1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

What position groups are you excited about and nervous about?

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by zwave21, May 11, 2015.

  1. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

    428
    504
    0
    Dec 31, 2012
    Armando posted a article today with his assessment of where he believes the team has improved and where it hasn't. I agree with some of his points but there are some groups where I think additiona by subtraction could be expected.

    So, which position groups am I most excited for:

    1. Defensive Tackle - I think this unit will be most improved in 2015. Obviously the group faltered down the stretch which was rare to see after the group had usually been a strength. Randy Starks was a shell of his former self and Jared Odrick will be missed but there was a monster we had to reign in. Getting Suh for the exchange for Starks and Odrick was an upgrade but left depth a little shaky. After drafting Jordan Phillips round 2, I see this group's potential limitless. If we play more 52 defense in situations this year watch out for having Mitchell/Suh/Phillips on field at once. I expect Suh and Wake to feed off each others ability and leave the offense with a pick your poison situation. Don't sleep on Anthony Johnson making an impact.

    2. Wide Receiver/Tight End - It feels nice to follow the success of other teams and finding WR's through the draft. Gone are Wallace who will be missed in some aspects and not in others. Hartline was a solid pro and I won't bash him but he was JAG who saw more targets than others. Brandon Gibson was not a fit and nothing special. Turning the focus to Landry's rise which was fun in year 1 and I expect more in year 2. I consider Stills like another draft pick after exchanging a 3rd and Ellerbe's crap salary for him. He is a speed threat who isn't just a go route guy, his ability to catch the 15 yard out and turn up field will be huge for our QB. Signing Jennings is smart insurance as the group is young, which I like but we know what we get in Jennings. I do not think he is done by any means and expect anywhere from 500 - 700 yards from him. DeVante Parker showed up in mini-camp and the more I read into him the more I like him. I read today that Omar, has him as a possession WR... yeah Imagine him as much more than that. His game breaking ability is remain to be seen but I expect a very impressive skillset an nice fit with our QB. Rishad wants out and what else is new. I don't cut him but I play him in TC and Preseason and try to trade him for something of use. Matt Hazel I expect to be our 5th WR and a good fit to replace Landry in event of an injury. Yes, I will miss Charles Clay, but we haven't had a guy like Jordan Cameron before. Him and DeVante are going to be nightmares in the red zone marks me words. Each possess a Power Forward skillset when going up for the ball. Cameron's concussion concerns are evident but his ability is too tantilizing for this offense. Dion Sims has improved a lot from year 1 to 2. He's blocking is very good and he is a sneaky pass catcher. Behind them is anyone's guess but I am eager to see if Arthur Lynch shows anything off his redshirt.

    3. Running Back - First thing, Lamar Miller was very good last year. So this being an excitement is as much about him as any pieces we added. I would like to see a stronger emphasis on balance this year from our OC Bill Lazor. I would first allow Miller to get 15+ touches, but at the same time do not be afraid to ride the hot hand. If we can rush the ball close to 30+ times a game I think that would be an important thing against our division rivals. Adding Jay Ajayi was a pleasant surprise and while his longevity seems to be an unknown I'd trade a 5th round pick for four years of solid production any day. He brings what we have severly lacked an at a young age. He is hungry and will play with a chip on his shoulder. I look at him as our 3rd down back and pass catching weapon. Over time he will be our thunder to Lamar's lightning but Miller is the starter. Damien Williams is a solid #3 guy and showed ability last year. I'd like to see 4 backs if possible but that depends on LaMichael James, Mike Gillislee, and Dee Hart (very good ability, undersized but could be return guy and OW type).

    4. Quarterback - While this may seem low, it's because I have seen improvement year to year from Tannehill. Is he Elite? No. Will he ever be? Maybe not. But, that is ok. I do think he is a Top 10 type QB, Elite to me is a select group in the Top 5 and you got to have a ring for that. What I want next is the true leader to come out, if anyone questioned was this his team.... Look at the moves this off season. It isn't just about 2015 its about beyond. Philbin is a one year guy as of right now, if they don't make playoffs he is gone, has to be. I'll save that story for another day cause he is here this year. But, we revamped our WR corps with young guys that fit our QB's skill set, and rid it of the chemistry problems. They've created cap room for next year and beyond and have entered a very strong youth movement. What I want from our Quarterback position is finishing strong. That is on a game by game basis and a season basis. The 4th Qtr I want to see improvement in passer rating and comfortability. In terms of the season we've had an opportunity to get into the playoffs in each of the final 2 games and failed. I'd like to secure it prior to that but at least make it this time around. He is not guilty of all the blame but I want more.

    5. Linebackers - Some people Armando being one them think we haven't improved. I beg to differ. First thing I expect growth in Jelani Jenkins from his breakthrough last year. IMO, this is his group and he will take over a leadership role. From there if Misi is healthy he will have some big bodies infront of him to help him succeed. Again, he didn't play bad last year but just wasn't healthy enough. From there I think ridding ourselves of Phillip Wheeler will be the biggest thing for this growth. Wheeler was downright awful and overpaid. Personally, I thought Dion Jordan should've started over him when he came back last year and also think another player in Chris McCain proved enough in preseason to get an opportunity. With Wheeler gone, I expect if given the fair chance McCain to start and he will add an athletic ability and skill set we have needed. In pass rush situations he can rush with his hand down but he has even said he feels most comfortable at SLB. I even like the potential depth from the unit. I think it will be a slugfest between Tripp, Sheppard, Paysinger, Hull, Vigil, and Luc for the backup roles. If it were me, I'd keep Sheppard as my veteran proven presence as ILB insurance. I look at Hull/Vigil as most talented of the group but Tripp could surprise and was a 5th round investment. Paysinger has starter at OLB for Giants but there's a reason he was available. Luc just seems to much of a 2 down guy for my liking. Either way another youth movement at LB. My hope is Jenkins keeps improving, McCain solidifies SLB and we look to upgrade in 2016 at ILB throgh the draft.

    Position Groups that have me nervous:

    1. Offensive Line - While I am not a code red type guy nor do I think they are worse I am still concerned. First, this has been the worst pass blocking OL the last two years. Second, we have our LT coming off ACL surgery. Third, we are relying on a redshirt second year player and rookie for our OG positions. So, OL last year with Braden Albert.... promising. Without him...abysmal. That is the theme, he was our MVP prior to his injury after he was lost we has a lot of moving parts. His return for week 1 is still in limbo, but if he isn't back it shouldn't be too long after. If he is out, I want to see Jason Fox at LT and JuWan James at RT. JuWan needs to start at RT, it his better position. IMO, Fox played much better than him at LT and looked comfortable and this is the reason we resigned him. Moving Pouncey back to OC is huge for our team. His shift back should aide our OG situation. Billy Turner is a mauler and I am excited as heck for his ability but he is unproven. He is said to be slated at RG and that chemistry with him and James will be key. LG is the real problem as not option leaves me sleeping better at night. Dallas Thomas is a whipping boy at OT but was a All-SEC OG, but i don't expect anything more than terrible from him. Jamil Douglas is a rookie and we haven't started them in year one in the past. He has very good ability but will he be strong enough to hold up against DT. Jeff Linkenbach is a negative grade from PFF but has started before. Take your pick but none are proven not reassuring options. One thing I still would like to see happen is Evan Mathis, we know he is available not for much. I wouldn't trade a mid round pick maybe a 7th at most but maybe Rishad? Either way I still think he could be cut and he is someone I'd snatch up immediately. This group holds the fate of our season just like it has in the past.

    2. Defensive Backs - We have two Pro Bowlers in our secondary in Brent Grimes and Reshad Jones (who would've made it in a full season). Grimes is aging and Jones is entering his prime. Outside of them it's ?'s. Louis Delmas played well but got hurt again and he never can seem to stay healthy. He made a difference on defense when in the game and him and Jones are a good pairing. Behind him Michael Thomas or Walt Aikens could be an option, Thomas is coming off Injury and Aikens has switched between S/CB. At CB Grimes is proven, 2nd rounder from 2013 Jamar Taylor can't stay healthy but showed some signs of life in year 2. I look for this competition to bring out the best in him. Will Davis has been a dud and I expect him to get beat out. One position we improved was Nickel as Brice McCain is much better than Jimmy Wilson. Even rookie Bobby McCain could end up with some playing time at that position. From there Zack Bowman provides veteran ability on the outside but this group is nothing of a sure thing. They will be aided by our Defensive Line and their pass rush. My concern is not just for this year but for future as where do we go from here.

    3. Defensive Ends - Some may question this with starters Wake and Vernon. I like both a lot but one consistent has been this position needs solid depth. Derrick Shelby is suitable but isn't scaring anyone. Terrance Fede didn't show a whole lot outside of Special Teams but the staff seems to like him. Jordan's year long suspension throws a wrench into the picture while he wasn't putting up huge stats he was more than serviceable. Some may view McCain as DE but I like him at SLB with pass rush specialist ability on passing downs. If Wake or Vernon go down this could be a real problem for this group. Also with Wake aging and big cap $$$. Then Vernon being a FA after the year this position will need to be addressed sooner than later.

    4. Specialist - Jarvis Landry had a good year from a return standpoint but as he works more into a focal point of the offense I'd like to see his duties shared a little more. I'd leave him at PR for his sure hands but at KR it could be improved it's just who can do it. UDFA Christion Jones was a specialist at Alabama and very good returned but I doubt he can do enough to make 53 at WR. Dee Hart is a speedster but very very small. Bobby McCain has experience with returns so I do hope he gets a look in preseason. LaMichael James could be an option as well. Caleb Sturgis has been a huge fail so far in his career. That guy was automatic at UF but he just seems like he can't handle the pressure. I hope they bring in as much competition for him in preseason. At punter Brandon Field did not have a year that justifies his cap $$$ and should have competition. A lot of young players who will need to replace some good Special Team players like Jason Trusnik.
     
    Fin4Ever, Sceeto, Tone_E and 4 others like this.
  2. cbrad

    cbrad .

    10,659
    12,657
    113
    Dec 21, 2014
    I'd put LB in the nervous category. For me, the positions I'm most nervous about (in descending order of nervousness) are: OL, LB, DB
     
  3. normaldude

    normaldude Active Member

    225
    204
    43
    Oct 13, 2009
    My thoughts exactly.
     
  4. CashInFist

    CashInFist Well-Known Member

    10,069
    2,624
    113
    Nov 30, 2007
    West Virginia
    Great write up.

    I'm most concerned about the QB position. This is the make-or-break year for Ryan Tannehill.

    Oddly enough, I'm least concerned about the LB position. Tanneballs/Hickey hit a HR WAY out of the park with our UDFA LB signings. I couldn't believe it when they didn't draft a LB. But, that's why they get paid the big $$$, and I'm sitting at home posting on my laptop.

    My next biggest concern is our secondary. A lot of promise with our additions this offseason, but a lot of "???" as well.
     
    Fin4Ever likes this.
  5. invid

    invid Season Ticket Holder Club Member

    9,153
    9,875
    113
    Dec 9, 2012
    I'm worried about the guards. I'm actually not as nervous about the LB position, we are in decent hands with Misi entering his second year as the mike and a Jelani Jenkins coming off a stellar year. I'm also extremely excited about Chris McCain, though you'd think that they wouldn't put him in as the will over Jelani Jenkins. I want to see if they try him at sam at all, he's too athletic to keep off the field and his pass-rush ability is nothing to thumb your nose at.
     
  6. jw3102

    jw3102 season ticket holder

    7,760
    3,486
    113
    Sep 4, 2010
    Maui, Hawaii
    I agree with the first four you have on your excited list and agree with the order you have them in.

    I have no problem with your concerned list and I think you gave logical reasons why these positions could prove to be problem areas in 2015.

    The one unit we disagree on is the LB unit. Right now you have Jenkins and then a lot of question marks. They still seem to have Misi at MLB and I just think he is below average at that position. He also can't seem to play through an entire season without missing games because of injuries.

    While some of the other LB's may step up and prove to be as effective as Jenkins, we just have no idea if there is another starting quality LB on the roster at this time. When you head into the season with only two of your LB spots filled and a big question mark as to who can fill that third spot, this unit has to be a concern at this time IMO.
     
  7. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

    428
    504
    0
    Dec 31, 2012
    Brad, what exactly makes you so nervous with LB? Reason I ask is the only person we lost from last year who played significantly was Wheeler and he was really really bad.
     
  8. cbrad

    cbrad .

    10,659
    12,657
    113
    Dec 21, 2014
    Still have no natural MLB. Misi is fine at OLB but not in the middle. They've got a lot of potential guys that can step up, but I need to see proof of that. Anyway, a much stronger DL should compensate for any LB weakness to a good degree, but LB is still a weakness in my mind because of MLB.
     
  9. DolphinGreg

    DolphinGreg Season Ticket Holder Club Member

    5,227
    6,527
    113
    Dec 7, 2014
    If Miami's defense has a problem this year, it's not going to be up the middle like it was last year. The team took out two underwhelming DTs and replaced them with Ndamukong Suh as well as a high-value 2nd rounder. That's also going to make some room for the collection of developmental guys who only played small roles and/or spot duty last year. That right there is about as big an upgrade as a team could make in one offseason.

    If there is a problem, it's going to be on the outside where people aren't expecting it. If Wake, Vernon or Grimes don't live up to expectation (or get hurt), the defense will be dramatically limited compared to what we're assuming it will be. I think the primary issues are going to be at DB. We just don't know who's going to start opposite Brent Grimes and the history of injuries amongst the competitors indicates that Miami may see a run of several CBs throughout the course of the season.


    As far as positions I think will surprise people in a positive way, I think TE is really the spot that Miami got an upgrade. I don't see Greg Jennings as a huge impact nor do I expect any WR on the roster to put up 10 TDs like Wallace. Heck, I seriously doubt any WR on the Dolphins roster gets to 1000 yards. Tannehill had a great year last year and no WR really got close to 1000 yards so I doubt it will happen with Jennings, Landry, Stills, Parker, Sims, Cameron and Miller all catching passes from Tannehill.

    But I think Cameron at TE can be the type of every-week contributor that Charles Clay wasn't. I really expect Jordan Cameron to be the type of guy that Dustin Keller was probably going to be--more of a feature receiver a la Jimmy Graham. I think Lazor is going to play up the TE's role in the offense this year, particularly in the red zone.
     
  10. CashInFist

    CashInFist Well-Known Member

    10,069
    2,624
    113
    Nov 30, 2007
    West Virginia
    Mike Hull, Jeff Luc, Zach Vigil?
     
    Fin4Ever likes this.
  11. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

    428
    504
    0
    Dec 31, 2012
    Thanks Cash, appreciate that.

    I got to ask QB really? I mean I can understand maybe still being on the fence of being sold on Tannehill as our QB but how can you rate a player that has improved each year as a pro as your Most Concerned. I mean OL has let up most sacks in League past two years and were trusting young unproven OG's to hold it together. Or CB where we have one proven guy and a bunch of ?'s.

    I do agree our UDFA LB's were impressive signings but they went undrafted for a reason.
     
    CashInFist likes this.
  12. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

    428
    504
    0
    Dec 31, 2012
    Ah, I see and I agree. Not a natural but he is serviceable it is all about him staying healthy. But, playing behind Suh and Phillips should help big time. I do think if McCain can step in at SLB the unit could be good. I would like to upgrade from Misi for sure in 2016.

    Don't sleep on Jordan Tripp/Mike Hull/Zach Vigil making some noise in the middle especially if Misi can't stay healthy.
     
    dolphin25 likes this.
  13. cbrad

    cbrad .

    10,659
    12,657
    113
    Dec 21, 2014
    OK.. should have said no natural MLB that's proven himself in the NFL.
     
  14. CashInFist

    CashInFist Well-Known Member

    10,069
    2,624
    113
    Nov 30, 2007
    West Virginia
    Because if he doesn't lead us to the playoffs this season with ALL the weapons at his disposal, I think the entire coaching staff will be fired and replaced. And Tannehill is gone as well.

    EDIT: I wanted us to draft Mike Hull with one of our 5th round picks. When we got him as an UDFA I was ecstatic. Getting Jeff Luc and Zach Vigil was kinda like the icing on the cake for me.
     
  15. CashInFist

    CashInFist Well-Known Member

    10,069
    2,624
    113
    Nov 30, 2007
    West Virginia
    Can't have veterans at every position.
     
  16. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

    111,652
    67,546
    113
    Dec 20, 2007
    I worry whos gonna play next to Reshad, Delmas got hurt late last year and he's so thin below the waist it's only a matter of time before something breaks..however, I'm very high on our fifth round pick Cedric Thompson..smart, excellent tackler, loves to play in the box, has some liabilities elsewhere but has more potential than anyone one we've had next to jones in a long time, he's a real football player..
     
    Fin4Ever likes this.
  17. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

    111,652
    67,546
    113
    Dec 20, 2007
    Instead of getting to the 2nd level to take out the mike their gonna have to focus on stopping the penetration that Suh and Phillips will create, whoever gets that mike job is gonna look a pro bowl player.
     
    Fin D and CashInFist like this.
  18. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

    111,652
    67,546
    113
    Dec 20, 2007
    Very interested in Jeff luc.
     
    Fin4Ever likes this.
  19. CashInFist

    CashInFist Well-Known Member

    10,069
    2,624
    113
    Nov 30, 2007
    West Virginia
    And Mitchell! Excited about our DL this year.
     
  20. smahtaz

    smahtaz Pimpin Ain't Easy

    Nice read.

    QB: I like Tannehill's progression so far. I also think Freeman has a shot at Moore's job.

    RB: Miller is a nice back but doesn't possess Ajayi's suddenness or size. Williams, James and Gillislee complete a pretty decent group.

    OL: 3 1st round picks at LT,C,RT has to be enough resources. I thought moving James to LT last year after Albert went down was pure stupidity. If the Dolphins don't have a solid OL this season, it is on coaching. There is plenty of talent.

    WR: I think Landry, Jennings, Stills and Parker is a significant upgrade to Wallace, Hartline, Gibson and Landry. From what I read, Hazel looked good this weekend. Matthews might actually make the team and hate it. lol

    TE: I hated losing Clay. Cameron is a nice consolation prize. Sims and Lynch could be ok but don't excite me. Weak group so far. Would have loved to see Nick O'Leary drafted late.

    DL: Strongest unit on the team.

    LB: Jenkins and McCain had nice years. Misi plays ok when he can play. I wouldn't be surprised if 2 or 3 UDFA made the team. This group is a big question mark.

    CB: Brent Grimes. Another big question mark here.

    S: Jones and Delmas are solid players. Thomas and Aikens are solid backups.

    ST: All I know is that I don't want to see Landry returning kicks.
     
    CashInFist likes this.
  21. PhinsMondayNitro

    PhinsMondayNitro Active Member

    608
    127
    43
    Sep 18, 2014
    Punter. He won't be seeing the field a lot this season.
     
    Fin4Ever likes this.
  22. Pauly

    Pauly Season Ticket Holder

    3,696
    3,743
    113
    Nov 29, 2007
    I am excited and nervous about our receiving corps.

    Excited for the obvious reasons. Nervous because Landry is the only player with a proven relationship with Tannehill, what if Stills, Parker or Jennings cannot connect with Tannehill the way Mike Wallace and Tannehill could't connect. Nervous because I'm worried about Parker being able to beat man coverage against NFL corners. Nervous because of Cameron's injury history. Nervous because opposing defences have had a year to work out Landry. Nervous because Jennings is at an age when his production can decline rapidly. I think the arrow is more up than down, but until this group proves they can work with Tannehill in Lazor's offence I am nervous.
     
  23. Fin D

    Fin D Sigh

    72,252
    43,684
    113
    Nov 27, 2007
    I'm honestly not nervous about a single unit.

    The only real questions we have are injury based but injuries can plague any unit at anytime. They are an unknown variable. Talent wise, we are tight across the board. I think our oline will be better this year, even if we have injuries. People forget, there's only so much you can do in an offseason. You can't fill all the holes we had last offseason AND get depth. So we ran without a lot of depth last year, but our starting talent was solid. This year, we SIGNIFICANTLY improved our starting talent in some key areas (like DT & WR) while also filling a lot of depth in areas we needed it (OL, LBs, DBs).

    Another thing people forget, is that Turner was injured for the first part of the year and got behind, which is why he didn't play until the end. Its also likely that Fox had some issue (injury or playbook) issue that kept him out and necessitated James' move to RT.
     
  24. finyank13

    finyank13 Reality Check

    30,718
    5,415
    113
    Jan 6, 2010
    The coaching group...
     
    CashInFist and cbrad like this.
  25. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

    428
    504
    0
    Dec 31, 2012
    Agreed I do think staff is fired but think it's a little outlandish to think Ross and Tannebaum would let him go as well. They pubicly supported him over and over and to me I don't think missing the playoffs means a massive rebuild. The youth movement is in effect, and I think all signs will point to Philbin & Co. gone.

    Yeah, I had to say those were some great UDFA finds. Never can doubt a PSU LB and Hull reminds me a bit of Sean Lee. I do like Vigil and Luc is a thumper but can he cover the pass.
     
  26. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

    428
    504
    0
    Dec 31, 2012

    Thanks!

    QB - I like the progression but just like all of us want more. People are crazy to think the tools aren't there though. See I would too if Moore didn't have guaranteed money. Plus I live in TB know Freeman's family and background, dude is a severe slacker beyond measure.

    RB- Agree on Miller but hard to replace him without seeing a heavier volume load.

    OL - I wish is was enough but it hasn't been. Agree on James he looked out of sorts and Jason Fox at LT was better than Dallas Thomas at RT just simple to see. I do see talent and think Turner will hold down fort at RG. I'd still like to see what veteran LG's are available after cuts or for trade.

    WR - I see our current group as a more dynamic one for sure. Production we shall see in the upcoming year. As opposed to last year we have two WR's who can get vertical in Stills and Parker. We have a veteran possession guy, who feists in the RZ. Then we have an ascending slot guy in Landry, who could easily have 85+ catches this year. Hazel to me looks like a guy who could fill in for multiple slots. With Rishads attitude, again I play him and try tog et something in return.

    TE - I like the group, bigger TE's for sure. Clay will hurt but I think when both are healthy Cameron is better threat. Sims is getting better each year and a more suitable TE #2 than most teams have, not bad for a 4th round pick.

    LB - Jenkins yes. McCain a nice game as in the first one, then he never saw the field. So maddening watching Wheeler run around like a lost dog. Agreed on UDFA LB's my prediciton is Vigil and Hull.

    CB - Yup.

    S - If Delmas is healthy this is a very good tandem, not elite, not great but very good.
     
  27. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

    428
    504
    0
    Dec 31, 2012
    FinD your confidence inspires us all, lol.

    I wish I could feel that way, but injuries will always hit. I do like our depth at DT much more in 2015, as well as WR. In terms of RB, I think we have a real two headed monster. OT, Fox has proven he can fill in fine. LB, is a young group but has talent, more depth than in past. CB is deep but nothing outside of Grimes is a proven commodity.

    Turner should be good to go and will be a mauler. I don't buy the BS on Fox, the dude was sitting on the sideline for weeks watching Dallas Thomas act as a swinging door and losing us games. It was broke and it should've been fixed lol.
     
  28. dWreck

    dWreck formerly dcaf

    5,200
    2,975
    113
    Oct 23, 2011
    Sebring, FL
    "Delusional" would be the understatement of the century if you think Tannehill is gone simply because the **TEAM** doesn't make the playoffs next year even if he plays well (again). It's sad that I have to relish the fact that our front office realizes football is not a 1 person sport like people seem to act like around here. No matter how many times you show people QBs making the playoffs doing much less than Tannehill has, they just cover their ears and go lalalala. Barring something drastic, Tannehill isn't going anywhere. No matter how bad you may want him to.
     
    cbrad likes this.
  29. ckparrothead

    ckparrothead Draft Forum Moderator Luxury Box

    79,599
    159,162
    113
    Dec 1, 2007
    Really difficult to feel good about the guard situation or the defensive backfield.

    Dallas Thomas and Billy Turner heading into the season as the starting pair at guards should probably legitimately be handicapped (note, that doesn't mean it WILL come to pass, just a reflection of the odds) as the worst guard unit in the NFL. It would surprise me if a case could legitimately and objectively be made for another team's guard unit being significantly worse.

    In the defensive backfield you've got Louis Delmas who already came to Miami with shot knees (hence his small, short-term contract in 2014), now coming off an ACL tear. The depth behind him consists of a 4th round second year player from Liberty who keeps finding himself in the coaches' doghouse, and a 5th round rookie. That depends on how you consider Michael Thomas, who may be a corner or a safety depending on which side of the bed Kevin Coyle wakes up that day. As for Delmas, the problem here is that Coyle's defense is so complex and requires so much communication that if the guy you've dubbed, trained and practiced as the starter ends up leaving the field...there's a big dropoff in both the communication, and the complexity of the play-calling. Coyle's lack of trust in the secondary when the starter comes out leads him to call defenses conservatively and that changes the nature of the defense, can literally change it from a good defense to a bad one. So can the lack of execution that comes with worse communication. With Delmas in they were a 19 point per game defense. With him out they were a 38 point per game defense, literally half as good.

    But then you've got a really risk-laden corner position. Brent Grimes I believe is factually the oldest corner on an NFL roster. This is not a position forgiving of age unless your name is Darrell Green and you can still run a 4.40 at 40 years old. The last 8 games we saw Brent Grimes play were not good, collectively. Can he make it through a full season playing at a high level anymore? Can he even make it at all? The problem here is that HE is the pillar of the unit. It's not like, OK we have some questions about Brent Grimes but he's only our second corner so it's OK. No, he's THE guy in that unit.

    Jamar Taylor is a former 2nd round pick whose career has (let's be honest) tracked closer to the path of disappointment than success. Will Davis is a guy that most people don't even want on the roster. Brice McCain was a nice roll of the dice at a low cost, but only just that...a roll of the dice. Similar to Shelley Smith a year ago, and how did that turn out? Sometimes (actually, often times) a nice dice roll still comes up bad. Zack Bowman was claimed with a veteran's minimum contract. That's probably an even lower quality dice roll than McCain. And Bobby McCain is just a rookie 5th rounder. You're deluding yourself if you actually figure those into the equation as quality players.
     
    zwave21 likes this.
  30. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

    37,392
    14,745
    113
    Nov 27, 2007
    new york ciity
    Offensive line- don't see Jamil Douglas being a good pass protector yet. Don't think he'll start. The starting line may be adequate if everyone is healthy but if we take a couple of injuries we will repeat 2014


    Linebackers - don't see any improvement here. Although I like the udfas I am not counting on any of them. They are udfas for a reason


    Secondary - will be alright unless we get injuries. If we do we're ****ed

    Bottom line if we take injuries on defense or offensive line we miss the playoffs again
     
  31. Fin D

    Fin D Sigh

    72,252
    43,684
    113
    Nov 27, 2007
    lol, so really, we agree on literally everything other than what kept Fox off the field last year.
     
    zwave21 likes this.
  32. cbrad

    cbrad .

    10,659
    12,657
    113
    Dec 21, 2014
    Question: anyone know of another O-line (historically is fine) where the guards were bad but the other positions were really good? Just trying to get an idea of how much those 3 positions compensate for bad guard play, though I'm not sure if the sample size is large enough to say anything.
     
  33. Da 'Fins

    Da 'Fins Season Ticket Holder Staff Member Club Member

    34,739
    47,801
    113
    Dec 19, 2007
    Birmingham, AL
    D-Line - Very Excited.
    WR - Excited.

    O-Line - Worried. (LG)

    The rest I feel pretty good about - even if questions there.
     
  34. ckparrothead

    ckparrothead Draft Forum Moderator Luxury Box

    79,599
    159,162
    113
    Dec 1, 2007
    I'm pretty excited about this WRs unit and that was definitely not the case a year ago. I genuinely like Kenny Stills, Greg Jennings, and think DeVante Parker could show special skills in certain situations. Jarvis Landry is dependable.

    I'm a little fearful about the tight ends unit as I still don't know what to expect out of Dion Sims, I believe Jordan Cameron carries both concussion risk and system translation/chemistry risk, and Charles Clay was a particularly high performing asset so they have big shoes to fill.

    I'm more comfortable with the RB unit now than a year ago. I like Jay Ajayi as the #2 there. Knowshon was a good #1/#2 but he got hurt so early that basically our #2 all year was Daniel Thomas. Again. Mike Gillislee is a forgotten man but I'd keep an eye out as I had a good evaluation of him coming out of Florida. I don't have that high of an opinion on LaMichael James, however I do have a high opinion of the way they could use him in this offense and it's entirely possible that with more time under his belt they could start to roll out with some of the plans that were hinted toward me during the 2014 season but just never came to fruition. So it's enough to be intriguing.

    I have mixed feelings on the defensive line as I think it extremely top-heavy. They're counting on a 33 year old pass rusher to stay healthy all season and continue to play at a high level. I'm sure he'll play at a high level. I'm NOT sure he'll stay healthy all year. And if we end up in a situation where we need our primary outside rush to come from Olivier Vernon...I just can't feel good about that regardless of the progress he's made in three years.

    They're also counting on the $100 million man to be impactful and healthy. That's a good bet. He's been healthy through his career. There's always baseline injury risk to every player. He does not have elevated risk as a player. Miami has elevated risk that way simply because they're counting on him so much. What do we have surrounding him? That concerns me. Jordan Phillips is a rookie. Why do we assume he'd be any better right away than, let's say, a 2nd year Paul Soliai (2008)? Earl Mitchell didn't really catch on like we hoped. Not yet, anyway. He could. I like long term free agent acquisitions in their second year with the new team.

    So I would evaluate the DL as good, but risk-laden.
     
    Da 'Fins and zwave21 like this.
  35. Clark Kent

    Clark Kent Fighter of the Nightman

    8,560
    4,133
    113
    May 9, 2008
    This is the 3rd year in a row fans have said that. As long as he's making progress, no year is a make it or break it season.
     
    Rocky Raccoon likes this.
  36. Rocky Raccoon

    Rocky Raccoon Greasepaint Ghost Staff Member

    30,224
    36,965
    113
    Dec 2, 2007
    Jersey
    Agreed.

    Tannehill has improved each and every season. This isn't a "make or break" year for him. You hope he continues his forward climb and that the rest of the team improves around him.

    Guys like Geno Smith and RG3 are the definition of make or break years, not Tannehill.
     
    Clark Kent likes this.
  37. ckparrothead

    ckparrothead Draft Forum Moderator Luxury Box

    79,599
    159,162
    113
    Dec 1, 2007
    Well, I mean...Tannehill IS very literally playing for his contract extension this year...
     
    Fin4Ever and CashInFist like this.
  38. cbrad

    cbrad .

    10,659
    12,657
    113
    Dec 21, 2014
    That's a good point, but the issue of who you replace him with always comes up, and the answer isn't obvious.
     
  39. ckparrothead

    ckparrothead Draft Forum Moderator Luxury Box

    79,599
    159,162
    113
    Dec 1, 2007
    There is no answer right now. If you make a decision to move on (which I agree does not seem foreseeable at this juncture) then you just have to find out what is available. The Dolphins have not shown any particular foresight or planning acumen when it comes to developing talent behind Tannehill that could give them options in some unforeseen situation.
     
    Fin4Ever likes this.
  40. cbrad

    cbrad .

    10,659
    12,657
    113
    Dec 21, 2014
    Are there any really good prospects worth talking about that might last to mid-1st round in the draft next year that you know of?
     

Share This Page