Sports Buzz...Philbin has been charged to develop underachieving young players

[CrunchTime]

A lot of us were surprised we didnt draft some higher profile WRs .One of the reasons is described as follows

So Philbin and his Dolphins offensive staff have been charged with extracting more from the young players, including three that Ireland coveted in last year’s draft and are key to his vision for the offense: Daniel Thomas, Clyde Gates and Charles Clay. Thomas and Gates exited their rookie seasons with more questions than answers.

Regarding Clay Philbin thinks he can be molded .

Clay, who split his 405 snaps last year between tight end, H-back and fullback, said this offense “suits me well” partly because it exploits mismatches, such as Clay on a slower linebacker.

“We love his versatility,” Philbin said after watching tape of the sixth-rounder’s rookie season (16 receptions, 233 yards, three touchdowns). “If you can keep him in the game and line him up as a tight end, [then] line him up next to the tight end, and [then] line him up as a receiver, you’re helping yourself offensively.” At times, the Dolphins will use Anthony Fasano, Clay and rookie Michael Egnew together.

There is more about Gates ,Thomas and some glowing praise about David Gerrard

Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sport...#storylink=cpy

[jw3102]

A lot of us were surprised we didnt draft some higher profile WRs .One of the reasons is described as follows


Regarding Clay Philbin thinks he can be molded .

There is more about Gates ,Thomas and some glowing praise about David Gerrard

Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sport...#storylink=cpy

I am not sure exactly why this article was even written. Since it the responsibility of EVERY head coach in the NFL and at every other level of football to develop his players. I guess there wasn't much to write about the Dolphins at this time of the year, so this writer just decided to write an article stating the obvious.

[pacadermng67]

I didnt think Clay underachieved last year. It seemed to me it took a little for Daboll to figure out how to best use him. Once they had a good plan Clay was pretty good in a limited role.

[ckparrothead]

ome Dolphins players have been especially impressed by David Garrard in offseason sessions – he’s polished, practices well (Matt Moore isn’t considered a great practice player) and has skills well suited for the West Coast offense. Don’t dismiss his chances in this competition, though there’s also a chance he doesn’t make the team if Moore or Ryan Tannehill wins the job. That’s because Miami must pay him at least $3.35 million if he sticks.

More signs Garrard could win the QB competition.

[Ohio Fanatic]

More signs Garrard could win the QB competition.

I like the idea of Garrard starting the season, but I think he gets cut if we have to pay him almost 3.5 million to be a placeholder. Unless the coaching staff truly intends to sit Tannehill for the whole season, then I can see paying Garrard

[Fin D]

I like the idea of Garrard starting the season, but I think he gets cut if we have to pay him almost 3.5 million to be a placeholder. Unless the coaching staff truly intends to sit Tannehill for the whole season, then I can see paying Garrard

Why would $3.5 mill keep them from starting Garrard? If he's playing good enough to start, then that's worth $3.5 mill. I think we as fans put too much emphasis on the money.

[PhinsRock]

I like Moore, want Tannehill to sit 1 full season, and would LOVE to see Garrard win the starting position, return to his probowl performance levels and get this team into the playoffs.

As for developing players, that's the biggest single reason this franchise has gone downhill for so many years IMO. Your 1-4th round players are supposed to play well, it is what you do with 5th-7th round and UDFA's that set franchises like the Bellichick Pats and Jimmy Johnson's Cowboys apart from the rest of the pack. Brady in the 6th round, definite HOF and first ballot, Marques Colston 7th round, Bo Jackson 7th round, Donald Driver 7th round, Zach Thomas 5th round, Terrell Davis 6th round, TJ Houshmanzadeh 7th round, and Shannon Sharpe 7th round. I know these may be anomolies, but these players were developed into the contributors they became.

THIS is how you build a winning franchise through the draft. Ireland seems to have a pretty good knack at finding the players in late rounds and UDFA's, but the last 5 HC's and their staffs didn't develop anyone into anything. Philbin and staff must develop these late round picks to get this team back to greatness and perrenial playoff, even SB contenders.

[Alex13]

Why would $3.5 mill keep them from starting Garrard? If he's playing good enough to start, then that's worth $3.5 mill. I think we as fans put too much emphasis on the money.

i think you misread, its about 3.5$ if he is not starting

[Fin D]

i think you misread, its about 3.5$ if he is not starting

I did. My bad. Thanks.

[P h i N s A N i T y]

Gates better step up, or get out of the way ! I have high expectations for Thomas and Clay.

Whaddaya say? I just may !