Live blog chat here at 2 p.m.

There's plenty to talk about the Dolphins as they prepare for the Combine next week.

So this is a good time for a live chat.

I'll be here at 2 p.m. and if you are here, we can discuss the team. If you cannot be here then, leave your questions or comments now and I'll address them. You can check back later to see my response to your comment.

Topics on the table:

All free agency -- Miami's own and those about to be cut loose by other teams.

The draft. Who fits. Who doesn't. Miami's needs.

Anything else that comes to your mind.

Before anyone asks: The team has said the new logo will be unveiled in April. So that's out of the way.

 

Comments

[jared]

Wouldn't re-signing Randy Starks to a lucrative deal indicate Ireland doesn't feel comfortable in his ability to find another diamond in the rough amongst young, free agent rotational DT's? Say what you will about his tenure, but sat the very least Ireland seems to know how to find D Lineman. Re-signing Starks to me seems like it may be a poor allocation of resources relative to Ireland's abilities. WR, CB, TE and G are the positions he has historically struggled with. Sign or re-sign guys at those positions. Let guys at other positions walk and replace them cheap.

[Matt from Reno]

Why is Texas A&M so much better without Mike Sherman & Ryan Tannehill? I understand Johnny "Football" won the Heisman, is that the difference?

[david]

Gene Atkins was a bad seed. From what I recall he was something of a cancer on the roster, and not a positive guy at all. I'm pretty sure he engaged in some bizarre, criminal behavior not long after he left football--including torching a house or business. Perhaps Armando recalls it better.

[We Need Playmakers]

Mando,

Assuming Ireland's tells Jake--& more importantly his wife Jackie--that he should start looking for a new home do you think we'll resign Garner??? And do you believe the Dolphins think he's a viable option to be our starting RT next year???

[Armando Salguero]

Jeremy and everyone:

I have to confess I need to do more studying on the draft eligible TEs. But Eifert seems only a borderline seam-threat to me.

He's not Jimmy Graham. He's not Shockey in his prime. He's not vernon Davis.

He's more complete than those guys because he's a good blocker. But is he a guy that is going to flash down the middle of the D from the 25 yard line in?

He reminds me of a better Fasano. He reminds me of Bavaro.

[Yoyo]

Armando, if Miami has another losing season in 2013 and Ireland is fired, how likely is that Philbin is fired too, and if that were the case, what would be your opinion?

[Yesterday's Gone 4Ever!]

Armando,

Are you taking a crap? 45 minutes into the blog and youve answered less than 10 questions. LOL...

[Vontae's Grandma]

Armando,

I think all LB's outside of Wake are weak. I do think the dolphins should draft better LB.

Would you use a 1st or 2nd rounder for on a LB. when we need more offensive weapons?

[NeMo]

Mando not a question here, but check out some tape on Sharrif Floyd from Florida as a TE in the draft. Eifert and Ertz have more hype, but I think Floyd in the second round would be great value.

[bidniss]

Sorry to but in your question WNP but I personally do think Garner is a viable option at RT next year and I think he should be resigned before FA

[Armando Salguero]

Vacaro is a fine college players. But I think you will start to see that safeties are less and less important in the NFL because the league is restricting hits.

I would not use a NO. 12 overall on him. Just my opinion.

Trade down into the 20s and then? Yes.

But again, the club re-signs Chris Clemons, the chances of Vacarro being the guy become less likely.

CBs, folks. CBs!!

[Kris]

Gotta agree with YG....

You state don't ask a LOGO question...then you answer a LOGO question....

[Yesterday's Gone 4Ever!]

Im out guys, seems 1 question gets answered every 15 minutes. The real world calls. Have a great day gentlemen. LOL....

[Armando Salguero]

Kris, if the Dolphins don't post a winning record -- maybe even if they don't make the playoffs -- I don't see how Ireland survives after the season.

You cannot keep your job if you are around four consecutive losing seasons and come out of an offseason with so much cap room and draft picks with another losing record.

So if there is teflon, it is at risk in 2013.

[Jeremy in the Canadian Cowtown]

Armando what are your top 5 CB`s in order.

[We Need Playmakers]

WNP....

How is that even possible....its like that FRIDAY movie....

"how are you gonna get fired on your day off"....

Kris,

Nothing makes sense about Ireland still having a job in Miami. At this point I've come to the conclusion that Ireland MUST be in the possession of compromising photographs of Ross doing something SO embarrassing that he gave Ireland a lifetime pass on all personnel mistakes.

[SOD]

How so??? Either he's a lead back or not. I say he's not. That's not on the coaches, that's on Ireland for overpaying for Bush & not being able to find a legitimate starting RB.

Posted by: We Need Playmakers | February 15, 2013 at 12:49 PM

I disagree. How many games did we have D.Thomas get the bulk of the carries? Look at the rushing stats for those games. Bush isn't a every down back and injury is an issue but he FAR better than miller and Thomas.If used correctly he is dangerous should be lining up n the and the backfield 50/50. We used him wrong.

[Armando Salguero]

Yoyo, teams that hire new GMs usually allow that GM to pick his coach. The ones that don't re dysfunctional.

Like the Jets.

[david]

The logo question was to set straight the dim bulbs here who continually insist the team's football people are somehow consumed with this process instead of working on the team itself. It's stupid beyond belief that anyone would think that.

I thank Armando for answering it.

[Armando Salguero]

Garner is not a priority guy. He is a backup RT. That's it. The Dolphins will probably re-sign him at some point.

[Kris]

Way to make me look like an @ss Armando....

answer my question right after talk crap....lol.....

thanks for the answer....

[We Need Playmakers]

Sorry to but in your question WNP but I personally do think Garner is a viable option at RT next year and I think he should be resigned before FA

Bidniss,

As do I. I've always liked him & when healthy Garner's done a nice job. I believe he's a better RT than Martin who is REALLY not a RT anyway. I just hope Martin can be a good starting LT...

[Phintastic]

I say pick up Jennings and draft a speedster in draft and let Jennings put the wr's under his wing, he knows the Offence already . I also thinks we should address cb's in free agency I would pay Sean smith upto 7 mil a year if he wants more let him kick rocks.

[Kris]

David....

I understand....

[Armando Salguero]

Brad, everybody has Dee Miliner going in the top 5.

I don't see it. He's good. He's not top 5 good. He's a product of one of the better systems for DBs that I've ever seen -- Nick Saban's.

The guy could turn me into a CB. Well, maybe not. But he's great.

My point is, I think he just might be there lower -- maybe even at 12. If he's there, then yes, I would take him.

But is he going to be awesome? Got my doubts.

[SOD]

To say Hartline is a bench warmer on any decent team is asinine. He was 16th in the league in Yards, 22nd in Receptions. But yes, the TD production was not there.

Posted by: bidniss | February 15, 2013 at 01:17 PM

He isn't any better then half of the leagues number 2's so why would you pay him number 1 type money? He has good hands but he is average to below average speed , don't run great routes and doesn't create consistent separation. I would like to keep him but wouldn't value him over 5.5 maybe 6 mil. Bush is a better value but we have more talent there.

[Mokiki's Sloppy Swish]

Armando,

What is your feel for Eric Fisher? This guys stock has exploded?

[Armando Salguero]

CBs:

I like Banks from Miss ST.
I like Rhodes, he's a pain in the neck for WRs.
I like Milliner, obviously.

[oscar canosa]

Wallace no here. SS si.

[Kris]

Armando...from the 5:28 post...

Bush or Hartline....

[bidniss]

I just personally think you valuation of Hartline is off right there SOD. He also isn't going to get paid #1 money but will get #2 money, and I think he should. I disagree with all of your points except seperation, he does lack the above average ability to create one on one seperation cinsistantly.

[Armando Salguero]

Vontae's grandma, The Dolphins are happy with their starting LBs in that they are not an early round priority. The team does need some depth there. Look to later in the draft or cheap FA.

[Armando Salguero]

Fisher will be gone by the time the Dolphins pick, IMO.

If Long does not return and he's there, Fisher becomes an option if he is there.

[Armando Salguero]

Kris, don't understand 5:28.

What about Bush or Hartline?

[promichael]

Jeremy and everyone:

I have to confess I need to do more studying on the draft eligible TEs. But Eifert seems only a borderline seam-threat to me.
======================================================
ARMANDO,
THAT WAS THE REASON FOR MY QUESTION. THE DRAFT DOES NOT HAVE MANY GOOD TIGHT ENDS AT BEST. THEREFORE GOING TO FREE AGENCY WILL HAVE TO BE UNDERTAKEN.

[Kris]

Armando....

if you can only sign ONE...who do you take....

[NeMo]

Mando, does the team think John Jerry has improved enough to keep him as their starting right guard next season ?

[Jeremy in the Canadian Cowtown]

Looking at the very bottom of our roster for next year Armando, who of the sort of practice guys do you see making the team next year. Burden, Grey ,McDonald, Fuller McCray...

[Armando Salguero]

Ohhhhh.

Hartline.

How does a team get rid of its most productive WR two years in a row and get better at WR? Hard to do.

[Cj]

Hey Armando is there any chance they go back to the 70's logo look.

[We Need Playmakers]

"He isn't any better then half of the leagues number 2's so why would you pay him number 1 type money? He has good hands but he is average to below average speed , don't run great routes and doesn't create consistent separation. I would like to keep him but wouldn't value him over 5.5 maybe 6 mil. Bush is a better value but we have more talent there."

You're making two conflicting statements. First you don't believe he's better than half the Number Two's in the league (which is definitely not the case) & then you said you wouldn't value him over $5.5 or $6 Million??? Even for the biggest Hartline supporters such as myself I don't value him over $6 Million a year so why on Earth would you possibly pay that much money for a guy that you believe has average to below average speed (also not true), doesn't run great routes (not sure where that analysis comes from) & doesn't create separation??? That sounds like a guy who is fighting for a roster spot???

[Armando Salguero]

Promichael,

I have stopped underestimating the Dolphins inability t recognize 1. The need for a seam-threat TE and 2. identifying one to draft or sign.

It's like a blindspot for this organization. I do not get it. I have stopped assuming they get it.

[bidniss]

Winner
Winner
Chicken Dinner

[Kris]

I hadn't thought about it that way....as a matter of fact...NOBODY on this blog has presented it that way....

But I still go with Bush....he scores TDs...

[Armando Salguero]

Oscar, chulo get some help porque estas de madre.

[We Need Playmakers]

"How does a team get rid of its most productive WR two years in a row and get better at WR? Hard to do."

Mando,

Ding!!! I'd say not possible & why on Earth would a team even want to try to find two guys that can equal or surpass that kind of production??? So much for helping a young QB to develop chemistry...

[oscar canosa]

Hell, I'm the farthest from being a chulo. What part of Cuba did you say you were from?

[macca]

To the doubters Hartline is very good number 2 wr and will get paid.

The Pats will be all over him and he will be a 100 catch a year man. Not a number one but better than most number 2's. Great hands, great leaping ability, tough, decent speed and runs good routes. just needs to get in the endzone more

[DC Dolfan]

Are they going to try to keep Matt Moore? Or on to Devlin?

[Armando Salguero]

Kris, Bush scores TD because he gets the ball in his hands 250 times a year.

Don't compare him to other Miami players on the TD thing. Compare him to other RBs. Bush had 6 TD last year.

Trent Richardson had 11. Is Trent Richardson elite, in your opinion?

Are the Browns a great offense?

Scoring TDs is great. But lets have some perspective.

[Frank Moore]

Mando, based on what you saw of him, do you think Martin has the ability to play LT in the NFL? I like his feet, but he's sorely lacking in strength. Your thoughts?

[MiamiD20]

Well, I would look at it this way @WDP how many other defenses would you rather have over Miami's?

I have: Pitt, Baltimore, SF, Houston, Seattle, Chicago, NYG, Denver, Atlanta ... as defenses that are better, from there you have Cincinnati? Green Bay? Minnesota?

Im not a fan of stats but in regards to this argument we'd need to look at points allowed per game. I think Miami was ranked in the top 10 closer towards top 5 (7, 8 maybe?)

[oscar canosa]

You draft Luke Joeckel now, ya hear.

[Kris]

Armando.....

you are making me re-think my Bush man-crush....

[Armando Salguero]

The question on Matt Moore is he going to stay with Miami?

He wants to compete to start. It will not happen in Miami. So he will test the market and see if that is possible.

If someone steps up, he's gone. If no one steps up, he'll try to return to the Dolphins as the backup earning backup money.

[Hydrashock]

A seam-threat TE? what about Jordan Reed???

[bidniss]

I like Matt, would like to see him stick around. But can't blame the man at all for moving along and trying to be a starter in this league.

[dusty bottoms]

tell me this thing about making smith our franchise player is a joke

[Armando Salguero]

Frank, I think Martin will be a sold B LT if he improves his strength both in the upper and lower body.

I am assuming that because he is a smart guy and takes coaching very well, he will apply himself this offseason to refashioning his body.

I also like his little nasty streak.

But here is my concern: I've heard from some people that Martin is not a big workout guy.

Soooo, that should concern. If that is not true, I have no worries. If he hates working out, that's a problem.

[Yoyo]

Considering that Miami is the second youngest team in the league, how long you can expect the team to be a contender from a maturity and continuity stand point?

Thanks.