM
DevonNite,
Why will any back that's signed be coming in to be a backup? I must have missed it but did they annoint Thomas as the starter? The Dolphins don't work that way. A vet will be signed to work in tandem with Thomas.
dolphin77, you're not D'Angelo Williams agent and you don't know what he'll do. If the situation and money is better he'll sign in Miami. Carolina was dead last in the league last year and are notoriously cheap when it comes to free agency. They just signed a QB who mosy people have lots of questions about. The situation in Miami is at LEAST as appealing as the situation in Carolina....stay tuned.
Posted by: Craig M | May 01, 2011 at 10:22 AM
CraigM,
Thomas is the "right" rb for the way the fins plan to conduct thier offense this season. He's a bruiser type, former qb playing only his 2nd season at the rb position. They've been looking for a legit passing threat out of th wilcat forever now.
Now with Thomas and Clay as the wildcat rb's they not have both the pass and catch threat. Its been open forever the way teams play the wildcat. They just didnt have the, here comes that word again, "right" personel to pull it off. Now they have.
Thomas is the "right" rb for what they plan to do. They werent looking for the nest rb, only the "right" rb. Think about it, they just drafted WILDCAT 10.0! Wildcat on 'roids. LOL
Posted by: DyingBreed | May 01, 2011 at 10:24 AM
That's a ridiculous statement, Fans worry about who the QB is, Most free agents can give shyts less. Mony talks, so does South Beach. Very few players are gonna take less money cause they don't like a QB. I bet DeAngelo Williams looks at our O-Line as something he would wanna run behind. God, stop being a crybaby about Henne
Posted by: bobbyd12 | May 01, 2011 at 10:30 AM
You guys saying we did nothing about the qb position are missing the picture. We did everything for the qb position without drafting a qb itself.
We improved it with Pouncey's addition, the offense will move down the field better with Thomas and Clay(h-back multiple threat), and Gates to blow the top off of defenses.
Read Darlington's article about Ireland "fills the needs". He tell how the offense will now include one step, three step, 5 step, and 7 step drops for the qb. Last season it was overwhelmingly 5 step drop and pass rushers were honed in on that making the pass protectors job even more difficult.
Guys not only have they added better weapons, but the way the offensive system is conducted this season is like night and day from last season. They are going to make sure Henne looks less robotic this season.
Posted by: DyingBreed | May 01, 2011 at 10:34 AM
Guys we used a 2nd rd pick at rb. So dont expect and upperechelon fa signing anyway. I dont. Looking more like a McNabb calibre fa qb if he comes on the cheap.
I think the fo feels pretty confident Henne may do better in the new offense with better weapons.
Posted by: DyingBreed | May 01, 2011 at 10:38 AM
Craig M,
Every publication has proclaimed that the Dolphins have two starters in the first two picks and Ireland has implied the same thing, but I think that Reggie Bush or Michael Bush would start before Thomas ergo, he is not a starter.
I saw a post on here that showed De Angelo Williams saying that it depended on the QB play and Cam Newton is a helluva lot more intrigueing than Henne will ever be.
Vince Young helped Chris Johnson get yards because the line backers had to respect his speed and mobility coming out the backside if they over persued. Williams could benefit the same way.
Carolina will be selling Williams on their aggressiveness and desire to win and that is why they took the hottest player in the draft and I don't expect him to go anywhere, but I guess you disagree.
Posted by: DevonNite | May 01, 2011 at 10:39 AM
Expect to see bubble screens in the pass offense. I saw several times in the Edmund Gates highlights videos where he popped 3yd bubble screens for long td scores. Gates knows exactly how to execute the bubble screen to perfection.
Posted by: DyingBreed | May 01, 2011 at 10:43 AM
Dying, thank you. Let me add in Henne was already working with DaBol and has been working with the receivers this offseason. Any extended lockout gives him a huge advantage over anyone else. I am sorta surprised they didn't draft some QB for competition purposes BUT they did give Henne some weapons to work with, especially a speed burning WR to get those double teams off Marshall in the 4 wides. Great comment Dying
Posted by: bobbyd12 | May 01, 2011 at 10:44 AM
Edmund Gates has the leaping ability of Mark Clayton only faster. Gates will be a nightmare for db's as the #2wr. Gates is a starter. Bet your money on it and get ready to put him your fantasy draft baby!
Posted by: DyingBreed | May 01, 2011 at 10:46 AM
bobby,
Im extremely excited about Gates. I think he's going to be an absolute beast!
Posted by: DyingBreed | May 01, 2011 at 10:47 AM
Had Gates attended a major university I believe this kid would have been at least a top 20 1st rd pick. I believe we got a real steal(4th rd) because this kid attended Abilene Cristian instead. Bet on it!
Posted by: DyingBreed | May 01, 2011 at 10:50 AM
Gates is everything we hoped in vain Ted Ginn would be!
Posted by: DyingBreed | May 01, 2011 at 10:52 AM
I give this draft a B+ because its the "right" draft for us and the offensive philosophy our staff will instill and execute. Remembe5, the WC is still alive, they just added 'roids! LOL...
Posted by: DyingBreed | May 01, 2011 at 10:55 AM
I will give this draft an A+ once I see them pull it off on the field. LOL
Posted by: DyingBreed | May 01, 2011 at 10:56 AM
Chad Henne must have soiled the front of his underwear when we drafted Edmund Gates! LOL.......
Posted by: DyingBreed | May 01, 2011 at 10:57 AM
DB,
You are WAY over-rating Gates!!....very few receivers come into the NFL and have immmediate impact. Ted Ginn struggled and still hasn't gotten it right. there's a big jump from the College game to the NFL game and the fact that the lockout is still ongoing will have an effect on his immediate impact this year. It takes time to develop chemistry with the QB and his work with Henne and whoever else will be limited this offseason. It's a very good pick but let's chill before we annoint this guy 'the next Randy Moss'. He will help on kickoffs and punts to start and anything else will be a bonus. Sporano is loyal to his players and guys he's familiar with...he won't be dumping on Bess and Hartline at this point.
Posted by: Craig M | May 01, 2011 at 11:01 AM
After doing some research on the offensive picks I'm happy with the draft.
Pouncey-strengthen last years absimal O line have to assume better play from J Jerry in his second year as well. Will help the running game and Henne as well...if he is the starter.
Daniel Thomas-Solid pick, is slow compared to some backs but has alright speed for a bruiser, as well as WildCat potential. Still think we should bring one of R&R back(prefer Ronnie) and get someone with speed.
Edmond Gates-the most exciting pick IMO has to be respected by op D, freeing other recievers and as someone said has the ability to take a dinky 3yd throw to the house.
Charles Clay- A wierd one, good hands decent speed can block. Question is will he be a TE FB or HB, or a Jack of Trades Master of None.
Would have loved a QB but it didn't happen. I'd have Vince Young out of FA good arm can move(something Heene Cant do) and is a proven winner in the NFL.
There are a couple of project UFA QB's I like Jerrod Jonson and Josh Nesbitt.
Otherwise wait till the next draft and hiope the extra weeapons and new OC means Henne finally consistantly delivers
This is his last chance
Posted by: TMFMISL-Bringing back the Biff | May 01, 2011 at 11:06 AM
CraigM,
At this point I dont care if Im wrong. I see Mark Clayton in this kid. Same athleticism, great hands, and slightly greater speed. I will be absolutely shocked if he doesnt make a major contribution right away.
Believe me, with this kid I want to be wrong, but in a positive way! Call me crazy whatever. "I'm" expecting no less than DeSean Jackson type impact. Hope everyone else will too. Even more I hope he delivers!
Posted by: DyingBreed | May 01, 2011 at 11:07 AM
If he does 3/4 of what Desean Jackson did we/ll have a steal
Posted by: TMFMISL-Bringing back the Biff | May 01, 2011 at 11:11 AM
There wasnt a db in the league that would give Hartline a cushion in 2010. I pray they try that with Edmund Gates! LOL........
Posted by: DyingBreed | May 01, 2011 at 11:12 AM
DB,
I see him as Desean Jackson type also but we have to remember the offence that Desean Jackson moved into is not the same offence that exists here in Miami currently. There's still a lot of questions marks and unasnswered questions. I expect Sparano and company will be very cautious about how they bring this kid a long. IMO, while I like the pick and I like the talent, he's got a long way to go before he's an impact wide receiver in this league. Let's let him get his feet wet first. He could be our answer to Mike Wallace....at some point.
Posted by: Craig M | May 01, 2011 at 11:14 AM
If Gates overcomes Hartline as starter we may have a dilemna. Hartline is faster than Bess and can also play slot.
"Will Hartline become the upgrade to Bess in the slot making him trade bait?"
Must admit, I love the prospects of Hartline working against a nickel corner and he has the speed to break one that Bess doesnt.
Posted by: DyingBreed | May 01, 2011 at 11:17 AM
CraigM,
There are few things he'll be successful with right off the bat. He'll be successful outjumping defenders for the ball(40 in vertical). Have to give him cushion or he will blow the top of single coverage corners.
Also on his highlights, on more than one occassion he has taken 3yds bubble screens all the way to the house. CraigM you have to consider in the beginning he wont be the primary reciever, Marshall will. It would be a little different if were just bringing him and expecting him to be the #1.
We're bringing Gates in as a #2wr that eventually will develop all of the weapons of a #1wr. Right now we dont need that, we have Marshall. We'll just target what he already does well now to create big plays.
Posted by: DyingBreed | May 01, 2011 at 11:23 AM
DevonNite,
To write D'Angelo Williams off as a guy who isn't interested in coming to Miami is foolish talk!! Great climate, improving offensive line, there's an opening and the Dolphins will have the money to spend. they are DEFINITELY contenders for his services. On top of that he has said on record he has interest in playing in Miami.
When you look at Carolina's situation, you see a new head coach, a brand new QB, who has played one year of College, question marks all over a team that finished 2-14 last year and a division that includes Super Bowl contenders in Atlanta and New Orleans, as well as up and ocming Tampa. On top of all that, you have an owner in Carolina who is notoriouly cheap when it comes to signing free agents. For a running back who is 27 years old and probably only has 3-4 years left, which scenario would you prefer?
Posted by: Craig M | May 01, 2011 at 11:23 AM
Guys as looks right now we have one helluva 4 wr set. Marshall, Bess, Hartline, and Gates.
WOW! LOL........
Posted by: DyingBreed | May 01, 2011 at 11:25 AM
Detroit Lions just became a legit playoff team during the draft. They got rid of Matt Millen, now it seems everything thier touching is turning to gold! LOL.......
Posted by: DyingBreed | May 01, 2011 at 11:28 AM
gates reminds me of wallace in pittsburg
Posted by: boulderfinfan | May 01, 2011 at 11:33 AM
Missing the picture? Au contraire Dying, I see it all too clear. a) They have one (1) QB under contract, Chad Henne. b) This is final year of that contract. c) NFL teams need 3 QBs. d) Good teams are always grooming a new QB. e) What do you think Henne's attitude will be when they bring in vet QB? f) Henne will most likely want to go to another team in 2012.
Which leaves us right where we are today. Looking for a future franchise QB
Posted by: cocoajoe | May 01, 2011 at 11:34 AM
Dying..Good morning
Dude you are on the money with Gates.. I think he could be the cure for what ails us. I am a Hartline guy, just because he runs such good routes. Now he doesn't have to be the "speed guy" he will most likely match up against a weaker corner. He can just do his thing. What Marshall did for Bess. Gates will do for Hartline. I wouldn't be suprised to see 4 reciever sets with a tight end split out wide as well. Totaly using the width of the field. Something we never did last year.
Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | May 01, 2011 at 11:34 AM
Think about this 4 wr set:
Gates, Marlon More on the same side. Hartline in the slot and Marshall on the otherside. Then you have the qb(Henne?) and Clay in the backfield.
Clay himself represent a mismatch against most coverage lb's. There's so damn much more we can do on offense now! LOL........
Posted by: DyingBreed | May 01, 2011 at 11:36 AM
DD,
What excites me is that with the draft additions, not only can we use the entire widths of the field. We can attack the entire lengths of the field too.
With Gates, one missed tackle on a 3yd hitch can be a 70yd td. If the defense doesnt get Gates on the ground rightawy its homerun. Thats not even mentioning the nightmare he'll be deep. LOL
Posted by: DyingBreed | May 01, 2011 at 11:41 AM
What is Pouncey? Guard or Center or Project? Ireland isn't sure yet, how can so many of you be.
What is Thomas? Not a game changer, he is a pounder, a plodder, a grinder. We needed a game changer and play maker but got neither.
What is Gates? A speedster for sure maybe even a game changer, but he isn't a day one starter at WR.
What is Clay? He does a lot of things but is he going to play before Polite? or Fasano? They will have to find a place to work him in.
Will Henne get better? in my opinion, the answer is no, he will continue to be mediocre. I think you guys are wearing your Aqua colored glasses and failing to see the true picture.
Posted by: DevonNite | May 01, 2011 at 11:42 AM
DD,
To add even more speed to the 4wr sets we can pull Bess off the field and add Marlon Moore.
Gates, Moore, Hartline, Marshall. That could be a 4wr set nightmare for most nfl dc's. Everyones cable of taking it all the way to the house. LOL..........
Posted by: DyingBreed | May 01, 2011 at 11:44 AM
Devonite,
You guys are worrying too much about nothing. Where ever Pouncey plays he will be an upgrade to what we already had there. Thats whats most important to me. LOL...
Posted by: DyingBreed | May 01, 2011 at 11:45 AM
Pouncey will be a day one starter where ever he plays. End of story! LOL...
Posted by: DyingBreed | May 01, 2011 at 11:47 AM
Thoughts on our draft:
I thought Ireland did a commendable job on the draft. Not outstanding our even great...commendable. He went into this draft without a second roound pick and the best we could hope for was 2-3 starters. He did that.
I really like the job he did trading up to get into the second round. Guys were saying it might cost next year first or second. He didn't give that up. Good job! He got a guy who will improve the line, a running back who likely is a younger version of Brown (maybe not as good, we'll see) and he got us a speed receiver and a guy who can help in the return game. All postives! I also like the Jimmy Wilson pick, 'cause you can never have enough guys who can play that position. He may never be a starter for us but he's an interesting guy with good skill set, who has a lot to prove. Could just be a steal!! I'll also add, Ireland didn't lose his cool and start reaching for guys, as both the Titans and Vikings did in the first round. Nice job!!
However, on the downside....we never got that pass-catching TE that we so badly need. I was shocked that they didn't take a guy like Virgil Green or find a way to trade up and get another guy. Maybe they have plans for adding someone decent in FA. It's disappointing that the organization continues to undervalue what this position could mean to the team, especially when you see teams like the Packers adding a guy like DJ Williams, despite also having a guy like Jermichael Finley on the roster.
Posted by: Craig M | May 01, 2011 at 11:48 AM
If Incognito ends up at center fine. He will still be a huge upgrade over Berger. If Pouncey plays LG, great. With his premium pulling skill he's taylor made for the position.
LG or Center? Incognito and Pouncey are interchangeable at both. No matter which it is we dont lose. Put a rest to it already guys. LOL...
Posted by: DyingBreed | May 01, 2011 at 11:50 AM
DevonNite,
How do you figure Pouncey is a 'project'? Because we're not sure if he can play the centre position in the NFL? Does that make a guy a 'project'? I guess the first overall pick in the draft, that you think is the reason D Williams will go back to Carolina could be deemed a 'project' also then?....we don't know if he can play QB in the NFL. Pouncey will either play centre or guard to start in the NFL....of that there is no doubt. I happen to think he will struggle at centre out of the gate but if I'm proven wrong I'll e happy to admit it. He is however an upgrade on the guys we had playing the position last year.
Posted by: Craig M | May 01, 2011 at 11:53 AM
CraigM,
I give Ireland B+ on the right draft for us and the way the staff plans to go about "its" offense this year.
Could better players been selected? Absolutely! The real question is whether those better players have been better "FITS" for what they plan to do on offense?
So that's why I give Ireland a B+ for getting the "right players" for what we plan to do on offense. They may be much better "fits".
Posted by: DyingBreed | May 01, 2011 at 11:55 AM
Ok guys I've hogged the board enough with my opinions. Go for it, I want to see what everuyone else feels without meddling in your opinions. LOL.........
Posted by: DyingBreed | May 01, 2011 at 11:58 AM
..We added 2 possibly 3 starters. How anyone can be dissapointed in this is beyond me. Sure some of the higher profile guys, guys we had in our own mocks were skipped. So what. We set out to stabilize the line, find a running back, and a stretch the field guy....All done.
Plus we got some more Montana players....This for sure will get us to the playoffs....lol
Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | May 01, 2011 at 11:59 AM
DB,
You think that Hartline will supplant Bess?? Not a chance my friend. Bess is one of the best slot receivers in the league and is only getting better.
Hartline will be lucky to keep his job if Moore or Wallace has made any stride in the off season.
De Angelo Williams said that he interested in coming to Miami but also said that it depends on the QB situation. Carolina addressed their QB situation in a very aggressive manner, acquiring a player who will have an affect on the passing and running game. BTW Carolina's OLine is highly thought of in the league and even Armando reported earlier in this same thread that they plan on doing what it tool to keep Williams.
Some of you are banking on Henne doing things that he hasn't shown that he can do with any kind of consistency and that is wishful thinking on your part. Dabolls offense was bad last year and some here are making it seem as though it was stellar and he is now bringing it here. You are the same people who will be saying to give Henne another year because it was his first year in a new offense, when he blows up in yours are Irelands faces.
Posted by: Barrett Wallace | May 01, 2011 at 12:21 PM
Pouncey is a center. It was the wise pick. Not being able to trade down, they were sort of stuck in no mans land. All the value at that spot was on the D-Line. They made the most of being forced to pick were they were. Pouncey: A-
Thomas: Ugh, I'm pulling for the guy, but trading up for a plodder that has a history of fumbling is shaky. His "highlight reel" is a collection of 15 yard runs where he breaks away from no-one. That generally doesnt translate well to the NFL. Watched him vs. Syr in bowl game, not impressed. Hope I'm wrong. Thomas: C-
Gates: Obviously I've never seen Abilene whatever play, but he's fast, good height and leaping ability, and he can return kicks. That type of speed can still have an impact even while he learns to be a more polished WR. Nice pick: A
Not gonna pretend to know much about the next 3. The big kid from Alabama A&M, by all accounts, is very athletic for his size. If you can add depth on the D-line in the 7th round, thats a win. Same goes for the CB from Montana. Better than 7th round talent, but a bunch of legal troubles. But we need to improve nickel D and the 7th round is where you gamble on questionable guys with talent
My big problem was with the Clay pick. This a typical Sparano guy. In the same mold as Cobbs. Nothing against Pat Cobbs, he always plays hard and rarely makes mistakes. He also doesnt really help you. He never drops a pass, but he never makes anyone miss after he catches it.
Passing on 2 talented guys at positions of need for this guy is a huge mistake. Both Virgil Green (TE, Nev) and Jordan Todman (RB, UConn) were available. Clay pick: D
Overall, I give it a B- . Needs were addressed, a speedster was added, but we may have missed the boat with that Clay pick and I'm very iffy on Thomas. Just one guys opinion....
Posted by: GarbagePlate | May 01, 2011 at 12:22 PM
Pouncey is a center? He was a center in college. He might be a center in the NFL. There's a hell of a lot more to it than snapping the ball.
Posted by: cocoajoe | May 01, 2011 at 12:34 PM
Should clarify. Not saying Pouncey can't learn to be a NFL center.
I expect he'll make a good one after a year or so. But a center has to read the D (just like the QB is supposed to do). He's supposed to make sure the rest of the O-line recognizes what formation and technique the D is in and is ready for it. That don't happen overnight.
Posted by: cocoajoe | May 01, 2011 at 12:49 PM
Craig M.
You did see the question Mark(?) after project right?
Armando has reported that the Dolphins plan on playing Pouncey at Center and yet you feel that he will not excel at that position, so what happens if he doesn't? Will the team just move Jerry out, just like that? What will that do to the consistency of the line?
Posted by: DevonNite | May 01, 2011 at 12:51 PM
Darryl,
You just made my point. People are proclaiming that the draftees will be starters and I take issue with that.
If the Dolphins pick up a vet RB of any talent, it is a good chance that Thomas does not start. We are not even sure what position Pouncey will play and I don't think that Gates will start as a WR, he is a special teams player first. Clay will not start over Polite or Frustano.
They may start but I wouldn't put money on it.
Posted by: DevonNite | May 01, 2011 at 01:08 PM
devonite, watch how some people are going to be on henne's jock, like bobbyd12. when he sucks again this year bobby will blame it on daboll. it doesn't matter how long you worked with the oc if you suck, you suck. as far as williams let's see, carolina has cam newton, miami has henne, where is he going to go? it doesn't matter about climate, and if those were his own words about it depends on the qb situation, we all know where he will sign.
Posted by: dolphin 77 | May 01, 2011 at 04:07 PM
I would say another sub-par draft by the Dolphins, but this one is POOR. It pains me to say that the Dolphins might very-well be going the way of the Lions from the past decade. Clueless ownership and a arm-waving head coach just isn't going to cut it in the NFL. I really hope I'm wrong. The evidence would suggest otherwise. The draft is a 32 team competition and the Dolphins just weren't prepared.
Posted by: Jim | May 02, 2011 at 11:52 PM