One of the defensive back draft prospects that caught the eye of many so-called gurus and experts the past month following the Senior Bowl and Indianapolis Combine is Florida International University's Jonathan Cyprien.
Here's hoping he has the attention of the Dolphins.
No, I'm not saying the Dolphins should draft Cyprien. I've never seen him play in person and have questions about him being even a third-round pick. I'm thinking fourth or fifth based on what I know.
But I hope the Dolphins do their homework on this guy because, well, it is embarrassing or should be when guys who played two, three, four years a few miles from where the Dolphins conduct business go to other NFL teams and succeed.
It suggests the Dolphins are asleep about guys that are right under their noses.
Doesn't happen, you say?
Let me share a couple of names:
Jimmy Graham.
T.Y. Hilton.
Sam Shields.
These guys played either at FIU or the University of Miami. And all were either mid-round picks or, in the case of Shields, not drafted at all.
Yet in each case, other teams valued the players more than the Dolphins. It suggests other teams knew more about the local players and had a greater conviction about them than the Dolphins.
Even when the Dolphins had those players playing a automobile ride away. Even when the Dolphins had the added advantage of being able to bring those players to their camp for "local" visits while other team would have had to bring them in as part of their more valuable "top 30" visits.
That's bothersome.
And as Cyprien is one of the few locals coming out of either FIU or UM this year, I sincerely hope the Dolphins really, truly grind on his tape and workout and interviews and history.
Again, I've not seen Cyprien play in person. But FIU beat reporter David J. Neal has the past two years. This is his breakdown on the player:
"Good size with a powerful neck and upper body makes him a boon in run support and why he can play strong safety as well as free. His speed to the ball is deceptively good, whether playing the run or the pass. He loves contact, which you want even in today’s NFL, but he sometimes seeks it out too readily. Play-action and a little shiftiness in a receiver or set victimizes him. But especially in the short zones, he’ll anticipate the play and get there with a shot at the interception.
"He’s a natural leader and a salt of the earth kind of guy you don’t have to worry about hearing from at 3 a.m. unless he’s pulling a teammate out of trouble. That Cyprien’s direction and leadership often seemed to fall on clogged ears last season is one reason FIU’s defense had an Open End Zone policy during the first eight games."
All this suggests Cyprien should be a keeper in the NFL. For the Dolphins, who might need safety help, the marching orders should be to know more about him than any other NFL team.
Because he played just down the road.
This is a bad football team folks,with next seasons schedule,the phins will be 3-13 and the homers will be crying and making up more excuses for the QB and GM.
Posted by: Dink% | February 28, 2013 at 10:43 AM
Damn spell check I meant couldn't not could play special teams.
Posted by: Darkoak | February 28, 2013 at 10:43 AM
Darkoak, agree 100%. But you have to give him that 2nd year because he does have specific skill sets. If he doesn't expand them, then cut him.
Posted by: mike | February 28, 2013 at 10:44 AM
Egnew probably wont make the roster next season.
Posted by: Shula 73 | February 28, 2013 at 10:44 AM
Rdubs....
I think Geno would still be the #1....
Posted by: Kris | February 28, 2013 at 10:44 AM
Shula 73, ok then he's a bust next year, not now.,
Posted by: mike | February 28, 2013 at 10:45 AM
John Cyprien in the 5th round??? Mando, this guy could be gone before Matt Elam. He is bordering the first round right now.
Posted by: Hydrashock | February 28, 2013 at 10:46 AM
Tannehill would be a 3rd rd pick this year. He wouldnt even start for Texas A&M next year with Manziel there.
Posted by: mike | February 28, 2013 at 10:46 AM
Mike,
I don’t get into the mudslinging that is going on here, so I am not interested in a hostile discussion. But go back and read what you wrote. You come across very angry and uninformed. I’ll give you 1 item you were wrong about. Long has been hurt for several not just 1. (preseason vs Dallas he hurt his knee and was hurt all season)
Posted by: Roy 01 | February 28, 2013 at 10:46 AM
Any draft pick that doesnt see the field at all is a bust.
Posted by: mike | February 28, 2013 at 10:48 AM
Agree with Mike @ 10:46....the Barkley hype machine will kick in after his pro day...and he will be the 2nd pick....
Posted by: Kris | February 28, 2013 at 10:48 AM
Yeah he was hurt the past 2 years, but he was a pro bowler in 2011, even though he was hurt, look it up.
Posted by: mike | February 28, 2013 at 10:48 AM
Sparano was a better HC then Philbin IMO.
Posted by: mike | February 28, 2013 at 10:49 AM
Dink, go play with your Sanchez doll Jets troll
Posted by: bobbyd12 | February 28, 2013 at 10:51 AM
These guys played either at FIU or the University of Miami. And all were either mid-round picks or, in the case of Shields, not drafted at all.
Mando,
How about Alfred Morris from Florida Atlantic??? That school is in Boca Raton!!! The kid ONLY ran for over 1600 yards & had 13 TD's as a rookie.
However I'm going to give Ireland credit--which I don't often do--for FINALLY drafting Vernon & Miller from the U. Both players have HUGE upside & I hope we see the production this season.
Posted by: We Need Playmakers | February 28, 2013 at 10:53 AM
Everybdy has opinions Mike...and you're more than entiltled to your's....
but logic (sporano's career path) goes against you're opinion @ 10:49...
Posted by: Kris | February 28, 2013 at 10:53 AM
ninnies, if u'r inactive 4 14 of the 16 games, u aint on da roster.
lol
Posted by: 2 watt | February 28, 2013 at 10:55 AM
Fin77 other than wake-pouncey-tannehill-solai-carpenter-fields where is the talent on this team dude ? Philbin knows this roster blows no stars=MEDIOCRITY fin77 !! Bottomv line except for 70-74 81-85 90-92 97-2001 this franchise has and is a joke Period dude !! You guys do realize this is the 40.th anniversary since their last super bowl title and their 29.th anniversary since their last super bowl appearance !! You guys do know this right ?
Posted by: mace taggart | February 28, 2013 at 10:55 AM
mike,m 2011 was have been Tannehill senior season, so you'er right, he would not have started at TA&M this year. But he would have started last year. Manziel redshirted while Tannehill started in 2011. There's would not have been a reason to bench a QB who threw for 3700 yards, 61% completion percentage, and 29 TD's. And most of the experts such as Tannembaum, Pioli, and Kipper say Tannehill would have been the 1st QB chosen.
Posted by: mike | February 28, 2013 at 10:55 AM
Mike, Tannehill would be number 1 overall this year. He's far better than any of the quarterbacks in this years class.
Posted by: NeMo | February 28, 2013 at 10:56 AM
mike not in my opinion dumbo
Posted by: mike | February 28, 2013 at 10:56 AM
Kris, that was a fake me. Philbin is a much better coach.
Posted by: mike | February 28, 2013 at 10:58 AM
WNP, Miller looks to be the real deal. Hopefully Al Goldon will be putting more NFL players in the league in the near future. The U is coming back
Posted by: bobbyd12 | February 28, 2013 at 10:58 AM
mike @ 10:46,tannehenne was a qb that couldn't crack the lineup of 4 scrubs and switched to wr and was only called back to qb becuz the starta hurt his shoulder and gets the hc canned cuz he lead the team to 7-6 and the knucklehead pix him at 8.
lol
Posted by: 2 watt | February 28, 2013 at 11:00 AM
I got it Mike...
Posted by: Kris | February 28, 2013 at 11:00 AM
Tannehill looks more like a 7th rder then a 1st rd guy.
Posted by: mike | February 28, 2013 at 11:00 AM
I'm comfortable with Miller starting. Faster than Bush and bigger.
Posted by: mike | February 28, 2013 at 11:00 AM
"This is a bad football team folks,with next seasons schedule,the phins will be 3-13 and the homers will be crying and making up more excuses for the QB and GM.'
Dink,
I believe this WAS a bad football team in 2012. Philbin & the coaching staff did an unbelievable job of winning seven games with a rookie QB, the lack of talent on offense, the poor tackling, & the lack of turnovers. I also think Tannehill is not given enough credit for how well he played considering his protection was less than stellar. Sure he made 5 or 6 really bad throws that should have never made but overall he made the most of a bad situation & I hope last season has prepared him for this year.
It's definitely too early to say what type of team we're going to be this year. FA hasn't started & the draft is two months away. All I know is that a big time CB or WR or even a TE would really help right now.
Posted by: We Need Playmakers | February 28, 2013 at 11:07 AM
Just finished plowing through the OTs in this draft and Lane Johnson is a bad man. People who don't think Jake Long is athletic enough for this blocking scheme should get to know this guy.
Terron Armstead is another athletic freak. Of course Eric Fisher who may be the #1 - think it's going to be between Fisher and Johnson for #1 overall.
Anyone know anything about Reeid Fragel of OSU? he tested extremely well but has a low draft grade. Scouting report says he isn't strong enough but benched 33 times and finished with the 3rd and 4th best vertical and broad jumps amongst the top 20 OTs showing he has excellent upper body and functional lower body strength. Any Buckeyes out there to comment??
Posted by: Mark in Toronto | February 28, 2013 at 11:07 AM
mace,
I think you're missing a few guys on your list. How about Jones, Hartline (1,000 yard receiver) and Incognito? Yeah Cogs isn't a great player but he was an alternate for the Pro Bowl and I think he's the kind of guy who plays on a lot of teams OL right now. Notice you left Dansby, Burnett, Starks and Odrick off your list. Nobody is saying these guys are stars but they're not chopped liver either. Starks has been to Pro Bowls and is likely going to get franchised for $8.5. All told, a decent player. The defence was top third in the NFL last year, so they must have had some guys who could play. Agreed?
Posted by: Craig M | February 28, 2013 at 11:08 AM
2 watt, your wrong, when Tannehill came into TA&M there was a a Soph QB named Jerrod Johnson who started as a freshman. He was Big 8 Freshman of the Year and passed for 2500 yards, 21 TD's and a 137 passer rating. A freshman isn't going to best someone who has demonstrated success as Johnson did. In Tennehill's Soph season Johnson was even better, 3600 yards, 30 TD's 137 passer rating. But Tannehill did beat him out during his Jr year because he was the superior athlete, and because he protected the ball better. He played WE his 1st 2 years because as a leader he wanted to contribute.
Posted by: mike | February 28, 2013 at 11:09 AM
WNP, Miller looks to be the real deal. Hopefully Al Goldon will be putting more NFL players in the league in the near future. The U is coming back
Bobby,
I think you're right about the U. As for Miller-- the kid has a GREAT opportunity this year.
Posted by: We Need Playmakers | February 28, 2013 at 11:10 AM
We Need Playmakers, absolutely.
Posted by: mike | February 28, 2013 at 11:11 AM
"Rdubs....
I think Geno would still be the #1....'
Kris,
For real??? Not so sure I'd take him in the first round. I definitely wouldn't take Barkley after seeing Leinart & Sanchez flop. Maybe it's unfair but I'd also be cautious about taking a WR like Woods from USC.
Posted by: We Need Playmakers | February 28, 2013 at 11:14 AM
Mike/2watt/Shula73 Is there any way you could get a life and cut the act out, thank you.
Posted by: Please | February 28, 2013 at 11:14 AM
Lots of excuses for TanneBust.
Posted by: Just Sayin | February 28, 2013 at 11:15 AM
It's amazing to me that you dolphin fans really enjoy being irrelevant to the rest of the nfl ? I want to be like the Steelers-Pats-Giants--Packers-Ravens build through the draft and be relevant !! No more excuses dolphins fans, just start doing it right through the draft !!
Posted by: mace taggart | February 28, 2013 at 11:16 AM
I disagree that Starks gets tagged, I think he will sign or walk but most likely sign. If we tag anyone I think it will be Long and either as a one year can you get healthy contract or to set up a trade.
Posted by: Darkoak | February 28, 2013 at 11:16 AM
"Just finished plowing through the OTs in this draft and Lane Johnson is a bad man. People who don't think Jake Long is athletic enough for this blocking scheme should get to know this guy."
Mark,
That's EXACTLY what I've been saying. Assuming we don't resign Long the question is whether he'll still be there @ 12. And then there's this--why did we draft Jonathan Martin & what do we do with him??? I'd rather see Garner @ RT than that marshmellow.
Posted by: We Need Playmakers | February 28, 2013 at 11:19 AM
I have been mike, shula73, and 2 watt. I'm trying out just sayin, what do you guys think, clever right?
Posted by: just sayin | February 28, 2013 at 11:19 AM
Tannehill doesn't need excuses, he performed pretty well for a rookie.
Posted by: mike | February 28, 2013 at 11:19 AM
Has a 7th round qb ever thrown for over 3000 yards their rookie season? Tanne was throwing behind a line he KNEW was going to get him killed each game. Had bess and the dude from invincible to throw to all season. What did anyone really expect? And don't bring up trading marshall...HE asked for the trade!!!! When is the last time a dolphin qb ran for 200 yards in a season and was a viable weapon in the redzone? Maybe fiedlers first year?( who I liked by the way. Warrior at qb).
Posted by: Sammo | February 28, 2013 at 11:20 AM
mace, Ireland can not build thru the draft.
Posted by: Jay | February 28, 2013 at 11:20 AM
"It's amazing to me that you dolphin fans"
What's more amazing is the fact that you are not a fan of the team but hang out in a fan blog all day. Explain that one.
Posted by: just sayin | February 28, 2013 at 11:21 AM
It's amazing to me that you dolphin fans really enjoy being irrelevant to the rest of the nfl ? I want to be like the Steelers-Pats-Giants--Packers-Ravens build through the draft and be relevant !! No more excuses dolphins fans, just start doing it right through the draft !!
Mace,
Add the Niners to that list. Other than that I couldn't agree more. Way too early to judge last year's draft but other than Pouncey the 2011 draft appears to be falling apart at the seams...Not too late on Thomas & Clay but they need to stay healthy & show they belong this year.
Posted by: We Need Playmakers | February 28, 2013 at 11:23 AM
mace,
ehmmm....what would you call last year in the draft? Takes time man. We gotta stop throwing picks around like they're candy. We gotta stop with the Pat White picks and the Patrick Turner picks. No more trading picks for clowns like Marshall. The Davis trade was a thing of beauty. More trades likes that.
Incidentally, there's a story out there this morning that Pat White will throw at his College schools Pro Day. The guy wants back in the NFL. I don't know whay this guy doesn't come to Canada. He do well playing in the CFL. Money's not great but that's how you make a name for yourself again.
Posted by: Craig M | February 28, 2013 at 11:23 AM
I figure if I use enough names and agree with myself it will really seem like fans hate their own team.
Posted by: just sayin | February 28, 2013 at 11:24 AM
WNP....
notice I didn't say it was right....I just think its the way it is....Barkley's camp will make him seem like the best thing since "sliced bread" after the pro-day....some GM in rd 1 will bite....Geno already looks like a better "pure" (passer to me) than Tanne....and it is entirely possible that Tanne could have lost hi job to his Manziel this year (hypothetical).....
In short....
Yes I think Geno is a better passer @ this stage...
Yes I think Barkley's hype machine will make somebody reach for him...and then be VERY SORRY....
Posted by: Kris | February 28, 2013 at 11:24 AM
The Fins get rid of their best players every year. No wonder no one goes to their games anymore.
Posted by: Monte | February 28, 2013 at 11:26 AM
Well we shall see.
Posted by: mike | February 28, 2013 at 11:28 AM
The defence was top third in the NFL last year, so they must have had some guys who could play. Agreed?
Craig,
Top third??? LOL...You can find positives with anything. It's the lack of turnovers & the poor tackling that needs to change. I'm hoping that Dansby's injury was the reason for some of those missed tackles.
This is what people keep missing about Smith. Yes all CB's are going to get beat in single coverage but when you get your chances to force a turnover you MUST capitalize on that & he hasn't done that in four seasons. If another team wants to pay him upwards of $5 Million a year...Great for them.
Posted by: We Need Playmakers | February 28, 2013 at 11:32 AM
Craig M....
we don't know wha Pat White could have been because he got screwed by the Sporano Regime....
before he got KNOCKED THE F%K OUT....we ran the same draw play like 4 time in a row....the 5th time Clark sized him up nicely....
no imagination from that crew....I'm rootung for White....I hope he does well...maybe gets picked up in the supplemental....
Posted by: Kris | February 28, 2013 at 11:35 AM
OK WNPs,
Where would you put the defence last year. We scored about 19 points a game last yearand still finished 7-9. I'd say that's not bad, considering the way the offence played last year.
Has nothing to do with 'finding positives in anything'. Tell me where you'd put the defence from last year.
Posted by: Craig M | February 28, 2013 at 11:40 AM
WNP, I know I pump Jake Long's tires all the time but honestly, I see Lane as a top athlete in the draft in comparison to his peers. I know we wouldn't draft him if we re-sign Long but if stupid Martin wasn't around then this guy would be a top contender for our pick and he may be if jake walks and the line may actually be better. As far as martin goes in that scenario, he'd definitely be the RT as he's the inferior athlete. Whether he can produce there, I don't know. I tell you ... I really hate the guy though ...
Posted by: Mark in Toronto | February 28, 2013 at 11:40 AM
As a matter of fact...the NFL should instutute a rule....
If you were forced to play under Sporano...then you should get a clean slate do-over...NO QUESTIONS ASKED.....
This includes Sanchez/tebow and the jets offensive players as well....
Posted by: Kris | February 28, 2013 at 11:41 AM
And WNPs,
Why are we STILL talking about Sean Smith? The guy's gone from all I can see and hear. No worth the money he's looking for. Looks like most people on here are in agreement about that.
Kris,
Not sure White would have to go through any supplemental drafts. He's a FA and can be invited to anyone's camp. Probably how this thing plays out to be honest. And I'm rooting for him too. I just think he's going about it the wrong way. His game would be very much suited to the CFL. Mistake he isn't going that route.
Posted by: Craig M | February 28, 2013 at 11:43 AM
I do kind of agree that the Dolphins should be scouting the state of Florida hard. In your backyard or not it's probably in the top 3 highest recruited state.
I would think undrafted fa's though would be where we have an edge and we probably do try-out a lot of guys from local schools. In the draft you just can't always get who you want to. 31 other teams are drafting too.
If you were going to lay that sort of blame on someone though it should go back further than Ireland. Some fans and media have been saying we don't get enough in state guys for years.
Posted by: Dolfan Rick | February 28, 2013 at 11:44 AM
Mark I'm concerned about Martin as well. He allowed 57 sacks/hits/hurries in 12 which was the third most in the league! Yeah he was a rookie and played all 16 games, but heres hoping he improves a lot in year 2.
Posted by: NeMo | February 28, 2013 at 11:44 AM
Craig M....
18 PPG.....yuck...dam rookie....
http://espn.go.com/nfl/statistics/team/_/stat/total/sort/totalPointsPerGame
Posted by: Kris | February 28, 2013 at 11:45 AM
Kris,
Joe Flacco: Rookie season: 2,971 yards, 14 TDs and 12 INTS and 60 per cent comp %.
I know you're a Flacco guy. Put Tannehill's numbers beside Flacco in their rookie years and he compares favourably, with a lousy supporting cast. If you'd been a Baltimore fan in '08 you'd be clamouring for QB competition at the position after Flacco's rookie season. Look who he's become. We need to give Tannehill that chance.
Posted by: Craig M | February 28, 2013 at 11:53 AM