The Dolphins have been spending a lot of time with two of the draft’s top three defensive tackles – Missouri’s Sheldon Richardson and Utah’s Star Lotulelei, who are both projected in the range of Miami’s pick at No. 12. A Dolphins coach gave Lotulelei a private workout in Salt Lake City, and a Utah source said he will visit team headquarters Monday. A heart condition – potentially caused by a virus - sidelined him at the Combine, but a recent MRI revealed “no evidence of dysfunction.” Though defensive tackle isn’t a need, keep in mind that Randy Starks and Paul Soliai are under contract only through 2013. Also visiting the Dolphins Monday: UF’s Matt Elam, considered among the draft’s top four safeties. Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/spor...more-players-heat-marlins-.html#storylink=cpy
And if Star is there at 12 I expect a trade with Dallas (who needs him to anchor their four-front for Monte Kiffin)
I don't think that is high for Richardson at all. I think he's in the top 10 players in this draft. IMO, he would give the Dolphins something on the inside they don't currently have. He's a match up problem for the offense. He's got that explosive burst to get to the quarterback when he disengages, and currently, I don't see any Dolphins DT with that ability.
Star falling to #12 is one of the best scenarios imo- either as trade bait to get an extra 2 or 3 in a very deep draft or as a flat out great value at #12. He is a very, very good player, of course jmo going by what I saw. He is a load in the middle and can move, best fit and value seems to me as a 3/4 NT. You mentioned Elam earlier- personally I'm very interested, he's a physical and instinctive player and a ballhawk,very good all around Safety. It would be nice if he were a bit taller, but regardless he can play.
Would not be a terrible move. Either stock up on '14 draft picks, or add to this draft then maybe make a move back into the first for two picks. Also makes taking Vaccaro or Eiffert much easier if that is something we are looking at.
I actually like Richardson more than Star, but I'd be a little shocked if either were our draft pick.
I'd consider Richardson at 12 and Elam at 42 to be excellent values. I like both. Though anyone other than Austin at 12 will sadden me, at least for a while.
When I was playing ball in high school, one of our opposing teams had a nose tackle that our coaching staff was deathly afraid of. The week of that game, our coaches completely changed our blocking scheme to face that guy. They wanted to commit three blockers to that one defensive lineman. I thought at the time that the decision to do that was stupid and that no self respecting coach would do that. So, I am watching some film of Star Lotulelei the other night, and low and behold, I see a team committing three blockers to him. Not on every play mind you, but there were some plays where he had three guys blocking him.
I wonder if they did select star he would inspire Solai to get to another level, get in better condition..
I like stories like that.. If I had to I'd go with Sheldon, just more versatility and pass rush potential..I know you have some concerns about his ability to get pushed back, but so much of his game is based on quickness and penetration, because of his natural strength (30 reps) and lean, I'm sure some college issues can be corrected..When watching him, I never think he's getting over powered..I see a relentless player who takes chances with his unique size/agility ratio.
We've been ignoring Richardson despite all of the indications that Miami is interested. He could play right end for Miami with ease.
Sheldon Richardson as a high school senior put up 19 sacks...and 8 td's as a tight end.. Every once in a while you get a cutting edge size/agility ratio type prospect, I actually think there are two in this draft in Jordan and Richardson.
He's a planet theory player. He moves like a linebacker and he beat Fluker for a sack at DE. There's no reason Miami shouldn't consider him especially in space in a one gap scheme.
I'd rather use him at 3 technique and draft Datone Jones or Alex Okafor to play DE. Ability to create inside pressure is harder to find, and actually more disruptive to guys like Brady. It would seem to me counterproductive to move Richardson outside. As a rookie, rotate him with Soliai and Starks, playing mostly on passing downs, and in 2014 he becomes a full time starter. JMO.
On passing downs I'd move him to three technique and Odrick to DT. The problem with Richardson as the third guy is that Odrick can't do anything from the edge. I'd keep Vernon as the third down nickel rusher, while rotating Odrick in and out at DT like McDaniels. I know he could be a better rusher at DT, but there are so few guys that can play 3-4 end like this could and rush around the edge at 300 lbs.
Man, if the scenario with Star and a Dallas trade were to occur, we better really pick up some nice players in the process. I would be upset two fold: I'd love for us to pick Star I'd HATE for Dallas to have him.......... That being said, I could easily see it happening. Dallas is very lineman (both sides.of the ball actually) and Jerra has already talked,about going up for a special player much like,he did last year to get Mo Claiborne.
On a talent basis I think you're right. I think I'm just unexcited by the prospect of adding him if we plan to keep Starks, since we could do something else. I am just partial to making a difference off the edge... also, I don't like the idea of playing him at DE, as some have suggested (some have noted he has some LB movement ability). I would much prefer him as a penetrating one gap DT. But that's not what I want to see most at 12, unless he's an unearthly talent.
CK (I think?) and I were discussing (debating?) Sheldon in another thread, months ago, and he highlighted the Baylor game as an example of Sheldon's versatility as a pass rusher. This was part of my response (it was much longer, but I'll cut to the summary):
Yeah, it's a move you can imagine Jerry getting excited about, and being able to sell to fans. A Special player named Star to wear the Star. Marketing department would ****.