Decent Draft for Dolphins

The early rounds of the Draft went just as scripted for the Miami Dolphins. In Jake Long they get a big guy who can run block and anchor the offensive line. Unfortunately all that talk about looking for the best contract was just talk as Long signed a pricey deal for only five years instead of the usual six.

Merling was a steal in the second round and if his repaired hernia hold up he should be a solid contributor.

Miami was able to take Chad Henne right where they wanted to, with their second pick in the second round rather than their first pick in the round. Some people say Henne was a steal that low in the draft while Mel Kiper over at ESPN criticized the move, not having much praise for Henne.

The Dolphins picked up a few big and tough running backs who fit Parcells’ style of player - large guys who can run between the tackles.

The rest of the picks weren’t all that noteworthy but what struck me was the lack of a wide receiver and defensive back, two positions where help is needed. We’ll have to see if Ireland and Parcells can find some undrafted free agents they like to fill those spots or can work out a trade.

The Jason Taylor situation is deteriorating rapidly. Miami was unable to convince anyone to give them a first round pick for the veteran defensive end and rumors have been floating around about mounting tensions between Taylor and Parcells. Miami should get on the phone and take whatever they can get for the aging veteran. While I’ve been a fan of Taylor’s for a long time, he lost a lot of respect in my eyes by dodging out of training to be on dancing with the stars and dropping hints about wanting out. It’s sad to see a once great team player turn into a less-obnoxious Chad Johnson.

Rumors Abound

There have been rumors that Jake Long doesn’t want to play for Miami, that he doesn’t want to live in Miami, and that he wants more money than Miami is offering and believes he can get it from the St. Louis Rams if Miami doesn’t pay up.

There are more rumors that Jason Taylor wants to be traded out of Miami and will likely retire if a deal can’t be worked out.

Jeff Ireland is looking for a pillar of his teams defense in the draft, which makes it sound like Jake Long’s prospects with Miami are limited. Look for Chris Long or Vernon Gholston to be chosen number one, providing more impetus to let Jason Taylor go.

Miami continues to look favorably on Chad Henne, and hasn’t given Joe Flacco the barest glimpse. The Dolphins also haven’t had Brian Brohm in for a workout despite earlier reports that they would. I’m thinking that Parcells may try to grab Henne with the Dolphins’ second pick in the second round rather than the first. If Matt Ryan falls far enough and Brohm doesn’t go until the second round, there may be a good chance of getting Henne with Miami’s third pick. If QBs start going early, they may need to act at the top of the second round to grab Chad. Still, a lot of teams like Brohm and Flacco more than Henne, and Miami might be able to put off grabbing him for a while.

There have also been rumors that Miami is looking at signing Chris Simms if he gets released by the Bucs but I don’t see this happening. I think Parcells wants to bring in a young guy out of the draft.

The draft is less than a week away and I expect things to be quiet right up until the Dolphins go on the clock. I predict Ireland and Parcells will try to do some last minute wheeling and dealing, but will be ready to take Chris Long if other teams aren’t willing to deal. After the first pick, I expect to see three or four other teams trying to make deals to move up or down in a hurry. I think the first round will have streaks of one or two positions and if a team needs a certain position filled early, they’ll have to try to make a move up or else risk getting shut out.

The suspense is killing me.

Could Rams Swap Picks With Miami?

The Miami Dolphins have been negotiating a contract with offensive tackle Jake Long, whom the St. Louis Rams have had their eye on. Rumor has it that the Rams are re-thinking their second overall pick, having previously assumed Miami would take Chris Long. It’s not completely outside the realm of possibility that the Dolphins and Rams could swap picks, giving St. Louis the opportunity to take Jake Long and leaving Miami to pick up Chris Long or Vernon Gholston. It wouldn’t take too much added incentive to get the Dolphins to swap, most likely a second day pick.

Note: The idea of such a swap is pure speculation on my part

Dolphins Negotiating with Jake Long

The Miami Herald is reporting that the Dolphins are negotiating with the agent for Jake Long, working out the details of a contract if the offensive tackle is taken with the number one overall pick.

Chris Mortenson confirmed the story on Sportscenter.

The idea for the Dolphins is to get the best deal they can with the first pick, and to have the business taken care of before draft day. If the deal with Jake Long doesn’t look to be too favorable for the Dolphins, they can turn their attention to Chris Long or Vernon Gholston or a dark horse. Whoever agrees to the best deal will be the one chosen first.

If the Dolphins are successful negotiating with Jake, it suggests that Parcells meant what he said about not trading Jason Taylor.  If Chris Long was the top pick, then Taylor’s status would be more uncertain.

There has been no mention of Dolphin interest in Matt Ryan and Mortenson believes Ryan is not on their draft board.

Sportscenter host Chris McKendry had a small slip up responding to Mort’s analysis of the Dolphins negotiations by saying that “It looks like they will be sticking with Beck”. I don’t think this is a correct assumption at all. The Dolphins will draft a QB on the first day, and there will be a competition for the starting job.

Dolphins Scouting Brohm, Chris Long

The Miami Herald is reporting that several Dolphins coaches including Tony Sporano and Paul Pasqualoni as well as GM Jeff Ireland have met with Virginia defensive end Chris Long.

The Herald also reports that Jake Long will be visited soon. The Dolphins have already checked out BC QB Matt Ryan and Michigan QB Chad Henne. There have been inquiries about scheduling a visit with Louisville QB Brian Brohm.

Other than the Senior Bowl and the NFL combine, the Phins haven’t scouted Joe Flacco. Also Darren McFadden seems to remain off the Dolphins’ radar.

All this doesn’t really tell you too much. If Miami keeps the first overall pick, Chris Long, Jake Long and Matt Ryan are the three most likely to be taken by Miami. The scouting of other quarterbacks suggests that Miami will take a QB later on, possibly in the second round. Brohm might still be available then depending on how far Matt Ryan falls, and Henne and Flacco will likely be there.

Dolphins Looking at Henne?

The Miami Dolphins have been scouting out Michigan QB Chad Henne, attending Michigan’s pro day and supposedly have invited Chad to come to Miami for a private workout.

Joe Flacco hasn’t received much attention from the Dolphins since they scouted him at the senior bowl and saw him at the combine. Most signs indicate Miami is looking more seriously at Henne at the moment.

Boston College QB Matt Ryan was also scouted by the Dolphins on BC’s pro day, but not too much has been made of the appearance.

My money is still on Chris Long with the first overall pick if the Dolphins can’t trade it. The Dolphins will try to trade that pick and will give it away cheap, possibly a first and second round pick.

I’ve seen quite a few sportswriters talking about Bill Parcells’ drafting strategy and several have suggested that scouting Matt Ryan or other players may just be a ruse to convince other teams that the Dolphins are interested, to either keep pressure off the players they want, or to increase the trade prospects for the first pick. I wouldn’t put it past the big Tuna, and wouldn’t rule out Flacco going to Miami if they are purposely over-hyping Henne. For now though, signs point to Chris long going first and Henne being taken in the second round.

-Jeff

Dolphins Draft Update

Who will the Miami Dolphins draft with the number one overall pick? Has the situation become any clearer after the recent free agent signings?

Veteran defensive tackle Jason Ferguson, acquired from the Cowboys will fill an immediate need for a nose tackle in the 3-4 position. That should end all speculation that Glen Dorsey could go number one. I’m not sure Glen is the best DT in the draft and the Dolphins certainly have already filled that need.

There have been rumors about Parcells requesting tapes of Boston College QB Matt Ryan (against league policy), which have been dismissed as false. The Dolphins did have a representative at the workout of Kentucky QB Andre Woodson.

The Dolphins also signed veteran QB Josh McCown and he has said that he will compete for the starting job. Josh himself said that going by the numbers, the Dolphins will draft another QB this year.

My instinct says that Matt Ryan isn’t worth the first overall pick to the ‘Phins, unless they can line up a trade with another team that wishes to trade up. The fact that Miami has been checking out second tier QBs like Woodson tells me that that is the direction they are going in with later (2nd or 3rd) round picks. Look for Joe Flacco to be a hot commodity in the second round, and guys like Michigan’s Chad Henne or Kentucky’s Woodson to be available in the third. Matt Ryan and Brian Brohm will most likely be gone by the end of the first round.

While OT Jake Long is a top pick contender, I still have to give the nod to DE Chris Long with the number one pick. After that look for Miami to go after a QB in the 2nd or 3rd round and an inside linebacker with another early round pick.

Dolphins QB Choices

Right now, John Beck is the man in Miami. With Cleo Lemon an unrestricted free agent, the Dolphins currently have only Casey Bramlet and Matt Baker on the depth chart after Beck. These two are practice squad guys and don’t really figure into the equation.

With only one legitimate potential QB on the roster, Miami will need to pick up two others soon. The most likely scenario is to draft another QB and sign a veteran free agent to hold the team over until Beck or this year’s draft pick are ready.

Derek Anderson of the Browns is a restricted free agent with a hefty price tag. A team that signs him will have to give up a first and third round pick in this years draft. With Miami having the number one pick overall, signing Anderson is out of the question. He would be a better fit for a team with a lower first round pick like Minnesota. Edit: ESPN.com and SI.com are reporting that Anderson has signed a long term contract with the Browns, details forthcoming.

Rex Grossman has been re-signed and Todd Collins is close to re-signing.

Mark Brunnell is an UFA and looks to be the best unrestricted guy available. He has experience and has put up decent numbers in his career. Not a franchise quarterback but he certainly could be a stopgap for a year or so until one of the young guns are ready.

David Carr could be had for a pittance and one sportswriter suggested Miami needs to take a chance on him, but the consensus is that he’s a bust for any price.

Daunte Culpepper has the most experience but is still a gamble. I don’t think he’d receive too warm a welcome in Miami either.

Byron Leftwich has potential and could fit the bill nicely. I like Brunnell a little more personally, but Leftwich is close and for similar reasons.

The rest of the QBs are backup material in my book. I didn’t see much in Cleo Lemon this year and doubt he’ll be re-signed. Billy Volek, Josh McNown and Quinn Gray all fit the bill as a backup, but aren’t worth signing as a starter.

The other, remote possibility, is that Miami somehow works out a trade for a QB. Miami has the number one pick to shop around, perhaps they pick up Donovan McNabb from Philly? Trades are pretty rare in the NFL other than swapping draft selections and I don’t see this happening, but it remains a possibility.

Update: Cleo Lemon has signed with Jacksonville. Also, the Dolphins have invited former Oakland QB Josh McCown to visit.

Dolphins QB Draft Possibilities

ESPN.com analysts Todd McShay and Mel Kiper both have former Boston College Quarterback Matt Ryan at the top of their list with the number one pick. McShay gives the caveat that this will be the pick if Parcells isn’t happy with John Beck.

If the Dolphins don’t go with Ryan, most others are looking at DE Chris Long who will fit nicely into a 3-4 scheme or Jake Long, who will create holes for new OC Henning’s power running game.

Back to the QB situation; John Beck didn’t wow anyone in his first year. At times he was downright horrible, with too many fumbles, botched snaps and even tripping over his own linemen. For the most part, however, you really can’t judge a quarterback on his rookie year. I’m perfectly willing to give him another shot.

The Phins definitely need to draft another QB and sign one in free agency. It’s looking like they will not keep Cleo Lemon and Trent Green has already been released. If the Browns are unable to sign Derek Anderson, he would be #1 on my list for veteran starters. Otherwise, Miami will probably pick up a 2nd tier QB like Byron Leftwich, Daunte Culpepper (shudder), or Todd Collins. If Anderson isn’t available, I like Todd Collins, although Washington might re-sign him soon.

NFL 2008 Draft

Being a fan of the Miami Dolphins, it’s time to chime in about what might happen in the upcoming NFL draft. The Miami Dolphins have the number one overall pick and have stated they are willing to field offers for the pick. What the Dolphins front office actually means is that they are dying to give away this pick.

The team is in a complete rebuilding year. They have a completely new front office and coaching staff, and have already cut several veteran players. The team has quite a few needs and the more that can be filled from the draft, the better. The number one overall pick means paying a premium contract to that player, and can be quite a financial risk. Lower first round picks can be a little safer because they don’t go for quite as much cash.

The only trade rumor I’ve heard so far was that Miami might send the number one pick to Dallas, in exchange for two first round picks (Dallas has #22 and #2 and running back Marion Barber (975 yards, 4.8 yards/carry in 2007 regular season). The idea behind the deal was that Dallas would use the first pick to draft Arkansas running back Darren McFadden.

This doesn’t make much sense on many levels. Barber is a decent running back who has already proven himself. McFadden is a potential superstar and not a proven quantity. Giving up two first round picks and a proven decent player for one potential player doesn’t add up. I’ve long held to the theory that there are very few (if any) star running backs, just star offensive lines. Another factor in this equation is that of all the positions, Miami is deepest at running back with Ricky Williams, Ronnie Brown, Lorenzo Booker and Jesse Chatman.

It would probably be in Miami’s best interest to trade the first overall pick, but the problem is finding a trade partner. There really aren’t any standout players available that scream number one pick and teams will be hesitant to trade up into this spot.

Assuming that Miami ends up with the pick, who do they draft? I think there are 5 players who should be talked about here.

1. QB Matt Ryan - Boston College

Ryan is largely considered to be the best quarterback in the draft, and he certainly had some impressive, even heroic games at the end of his college career. Some team will definitely snatch him up early on in the draft with the hope of him becoming their next franchise quarterback. My prediction is that team will be Atlanta, and not Miami. The Dolphins drafted John Beck last year and despite his poor performance, will likely give him another shot. In addition, Miami will take serious looks at veteran QBs available through free agency. There was one indicator early on that Ryan could end up in Miami, however. New GM Jeff Ireland made the comment earlier this year that the number one pick is usually reserved for quarterbacks. I personally don’t see this as a good pick for the Dolphins.

2. RB Darren McFadden - Arkansas

McFadden will certainly go high in the draft this year, but the running back position is the only area where the Dolphins currently have plenty of talent. There is an outside chance that the Dolphins may draft McFadden and quickly trade him on draft day, but this is unlikely.

3. DT Glen Dorsey - LSU

There is a lot to love about Dorsey. He’s a playmaker who can really be a dominant force on the defensive line. He is arguably the best overall talent available and the one most ready to step in and play right away. He has had some injury problems with his knee and ankle, and this is the main reason I’d be hesitant to spend a number one pick on him. He is strong, fast and agile but has been criticized for his size (6′1″). If the Dolphins decide to go with a 3-4 defense (which is likely with Bill Parcells calling the shots) Dorsey might have a little trouble fitting in.

4. DE Chris Long - Virginia

This pick makes the most sense for me. Long is an intense player who will fit in well in both a 4-3 and a 3-4 defense. Of all the players available, he seems like the closest there is to a known quantity. There won’t be any surprises and off all the top prospects, he is the most likely to live up to his potential. SI.com points out that pass rushers often get large paychecks in the NFL, and so taking one with the first overall pick isn’t likely to be overly costly for the Dolphins.

5. OT Jake Long - Michigan

Jake is a top prospect and could very well go at number two. I don’t see the Dolphins taking an offensive lineman over a defensive player. He is an excellent run blocker, but needs to work on his pass protection and might not be able to handle playing left tackle. He missed part of the 2005 season with a leg injury. Still the top offensive lineman available in the draft and a likely top 5 pick.

So there it is. The Dolphins would be best served by trading away the pick. If they keep it, Chris Long will likely be the safest pick available. The next most likely candidate is Matt Ryan if Parcells and his staff decide they don’t like what they have in John Beck. The longshot is Glen Dorsey, who might not fit in if Miami goes with a 3-4 defense.