Miami Dolphins In Depth

Clabo signed: Dolphins may NOT be finished

This morning the Dolphins seemed to cross the line of no return in committing to Tyson Clabo as their right tackle and Jonathan Martin as their left tackle by signing the former Atlanta Falcons player to a one-year deal.

The Herald's Barry Jackson was the first to have the story.

Financial figures are not yet available but Clabo was hoping to recover the $4.5 million he was scheduled to make with the Falcons in 2013 before he was cut as a cap casualty.

And now Miami's offensive tackle issues are fully addressed, right?

Well, maybe.

The fact remains that while the deal to acquire Branden Albert is at best on life support and probably will not happen, it is not fully, completely dead. Yes, the Dolphins have moved on with Martin as their LT. Yes, the Chiefs have gotten Albert to sign his franchise tender and have declared that Eric Fisher will play right tackle.

The clubs have both privately said this issue is over.

Have you heard of posturing?

Did you know that teams return to apparently dead trades all the time? Years ago the Saints and the Giants haggled for months about Jeremy Shockey and failed to consumate a deal by both teams' imposed draft deadline. The deal was dead -- until it wasn't and was completed in July.

So this may not be totally over and here's the reason:

The way it has been explained to me, the Dolphins needed to get over three obstacles to land Albert:

They needed to get him in for a physical and needed him to check out fine.

They needed to agree to compensation with the Chiefs.

They needed to agree with Albert on a new contract.

The Dolphins never got over the first hurdle. They weren't allowed.

This deal stalled dead on the tracks because the clubs couldn't agree on having Albert drive from his home in South Florida to the Dolphins medical team and get an MRI and do other tests to see the condition of his back. You'll remember the offensive tackle missed five starts last year with back issues.

Well, the Dolphins wanted to check that issue out prior to going forward with the trade. The Chiefs wouldn't allow it. They wanted the Dolphins to do the trade and a deal and have it all be contingent on the physical afterward.

That, I am told by a league source, is hurdle that tripped this deal.

So what if somebody changes their mind after the start of training camp? What if the Dolphins get on the field next July and suddenly feel queasy (a Joe Philbin word) about Martin at left tackle? Remember, Martin allowed more hurries than any tackle in the NFL in 2012, according to ProFootballFocus.com.

What if that great leap in ability most players make from their rookie year to Year No. 2 doesn't quite hit like the Dolphins hope for Martin?

On the other hand, what if the Chiefs suddenly decide that Fisher is so good and so capable -- he was, after all, the first overall selection this draft -- and start to believe putting him at left tackle will be better for his career and the team longterm?

The door might re-open from either side.

Maybe the Chiefs relent on the physical because they see Albert as healthy. Maybe the Dolphins relent on the physical because of need.

Then there is this: The Dolphins could use another left tackle. No doubt about that. Martin today is the starter. But what happens if he's injured? The fact is the Dolphins are a better team with Albert as the starting and proven left tackle and Martin and Clabo fighting on the right side for the starting job. And if Albert goes down, then Martin can swing over and start there while Clabo starts are right tackle.

As it stands now, if Martin goes down, the Dolphins don't have a starting left tackle and there's no easy solution for replacing him.

The Dolphins could still use Branden Albert.

Impressions of rookie camp -- all one day of it open to media

Unlike other NFL teams, the Dolphins rookie camp is closed to the public and closed to the media after the first day. So the three-day event is mostly, well, closed.

But these are my impressions of what I saw the one day it was open:

First round draft pick Dion Jordan didn't practice and so didn't do anything impressive yet, as I write in my column. He'll miss a couple of OTA days. He'll be back for the June minicamp but probably still won't be ready to work. He's looking to take care of his shoulder injury and be ready for competition during training camp.

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Former Michigan safety Jordan Kovacs, an undrafted rookie free agent signee, knows how to make an impression. He was a walk-on at Michigan and rose to prominence and had something of a cult following in Ann Arbor. He knows the way to draw attention and that's hit. He did plenty of that, taking some liberties at times in the defensive backfield. He also had an interception. So he's got my attention, at least.

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Yes, running back Mike Gillislee was good in his first practice of rookie camp. He ran with authority. He hit the crease hard. No shuffling of his feet. No chopping. I like that. Will that translate to anything once hitting starts? No idea. But good start.

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The competition for kicker will be real. Kicker Caleb Sturgis connected on a couple of 50-yard tries. No, he's still not been in the fire of a pressure kick with his job on the line. But the kid kicked in The Swamp for the Gators. He's played in front of crowds much bigger than what the Dolphins will see in the preseason. I don't get the vibe that he'll be nervous.

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The Dolphins need to find good athletes and good system-fit players when searching for corners. Let's face it, Sean Smith wasn't a fit. He's better as a press corner. The Dolphins don't play press coverage. Jamar Taylor seems better suited for the off-man scheme the Dolphins use. And he said what he's seeing from coaches is similar to what he saw at Boise State.

“Most of it is similar, just different terminology you’ve got to get used to," Taylor said. "But most of the plays are kind of similar.”

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The Dolphins brought a couple of QBs to camp, including undrafted free agent Clay Belton of Findlay. He's has a way to go. A long way. His delivery is methodical. Takes too long. His accuracy is inconsistent. His footwork needs to be tightened up. He has a live arm, that's for sure. But I understand why he wasn't drafted.

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I mentioned Jamar Taylor above. Third round pick Will Davis looked every bit as natural and like he belonged. He had an interception. Good first day.

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Receivers Jeff Fuller and Brian Tyms -- both with the Dolphins last year -- were at the first day of rookie camp. Inconsistent. All I'm saying on that.

Dolphins undrafted free agent list right here

The Dolphins start three days of rookie camp in the next few minutes.

Amid the team's draft picks will be tryout players and undrafted free agents the team signed.

This is the list of undrafted free agents:

Barker, Chris               G         6-2       305      08/03/90         Nevada                        Fontana, Calif.

Belton, Clay                 QB       6-5       232      12/12/88         Findlay                        Dayton, Ohio

Brenner, Sam               C          6-2       301      04/27/90         Utah                             Oceanside, Calif.

Bumphis, Chad            WR      5-10     196      10/18/89         Mississippi St               Tupelo, Miss.

Burnette, Chris             DT       6-2       285      02/15/90         Old Dominion              Baltimore, Md.

Clay, Michael              LB       5-11     230      08/30/91         Oregon                         San Jose, Calif.

Collins, Junior             WR      5-10     180      11/28/91         Mt Union                     Geneva, N.Y.

Francis, AJ                   DT       6-0       309      05/07/90         Maryland                     Severn, Md.

Highsmith, Alonzo       LB       6-0       234      11/21/89         Arkansas                      Missouri City, Texas

Johnson, Keelan          S          5-11     209      09/26/89         Arizona St                    Mesa, Ariz.

Kovacs, Jordan            S          5-10     205      06/12/90         Michigan                      Curtice, Ohio

Liaina, Ina                   FB        5-11     240      01/03/90         San Jose St                   Oxnard, Calif.

Marshall, Cameron      RB       5-9       211      10/14/91         Arizona St                    San Jose, Calif.

McCabe, Rob               LB       6-0       231      11/02/90         Georgetown (DC)        Newton Square, Pa.

Okpalaugo, Tristan      DE       6-4       245      10/10/89         Fresno St                      Livermore, Calif.

Onyenekwu, Emeka    DE       6-3       251      03/10/90         Louisiana (Lafayette)   New Orleans, La.

Sinkfield, Terrell          WR      6-0       198      12/10/90         Northern Iowa             Minnetonka, Minn.

Stockemer, Taylor       WR      6-4       215      10/26/89         Arkansas St                  Van Buren, Ark.

Ward, Patrick               T          6-6       305      01/11/91         Northwestern               Homer Glen, Ill.

Rookie camp today ... production starts NOW

Sometimes patience is necessary. Me, I waited a long time before I got my life right. It took me a while to come to Truth.

But I wasn't drafted by the Miami Dolphins.

And so I had the benefit of time.

Dion Jordan doesn't.

Jamar Taylor probably doesn't.

Dallas Thomas and Will Davis shouldn't.

Everyone else is on scholarship, sort of.

What I mean is the Dolphins rookie draft class is on the clock -- again. No, they're not waiting for their names to be called by Commissioner Roger Goodell. We're now waiting for their names to be penciled in to the Dolphins starting lineup. We're now waiting for them to begin contributing as Dolphins players.

It begins today. The Dolphins will hold their first rookie camp practice at 2:30 p.m. (be here for live updates). And so production of some sort, learning, advancing toward a goal of contributing needs to begin. Today.

Take Jordan for example. He was the No. 3 overall selection. I read somewhere that talked about him being a project. Whaaaat? Look, I recognize he's not a finished product. He's got to learn techniques taught by Dolphins assistants. He's got to learn the scheme. He's got to adjust to the pace of the game. All that.

But he's the No. 3 overall selection. He's a pass-rusher. He needs to produce as a rookie.

Aldon Smith did. He had 14 sacks. Von Miller did. He had 11.5 sacks. As rookies. Jason Taylor and Jevon Kearse and DeMarcus Ware, the players the Dolphins most associate with Jordan, all produced to some degree or another as rookies. Ware had eight rookie sacks. Taylor, a third-round pick, had five rookie sacks. Kearse had 14.5 rookie sacks.

And none of them were the No. 3 overall pick in the draft.

Frankly, the NFL today is made for pass-rushers to produce at a high level. Teams are throwing more than ever so there are more opportunities. Tackles are being left on islands more than ever, so there are more one-on-one possibilties. And for Jordan, that should be more the case because if someone is getting doubled, it'll be Cameron Wake.

So the opportunity will be there.

Produce.

Expectation alert here: I believe a solid year for Jordan would be seven to nine sacks. That's not spectacular. That's not babying the guy. That's solid production. Your thoughts?

(Peanut gallery and Dolphins apologists: But, Mando, the important statistic is hurries. Don't put pressure on the kid with a sack total. It's not nice.)

Ahh, the peanut gallery is back. I'm not putting pressure on Jordan. The Dolphins did that when they picked him No. 3 overall. You get plucked that high, you better get off the career blocks strong otherwise the pressure builds exponentially. As for hurries being the more fair statistic, fine. I expect 7-9 sacks and 12-15 more hurries.

There is obviously less pressure on Taylor. He's a second-rounder.

But he too is being counted on heavily to produce in 2013. Have you seen Miami's veteran cornerback corps? Questions everywhere. Is this guy's Achilles going to be right? Is that guy's back going to be right? Is the other guy really worth $4.6 million?

It would be great if the rookie could follow in the footsteps of past rookie corners who played very quickly -- Sam Madison, Pat Surtain, Vontae Davis, Sean Smith. Yes, I know only two of those players worked out longterm. But they all contributed early on even if they didn't all start right away.

The Dolphins would like that from Taylor. They need that from Taylor if the vets who are troubled by questions don't have the right answers.

Eventualy, perhaps by next season, Taylor also must be a starter. There are no two ways about it. Second-round picks are busts if they don't start.

Third-round picks get more latitude, obviously. Look at Michael Egnew. Look at John Jerry. They get some time. So Thomas and Davis have that time now.

No one will blink if they don't earn starting jobs. But Davis should be at least a special teams contributor. Heck, Thomas should contribute on teams as well.

Mike Westhoff, the great former special teams coach, once told me he knew if a player was going to be a player on offense or defense by how he played on special teams. If he had it once he got on the field on teams, he was probably going to factor at his position. He said it was rare for a linebacker, for example, to be a great defensive player without having a clue how to make a play on special teams. So there's that.

Bottom line is the Dolphins added these players to get better. Some will add depth. Some will be projects. Some will help special teams. Dion Jordan, meanwhile, is a puppy that needs to bare his teeth in 2013. Jamar Taylor needs to do that at some point in the season and definitely beyond.

It begins today with the opening of rookie camp.

{Blog note: Come back later for the undrafted free agent signing list. Also I'll give real-time updates on the camp, if Internet service is running, starting at 2:30 p.m. So come back. You should also follow me on twitter @Armando Salguero]

Bryant McKinnie to the Ravens

He visited the Dolphins. Then he visited the Chargers. He got offers from both. So, of course, it makes sense the Baltimore Ravens landed Bryant McKinnie.

The Super Bowl champions had been hovering over the negotiations for the veteran left tackle the entire time -- in stealth mode, so to speak. And when neither the Dolphins nor the Chargers offered significant deals to the former University of Miami player, he went back to the team with which he spent the last two years.

Baltimore.

The Ravens announced the deal is for two years.

McKinnie, 33, did not start any games during the regular season last year. Basically, he was fat and out of shape the entire season. He was also in offensive coordinator Cam Cameron's doghouse. But Cameron was fired late in the season and McKinnie got in shape.

He was then inserted into the starting lineup for the playoffs and neutralized talented pass rushers Dwight Freeney (Colts), Von Miller (Broncos) and Aldon Smith (49ers).

The Dolphins were shopping for McKinnie because they believed they could get him as either a starter or experienced backup to Jonathan Martin. The club is also trying to sign a veteran right tackle.

Despite their apparent need, the Dolphins didn't want to overspend for McKinnie. His camp told The Miami Herald they were never in the same ballpark with the Dolphins. And the offer from San Diego wasn't any more appealing, obviously.

By the way, Jared Gaither, cut by the Chargers earlier this year is still on the market. But The Herald's Barry Jackson is reporting the Dolphins have shown no interest in him as of this afternoon.

How the trades are playing out for the Dolphins

Within the last year the Dolphins have made three intriguing (some would say controversial) trades that exchanged players for draft picks -- the present in exchange for the future.

Well, the future has arrived in the form of actual people. So now we can look at what the Dolphins got in return for trading Brandon Marshall, Vontae Davis and Davone Bess.

In the spring of 2012, the Dolphins traded Marshall to the Chicago Bears for two third-round draft picks, one in 2012 and one in 2013.

The Dolphins used the pick last year in a trade down with San Diego but the outgrowth of that trade was the selection of tight end Michael Egnew with the 78th overall selection and the selection of receiver B.J. Cunningham with a sixth-round pick, the 183rd overall selection.

This year, Chicago's third rounder was the 82 overall pick.

The Dolphins traded that pick to New Orleans for two fourth-round selections, Nos. 106 and 109 overall. The Dolphins then picked TE Dion Sims with the 106th overall selection.

The Dolphins traded 109th overall selection, a fifth-rouner (146 overall), and a seventh-rounder (224 overall to Green Bay for the 93th overall pick, which is a third rounder. With that pick, the Dolphins selected Will Davis, the cornerback out of  Utah State.

Bottom line for the Marshall trade?

The Dolphins traded Marshall, a fifth-rounder, and a seventh-rounder for Michael Egnew, B.J. Cunningham, Dion Sims and Will Davis.

The Dolphins traded Bess, a staple at the slot receiver position since 2008, plus their fourth-rounder (111 overall) and a seventh-rounder (217 overall) to the Cleveland Browns during draft weekend. The Browns sent Miami a fourth-rounder (104 overall) and a fifth-rounder (164 overall).

The Dolphins used the fourth-round pick on linebacker Jelani Jenkins and the fifth-round pick on running back Mike Gillislee. 

Bottom line fof the Bess trade?

The Dolphins traded Bess, a fourth-rounder and a seventh-rounder for Jelani Jenkins and Mike Gillislee.

The Vontae Davis trade is much easier to follow. The Dolphins traded their former first-round pick to the Colts for a a second-round pick. The trade delivered the 54th overall selection in this draft.

The Dolphins used that selection on another cornerback -- Boise State's Jamar Taylor.

Bottom linne for the Davis trade?

The Dolphins traded Vontae Davis for Jamar Taylor.

It's going to be interesting how all this plays out eventually.

Marshall went to the Pro Bowl in Chicago as he had the year before for the Dolphins. Egnew was a tremendous disappointment as a rookie and B.J. Cunningham was cut last year. It's seemingly up to Sims and Davis to redeem this swap.

But you must remember, the Dolphins got rid of Marshall because he didn't fit their culture. They didn't like him arguing with teammates (Chad Henne, Davis, Igor Olshansky) or coaches. They were concerned about his domestic violence issues.

So, I suppose, they would argue trading Marshall helped team chemistry and whatever talent it brings is a plus. I would say if Marshall, who has not had any reported problems with teammates or the law in Chicago, continues to be a solid citizen for the Bears, this deal will be judged solely on talent. So the onus is on Egnew, Sims and Davis to bring some sort of return for Miami's move because Marshall has so far done that for the Bears.

The Bess trade is interesting. He had an injury issue with the team at the end of last season that seemed to cause friction. He wasn't going to get nearly as many targets this year with the addition of Mike Wallace and Brandon Gibson. So the Dolphins were comfortable not having him.

Of course, that assumes no one is injured this year. Having Bess as a No. 4 wide receiver is a solid fall back option. It certainly provides more certainty than Rishard Matthews, or Jeff Fuller or Armon Binns. So there is a bit of a gamble here.

Meanwhile, the Dolphins got a solid special teams performer and perhaps passing-down contributor in Jenkins. Gillislee? He has the feel of a special teams guy at best. It's going to be hard for him to be on the 53-man roster, in my opinion, based on his play at the University of Florida. He is good injury insurance, however.

The trade I'm most encouraged about, believe it or not, is the Davis for Taylor trade.

People I speak with around the league seem to love the Taylor pick. Jeff Ireland really liked that pick, too. There are whispers within the organization that if Taylor is consistently for the Dolphins what he showed at times at Boise State, he can win a starting job in Miami and be better than Davis.

If that's the case, the Dolphins would be getting good value for the trade -- starting cornerback for starting cornerback. If not?

You know the answer. 

A look at Miami's tackle auditions

Eric Winston.

Tyson Clabo.

Bryant  McKinnie.

Winston Justice.

Let's play pick the offensive tackle!

The Dolphins have basically conducted an open offensive tackle tryout this week in order to try to fill their most glaring need remaining this offseason.

All of the players they've brought in to audition for the part have been excellent to good NFL players at one time. All of the players they've brought in are no longer the players they once were. All of the players they've brought in have been cast off by other teams now, some of them by multiple other teams. All of the players they've brought in want significant money -- at least $3 million for one season. All of the players they've brought in are probably just one-year solutions, in the Dolphins' mind. All of the players they've brought in had to work during their visits.

This is a tryout, not a classic free agent visit. Yes, there are meetings with the coaching staff and meals and so forth. But all the players have been or will be put through a work out on the field.

So which player will the Dolphins pick?

Which is the best option?

Obviously, we're not allowed to see the workouts. So assuming all the players are in relatively equal shape (probably a bad assumption) the Dolphins have to also judge a variety of factors.

Injury history.

Contract demands/desire.

Character/Culture fit.

Right off the bat if one of these players is willing to play for one year and relatively cheaply, he has an advantage. I don't know that any will do that, but that's out there. I would assume that the most expensive of the bunch would be Bryant McKinnie because he's the only actual left tackle of the group. Left tackles are more valuable.

The problem is McKinnie is clearly the worst character and culture fit. He's not Chad Johnson, as I mentioned in a previous blog post because he hasn't really been in constant legal problems. But he has been known to be a headache to coaches -- even last year in Baltimore. He is also an unrepentant partier. He has even recently hosted a party at a local club in Pembroke Pines as recently as two weeks ago.

Now, there's nothing wrong with partying. But even if McKinnie isn't the king of all partiers, he's royalty. And as the Dolphins are within 12 miles of Pembroke Pines and South Beach is down the coast a bit, this can lead to some distractions and negative example setting.

Just saying.

Winston, Clabo and Justice are not saints. But they're not in McKinnie's league at all.

Injuries?

McKinnie is clean in this regard. He didn't start a game last season during the regular season but that wasn't due to injury. He was overweight (another red flag) and out of shape (red flag) and it took him much of the season to get back in shape. He started every playoff game at left tackle.

Clabo last season managed a hip injury but continued to add to his 101 starts with the Falcons. He has not missed a game in five seasons. The chart below is missing a start in 2012.

Justice is not quite the iron man. He has started 16 NFL only once in his seven previous seasons, that coming in 2009. He was limited to 12 games last season with Indianapolis.

Eric Winston, like Clabo, answers the bell. He has started 16 games every year since 2007.

The age issue isn't really one. Look, the Dolphins know each man's age. They still brought them all in. This signing won't be a long-term affair. Even if the eventual contract signed is a multi-year deal, in all probability this will be a one-year rental.

Sidenotes:

The Dolphins are not the only team searching for tackle help. The Chargers need help at left tackle. The Ravens do also.

All are relatively interested in McKinnie. The Dolpins are really the only team trying out right tackles because they believe Jonathan Martin on some level can play left tackle. The Raven have Michael Oher and still would rather have a left tackle. The Chargers just drafted D.J. Fluker to play right tackle.

It should be interesting to compare and contrast how the three teams address the same need going forward. To me, however, this is starting to feel a bit like a Marc Colombo redo. I've seen this scenario before.

Dolphins wanted Josh Boyce over Jelani Jenkins

Post-draft stories of players expecting to be on one team and winding up with others are interesting to me.

I have two such stories for you involving the Miami Dolphins.

Both involve Florida Gators and, ironically, in the end the Dolphins ended up not picking a Florida player they liked while landing a Florida player they liked less than someone else. This is the story of former Florida tight end Jordan Reed and former Florida linebacker Jelani Jenkins.

The Dolphins, it seems, wanted Reed. According to a source close to Reed, Miami got on the phone with him during the third round and told him they were going to select him with their second of two third-round picks (No. 82 overall).

So Reed was on stand-by waiting for the 82nd pick and hearing his name called to the Dolphins when he saw Miami had traded the pick to New Orleans. He ended up going with the 85th pick to the Washington Redskins.

The Dolphins obviously thought a deal sending the 82nd pick in exchange for two fourth-round picks (106 and 109) was better value than picking Reed. And that was that.

The Dolphins had a high fourth-round grade on TCU receiver Josh Boyce. They got on the phone with Boyce at the top of the fourth round and told him they were going to select him with the seventh pick of the round, No. 104 overall.

But as soon as Boyce got off the phone with Miami, the New England Patriots called and told him they were going to pick him with the fifth overall pick in the round. The Patriots had acquired that pick earlier in a trade with Minnesota.

The Dolphins resorted to Plan B and picked Jenkins with the 104th selection.

"As soon as I got off the phone the Patriots called me,” Boyce told The Fort Worth-Star Telegram. "You never know. I’m just glad God gave me the opportunity to get drafted. I can go forward from there."

Boyce is a rare blend of size (206 pounds) and speed (4.49) who also happened to produce in college. He caught 66 passes for 891 yards with seven touchdowns in 2012. He had 61 catches for 998 yards and nine touchdowns in 2011. He caught a 94-yard pass against West Virginia last season.

The Patriots, obviously trying to add weapons for Tom Brady, must have seen an opportunity. The fact they snatched Boyce from the Dolphins?

File it under post-draft stories that always come out after the fact.

Read more here: http://sportsblogs.star-telegram.com/colleges/2013/04/former-tcu-receiver-josh-boyce-was-thinking-he-was-headed-to-miami-for-about-two-minutes-just-before-the-new-england-pa.html#storylink=cpy

Bryant McKinnie visit could signal legit interest, or not

I was told last week by a Dolphins source the team would have no interest in Bryant McKinnie as a left tackle option because ...

1. There were weight concerns. (He was overweight much of the 2012 season before finally getting in shape just in time for the playoffs with Baltimore).

2. There were culture concerns. (McKinnie is a vet used to doing things his own way. He's had issues with coaches before. Joe Philbin doesn't love that sort of stuff).

3. There were off-field concerns. (McKinnie hasn't been consistently in trouble with the law or anything. In fact, other than an arrest in 2008 in Miami for getting into a fight and then resisting arrest without violence while at a local club during a night of partying, he's been clean lately. The issue is McKinnie's penchant for partying. He has been known to drop $100,000 on liquor in one night. And, as a reminder, the Miami Dolphins are headquartered very near to Miami and South Beach),

3. He's going to be 34 years old. And if the Dolphins want him on a one-year deal, he's going to cost at least $3-$4 million.

So I was pretty confident the Dolphins wouldn't be interested in McKinnie because I was told as much and because of the reasons outlined above.

Well, Bryant McKinnie visited the Dolphins on Monday.

And aside from making me look dumb, the fact the Dolphins are kicking the tires on the veteran left tackle speaks to a handful of possibilities -- not all of them obvious to the average observer.

Possibility 1. The team is simply kicking the tires to see if McKinnie is even a remote option. The visit Monday was said to include a physical. It's called due diligence. It's a date. It's not a marriage.

Possibility 2. The team is trying to gain leverage as it prepares to take another run at Branden Albert. If general manager Jeff Ireland is going to go back to the Chiefs (again) he can't be perceived as having no option other than landing Albert. So getting McKinnie to visit is good for everyone. It gives the perception that McKinnie is an legit option -- even if he really isn't. And that's good for Miami. And it gives the perception that teams are interested in McKinnie -- even if they really aren't. And that's good for McKinnie's market. So feeler visits help everyone.

Possibility 3. The team is trying to gain leverage on Eric Winston. Remember that aside from looking for a left tackle, Miami has a choice of signing a right tackle and putting Jonathan Martin at left tackle. That would mean needing a right tackle. Winston is the most viable right tackle choice out there but the club and he haven't seen eye-to-eye on what it would take to make the idea work. A little leverage doesn't hurt that process.

Possibility 4. The Dolphins are seriously interested in McKinnie. If this is the option, then the Dolphins see McKinnie as a stopgap guy that played well in the playoffs even as he approaches the end of his career. They would be banking they can milk at least a year out of the guy. By the way, if this is the truth, then the Dolphins are seriously down on Martin as a left tackle option.

McKinnie, by the way, texted the Baltimore Sun and told reporter Aaron Wilson that the visit in Miami went well. Yet, no offer was made and McKinnie might take other visits, namely with San Diego.

Me?

I still find it hard to believe Bryant McKinnie is a Joe Philbin kind of guy. I find it hard to believe that Jeff Ireland, who doesn't like adding 30-somethings, much less 30-somethings with a checkered history, hasn't learned his lesson that it rarely goes well.

Remember Chad Johnson. How'd that turn out?

And having said that, the Dolphins indeed signed Johnson. So maybe they haven't learned a darn thing from such experiences.

One on one with Jeff Ireland

Following the last round of the draft on Sunday, Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland agreed to speak with me privately after his open media availability.

This is how it went:

Mando: Your shining moment in this draft?

"Well, obviously I went after the player [Dion Jordan] I really wanted. That was the highlight, to go up and get the player we really wanted and really coveted and be able to get him at the price we got him was even a bonus."

Mando: Why him?

Jeff Ireland: "He jumps out at me. I don't like to compare players but we do a lot of that in our business. I've seen players like him that have great success. He reminds me of several players that have played that position. They're hard to find. The special ones are hard to find.

"And I think the guy can be special. I think that's why.

"And to follow up with your question, the draft is not only just trying to fill needs. I really don't go into the draft trying to fill this need, then this need and this need. I go into the draft building the board as equal as I can. I put the players up there that are the best football players and then marry needs into the best football players. I understand everybody thinks we have a tackle need. And I would say that's something we need to address whether it's a must or a need. But that player jumped out at me and I felt like I had to go get that player."

Mando: What are you going to do at tackle?

Jeff Ireland: "We'll see. The tackle position is an important position. It's an important position. But I feel like we have some flexibility. There are some options out there. I have some things up my sleeve that might work out. We're going to have to fill the need probably with a veteran guy on the street at some point."

Mando: At left tackle?

Jeff Ireland: "We'll see."

Mando: Why not do the trade with Kansas City for Branden Albert instead of drafting cornerback Jamar Taylor in the second round?

Jeff Ireland: "Because I didn't think it was the right thing for us."

Mando: Why?

Jeff Ireland: "Well, I'm not going into that because I'm not so sure it doesn't work it."

Mando: You mean down the road?

Jeff Ireland: "Yeah. Again, I never say never. I don't want to get into the details of that trade right now when it could or couldn't happen done down the road."

Mando: The moment during this draft you said, 'Dang it, I wish I hadn't done that?' Was it when you traded out of the 82nd pick and then had to trade back in?

Jeff Ireland: "You know, that was not a moment that I said, 'Ahh, crap.' I traded out and got the extra fours. And then there was a run. You have a certain number of players on the board and when you trade out you figure someone is going to be there. You have three or four and you think someone's going to be there. And then all of a sudden, five or six picks, boom, boom, boom, boom, guys went off. And it wasn't only in that round but there were rounds where players on our board were getting picked off like crazy. I felt like I needed to go back in there and get a player we really wanted versus settling on a player."

 

Dolphins add another DB with final pick

I wanted cornerbacks. I got three in this draft with the latest being Don Jones out of Arkansas State University.

Jones, 5-11 and 191 pounds, has two interceptions in his career.

At the Arkansas State pro day, he ran a 4.42 and 4.40 40-yard dash, according to NFLDraftScout.com. He also recorded a remarkable 42-inch vertical jump, which has skyrocketed his draft stock. For his senior season, he recorded an unofficial 72 tackles with one interception and two passes defensed.

Jones missed the 2010 season becasue he transfered to a JUCO due to academic reasons. He had been a running back in 2009.

Jones, who played strong safety, is expected to get the opportunity to play cornerback.

It's a UF day for the Dolphins, Carpenter on notice

The Dolphins have drafted three University of Florida players today, the latest running back Mike Gillislee and kicker Caleb Sturgis were drafted in the fifth round.

Two things:

Dan Carpenter, who struggled through the middle of the 2012 season, is officially on notice that Miami isn't afraid to replace him.

"Coming into the league you know you have to compete against the best," Sturgis said. "I've seen him kick and he's got a great leg. It'll definitely be fun competing against him."

Despite the slump and finishing the year on injured reserve, Carpenter did connect on 16 of his final 17 kicks before getting hurt.

Gillislee, meanwhile, was a rotational running back at Florida. He rushed for 1,152 yards while averaging 4.7 yards per carry.

The happiest guy on the Dolphins?

Center Mike Pouncey, a Florida guy who predicted the Dolphins would pick three Gators player"s.

Wow that's crazy I can't believe I just predicted that" Pouncey tweeted. "I will be handing out gator shirts to all my teammates this coming up week."

The addition of Gillislee puts Daniel Thomas and Lamar Miller on notice. Considered the favorites to win the starting job and then split carries, both now have another player that is a legitimate player who can possibly catch the ball as well as they can.

"I'm just ready to compete," Gillislee said.

Dion Jordan meets the Dolphins

Dion Jordan arrived at Dolphins camp for the first time to meet with coaches, general manager Jeff Ireland, and the media.

The funniest moment of his meeting with the media? He was asked his thoughts on getting a police escort to camp ...

He answered, saying he thought there was "a celebrity showing up."

Funny part is there was no police escort at all.

Crazy.

Anyway, this is the entire press conference:

(On how the flight to Miami was) – “The flight wasn’t bad. (It was a) straight flight. I slept most of the way, so it wasn’t bad at all.”

(On whether the last few days feels like a whirlwind) – “It is a little bit. I’m just trying to take my time and just get everything taken care of before I start camp and things like that.”

(On the things that he needs to take care of before camp starts) – “Well first of all I have to take care of this, the media thing. Then just as far as getting everything situated so when I get in I get acclimated to the city and everything going on here.”

(On what he thought about the motorcycle escort to the facility) – “It wasn’t bad man. It was good, and plus I got to meet the long-time ticket holder. That was a great experience for him I bet, and for me also just meeting somebody who has this much pride for an organization and who has been around for this long.”

(On whether he thought the motorcycle escort was for him or a celebrity) – “I guess I was thinking there was celebrity showing up, but no like I said it was good. I enjoyed it. I’m pretty sure the ticket holder did also.”

(On whether he thinks he needs to add weight to be an effective player in the NFL) – “Everybody that is coming in and getting acclimated to the NFL level, there are a lot of things we need to work on. For me personally, improving my weight and my strength is an area that I am looking forward to getting better at. But you know I understand that it comes along with time and my hard work and taking care of the little things.”

(On how excited he is to play with Cam Wake and learn from him) – “Watching a guy like him for a awhile, seeing his talent and understanding how (good) he is at doing his job of getting after the quarterbacks, it just motivates me that much more to step my game up. Being in meeting rooms and and being out there with him on the practice field, I’m pretty sure I will get to see a lot of the little things that he is doing to improve his game.”

(On whether he thinks he has similar attributes to Wake) – “Yes sir. Like I said I’ve watched him for a while and I’ve seen the way he bends and the way he finishes at quarterbacks. That’s something that I’m looking forward to improving in my game, and you know they brought me in here to do that and take care of the role on the other side.”

(On whether he would compare his motor to Wake’s) – “Yes sir, of course. I do feel like I have a high motor. I work really hard, not just when it’s game time but everyday leading up. So when the lights come on and when it’s game time I turn it on, and like I said I am looking forward to improving in that area and being a great compliment to him on the other side.”

(On what he weighs right now) – “I’m at 250 right now.”

(On how tall he is) – “I’m 6’ 7.”

(On how big he eventually sees himself getting) – “I feel like I can play with the same speed and the same motor right around 260. Like I said I am looking forward to improving in those areas and I know it is something that I have to do personally. I am going to take care of that and get ready for the season.”

On whether 250 is the most he has weighed) – “As far as playing weight, yes sir.”

(On how he would rate his run defense) – “I feel like I am very good at the run. I did well at the University of Oregon. I took care of that part, but I guess because of my size, because I’m not 260 already, most people don’t think I can do that. That comes along with my maturity and taking care of things in the film room and at practice and just taking care of my body. I know as time goes along I’ll be able to be that player I’m looking forward to being.”

(On whether this was his first time in New York City and what he thought about the experience) – “It was, me and my family. It was great. The NFL had a lot of cool things for us to do. Probably for me personally the best thing was the NFL Play 60 thing. It kind of just allowed us, me and the other guys, to take our mind off everything that was going on and get out there with the kids and toss the football around. I had a couple playmakers on my team, so it was good.”

(On whether he went to the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building) – “No we didn’t get a chance to do that. We got to go to the New York Stock Exchange actually, and a lot of guys enjoyed that. We also got to visit the hospital up there and got to visit a lot of kids. That was a great experience.”

(On what he thought of the fan contingent at the Draft) – “I stepped on the stage and I didn’t know there were that many fans in the building. But I honestly felt really blessed at the moment. It was a pleasure for the Dolphins to make the move that they did, and I can tell that the fans were really excited.”

(On whether there is another player besides Cam Wake that he looks up to) – “Man honestly in this league there are a lot of great pass rushers, and when I got moved to the defensive side of the ball, you know I really didn’t just look at one person. I tried to take a lot of my attributes from a lot of other players. Guys like a Terrell Suggs or Demarcus Ware. You know I even went back and watched a lot of Lawrence Taylor film because the position I played was a lot similar to his. There a just a lot of little things that, as a player, you can get from anybody.”

(On who made the decision to move him from tight end to the defense in college) – “It was between me and the coach. When Coach Kelly went ahead and he got the head coaching job, you know he offered me the job on the defense. He asked me if I wanted to do it, and for me it was just another challenge that I looked at and openly looked at it and took it. It wasn’t something that I was hesitant about. I was really looking forward to it. I knew I was going to have an opportunity to play, and then I just learned and I just went out there and played and tried my hardest.”

(On whether he enjoys talking to the media and the other obligations that being in the NFL demands) – “It’s different man, honestly it’s different. At the University of Oregon the defensive players don’t get much love (laughing), so it is a little different.”

(On playing at Oregon which is known for its offense and how it felt to be on the defense) – “It was good, man. It was good competing against those guys day-in and day-out. I’ve seen some tremendous talent. It was a blessing for me that he did make the move and put me on the defensive side of the ball because not only did I play against some good offensive players, (but) I played with some good defensive players also - you know, my guys Josh Kaddu who’s here in the city now. It was just good. If somebody had to run on the field after they scored in four or five plays.”

(On coming back onto the field quickly after the offense scored) – “It wasn’t bad. Like I said, we prepared because we practiced against them every day. So we were prepared. We had great depth on the defensive side of the ball, a lot of talent. For us, we just had to be ready. It came down to the defense most of the time. We had to get the ball back to them in close games because we knew sometimes it might not go their way, so we really had to be prepared.”

(On Oregon not sending a ton of players to the NFL and if that creates more responsibility for him) – “No, that’s not a responsibility for me at all. Just being now an alum of the University and seeing all the guys that came before me, it’s a lot of talent that came through. We even had a Heisman hopeful for a minute up there. It’s not a responsibility for me at all. It is a great opportunity for me to represent the University of Oregon and have an opportunity to put them on the map. Like I said, just being there, I felt really blessed and thankful. I worked hard and things  are starting to pay off.”

(On if he has any goals in terms of sacks or starts) – “Man, honestly, I’m just looking forward to coming here and helping out this team and improving and taking the next step that everybody wants to do. Like I said, me personally, I have work to do and I’m going to do what I have to do to be the player that I want to be this year and for the next year’s coming.”

(On if he’s ready for rookie mini-camp next week) – “I’ll be ready to go. I’m going to continue to attack the little things that I’ve been doing before. Next week, when I get back out here, I’ll be ready to roll.”

(On if he feels pressure being a high draft pick) – “No, I don’t feel pressure at all. When it all boils down to it, it’s about what you do on the field and, me and the rest of the rookies and whoever gets here, we all understand that. That’s all that matters and that’s what I’m going to take care of. I’m going to take care of what I have to do as a player.”

(On what other sports he played growing up) – “I was a basketball player and also ran track.”

(On if there was ever a time he thought he would have played basketball) – “For a little bit, but my team wasn’t that good. So it kind of took away a lot of motivation. There’s something about football that always stuck with me. Every time it was Fall time, being out there with my guys, that grind honestly kind of just really grows on you and I think I made the right decision.”

(On if he paid attention to any of the criticism after he was selected) – “No, I didn’t have enough time to pay attention.”

(On if he’s fueled by doubters) – “Of course. Anybody that gets negative comments about them, it kind of motivates you a little bit more. For me, like I said, I’m just worried about what I have to do next, and the next thing for me is getting ready for rookie mini-camp.”

(On what came to mind when someone asked him about the Dolphins– “It’s a possibility. I didn’t really know what was going to happen and, sitting in that green room, it’s stressful not only for me, but for a lot of players because you don’t know what’s going to happen. And they decided to make that move. I was shocked. I was surprised, but, at the same time, I was happy. I was overwhelmed and I just felt like it was a great opportunity for myself and my family.”

(On if someone asked him about the Miami Dolphins before the draft process what he would think of) – “I would have told them, ‘I really don’t know,’ because I really didn’t know it was going to happen and I’m pretty sure a lot of other people didn’t either.”

(On what he thinks of the new Dolphins uniforms) – “It’s nice. I think it fits the city really well. Like I said, for me personally, at the University of Oregon, it wasn’t about the uniform. It was about the players inside the uniform. We had some great players there and I feel like we’ve got  a great team here also.”

(On what percentage of the time he dropped back in coverage last year) – “I probably dropped into coverage 30-40% of the time last year. But me playing coverage, it benefitted me as an athlete and as a defensive player because I had a great understanding of what was going on around me, and plus I was able to get after the quarterback too, so I had the best of both worlds.”

Dolphins pick UF linebacker, Michigan State TE in 4th

The Dolphins picked up a linebacker and tight end with their two fourth round picks today.

The Dolphins spent a lot of money revamping their linebacker corps in free agency but with their first pick of the fourth round (104 overall) the team picked linebacker Jelani Jenkins.

With the (160th pick the team picked TE Dion Sims of Michigan State.

Jenkins is a WLB. He's very similar to Josh Kaddu who the team drafted last season and is hoping to use more as a pass rusher.

Jenkins missed four games due to multiple injuries in 2012. Durability is a big issue with this player.

Jenkins was a fine cover linebacker in college. He had one interception last season.

"I hope to be able to help out as fast as I can," Jenkins said. "However I can do that, I'll do whatever the coaches ask me to."

Sims, 6-4 and 265 pounds, is a classic tight end type. He's burly. He's lumbering.

He does, however, seem to have good hands.

"I'm an all-around tight end and I can do everything," Sims said. "I came a long way. I've been putting a lot of work in. Blocking and catching is my specialty. I'm a versatile tight end."

In 2010, Sims was suspended from the team for his participation in a theft ring. So there's that.

"It's pretty much in the past and it's behind me," Sims said. "I learned a lot from that situation and not be so naive."

Sims said all the teams he spoke to asked him about the incident and he "told them the truth and the whole story."

Ireland, Philbin discuss Dolphins Friday haul of draft talent

This is how it works: The Dolphins work the entire day at trying to improve their roster during the NFL draft and after all the rounds are complete -- rounds two and three were held Friday -- then both general manager Jeff ireland and coach Joe Philbin leave the team war room and meet with the media.

That meeting on Friday happened around 10:45 p.m. and the two men discussed the additions of Boise State cornerback Jamar Taylor, Tennessee offensive lineman Dallas Thomas and Utah State cornerback Willie Davis.

This is what was said:

Jeff Ireland

(Opening remarks) – “Good evening.  So we obviously gave up the 42nd pick yesterday when we met for Dion (Jordan). So at (selection) 54 we took Jamar Taylor, a cornerback from Boise State.  Great kid.  Prototypical size and speed.  Very smart.  Very physical.  Can play inside and outside.  So we’re very happy to have him.   We took Dallas Thomas at (selection) 77 from Tennessee.  He’s played guard, he’s played tackle.  He’s very versatile.  I’ll let Coach (Joe Philbin) address where he plans on playing him.  But, you know, big, big physical kid.  I’m looking forward to having him on the team.  We traded the 82nd pick and then back into the third round with Green Bay and selected Will Davis, another cornerback out of Utah State.  Another prototypical left cornerback that can play inside and outside.  Very skilled athlete.  Doesn’t have a lot of experience.  He’s kind of been through the junior college route.  Really came on the scene this year.  Played at the Senior Bowl.  Had a great look at him there and looking forward to him to developing fast.  So at that point I will open to any questions.  Then, obviously the trade that tonight (sent), Davone Bess to Cleveland.  As I told you last night, it was kind of a dead issue as I left the building yesterday.  It heated back up again today and we went ahead and did the trade."

(On the rationale behind trading out of the third round and then later trading back into it)– “Well, we had a couple of players there and when you have a couple of players you feel like there’s value there that you know you’re going to get one so we traded back (and) picked up (an) additional fourth.  (We) saw some corners go off, you know there, and I felt like we need to go back in there and get him.  So that’s what happened.  Lost a couple of players on board at that point and felt like we needed to go back in and get him."

(On what stood out about Jamar Taylor)– “Well, like I said, he’s a great kid.  You know what you love about him is he’s very smart.  He’s very physical.  He’s got very good ball skills.  He plays with a great awareness, instinct and so just a combination of all the things he can bring the intelligence, the character, the speed, the physicality, the ball skills. Those are all things that obviously we covet in a cornerback position.  And I felt like he had those things.  Specifically after combine, I mean we put everybody on the board and so I don’t think there was anything out of the ordinary."

(On if Dallas Thomas will play guard or tackle) – “I’m going to let coach address where he’s going to play him, but I think he can play either way."

(On needing to create more takeaways and how Taylor and Will Davis will help with that)- “I think both Will and Jamar have very good ball skills.  Taylor is very physical.  He can get it out.  He can go up and get it or he can knock it out with forced fumbles and PBU’s (pass breakups) and Will, he’s kind of a very, very good at getting the ball out from a PBU standpoint.  Both those guys have very good ball skills in my opinion.  I think they’re both going to be play makers."

(On why he traded Davone Bess) – “Why trade Davone Bess? Well obviously we did some things in the offseason that made us feel a lot better about the position. I’ll let coach (Head Coach Joe Philbin) address some of the things as well, but we feel very good about the group we have with Mike (Wallace) and Brandon (Gibson) and Brian (Hartline) and Rishard (Matthews), so it felt like we had a little bit of value there that we could move on from. I wish Davone the best actually."

(On whether the Brandon Albert trade is still on the table) – “You know, never say never. I mean I don’t want to lead you guys on to anything, but I don’t think that’s going to really amount to much. I’ll give you my personal opinion. Like I said there is really nothing more to it today than there was yesterday."

(On whether Will Davis is more of a project and if he can play some safety) – “I don’t believe (so). I see Will as more of a corner. I think he can play inside and outside, but his corner skill set is probably not that of a safety. I think he is more of a corner. And is he more of a project? I think guys develop in different stages in their career. Obviously with his experience level you would think that he may be a little bit of a developmental player, but I think the guy has the skill set to play in this league. I think that with the great coaching that we have and the players around him, he will develop fast."

(On whether he feels that he has his five starters on the offensive line with Dallas Thomas now in the fold) – “Well that’s yet to be determined. He's going to be one of the guys that is competing for a spot. I feel very good about where Dallas is going to play, but coach is going to say, ‘hey it’s a competitive position,’ obviously, and we may not be done yet. We’ll see."

(On what he saw in Dallas Thomas that made him think he can help this offensive line) – “We spent a lot of time watching him play in 2011 and 2012. I personally made a school call there, and I love the versatility. In certain games he can play guard, he can play tackle. Obviously the versatility. When you see a big guy that can pull and move his feet and play guard and tackle on the left side, that’s pretty unique. So obviously the versatility was one component."

(On whether he thought he was going to revamp the defensive backfield going into tonight) – “Not necessarily. You don’t really know how the board is going to fall. Obviously I thought this was a pretty good corner draft and that’s basically how the board fell. You had some good corners on the board and they’re core positions; the corner position, the tackle position, the guard position and obviously defensive end. Again I think they are prototypical players, size players, they’re very good character guys, and they are core position players."

(On his comments earlier about there being a position that he really liked, and whether he addressed that position today or has yet to do so) – “Well today is over, and I liked today, so I’m going to like tomorrow too. But, it was a certain area of the draft that I certainly liked today for sure. It was more or less the second round, but a lot of players were picked off our board just about where we had them. It was a good day. I feel really good about it."

Joe Philbin

(On Dallas Thomas’ versatility) - “Same thing Jeff said – we watched on film both years. Obviously, this year, he primarily played at the left guard and the year before tackle. So we like his versatility. We liked his athleticism. We thought he had a pretty good technique and I think he has a bright future. He’s a fluid athlete. We like his size and we thought he was well-coached at Tennessee. So we’ll see. We’re going to start him on the left side. I’m not sure where yet. We’ve got to see how the weekend unfolds and take a look at things, but we’re excited about him."

(On how the competition Thomas faced at Tennessee helps him transition to the NFL) -  “Yeah, it’s good film to watch. We threw on last year, we watch him against South Carolina, at LSU. This year, I think we watched him against Florida, Georgia and those type of teams. You get a look at him against different fronts, different schemes. It’s a great coaches league, the SEC. So I thought we got a good look at him."

(On his thoughts on trading Davone Bess) - “I wish him the best of luck in Cleveland. He worked his tail off for us. He played well and he had a great attitude the two weeks in the offseason program and I wish him well."

(On if he doesn’t know yet where he wants Thomas to play) - “We’ll see. You’ve got to get your hands on people a little bit. We’ve seen him play both positions. I think he’s got ability at both spots. We’ll see how the depth chart unfolds."

(On if he feels good about the defensive backfield)  -  “I like the two players that we took today, absolutely. I like them a lot."

(On if Thomas is polished at both guard and tackle)- “He’s a pretty good technique player. Like I said, I think Harry Hiestand did a very good job with him. I think Sam Pittman was his line coach this year. Those guys are very, very good college football coaches and you can see that on the tape. He takes a good first step typically. He’s not perfect. He has good hand usage and we like those things about him. He moves fluidly. It doesn’t look like he’s real herky-jerky. We think he has a chance."

(On why Tennessee wouldn’t keep Thomas at tackle) - “Again, I didn’t coach Tennessee. You’d have to ask those guys."

(On if he talked to Tennessee’s coaches about why they moved Thomas around)

Philbin: “I didn’t really ask that question."

Ireland: “They had a young recruit that they really liked and they were moving him from tackle to guard as well.”

 

Dolphins trade back into 3rd, pick DB

The Dolphins were done with their evening, it seemed, when they traded away their second of two third-round picks. And then they traded back into the round and picked CB Will Davis of Utah State.

The Dolphins traded with Green Bay to get the 93rd overall pick. They gave up 109, 146 and 224 overall in the exchange.

"I had a good feeling about the Dolphins but once they made their last pick and then traded out of their pick, I didn't know," Davis said. "It was kind of disappointing. But then I got the call they traded back in and, I tell you what, I'm ear to ear smiling right now."

Davis has played inside and outside as well as special teams.

Mike Mayock had a fifth-round grade on Davis.

Dolphins pick OT Dallas Thomas in the third round

The Dolphins have selected offensive lineman Dallas Thomas in the third round of the NFL draft.

He has played both left tackle and right tackle. In 2012, he played guard.

"I can do it all. I can play left or right tackle," Thomas said.

Thomas said his move to guard proves his versatility. It can be argued it shows coaches wanted improvement at the tackle spot.

Thomas will have to fit into Miami's zone blocking scheme.

"I think I can fit in any type of offense because I'm athletic enough to get the job done," he said.

 The Dolphins, meanwhile, have traded the pick (82) to New Orleans for (106) and (109). Both the new picks are fourth rounders.

Dolphins draft Boise State CB Jamar Taylor

Well, I wanted a cornerback. The Dolphins got one.

The club just used the 54th overall selection and their only second round pick to draft Boise State cornerback Jamar Taylor.

Taylor is 5-11 and 192 pounds. He's a three-year starter at Boise. He's supposed to have great instincts.

It's really exciting. I'm happy coaches gave me a shot and look forward to coming down there and contributing to the team," Taylor said.

He said he loves playing man defense. He said he looks forward to helping the team.

"I don't know how it's going to work out," Taylor said. "I'm going to go down there and try to contribute and and do whatever the coaches tell me."

Taylor says he plays like he's got "a dog in me."

"I play with a swagger. I play kind of chippy. I love to talk stuff," he said.

Dolphins would have taken Eifert at No. 12; Bess gone

As we go forward in the second round of the current draft, some news about Miami's plans in the first round continue to leak.

A high-ranking club source moments ago told various media members that the Dolphins would have drafted Tavon Austin in the first round of the NFL draft had the club stayed at No. 12 and the West Virginia player been there.

Of course, Austin wasn't going to be there. So what would the Dolphins have done had they stayed at No. 12 and Austin was gone?

They would have drafted tight end Tyler Eifert, the source said.

Interesting, sort of.

Of more interest, the NFL Network is reporting the Dolphins have completed the expected trade to the Cleveland Browns.

The Dolphins are expected to get a fourth-round pick out of the deal but other compensation is included.

{Update: The Dolphins and Browns actually just swapped fourth round picks. Miami goes from 111th overall to 104th overall. The clubs also swapped fifth-round picks.]

Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald is reporting Bess will get a three-year extension from the Browns.

What to look for tonight: Deal for Bess, need for CB

The second and third round of the NFL draft happens today.

So what can we expect?

Well, the talks between the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins about a Branden Albert trade have not yet borne fruit at this hour. Truth is they have reportedly not progressed much, if at all.

Me? If I'm Jeff Ireland I don't bother with this issue until after the draft. If Albert is available today, he'll be available after the draft, particularly following Kansas City's drafting of tackle Eric Fisher at No. 1 overall on Thursday.

Give them a draft pick next year.

The news on a possible Davone Bess trade is more substantial. Although Ireland said nothing was going on with the Bess issue Thursday, I have just gotten word from the Dolphins that the process is proceeding.

It seems as if Bess will indeed be traded before the weekend is over and possibly by tonight.

I have no details beyond that.

Now, the draft itself. The Dolphins hold the No. 54 overall selection in the second round. They have two selections in the third round -- 77th and 82nd overall.

The areas of need?

Tight end. Offensive line. Cornerback.

About the cornerback spot, Ireland refuses to acknowledge that it is a need.

“What do I think about my need at cornerback? Well I don’t know that it is a huge need," he said. "I certainly would like to address the secondary at some point, but we’ll have to see how the draft goes.”

If Ireland is comfortable with Brent Grimes (coming back from Achilles' surgery) and Richard Marshall (coming back from back surgery) and Nolan Carroll and Dimitri Patterson, he is trippin'.

That group is a house of cards waiting to collapse. If they all remain healthy and all play at their career best, then the Dolphins won't be terrible at the position. But how often does that happen? How often does everything that must go right, actually go right?

The Dolphins need to draft a cornerback.

Some of the corners the club has shown interest in during the past few weeks include Boise State’s Jamar Taylor, Oregon State's Jordan Poyer, SE Louisiana’s Robert Alford, Mississippi State’s Darius Slay, California’s Steve Williams. All remain available.

History says corners taken after the second round typically don't make a positive impact. That would could mean today is Miami's final chance this offseason to address the position.

If they don't, it is my belief this issue will be troubling to the team in 2013.