Jeff Ireland in his words: All of them

By now you know Jeff Ireland talked to the media for 30 minutes Thursday. You've gotten bits and pieces of it from different venues.

Here's the whole enchilada:

Opening Statement - “Just a few opening remarks. I got a staff upstairs that is outstanding. I just wanted to thank them. It’s a job to them but they’re tireless workers. Between my scouts, Brian Gaine, Chase Leshin, Chris Grier in particular the last three months, in particular, these guys have been here a bunch. February meetings for two weeks, the combine for two weeks, on the road constantly during the Pro Days and chasing down players, in particular the last three weeks with two Miami Days. 7am – 9 pm meetings basically every single day the last three weeks. I need to thank Joe (Philbin) and his staff. We’ve had some great sessions. It’s been great to get to know his staff and we challenge each other. We’ve challenged the staff. We challenged the coaches for vision for the players to help us get a vision to help utilize the players we put on the board. I need to thank Steve (Ross) for giving us all the resources that we have to turn over every stone. That’s our policy and philosophy but a lot of guys upstairs I just wanted to thank and just wanted to start that with opening comments. But we just finished up the board. Basically yesterday and we’re ready draft. So just now strategy and more preparation.”

(On how different it’s been developing the board with a new coaching staff) -“Not too much different. My philosophy doesn’t change too much. Having Joe (Philbin), Joe’s been in a couple of draft rooms. He’s been around the Green Bay Packers, my philosophy’s not too much different then maybe Ted’s (Thompson). We grind out the draft. Believe in the draft. Believe in the development of young players. Believe in bringing young players onto the team every single year so you know it’s getting the staff. You know getting to use the same terminology more or less to what out scouts are using so an average comment to them is the same as an average comment to us. And it’s getting us all on the same terminology and making sure the coaches understand the division is what we’re looking for. How do you utilize the player? How does he utilize him on special teams? What kind of nickel role does he have on third down and things like that? Just having a clear vision for the player.”

((On how important the second and third round picks are) -“I think all the picks are extremely important but certainly second, third, fourth round picks, I mean those guys need to be either starters or significant role players. I’m a firm believer that you can find talent in the fifth, sixth and seventh and obviously free agency. So every pick, there’s a lot of thought that goes into each and every one of them. I’m maybe stubborn enough to think I can hit on every single one of them. So, we spent a lot of time this time of the year on fifth, sixth and seventh round and free agency. Those guys are up there right now grinding away at the free agent board as well.”

(On how he’s done on those rounds since he’s been here) -“I’ve got some good guys and some guys are still developing I would say (Charles) Clay and Reshad Jones and Chris Clemmons. Those guys are still here and they’re still developing. I think we drafted a kid last year in the seventh round, Jimmy Wilson, that I think is going to be a pretty good player.”

(On specifically how he’s done in the second and third round) -“Well, I mean time will tell with John Jerry and Koa (Misi). So Pat Turner’s still playing in the league. He’s not on our roster, he’s still playing in the league so we’ve got to do a pretty good job this year. I’m looking more in the future than in the past.”

(On if he keeps the Number 8 pick if that player has to make an impact this season) -“Not necessarily. I mean an impact. You like to be able to say that he’d be an impact player this year. But you also have to have a vision for the player whether or not he’s going to play this year or next year or the year after that. Certainly that would be the expectation of a top 10 pick is to have an impact on this team.”

(On his approach to free agency and how that had to marry with the draft) -“Well with free agency I think, again, it’s a process. You have to look at the free agency board and the dollars that you’re going to have commit to free agency versus what you might be able to get in the draft. Value’s important to me and again the draft is extremely important because I think that’s the best investment in professional sports to be honest with you is the draft. Getting young players that have upside and development, but the free agency I’m trying to build depth. I’m trying to bring depth to the football team, at least this year that’s my philosophy. I think free agency changes, depending on the situation that you’re in from year to year. But this year it was trying to provide some depth at certain positions and not have to feel like you’re pressured into making any need decisions in the draft.”

(On putting the emphasis on depth when developing the draft board) -“Well, it depends. You’re putting your first and second, third round, those are the ones you think that can come in right away and make an impact or start or have a significant role in the nickel. And your fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh are your developmental guys or role players. So you have to have a vision for the player. Not every fourth round is going to have the same exact vision. Some guys are fourth rounder’s maybe nickel players. Some fourth rounder’s may be developmental guys. There’s going to be some guys that you want on your team and you have to put them there because that’s where you think you’re going to have to get them.”

(On his philosophy of free agency and finding starter type guys) -“I would say that yeah, we need to get some starter types in the draft. I would certainly say that you certainly do. Moving forward I don’t know if I understood your question the move forward.”

(On free agency depth putting pressure to find draft starters) -“Well yeah sure. It puts a lot of emphasis on trying to find starters. That’s what we’re trying to do with every draft. You’re trying to find starters and impact players in every draft.”

(On what he’s learned about Ryan Tannehill) -“I spent a lot of time with a lot of players to be honest with you. I wouldn’t put a whole lot of stock into any one particular player. Almost 29, almost 30 guys into the building in the last couple of weeks and spent quite a bit of time on the road. But what I learned specific about Ryan (Tannehill) is he’s a great kid. Great kid. He’s smart. He’s tough. Got a good family background. A lot of good things about Ryan.”

(On his emotions this time of year) -“Excitement to be honest with you. I’m excited. This is my second favorite time of the year. First being the first day of training camp. I love that aspect of it. But I love this time of the year. I thoroughly enjoyed the Miami Day process a couple of days ago watching guys move around in shorts and do football drills with our coaching staff. That was exciting. But just excitement. I do wake up in the middle of night thinking, I have a notepad next to my bed, that I don’t want to forget about it. I’ll write it down or type it into my phone or something, but certainly excitement. Just excited to get this process going and wake up every morning excited about, we do pretty much a position a day. We take the entire day until, we start early and we end late regardless of when that positions over we’re going to stay here and get that position done so I wake up the next morning going, okay we got quarterbacks today or we got linebackers today or we got corners today so there’s certainly excitement there to try to attack that position that day.”

(On balancing best player available versus filling team needs) -“Everybody thinks that you draft like, well this players better than this player is better player. But that’s really not the way you do it. You do it horizontally. You have an expectation horizontally. That’s the way I look at it. I don’t look at vertically. I look at it horizontally. And you put an expectation on the round and when the best players marries to the need position and they’re in the same area then that’s probably when you probably take need over best player but usually they marry together. Usually they marry together and you kind of stack your board to the strength of the position. And you may attack certain positions earlier in the draft because there’s lack of depth in the draft.”

(On how often he feels a franchise should use a first round pick on a quarterback) -“When there’s one available. I mean that’s tough question. That’s kind of a loaded question to be honest with you.”

(On if a matter of course if a healthy franchise should do it (draft a quarterback in the first round) every few years) -“I can’t say for the years in the past or the other teams that are involved with selecting quarterbacks. Certainly I’m not going to get into the quarterback discussion here today from the strategy stand point but I think there are times that you should try to go after one but I certainly don’t feel like you should be pressured into doing that either.”

(On the strength of wide receiver group, especially the first few rounds) -“Well I think it’s a pretty good group. Receivers, you can look at, and we had this discussion in our draft room when we were doing receivers is that they come in all shape and sizes. There’s always an exception to the rule when it comes to receivers. You can find them in the first round. You can find them in free agency. You can find them anywhere and they come sometimes they’re 5’8” and sometimes they’re 6’5”. Sometimes they run 4.6 and sometimes they run 4.3. And there’s more of the receiver positions on your board them any other position just because there’s more of them. And so I think there’s strength if you’re picking in the first round. I’ll have a pretty good stack board at receiver throughout my board. I can tell you that. I think it’s a pretty good position this year to be honest with you.”

(On what other positions are strong this year and what are some positions not too strong) - “Well some guys, again I got this question the other day, some people would say that the strength means that there’s more first round caliber guys. My way of looking at is I got one pick in every round basically. Am I going to have an opportunity to take one if I miss him in the first, second or third. So I look at strength of the draft and basically how my board falls and where I might be able to find key target positions in the draft. So other positions that I think are strong I think it’s a pretty good defensive line. When we’re talking defensive line I’m talking about defensive end, three technique, one technique, five technique. I think it’s a pretty good group of guys. I think the offensive line groups are a fairly good group too. I don’t think center is the most deepest in the draft but I think the guard and tackle positions pretty good too.”

(On if he’s looking for different players due to the change in coaching staff) -“I think at some positions we’re looking for different types of skill sets. I’ve always been big, strong, fast. That’s what I’m looking for and big, strong, fast and intelligent. But now in some cases you’re looking for a little bit different player versus the run or a little different player in a nickel situation or coverage situation. Some guys would be protected by a three technique from the linebackers standpoint so I think there are some cases that we’re looking for different types of players but it’s not complete offensive ‘D’. We’re not looking for completely different types of players on offense and defense.”

(On whether the Dolphins are changing the type of offensive lineman they're looking for based on changing of offensive system) - “Not necessarily. I think Jim (Turner) and Mike (Sherman) and Joe (Philbin) are still looking for big, strong, athletic type for offensive linemen.”

(On how do you measure heart) -“You know, that’s a tough one. You wish you could bottle up some of these guys and sometime you feel it. I always tell player you reach in your pocket for two cents because I’m going to give you my two cents of advice whether you like it or not. I always try to tell them a little bit about we have this thing called the makeup. Basically, I ask my scouts to grade the ability of the player and the make of the player. Pretty simple and I ask them grade their ability in a system. Let’s say 1 through 10, you’re a 9.5. You’re an 8.6. The makeup of the player I’m trying to grade whether he has it or not. It’s passion. It’s heart. It’s toughness. It’s competitiveness. It’s football intelligence. It’s integrity. It’s character. It’s a yes or no answer. Either you have them all or you don’t and some of those you can develop and some you can’t. And that’s the way my scouts answer that question. It’s a yes or no. Does he have all or he doesn’t? If he’s missing one of those, he doesn’t because that’s a margin of failure. And so that doesn’t answer your question, on how you rate heart, but it’s more than just heart. It’s the entire makeup of the person allows a player to be successful.”

(On having a philosophy of trading down in the draft) -“It’s hard. It depends on what you’re going to get in return. Everyone say they use this draft calculator or trade down sheet. I think that’s really ambiguous to be honest. You use it as a starting point. But it depends on the person that’s coming up. The team that’s coming up and what they’re willing to give up and how bad do they want it and how bad you want to keep it. So if you’re trading back you’re certainly looking for value. You’re looking to get more than what you think the pick is worth. Sometimes, it’s future. I traded back in Dallas for future first-round picks and things like that. I think it’s just the matter of the circumstance and it has to be the right circumstance.”

(On considering trading up in the first round this year) -“I think anything is possible. Sure, anything’s possible trading back, trading up.”

(On how important is it to have back-to-back picks in the third round) -“I think it’s extremely valuable. It gives us a little bit more time to make decisions. And it’s an extra pick and having them back-to-back somewhat high in the third round extremely valuable.”

(On what is the atmosphere like in the War Room) -“Anticipation. Again, excitement. Depends on the guy you think is going to be there. Obviously, there could be a scramble. I’ve been in a couple of scrambles before. It’s always interesting. You’re picking high in the draft and so every pick leading up to that is anticipation obviously.”

(On how do you evaluate your draft history in Miami) -“Well, it’s a team effort. Bill (Parcells) and I conducted a couple drafts together. I’ve conducted one here solely by myself with my team upstairs obviously. Certainly, I’m not responsible for all of it. When you look back and you made some good picks. Depends on how you look at it. If you look at the future or past of the draft and you say 50-55% and you say if you can be 50% in the draft over a period of time, you’ve done pretty good. I think where we were when we started to where we are now we’ve done a pretty good job of adding some talent to this football team. Certainly I’m not saying I hit on every single one because I haven’t. There’s no doubt about that. Some I have taken some risk on and hit. And some I have taken some risk on and didn’t work out so good, but that’s just part of the draft.”

(On drafting different types of player compared to what you’re accustom to drafting) -“Well, I think the first couple of years we were here I think trying to build the foundation, which would be offensive line, defensive line was a big hole for this franchise, for this team and so I think that was the main purpose of doing some of the things early was getting the offensive line and defensive line set and then as we matured our team adding skill to the football team was important last year in particular coming out of the 2010 season. I think we needed to add some speed on the football team, some playmakers. We had some really good possession type offensive skill set, but we needed some explosive playmakers. That was glaring to me last year. Certainly, I have some glaring things that hitting me in the face this year, which I won’t get into strategy and tell you what those things are, but I got some things I feel certainly confident about that we can probably approach here in the next week.

(On if his board is set now and he know what he wants to do) –“Yes.”

(On when did you finalize your draft board) -“Last night at 11:47, no (laughing).”

(On have you changed anything since you finalized your draft board) -“The board is set. The board is in its place. I wouldn’t say it’s completely set. Do I know what I want at eight? I have a pretty good feeling at what I want at eight. If the player is not there at eight I have got a pretty good idea of what I want if that player is not there. You have to have a contingency plan and a contingency plan to the contingency plan. So how many times have I changed my mind? Every time I see another good player that’s a consideration at eight, I’m like ‘woo’ that would be a good player to have. I think there’s some really good players in this year’s draft, especially in the top 10. I think some really impact players.”

(On knowing what you’re needs are this year) -“Yeah, absolutely. To me, I think they’re pretty glaring to me and so I haven’t really changed too much what I’m looking for in this year’s draft. I think you go into every draft looking for core position players. You’re looking for guys that can make an impact and certain guys that can block premier pass rushers and guys that can make big plays down the field. Create big plays on defense. You’re looking for those types of guys.”

(On a player not flourishing on college level, but flourishing in the professional level) -“Depends on what me and my staff upstairs feel. If we feel that’s the case, then we wouldn’t draft him. But I’m not going to worry about the gurus out there feel about a player. Depends on what we’re talking about. Are we talking about in the third round or the first round? (laughing) Certainly, if I feel like that and my staff feels like that, then he’s probably not a consideration at eight.”

(On whether he considers offensive linemen impact players) -“Do I consider offensive line impact player? Let’s see, it depends if it’s the right guy. Yeah certainly, I would consider him an impact player. A guy could start 16 games every single year and Pro Bowler, I think that’s a pretty impactful player, sure.”

(On how impactful is a player’s stock increase or decrease prior to the draft) -“Tough. To me, that doesn’t change a whole lot. To my staff, that doesn’t change a whole lot. We start the process and it’s a good question because soon as my scouts get on the road in the middle of December without any time 40s or combine workouts. We sit there and watch the tape. We put a football grade on them. Put them on the board and then we’ll do it again in February after the bowl process so we watched these guys as a group, graded them as a group, evaluated them haven’t necessarily gone through the checks and balances of the character and some of that stuff. We’ll put a football grade on them. I would say very few, very few change drastically from December, February to April.”

(On how high can a player rise in the draft after the college season) -“We have a couple of guys like we had a fifth round grade on and jump to a third round. There’s some guys that maybe didn’t have some of the production in 2011 that they did in 2009 and 2010. So best time of the year from February to April gives us an opportunity to really search back and their Sophomore seasons and their Junior seasons to really to really kind of grind in on some of that stuff you’re going through, and the scouts on the road they really not getting the opportunity to sit down and grind the past years and so that’s when guys will start rising when you get the chance to really get deep into their production from years past.”

Comments

[Regis Phillbin]

Geez...
Imagine if the Dolphins did become the
"NFL's Gay Team"

I think I'd jump out of a window!

[Ivan]

I had to ban my son from reading this disgusting filth blog. The Miami Herald should be ashamed to let this go on.

[Cooz]

http://dolphintalk.wordpress.com

They talk about FOOTBALL there.
.
.

[odinseye]

The kid was good enough to move three times back and forth and then come in his last season and put up very good numbers. Thats an athlete right there and a guy who can adjust quickly to adversity.

Posted by: finflam | April 22, 2012 at 12:12 AM

That's great for a High school or College football team. The NFL? Not so much. The NFL is full of professional specialists. There ALL GREAT ATHLETES. But the ones that succeed are the ones that become freak specialists at their positions.

The simple fact that Tannehill moved back and forth so mant times is a GIGANTIC red flag. Sure it means he's athletic, but it also means he couldn't come in and solidify himself as the best QB on the team.

Those other QB's he couldn't put on the bench, Johnson and McGee, they are great athletes as well. But, they are also working for UPS now.

Pointing to Tannehills athleticism is just a polite way of saying: "Jack of All Trades, Master of None!

Believe me, Franchise QB's are Masters!

[odinseye]

Fifty,

Amen Brother!

I don't care about other peoples sexual preferences one way or the other. However, when it's presented the way the Blog Hit Trolls throw it around it's nothing short of disgusting.

I come here for Dolphin Football Talk! Not to listen to two shameful Gaytards that are too insecure to come out of the closet.

Their so ashamed of themselves, yet they use this blog as a means to "Come Out". The problem is, they're doing it the cowardly way.......Anonymously!

Pitiful really, when you understand their predictament.

[Mark]

how does Ireland keep his job?

[odinseye]

Look at Me and Craig M.

We're disagreeing about the most touchiest subject related to Miami Dolphin Football. Yet not one cross exchange. No name calling, no Bullshyt.

Two Bloggers who aren't afraid(or ashamed)to state their opinions(under the real sign in names)and stand behind them. We did it in a pretty cool manner as well.

Then take a look at the Blog Hit Trolls "contributions" over the past few hours(past few years if you want to get technical).

Anywhoo, My Wishlist:

1. Kuechley.

2. Stephen Hill.

3a. Package this years 3a, 5th and next years 4th to move up and take Cousins.

3b. Kelechi Osemele OG/OT.

4. Nigel Bradham OLB.

This wouldn't address our need for a pass rushing bookend to Wake. Starks, Odrick or McDaniels would have to do.

But it would give us the BEST 4-3 linebacker corps in the league. Dansby would become our pass rushing weakside backer. Bradham would get Defensive Rookie of the year awards at Strong Side Backer if it weren't for Kuechley edging him out. Kuechley plays and prepares like Zach Thomas, except he's 6-3 245 and clocks a 4.5 forty!

As much as I want to take a chance on Coples or Floyd, Kuechley is the RIGHT Pick. Behind Luck, Griffen and maybe Kalil, he's the most sure fire perrenial Pro Bowler in the draft!

[odinseye]

He sounds a lot like Zach in his mental preparation as well. Even to the point of knowing teammates assignments on any given play.

I got this from a scouting analysis:

Kuechly’s calling card is his instincts for the position, which led to 532 tackles in just three seasons at Boston College – a ridiculous average of 14 tackles per game, including 7.9 solo.

“I think I’m a smart player. I think I do a pretty good job preparing myself,” he said. “That’s something I take pride in. Being prepared, and knowing what each individual guy is responsible for. I can point at different guys, and let them know what they’re doing if they have questions. I take pride in having the ability to do that. And doing that, and knowing what everyone is doing, you can play faster. It allows you to be more successful.”

And he welcomes comparisons to past and current NFL players known primarily as great tacklers. A popular comparison is former Dolphins perennial Pro Bowler Zach Thomas.

“To be mentioned with somebody like him that had a great career like him that played in the NFL that long, it’s a great honor,” said Kuechly. “It’s good to emulate people like that because they had great success.”

[The SMF]

Fifty Shades,
When the Phins made the move to BACKDOOR football, by introducing the BACKDOOR wildcat as a way to cover for NoodleArm's NoodleArm, they made every player, employee and fan of the Dolphins look like a h omo in front of every football fan in America.
Try and deny it.
Punk MF

[The SMF]

Odin (aka Aloco aka YG),
Dude you spend at leat 16 hours a day in here.
Every day yo.
That means you are not doing other things during that time.
I will not list the other things you are not doing.
Jusy cool it ok.
There are 2 bloggers here: me and you.
That's it.
Nada mas.
Everyone else has a life.
You and I are every poster on here using different names.
We are the h omos and those disgusted by h omos.
So don't get carried away.

[odinseye]

No Mas Ho Mo!

I use only one sign in name.

You don't have a life because you're a Loser.

I on the other hand(speaking of other hands, you should wash yours)am completely off work(getting paid through comp)awaiting NECK/Spine surgery. I'm on SEVERE restrictions.

Yet I still have a life. Matter of fact, I had a date tonight with the Brunette(I know, I know, you absolutely abhor the mere mention of the finer sex. Live with it). I'm trying to reconcile with her. Forgive me, but I'm in love with the Girl!

I fvcking hate being in Love, but I just can't help it.

Anywhoo, all I've been doing lately is laying around, getting laid, taking pain pills and drinking VERY RESPONSIBLY!

Did I mention getting laid? By a female?

You should try it again sometime. That one time with your half sister doesn't really count. Don't judge all women on the one bad inbred realationship you had.

Did I mention my feel Good pills? Oh yeah, and I'm getting paid. It's called Workmans Comp. If you ever, by some osmosis, find employment and then get injured on the job, you'll learn all abou.......awwwwwwwww, never mind. Who are we kidding? You'll never find a job. You got it too easy living in Mom's basement and playing "pitch and catch" with Lil Smalls.

Did I mention Workmans Comp? Yeah, their paying my wages while I'm laid up, getting laid and Laid Out!

And how was YOUR day?

[odinseye]

Odin (aka Aloco aka YG),
-------------------------------------------------------

Not even. You know better than that. You know how I know you know better? Because YOU are ALoco and YG. If you're not, you impostor them EVERYDAY, so for all intents and purposes, you are.

Dude you spend at leat 16 hours a day in here.
Every day yo.
-------------------------------------------------------

You know better than this too. This just another of your borish routines in which you try and deflect away from the fact that what you accuse others of, is ACTUALLY what you yourself are guilty of.

I got your MO down so bad dude, don't even try it.

That means you are not doing other things during that time.
-------------------------------------------------------

Sheer Genius-LOL!

Ya think? Gee Einstein, without you we could of never figured out that when I'm blogging.......ah........I'm BLOGGING!

Are you even aware of how Gaytarded you are? Seriously, I'm starting to wonder?

I will not list the other things you are not doing.
Jusy cool it ok.
-------------------------------------------------------

Hallicinogenics? Meth? You got me on that one-ROTFLMAO :)

There are 2 bloggers here: me and you.
That's it.
Nada mas.
-------------------------------------------------------

Don't you mean GayTard Trolls? You and Lil Smalls? I'll bet you're still wondering how I got Lil Smalls nickname-LOL!

Everyone else has a life.
-------------------------------------------------------

Except you and your GayTarded significant other, AGREED!

You and I are every poster on here using different names.
-------------------------------------------------------

Dude, this is Odin you're talking too. NOT Lil Smalls. You been smoking to much of that stuff again? For real, are you gonna make it? Maybe you should get off the computer and get your cell phone. Well, I mean Mom's cell phone(I'm sure you don't have one). Anyways, it's 9-1-1.

We are the h omos and those disgusted by h omos.
So don't get carried away.

Posted by: The SMF | April 22, 2012 at 01:40 AM
-------------------------------------------------------

Yes you and Lil Smalls are. But guess what? We all already knew that. I know you're NOT going to believe this, but it's pretty obvious to the rest of us.

PS: Put the Pipe Down, keep Smalls out of your mouth for the rest of the night and get some sleep. You sound like you're about to come unglued Pee Wee Herman Style ;)

[odinseye]

Riley Reif, OT – 6-3 313

However, his best-documented display of footwork at Iowa occurred before he even suited up when, in 2008, he outran Iowa City police for 20 minutes before being arrested for public intoxication. – Frank Cooney, The Sports Xchange

He out ran the police for twenty minutes while intoxicated?

I thought I was Da Shyt just because I could recite the Alphabet!

[Odin's Liver]

Did I mention Workmans Comp? Yeah, their paying my wages while I'm laid up, getting laid and Laid Out!
And how was YOUR day?
Posted by: odinseye | April 22, 2012 at 02:08 AM

More evidence of Odin uselessness. Odin I hear they have goverment assitted suicide in Sweden, We'll take up a poll to get you a one way ticket, Just leave us your E-Mail.

[Odin's Liver]

Odin, You could'nt get laid in a 5 dollar ho house with a fistful of fiftys.

[oscar canosaWTH!]

None of you need to Fear nothing, What Will be,will be. It will NOT be coincidence, rather our Collective Intention thst will make It happen. Keep on pushing for your plsyer snd It will be done.

[oscar canosaWTH!]

It has always been the Intention.

[Michael Grouper, Jr.]

Melanie is going to have ice cream and William is getting ham.

[Professor Lou]

Here’s an interesting read:

http://thebiglead.com/index.php/2012/04/13/nfl-draft-2012-beward-the-fast-rising-qb-historically-many-of-them-have-been-busts/

[Kris]

Its time to draft a GAME CHANGER on D.....a 3 down Lineman...or LB.....a legit #8....

Not some crack-pipe wish of a QB...who may play in 1-3 years....if he is a bust...(and we have to wait 3 years to find out right....38 games or some crap was the Henne line....) Then we have just set our program back 6-7 years....

No thank you sir......

[Kris]

3 down D-lineman....

[Professor Lou]

This is spot on:

Positives:
Very good size, arm strength and athletic ability to move around the pocket. Can thread the deep out and make stick throws when his feet are set. Can snap it quickly from a multitude of arm angles and hasten his delivery when needed. Can create some plays outside the pocket. Physically tough — can take a hit. Good caretaker — protects the ball and gets rid of it under duress (was sacked nine times as a senior). Intensely competitive. Well-spoken. Serious, business-like demeanor. Highly focused and determined.

Negatives:
Worked heavily out of the shotgun. A bit duck-footed — noticeable in his drops. Carries the ball low and tends to pat it — too much wasted motion in delivery. Release point often drops low, resulting in too many batted balls. Developing field vision and passing instincts. Can be rattled by the blitz — eyes drop to pressure. Seldom steps up in the pocket. Ball placement is inconsistent. Muddled decision-maker. Frequently bird-dogs his primary target, telegraphing passes and forcing the ball. Streaky performer — flustered by onset of adversity and too often did not come through in the clutch. Wound too tightly. Is coming off foot surgery, and durability needs to be examined.

Summary:
Having only converted from receiver midway through his junior season, Tannehill is far from a finished product and his mechanics still will require refinement. Clearly possesses NFL starting-caliber physical talent but will need a few years of seasoning before he’s ready to handle live bullets. Struggled to find rhythm in a timing passing game and could be best suited for a vertical attack. Would be best entering a situation where he could be patiently groomed, yet based on the need for quarterbacks, is a strong candidate to be overdrafted and forced into action earlier than he should be.

——————————————————————————–
PFW has Tannehill rated as a 2nd round pick.

[Mrs. Gladys Byrne]

Heaven.

Heaven is a place.

A place where nothing.

Nothing ever happens.

[Chris in the 623]

Right or wrong don't see how Ireland could pass on Tannehill if he's there at eight. The simple reason is job security. We as fans have been told time and time again that Tannehill will not be a factor in his rookie season so our first round expectation would be nada and JI would pretty much get a pass in 2012.

However, if Ireland goes against the grain and foregos an early QB the fanbase will be out for blood and demand a competitive team in 2012. Another bad year might spell the end for Ireland. Although poisoned with the Parcellian archic philosophy I think JI is a smart guy and probably knows this.

[jpao]

I love the fact that the last several posts are about Ireland. Seems to me his decision in the first round is an easy one this year.

The Tannehill decision should come down to what Sherman has to say about him. If he TRULY BELIEVES in him then it seems like the #8 pick decision is easy for Ireland. You have to take him, put him on the bench for a year and allow Joe and Mike to develop him. He'd be ready to go when the contracts are up for Moore and Garrard.

If Sherman doesn't want him then Ireland's decision is still easy at #8. He simply takes Best Available Talent and combines it with team Need, which the team has many. He can go with best available RT, DE/OLB, WR, S, or CB. Nobody could kill him for selecting any big talent guy who plays these positions.

[Craig M]

Chris in 623,

That's kind of how I would have expected it too but it's aparent by most on here that they don't want him taking Tannehill at 8. I don't get that. Biggest blackmark on the team's last 15 years has been no top ten QB. Here's a CHANCE....and guys don't want it. The funny thing is, many of the guys who blasted Ireland for not taking a third round QB at 15 last year in Mallett, are now plasting him for potentially taking what THEY call a third round QB at 8 this year. What am I missing? Wasn't there just as much, if not more risk in taking Mallett last year? Riddle me that Batman.....

[cocoajoe]

Right or wrong don't see how Ireland could pass on Tannehill if he's there at eight. The simple reason is job security. We as fans have been told time and time again that Tannehill will not be a factor in his rookie season so our first round expectation would be nada and JI would pretty much get a pass in 2012.

However, if Ireland goes against the grain and foregos an early QB the fanbase will be out for blood and demand a competitive team in 2012. Another bad year might spell the end for Ireland. Although poisoned with the Parcellian archic philosophy I think JI is a smart guy and probably knows this.

Posted by: Chris in the 623 | April 22, 2012 at 11:25 AM
-------------------------------------------------------
Exactly Chris. Drafting Tannehill will give Ireland at least 1 and probably 2 more years of employment. Talk about job security!

[Professor Lou]

This is the Year Of The Feeding Frenzy! Miami's #8 pick is going to be all about kicking the crap out of Brady, not trying to compete against New England in 3 years. Whether Miami takes Ingram or Coples at #8, one thing is for sure; with Ingram or Coples on 1 side, Wake on the other and Starks and Odrick in the middle the defense will be putting guys like Brady on their backside all year. Go gettim' boys!
"The Feeding Frenzy Is About To Begin". Read it on the blog.

[cocoajoe]

BTW, for all you Ireland supporters, PB Post has chart on past draft pics ('08-'11) chart. Enjoy...LOL

[I Watch Football On TV!]

The Dolphins should listen to the finely-honed expertise of their brilliant fanbase so that they acquire difference makers like Brady Quinn and Kyle Orton.

Heed the demands of your genius fans, Mr. Ross!

[Craig M]

Lou,

Seriously? You really think adding Coples or Ingram is going to be the reason we compete with NE this year? We're a mile away right now. What was it, 14 wins last year versus 6? Brnad new coaching staff, brand new offences and defences. Adding a lineman isn't going to cause to be THAT many more games better. It's time to reload at the position we've ignored for too long. 8-8 would be a surprise this year and that's not going to get it done.

[Dolfan Rick]

I don't see how you turn drafting "impact" players into taking a player who'll hold a clipboard the whole season.

Of course Ireland alway talks in circles anyway. You never have a clue what he is going to do.

If you put any stock at all in the mocks it will be Tannehill. They are fairly accurate with at least the top ten in the first round.

Last year most had us taking Pouncey with just a handful predicting Ingram.

[We Have Draft Picks]

"....Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland admitted he tried to acquire depth during this year’s free agency period to free him from the shackles of need in this week’s draft. Ireland didn’t say it, but common sense says that also opens up the ability to be more daring when picking, taking chances on players with higher upside."

This is from David Neal's column & I have no idea wtf he's talking about--ALL this team has are NEEDS!!!!

To 'free him what the shackles of need????' How about the 'shackles' of needing to find a starting WR or a starting RG or a starting RT or a starting FS or a passrusher????

For everyone out there who wants us to take a QB at Number 8 they need to understand that regardless of what the media may be saying about Tannehill he's not a first round prospect let alone a top ten prospect. He's too inexperienced, his skills are raw, & there's just not enough evidence from his college career to suggest that he can be a good NFL QB.

In other words you don't just take a QB to take a QB. We had a chance to take Brady Quinn @ 9 in 2007 & people were whining about not taking him. Just b/c you take a QB high doesn't mean he's going to be any good. Plus I think Moore is good enough to win games as long as we protect him & give him people to throw the ball to.

[We Have Draft Picks]

***Correction

To 'free him FROM the shackles of need???"

[The Signal]

Tannehill is basically a second round talent, but let's take him at eight because we haven't taken a qb in round one for such a loooong time. Makes sense.

[Chris in the 623]

Personally I'd rather go with the best player available at eight then grab one of the second tier QBs in round 2. Remember, Tannehill WAS one of the second tier guys heading into 2012. And really what has he done to move up? Not much. His skyrocketing value has more to do with other guys, i.e. Barkley, and less to do with performance.

[I Watch Football On TV!]

Hi guys--

I like parroting the talking heads on ESPN and use ridiculous terms like "hip pivot," "initial burst," and "field awareness" in a desperate attempt to sound like I actually know what I'm talking about when in fact I don't have a clue.

I was told this is the place for me to find others who do this. Nice to be here!

[Dolfan Rick]

Craig M,

If they choose to draft a QB then so be it. Saying the lack of franchise QB is the reason for all our woes is inaccurate though.

The first half of the season last year we couldn't stop anyone on defense.

While I surely don't deny it wouod be nice to have an Aaron Rodgers,the 1st rd isn't the only way to get one. The Saint's got theirs through free agency,Brady was a sixth rd pick. Hell Curt Warner came from the Arena league. Or was it the World leaugue?? Whatever.

The point is reaching for a QB with 8th pick when we have plenty of other holes to fill just doesn't sound like a good plan to me.

The only caveat would be if Philbin and Sherman are just salivating that Tannehill is the pefect fit for their WCO.

[Tex]

Well, you can put mayonnaise on the head of a shark but you can't make him shave a penguin!

[Professor Lou]

Lou,
Seriously? You really think adding Coples or Ingram is going to be the reason we compete with NE this year? We're a mile away right now. What was it, 14 wins last year versus 6? Brnad new coaching staff, brand new offences and defences. Adding a lineman isn't going to cause to be THAT many more games better. It's time to reload at the position we've ignored for too long. 8-8 would be a surprise this year and that's not going to get it done.
Posted by: Craig M | April 22, 2012 at 11:45 AM

_________________________________

Based on that logic, if Miami does pick Tannehill at #8, we should all just stay away for 3 years and then come back to see how they do.

[Craig M]

Dolfan Rick,

I didn't say it was the ONLY reason but it may be the biggest. QB has been a revolving door for this franchise since Marino retired. That needs to stop. There's no harm in taking Tannehill at 8. Same guys who don't want him be the same guys who start complaining about Ireland AFTER THE FACT. We don't take a QB for the sake of taken one, we grow some b*lls because we haven't picked one since Marino and this is as good a chance as any, depsite what everyone is saying. Third round QB. Second round QB. Who cares! The one thing you hear CONSISTENTLY from GMs in the NFL, 'you can't win in the league unless you have a QB'. We don't have that QB right now (and I like Moore). He's limited. He'll only take us so far. So we miss, we keep drafting top ten. Who cares! The alternative is to draft top 15, which is what we've being conistently doing. We're not getting there with Colpes and whoever else until we address QB...period.

[Professor Lou]

The best "fit" for this team at quarterback is, by far, Kirk Cousins because he's a WINNER! That's the only thing you need to know about a guy, that he can win.
Saying Tannehill is the best pick for them at quarterback because he's got the size, the arm strength, mobility and he played in Sherman's WC-style offense at A & M and he SHOULD turn out to be their quarterback of the future is like saying you can "spread mayonaisse on a shark and expect him to shave a penguin."

[Dork Central]

You guys don't get much attention from the ladies, I'm guessing.

[Professor Lou]

When it's Miami's turn to pick @#8 on Thursday, the chant in the room will be "Melvin, Melvin, Melvin!"

[Dolfan Rick]

You guys don't get much attention from the ladies, I'm guessing.

Posted by: Dork Central | April 22, 2012 at 12:12 PM

My lady is right here with me Dork. The question his why is a little fairy on a football blog?? I'm sure Disney has a site for you!!!

[Craig M]

Yeah that's good, Lou. That's what a loyal fan would do. I'm sure that's what the Packers fans did when they got ZERO help from their first round pick in Rodgers for three years. Not a chance. They got behind the pick and supported the team through thick and thin. Don't you think they could have used help somewhere else for three years? Didn't matter. They got the right guy and he grew. I brought up the fact that I had a coffee with his top receiver in College this week and he said 'there's no way in Hell he would have done what he did so far if he's started from day one'. This is a guy who knows more about the game than you or me. He played at a top college program and had lived it. Knows the guy intimately. Packers wanted him there but he had knew problems. Didn't work out. Rodgers worked nd learn and became league MVP. Must have been a complete fluke. No way could that ever happen again. Impossible, right? QBs are either ready or they're not....comlete garbage! Brees is a MUCH better QB today than we entered the NFL. Same with Manning. What we see in Tannehill today is not what he MAY become. He's worth the risk at 8.

[Craig M]

Gotta run guys....have a good Sunday!

[Professor Lou]

Craig,
The problem is nobody has a crystal ball so nobody knows what Tannehill will become. Anytime a player is taken in the first round, especially in the top ten, a team is "projecting" what he will be like 2 to 3 years down the road but there has to be something to go on also. There is nothing to go on where Tannehill is concerned other than that specualtion. He hasn't proven he has the ability to possibly be that player in 2 to 3 years.

[Professor Lou]

Cousins, on the other hand, despite not having the size, arm strength and athletic ability of a guy like Tannehill has SHOWN he can get the job done. Cousins is the #1 reason for the revival in Michigan State's football program over the past 2 to 3 years.

[Dolfan Rick]

Craig,

I'm not gonna pretend I know everything, I'm just playing devil's advocate.

I respect you know what your talking about but I'm not sure it's all that written in stone. There are many variables that can happen.

I'm actually usually the dumb homer that likes whatever we do at first.

I do have to point out though that Coples or Ingram could turn out to be another Pierre Paul, Floyd could be another Greg Jennings and I will admit i would rather have that than someone holding clipboard all year long.

You have to admit you have never seen Moore or Garrard play in the WCO. It's maybe a longshot but there is the possibilty one of them coud flourish.

[Fin 1984]

In what decade do we get a Franchise QB?

[Dolfan Rick]

If we went 13-3 next year and Matt Moore had a QB rating of 90. Would he get the opportunity to be a franchise QB??

[Fin 1984]

Dolphan Rick.... Matt Moore and franchise QB in the same sentence? Really?? Really? 13-3?? Really?? Pass the kool aid bro.

[Plain Stupid]

I don't get that. Biggest blackmark on the team's last 15 years has been no top ten QB. Here's a CHANCE....

Posted by: Craig M | April 22, 2012 at 11:37 AM

This is not a CHANCE. It is an ILLUSION. The same talking heads saying he is a top ten pick are the same guys saying he needs YEARS on the bench.

Sorry, if your team is even mediocre you will never get a top ten pick again unless you spend picks to trade up. Top ten picks are for immediate contributors, not for project players that will require 2 years bench and 2 years playing time before you even know if the pick was worth it.

[Not Fooled]

Anybody who would take your opinions seriously would probably also consult a tree surgeon for a quaderuple bypass.

[TGH]

So we had a nightmare off season following a nightmare season. We lose Mike Nolan and Brandon Marshall, have a novice HC, a cheapskate owner, and a classless baffoon for a GM thats hated by the fanbase as well as many players, coaches, and honest media. These incompetents dont deserve to win more then 6 games and they wont. JMO

[Dolfan Rick]

LOL @Fin 1984,

I'm not drinking any cool-aid dude. I've just been watching football for a longtime and seen stranger things happen.

I just saying we missed on Manning, we're not getting Luck or RG3.

Like i said before if the Dolphins think Tannehill is their guy then so be it. I can get behind that.

Initially they were looking for someone to start this season. No way Tannehill is that guy.

They don't have to draft a QB with the 8th pick whos not ready to appease this fan.

[Not Fooled]

This is the same fanbase that was howling for Brady Quinn and Kyle Orton. Don't even TRY to deny that.

The absolute DUMBEST thing the Dolphins could ever do is start drafting to "appease" this bunch of clueless nitwits.

[Eric Nelson]

I wish this franchise was being guided by lesbians instead of these foolish, middle-aged white men who have no vision or creativity.

I recently read that lesbians are not only one of America's wealthiest and most accomplished demographic groups, but also among the best educated.

Their creativity, drive, and productivity is legendary.

Surely, there must be a lesbian business group or consortium that would be intrigued with NFL ownership.

I pray to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that one of these lesbian groups comes and takes control of the Dolphins from Ross and Ireland!

[The Signal]

Didn't Mickey Gilley have a song out years back?

The Quarterbacks All Look Prettier At Closing Time.

Just don't want the Dolphins to walk away from round one with a 5, just because the 10's were already taken.