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Grade our moves so far....

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by zwave21, Mar 12, 2014.

  1. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

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    Well, just like last year if you aren't glued to twitter you are bound to miss something. Again, we have been one of the busiest teams in the first 20hrs of FA. Currently, there is a lot of speculation going on and more due to come but let's assess our moves thus far and maybe a little preview of what could happen?


    #1. Re-signing Brett Grimes: 4 yrs - $32mil. This was priority #1 in keeping our own guys and keeping arguably our best player in So. Fla. Seemed like the FO felt the same way and I love the deal for multiple reasons. But, lets start with not having CB as a major need. The contract we got him for is great after seeing the gaudy numbers Vontae Davis and Aqib Talib got, cause in my mine Grimes is better than both. While he will be 33/34 when the deal ends there are ways to get out of it.
    Grade: A

    #2. Signing Louis Delmas: 1 year - $3.5 mil. Still, questionable on this deal for one major reason and that is health of Delmas. When he plays I love his game, his tenacity, and he is more of a play maker than Clemons. But, can he stay healthy. He brings a needed swagger to this team as well, I'd love to see our defense play with more of a mean streak and Delmas might be the vocal leader we truly have missed. If healthy, Delmas could prove to be our 2014 version of Grimes which would be great seeing he is still young.
    Grade: B

    #3. Cutting Dimitri Patterson. This is one move Ifully expected to happen, a little suprised by the timing and wonder if they try'd to re-structure ahead of time. But, from the looks of it, Hickey is letting players test the market but keeping in touch a la our upcoming re-signing I will address. Patterson was good when on the field but too much money for a player who didn't play nearly enough. Still, I'd keep tabs on Patterson and try to bring him back on a 1 to 2 year deal incentive based on performance. Even with Grimes back CB is not fully addressed as we are relying on 2013 rookies who showed us little confidence to trust them. We did free up $5.3 mil in cap space.
    Grade: C+

    #4. Signing Branden Albert: 5 yrs - $46mil. Well, we answered the question on LT and in my mind got the best on the market. Yes, some will argue the money or Monroe or Veldheer but here is the facts. Albert is the best LT out of the FA class currently today. Yes, he has been injured but he is very good when he plays. Monroe for some reason had a small market for his services....something tells me for him to re-sign with Baltimore for that little money means there is something teams didn't like in his game. Veldheer's money was a nice deal but he was hurt all last year as well. We needed a LT and we got Albert I can't complain besides its expensive but still less than I believed he'd be (thought $10mil+ per year). Hopefully he can stay healthy but he brings a much enthused presence in our locker room.
    Grade: B+

    #5. Signing Earl Mitchell: 4 yrs - $16mil. This was a player I knew little about prior to FA but he seemed to have quite a market for his services. A lot feel that he was playing out of place as a NT in Houston's defense and constantly eating up blockers to allow Antonio Smith and JJ Watt to create havoc. In our 4-3 system he will play a different technique and he could really excel. He isn't the run-stuffer to replace Solai but in my mind our run defense problem was more of a LB thing than a DT thing. I think Mitchell can develop quite nice under Kacy Rodgers.
    Grade: B

    #6. Trading Jon Martin: 2015 Conditional Late Round Pick. Well, this was a shocker and if Ireland were still in place wouldn't have happened. Not too sure what SF is doing with trading for Gabbert and Martin unless they are running the NFL's version of Career Rehab. Still, the fact we got anyhting for Martin is an accomplishment. Would've been nice to get a little higher than what looks like a 7th but a pick is a pick. Finding a suitable partner in SF is a great job by Hickey who understands the need to try to get value before making a cut.
    Grade: B+

    #7. Re-signing Randy Starks (not finalized): 2 yrs - $11.5mil rumored. This may be the biggest suprise I woke up to this morning and I couldn't be happier once this gets done. Seems, like from everyone it's just dotting the I's and crossing the T's. This may be the move where I look at Hickey/Philbin working together and making the right call. Let's sign a young up an comer at DT in Mitchell and gamble on the market for Starks. I thought Starks was a goner for sure due to reports and just the fact he would command a lot of money. If he is brought back for under $6/mil a year than I am overjoyed. Between Odrick/Mithcell/Starks: we have 1 player at 30 who ranked top 10 PFF in both run/pass defense in Starks, another player who is 26 who had 4.5 sacks as a out of place NT in Mitchell, and lastly a player who had 4.5 sacks as a rotational player who is only getting better in Odrick.
    Grade: A

    Overall: B+ - Some may think this grade is too high but when I look top to bottom on addressing needs, finding quality players, and of course compensation I feel comforablt with that grade. Let's start with our needs pre-FA: LT, DT, CB, FS, OG, RT, LB, RB, & TE/WR. We got a bookend LT, while the money is high we addressed a need and still kept under $10mil a year. DT, we had two UFA and re-signed the better of the two in Starks for less money, all the while adding a up and comer at 26 who is four years Solai's junior with much better pass rush skills. CB, we re-signed our most important UFA and in my mind a top 5 CB in the game to a deal after seeing that market should be classified as a steal. FS, we got a playmaking safety who despite injury concerns could be a huge upgrade on a one year deal for little money. Cutting Patterson free'd up $5.3 million in cap and from what I have heard both sides are open to re-signing for lower money. Trading Jon Martin is just the cherry on top while still getting value.

    Still, we are far from done but I don't expect any more major money deals but more or less bargain shopping and addressing additional needs. Speaking of needs I prioritize them and speculate on who I'd like to see:

    OG x2, RT, LB, RB, CB and WR/TE - looking at the rest of the FA marketing and the upcoming draft I don't see why we can't make financially concious deals while still getting good quality.

    OG - with the top end talent in Schwartz, Asamoah, Beadles, and Rinehart being snatched up the top-end options may be gone, but there are still quality players available. Some reasonable options I see: Wharton, Colon, Joseph, Smith, Dietrich-Smith, and Colledge. The only two on that list under 30 are Smith and Dietrich-Smith, so when you look at the rest it really would be stop-gaps. Smith was drafted by the Texans and is familiar with Benton and with Dietrich-Smith coming from GB he is familiar with Philbin. Either one of those would be good options with me but more than likely I see the draft to address at least one if not both positions.

    RT- This is the next position I hope we target. I feel better going into season with two experience tackles and the guards being rookies. The top RT on the marketing Austin Howard got money from the Raiders and that is fine with me after seeing his deal. There are still plenty of options left to find: Collins, Strief, Giacomini, Oher, McKinnie, and Harris. McKinnie is ancient but was decent for us last year, Strief is 30 but ranked by PFF the highest rated RT, the rest are sub 30. Anthony Collins I am shocked hasn't been snatched up, I feel he will get LT money but he is a great option for RT and has versatility which we need. Giacomini is a real old school nasty type lineman at RT. Oher had a rough couple of years but at one point was a promising proscpect, he is still young. Ryan Harris coming from Houston despite losing his starting spart is still young at 28 and has familiarity with Benton. In my mind if we address another OL in FA I hope it is at RT, I like the options here much better than what has been left at OG.

    LB- we all have talked about how ****ty our LB's were last year and god it was rough too watch after spending all that money at the position last year. I rank our LB's as such Misi>Ellerbe>Jenkins>Wheeler, etc. Yes, I think Wheeler is that bad and Ellerbe is not that much better. Jenkins has the benefit of being a rookie but at least he can pass cover. After having D'Qwell Jackson come in and visit you can see that the FO knows this is a problem as well. Tough to cut them all or one for that matter but Wheeler seems to be the odd man out. If it is me, I look to shift Ellerbe outside and bring in a stud in the middle. The FA class isn't amazing and with Jackson and Dansby gone the best of the rest looks like: Spikes, Smith, and Beason. None are ideal but all could bring something to the table. Spikes is a real thumper and is excellent against the run, but a liablility in the pass and has off field concerns. Smith is always consistent and was a real difference maker on the Ravens last year, but he is 31 and may be present option but not future. Beason four years ago was a top 5 MLB, then injuries hit, he is a native Miami guy which would be great and when he plays is productive still he is coming up to 30 and those knees aint getting stronger. This is another position where I hope we address it but unless it's a trade I hope we look to the draft to find a MLB and a stud at that, I hope we can find our 21st century Zach Thomas to build around.

    RB- Anyone who thinks that we are set at RB is pretty foolish. The Miller/Thomas experiement was not pretty in year one. Let's cut out the Thomas out of the equation as we can do much better. Miller offers a lot of value but I don't think he is a #1 guy, more of a change of pace. Look what Philly did at RB last year....Shady McCoy is the guy but let us not neglect Bryce Brown had nearly 100 carries for over 300 yards so it wasn't a total one man show. What we lack is a decisive runner with great vision, if we are in fact to be a true zone scheme we need a guy who can read the hole and hit it a la Frank Gore (best vision in the game IMO). The FA market for RB is sad as they are not coveted like they were a decade ago. This is one position where FA or draft has what we are looking for. In FA here are the available options: Tate, Brown, Moreno, Jones-Drew, Starks, and Blount. Out fo that group I view Moreno and Tate with the biggest pay days and rightfully so. I view Blount coming at the best value for production. Jones-Drew can't be a workhorse but a great complement. Andre Brown is too injured for my liking. Tate would be great depdning on money, but I don't think he leaves Cleveland without a deal. Moreno I like but I am still sceptical if he isn't just a product of a Peyton Manning system. Blount would be my ideal but I doubt Philbin would sign off on it, his connection to Hickey would be great, he is what we need to complement Miller plain and simple. I wouldn't cringe if MJD or Starks are brought in for the right money and understanding they aren't the go-to guy. The draft entices me plenty if FA we don't address.

    CB - With Grimes back we have a bonafide #1 CB. Jimmy Wilson quietly had a good year as a slot CB and should be doing those duties this year. With Patterson and Carroll gone I am not the most comfortable giving Jamar Taylor or Will Davis free shots to be the starters. I would like to bring in a affordable veteran as a safety valve just in case neither Taylor or Davis step up to the plate. Some options: Patterson (bring back on smaller deal),Tarrell Brown, Corey Graham, Carroll, Asante Samuel, Jabari Greer

    WR/TE - Yes, this isn't a major need but if anyone looks at our receiving corp and views that as a complete unit you are sadly mistaken. Granted I think Lazor's system will offer better route combos, putting playmakers in space to make plays, and a faster pace. But, we lack a few things: A red-zone target, a seam threat at TE, and a in-line blocker. Those are things we can address and address for cheap. Rumor is that Miami has checked in on James Jones who I would welcome with open arms (15 td's past two years). When I view receiver we sorely miss a possession guy who can go up and get the ball. Jones is that type of guy, while he isn't a huge target he can go up and get it. Hakeem Nicks is another guy but I highly doubt we would even put a call in. At TE there are more options: Finley, Pettigrew, Daniels, Graham, and Quarless. Daniels and Pettigrew being the seniors of the group at 31/29 respectively, both are good in-line blockers with good size and have above-average pass catching ability. Finley is the most talented but with the biggest injury concerns after that freak accident last year. Graham and Quarless have been backups for major portion of career but should get opprtunity to be the#1 guy, both can catch and block and are younger. Just depends on what the vision is in this offense. Charles Clay is a major weapon but he is not the blocker we need.

    My Choices: After assessing our options with FA here are the picks I roll with for the rest of FA and what I leave to address in the draft:

    OG: Sign Daryn Colledge - veteran who palyed under Philbin in GB. Colledge is 32 but he provides us a veteran who at best can start and at worst provides depth. I sign him to a 2 year deal and leave it at that. I plan to invest draft picks on OG as I like this class but I am in no way trying to roll into 2014 depending on rookies to develop that quickly. (Don't sleep on Benton utilzing Dallas Thomas at Guard in zone scheme after Thomas was All-SEC at Guard in 2012).

    RT: Sign Zach Strief - don't sleep on this Hickey. Go and get this done. After seeing what Austin Howard got from Oakland at 27 years of age, I think we should be able to get Strief anywhere from the $3-5mil per year range which would be a steal. At 30 Strief isn't going to last forever but he can hold the spot while we develop someone for future.

    LB: 2014 Draft - I look at these options and I am good with making LB a MAJOR need for the 2014 draft. Why? I like the options in the draft to be that stud LB we desperately need. I want a guy in the middle who plays violent against the run but also is a 3 down player.

    RB: 2014 Draft - Tate is going to be too much $$$, Moreno will get overpaid, Blount has character concerns, Starks isn't that impressive, MJD is too old, and Brown is too injury prone. Yes, I sound very picky but unless we can get over Blount's character I think a 2-4 round draft pick can be our guy.

    CB: Re-sign Dimitri Patterson - I would say Nolan Carroll but some team will overpay for his services. Patterson won't have a huge market due to his injuries but that is good for us. We should know how healthy he really is, but brining him back on 1-2 year deal with incentives should suffice.
    WR/TE: Sign Owen Daniels - He is a solid veteran who when healthy consistently puts up numbers. Bring him in on a 1-3 year deal, my bet is he wants a one year to prove himself. Daniels can come in not to be the #1 but a complement to Clay. Clay is going to be a mismatch nightmare and able to split out much more. Daniels can be the in-line guy sealing the blocks and dipping down the seam. His familiarity with Benton's system would be great when teaching to our unit, and he would be a great safety blanket for RT17.

    Whew.... now looking at that we enter the 2014 with the following nees in order of priority:

    OG>LB>RB>CB>WR>FB

    OG - Address in rounds 1-3 & again rounds 4-6: Players to watch: Zack Martin ND; Xavier Su'a-Filo UCLA; Brandon Thomas CLEMSON; Billy Turner ND State; Joel Bitinio NEVADA; Wesley Johnson VANDY

    LB - Address in rounds 1-2: CJ Mosely BAMA; Christian Jones FSU; Chris Borland WISC; Lamin Barrow LSU

    RB - Address in rounds 2-4: Tre Mason AUB; Carlos Hyde OHIO ST.; Bishop Sankey WASH; Jeremy Hill LSU; Charles Sims WVU; Lache Seastrunk BAYLOR

    CB - Address in rounds 2-5: Bradley Roby OSU; Marcus Roberson UF; Lamarcus Joyner FSU; Jaylen Watkins UF; Bashard Breeland CLEMSON; Louchiez Purifoy UF; Victor Hampton SO. CAROLINA; EJ Gaines MIZZOU

    This my ideal playout:

    #1 - CJ Moseley - This guy could be the differene we need in the middle of our defense. Supposedly he is dropping out of top 15 which is too our benefit. I view this pick coming down to Moseley or Zack Martin and for me with a LT signed it'd be foolish to invest a round 1 pick on OG when their is depth at the position and not that with LB.

    #2 - Joel Bitinio - this may seem high for a guy projected in rounds 3-4 but look at last year this guy reminds me of a Justin Pugh or Kyle Long type player who will rise. Bitinio played LT in college but I'd want him to come in as a LG. He can learn under Albert and when the time is right potentiall shift outside, but I think he can become a great guard.

    #3 - Jeremy Hill - his character concerns may not make him an option but man I love this kid. His combine was more impressive in the 40 than most expected. He is exactly the type of runner we need who is decisive and a load to bring down. Having Miller's speed as a change of pace would make this a formidable duo.

    #4 - Louchiez Purifoy - Yes, we have Grimes, Patterson, Wilson, Taylor, and Davis. But look deeper...Grimes and Patterson are 30+. Wilson can be inconsistent and is only a slot CB. Taylor/Davis have shown nothing that believes they can stick in the NFL. Purifoy is a guy who excelled in college due to great athleticism but has inconsistent technique. Perfect, we have a CB who thrives on athleticism and is experiecne in Grimes. Purifoy has dropped in rankings but is talented just needs seasoning.

    #5 - Wesley Johnson - yes, another OG/OT. But, as we have learned you can never have enough line depth. Johnson is very athletic but very lean. That is fine, bring him in on a NFL strength program and let him learn under experienced OL. With him like Bitinio both have been projected to either OT or OG. Planning ahead is a good thing guys, Bitinio comes in as a guard and could eventually fill in for Albert at LT in the future. Johnson comes in learns both Guard and Tackle and can fill in for Colledge or Strief when either's play dips.

    #6 - L'Damian Washington - a late round WR to develop. Comes from a fast paced offense in Mizzou. Washington has intriguing length but lacks ideal bulk. He has good speed and can stretch the field. Merely a guy to develop and maybe practice squad for a year.

    #7 - BPA

    What you guys think?
     
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  2. slickj101

    slickj101 Is Water

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    Agree for the most part. I don't see cutting Patterson as a bad move considering his injury history and the fact that we can still re-sign him for less.

    I'd of rather had Monroe or Veldeer over Albert but I'd rather pay him than try to draft the position. Seems like nobody had a chance at Monroe anyways.
     
  3. TooGoodForDez

    TooGoodForDez Deion Sanders for GM

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    Delmas: D. This is not an improvement.
    Albert: B, a clear improvement, barring injuries.
    Mitchell: D. Do not see an improvement over Soliai.
    Starks: C, Phins were expected to resign one of the two DTs.
    Grimes: C. This was an expected move.
    Martin: C, again expected that he would not be back.
    Patterson: C, was expected, eggshell man, 0 cap hit, making $5 mil. no brainer.


    Overall C.

    Legend:
    A - Far exceeds expectations
    B - Exceeds expectations
    C - Meets expectations
    D - Below expectations
    F - Fail
     
  4. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

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    Yeah, I see the cut as a positive thing with Patterson as it creates cap space and he is injury prone. Brining him back would be ideal for a better cap number, regardless losing a starter who played well if sparingly always stings.

    See, I understand wanting Monroe/Veldheer due to age and the money they ended up getting. But, we had just as good a shot at Monroe as every other team. Don't get this twisted Monroe was not looking for $7.5/yr rumor is he was looking $10-12/yr. Veldheer was injured all last year as well. The fact that Monroe returned to Baltimore doesn't mean anything less than he had very little to no options. He returned for that number cause that is the best he could get...
     
  5. Pariah

    Pariah Revolutionary

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    Little Rhody
    Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand...


    Back to Club
     
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  6. VManis

    VManis Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    So let me get this straight. If you were a Seahawks fan and expected them to win the superbowl last year you would grade their season as a C?
     
    Mcduffie81 and Fin D like this.
  7. Bumrush

    Bumrush Stable Genius Club Member

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    Too good for Dez may have been beaten by Dez's moms pimp too.. Leave him alone.
     
  8. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

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    Well, just like last year if you aren't glued to twitter you are bound to miss something. Again, we have been one of the busiest teams in the first 20hrs of FA. Currently, there is a lot of speculation going on and more due to come but let's assess our moves thus far and maybe a little preview of what could happen?


    #1. Re-signing Brett Grimes: 4 yrs - $32mil. This was priority #1 in keeping our own guys and keeping arguably our best player in So. Fla. Seemed like the FO felt the same way and I love the deal for multiple reasons. But, lets start with not having CB as a major need. The contract we got him for is great after seeing the gaudy numbers Vontae Davis and Aqib Talib got, cause in my mine Grimes is better than both. While he will be 33/34 when the deal ends there are ways to get out of it.
    Grade: A

    #2. Signing Louis Delmas: 1 year - $3.5 mil. Still, questionable on this deal for one major reason and that is health of Delmas. When he plays I love his game, his tenacity, and he is more of a play maker than Clemons. But, can he stay healthy. He brings a needed swagger to this team as well, I'd love to see our defense play with more of a mean streak and Delmas might be the vocal leader we truly have missed. If healthy, Delmas could prove to be our 2014 version of Grimes which would be great seeing he is still young.
    Grade: B

    #3. Cutting Dimitri Patterson. This is one move Ifully expected to happen, a little suprised by the timing and wonder if they try'd to re-structure ahead of time. But, from the looks of it, Hickey is letting players test the market but keeping in touch a la our upcoming re-signing I will address. Patterson was good when on the field but too much money for a player who didn't play nearly enough. Still, I'd keep tabs on Patterson and try to bring him back on a 1 to 2 year deal incentive based on performance. Even with Grimes back CB is not fully addressed as we are relying on 2013 rookies who showed us little confidence to trust them. We did free up $5.3 mil in cap space.
    Grade: C+

    #4. Signing Branden Albert: 5 yrs - $46mil. Well, we answered the question on LT and in my mind got the best on the market. Yes, some will argue the money or Monroe or Veldheer but here is the facts. Albert is the best LT out of the FA class currently today. Yes, he has been injured but he is very good when he plays. Monroe for some reason had a small market for his services....something tells me for him to re-sign with Baltimore for that little money means there is something teams didn't like in his game. Veldheer's money was a nice deal but he was hurt all last year as well. We needed a LT and we got Albert I can't complain besides its expensive but still less than I believed he'd be (thought $10mil+ per year). Hopefully he can stay healthy but he brings a much enthused presence in our locker room.
    Grade: B+

    #5. Signing Earl Mitchell: 4 yrs - $16mil. This was a player I knew little about prior to FA but he seemed to have quite a market for his services. A lot feel that he was playing out of place as a NT in Houston's defense and constantly eating up blockers to allow Antonio Smith and JJ Watt to create havoc. In our 4-3 system he will play a different technique and he could really excel. He isn't the run-stuffer to replace Solai but in my mind our run defense problem was more of a LB thing than a DT thing. I think Mitchell can develop quite nice under Kacy Rodgers.
    Grade: B

    #6. Trading Jon Martin: 2015 Conditional Late Round Pick. Well, this was a shocker and if Ireland were still in place wouldn't have happened. Not too sure what SF is doing with trading for Gabbert and Martin unless they are running the NFL's version of Career Rehab. Still, the fact we got anyhting for Martin is an accomplishment. Would've been nice to get a little higher than what looks like a 7th but a pick is a pick. Finding a suitable partner in SF is a great job by Hickey who understands the need to try to get value before making a cut.
    Grade: B+

    #7. Re-signing Randy Starks (not finalized): 2 yrs - $11.5mil rumored. This may be the biggest suprise I woke up to this morning and I couldn't be happier once this gets done. Seems, like from everyone it's just dotting the I's and crossing the T's. This may be the move where I look at Hickey/Philbin working together and making the right call. Let's sign a young up an comer at DT in Mitchell and gamble on the market for Starks. I thought Starks was a goner for sure due to reports and just the fact he would command a lot of money. If he is brought back for under $6/mil a year than I am overjoyed. Between Odrick/Mithcell/Starks: we have 1 player at 30 who ranked top 10 PFF in both run/pass defense in Starks, another player who is 26 who had 4.5 sacks as a out of place NT in Mitchell, and lastly a player who had 4.5 sacks as a rotational player who is only getting better in Odrick.
    Grade: A

    Overall: B+ - Some may think this grade is too high but when I look top to bottom on addressing needs, finding quality players, and of course compensation I feel comforablt with that grade. Let's start with our needs pre-FA: LT, DT, CB, FS, OG, RT, LB, RB, & TE/WR. We got a bookend LT, while the money is high we addressed a need and still kept under $10mil a year. DT, we had two UFA and re-signed the better of the two in Starks for less money, all the while adding a up and comer at 26 who is four years Solai's junior with much better pass rush skills. CB, we re-signed our most important UFA and in my mind a top 5 CB in the game to a deal after seeing that market should be classified as a steal. FS, we got a playmaking safety who despite injury concerns could be a huge upgrade on a one year deal for little money. Cutting Patterson free'd up $5.3 million in cap and from what I have heard both sides are open to re-signing for lower money. Trading Jon Martin is just the cherry on top while still getting value.

    Still, we are far from done but I don't expect any more major money deals but more or less bargain shopping and addressing additional needs. Speaking of needs I prioritize them and speculate on who I'd like to see:

    OG x2, RT, LB, RB, CB and WR/TE - looking at the rest of the FA marketing and the upcoming draft I don't see why we can't make financially concious deals while still getting good quality.

    OG - with the top end talent in Schwartz, Asamoah, Beadles, and Rinehart being snatched up the top-end options may be gone, but there are still quality players available. Some reasonable options I see: Wharton, Colon, Joseph, Smith, Dietrich-Smith, and Colledge. The only two on that list under 30 are Smith and Dietrich-Smith, so when you look at the rest it really would be stop-gaps. Smith was drafted by the Texans and is familiar with Benton and with Dietrich-Smith coming from GB he is familiar with Philbin. Either one of those would be good options with me but more than likely I see the draft to address at least one if not both positions.

    RT- This is the next position I hope we target. I feel better going into season with two experience tackles and the guards being rookies. The top RT on the marketing Austin Howard got money from the Raiders and that is fine with me after seeing his deal. There are still plenty of options left to find: Collins, Strief, Giacomini, Oher, McKinnie, and Harris. McKinnie is ancient but was decent for us last year, Strief is 30 but ranked by PFF the highest rated RT, the rest are sub 30. Anthony Collins I am shocked hasn't been snatched up, I feel he will get LT money but he is a great option for RT and has versatility which we need. Giacomini is a real old school nasty type lineman at RT. Oher had a rough couple of years but at one point was a promising proscpect, he is still young. Ryan Harris coming from Houston despite losing his starting spart is still young at 28 and has familiarity with Benton. In my mind if we address another OL in FA I hope it is at RT, I like the options here much better than what has been left at OG.

    LB- we all have talked about how ****ty our LB's were last year and god it was rough too watch after spending all that money at the position last year. I rank our LB's as such Misi>Ellerbe>Jenkins>Wheeler, etc. Yes, I think Wheeler is that bad and Ellerbe is not that much better. Jenkins has the benefit of being a rookie but at least he can pass cover. After having D'Qwell Jackson come in and visit you can see that the FO knows this is a problem as well. Tough to cut them all or one for that matter but Wheeler seems to be the odd man out. If it is me, I look to shift Ellerbe outside and bring in a stud in the middle. The FA class isn't amazing and with Jackson and Dansby gone the best of the rest looks like: Spikes, Smith, and Beason. None are ideal but all could bring something to the table. Spikes is a real thumper and is excellent against the run, but a liablility in the pass and has off field concerns. Smith is always consistent and was a real difference maker on the Ravens last year, but he is 31 and may be present option but not future. Beason four years ago was a top 5 MLB, then injuries hit, he is a native Miami guy which would be great and when he plays is productive still he is coming up to 30 and those knees aint getting stronger. This is another position where I hope we address it but unless it's a trade I hope we look to the draft to find a MLB and a stud at that, I hope we can find our 21st century Zach Thomas to build around.

    RB- Anyone who thinks that we are set at RB is pretty foolish. The Miller/Thomas experiement was not pretty in year one. Let's cut out the Thomas out of the equation as we can do much better. Miller offers a lot of value but I don't think he is a #1 guy, more of a change of pace. Look what Philly did at RB last year....Shady McCoy is the guy but let us not neglect Bryce Brown had nearly 100 carries for over 300 yards so it wasn't a total one man show. What we lack is a decisive runner with great vision, if we are in fact to be a true zone scheme we need a guy who can read the hole and hit it a la Frank Gore (best vision in the game IMO). The FA market for RB is sad as they are not coveted like they were a decade ago. This is one position where FA or draft has what we are looking for. In FA here are the available options: Tate, Brown, Moreno, Jones-Drew, Starks, and Blount. Out fo that group I view Moreno and Tate with the biggest pay days and rightfully so. I view Blount coming at the best value for production. Jones-Drew can't be a workhorse but a great complement. Andre Brown is too injured for my liking. Tate would be great depdning on money, but I don't think he leaves Cleveland without a deal. Moreno I like but I am still sceptical if he isn't just a product of a Peyton Manning system. Blount would be my ideal but I doubt Philbin would sign off on it, his connection to Hickey would be great, he is what we need to complement Miller plain and simple. I wouldn't cringe if MJD or Starks are brought in for the right money and understanding they aren't the go-to guy. The draft entices me plenty if FA we don't address.

    CB - With Grimes back we have a bonafide #1 CB. Jimmy Wilson quietly had a good year as a slot CB and should be doing those duties this year. With Patterson and Carroll gone I am not the most comfortable giving Jamar Taylor or Will Davis free shots to be the starters. I would like to bring in a affordable veteran as a safety valve just in case neither Taylor or Davis step up to the plate. Some options: Patterson (bring back on smaller deal),Tarrell Brown, Corey Graham, Carroll, Asante Samuel, Jabari Greer

    WR/TE - Yes, this isn't a major need but if anyone looks at our receiving corp and views that as a complete unit you are sadly mistaken. Granted I think Lazor's system will offer better route combos, putting playmakers in space to make plays, and a faster pace. But, we lack a few things: A red-zone target, a seam threat at TE, and a in-line blocker. Those are things we can address and address for cheap. Rumor is that Miami has checked in on James Jones who I would welcome with open arms (15 td's past two years). When I view receiver we sorely miss a possession guy who can go up and get the ball. Jones is that type of guy, while he isn't a huge target he can go up and get it. Hakeem Nicks is another guy but I highly doubt we would even put a call in. At TE there are more options: Finley, Pettigrew, Daniels, Graham, and Quarless. Daniels and Pettigrew being the seniors of the group at 31/29 respectively, both are good in-line blockers with good size and have above-average pass catching ability. Finley is the most talented but with the biggest injury concerns after that freak accident last year. Graham and Quarless have been backups for major portion of career but should get opprtunity to be the#1 guy, both can catch and block and are younger. Just depends on what the vision is in this offense. Charles Clay is a major weapon but he is not the blocker we need.

    My Choices: After assessing our options with FA here are the picks I roll with for the rest of FA and what I leave to address in the draft:

    OG: Sign Daryn Colledge - veteran who palyed under Philbin in GB. Colledge is 32 but he provides us a veteran who at best can start and at worst provides depth. I sign him to a 2 year deal and leave it at that. I plan to invest draft picks on OG as I like this class but I am in no way trying to roll into 2014 depending on rookies to develop that quickly. (Don't sleep on Benton utilzing Dallas Thomas at Guard in zone scheme after Thomas was All-SEC at Guard in 2012).

    RT: Sign Zach Strief - don't sleep on this Hickey. Go and get this done. After seeing what Austin Howard got from Oakland at 27 years of age, I think we should be able to get Strief anywhere from the $3-5mil per year range which would be a steal. At 30 Strief isn't going to last forever but he can hold the spot while we develop someone for future.

    LB: 2014 Draft - I look at these options and I am good with making LB a MAJOR need for the 2014 draft. Why? I like the options in the draft to be that stud LB we desperately need. I want a guy in the middle who plays violent against the run but also is a 3 down player.

    RB: 2014 Draft - Tate is going to be too much $$$, Moreno will get overpaid, Blount has character concerns, Starks isn't that impressive, MJD is too old, and Brown is too injury prone. Yes, I sound very picky but unless we can get over Blount's character I think a 2-4 round draft pick can be our guy.

    CB: Re-sign Dimitri Patterson - I would say Nolan Carroll but some team will overpay for his services. Patterson won't have a huge market due to his injuries but that is good for us. We should know how healthy he really is, but brining him back on 1-2 year deal with incentives should suffice.
    WR/TE: Sign Owen Daniels - He is a solid veteran who when healthy consistently puts up numbers. Bring him in on a 1-3 year deal, my bet is he wants a one year to prove himself. Daniels can come in not to be the #1 but a complement to Clay. Clay is going to be a mismatch nightmare and able to split out much more. Daniels can be the in-line guy sealing the blocks and dipping down the seam. His familiarity with Benton's system would be great when teaching to our unit, and he would be a great safety blanket for RT17.

    Whew.... now looking at that we enter the 2014 with the following nees in order of priority:

    OG>LB>RB>CB>WR>FB

    OG - Address in rounds 1-3 & again rounds 4-6: Players to watch: Zack Martin ND; Xavier Su'a-Filo UCLA; Brandon Thomas CLEMSON; Billy Turner ND State; Joel Bitinio NEVADA; Wesley Johnson VANDY

    LB - Address in rounds 1-2: CJ Mosely BAMA; Christian Jones FSU; Chris Borland WISC; Lamin Barrow LSU

    RB - Address in rounds 2-4: Tre Mason AUB; Carlos Hyde OHIO ST.; Bishop Sankey WASH; Jeremy Hill LSU; Charles Sims WVU; Lache Seastrunk BAYLOR

    CB - Address in rounds 2-5: Bradley Roby OSU; Marcus Roberson UF; Lamarcus Joyner FSU; Jaylen Watkins UF; Bashard Breeland CLEMSON; Louchiez Purifoy UF; Victor Hampton SO. CAROLINA; EJ Gaines MIZZOU

    This my ideal playout:

    #1 - CJ Moseley - This guy could be the differene we need in the middle of our defense. Supposedly he is dropping out of top 15 which is too our benefit. I view this pick coming down to Moseley or Zack Martin and for me with a LT signed it'd be foolish to invest a round 1 pick on OG when their is depth at the position and not that with LB.

    #2 - Joel Bitinio - this may seem high for a guy projected in rounds 3-4 but look at last year this guy reminds me of a Justin Pugh or Kyle Long type player who will rise. Bitinio played LT in college but I'd want him to come in as a LG. He can learn under Albert and when the time is right potentiall shift outside, but I think he can become a great guard.

    #3 - Jeremy Hill - his character concerns may not make him an option but man I love this kid. His combine was more impressive in the 40 than most expected. He is exactly the type of runner we need who is decisive and a load to bring down. Having Miller's speed as a change of pace would make this a formidable duo.

    #4 - Louchiez Purifoy - Yes, we have Grimes, Patterson, Wilson, Taylor, and Davis. But look deeper...Grimes and Patterson are 30+. Wilson can be inconsistent and is only a slot CB. Taylor/Davis have shown nothing that believes they can stick in the NFL. Purifoy is a guy who excelled in college due to great athleticism but has inconsistent technique. Perfect, we have a CB who thrives on athleticism and is experiecne in Grimes. Purifoy has dropped in rankings but is talented just needs seasoning.

    #5 - Wesley Johnson - yes, another OG/OT. But, as we have learned you can never have enough line depth. Johnson is very athletic but very lean. That is fine, bring him in on a NFL strength program and let him learn under experienced OL. With him like Bitinio both have been projected to either OT or OG. Planning ahead is a good thing guys, Bitinio comes in as a guard and could eventually fill in for Albert at LT in the future. Johnson comes in learns both Guard and Tackle and can fill in for Colledge or Strief when either's play dips.

    #6 - L'Damian Washington - a late round WR to develop. Comes from a fast paced offense in Mizzou. Washington has intriguing length but lacks ideal bulk. He has good speed and can stretch the field. Merely a guy to develop and maybe practice squad for a year.

    #7 - BPA

    What you guys think?
     
  9. PhinsRDbest

    PhinsRDbest Transform and Transcend

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    You guys are too in love with his grade, look at his legend. I think his opinion is not to far off based on his legend. Starks I would grade a little higher due to me personally thinking him and Soliai were both gonzo.
     
  10. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Appreciate the work in your post..

    Disagree on a couple of your picks..

    Bitonio from nevada, wreckless player, trouble getting athletically coordinated to zero in on target after initial contact, sloppy player imo.

    After Purifoy was getting consistent grade in the mid 2nd round, I took a hard look, yuck, severely outmuscled at the point of attack, on the line off the line, in the tackling process, wouldn't touch him in the first four rounds..

    Dakota dozier is a good looking prospect for guard in third or fourth if he's available.
     
  11. PhinsRDbest

    PhinsRDbest Transform and Transcend

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    the next dimension
    #1. Re-signing Brett Grimes: B+ Injury concerns
    #2. Signing Louis Delmas: C+ a one year tryoutwith injury concerns, could turn out like Grimes or could turn out like Keller
    #3. Cutting Dimitri Patterson: C+ this move was expected, but creates hole with Nolan Carroll also FA could be higher if replaced with acquisition. REALLY HIGHER IF REVIS
    #4. Signing Branden Albert: B- move had to be made and they paid for it.
    #5. Signing Earl Mitchell: B top 10 available DT in FA had to replace one of our own
    #6. Trading Jon Martin: C move had to be made, if compensation is gotten B but probably will not.
    #7. Re-signing Randy Starks: B+ never expected him to be back but somehow they did it
    Overall: B- still feeling very uneasy about the o-line and the FA pool is shrinking and filled with meh prospects
     
  12. Sumlit

    Sumlit Well-Known Member

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    Dolphins signed 3 Pro Bowlers and 2 other players with very high motivation to show what they can bring (Delmas 1 year contract, Mitchell change of scheme to a more favorable one.) Of the 5, only Albert got a pricey deal, and even then it is really a 3 year deal for around 26M, which is the guaranteed portion.

    If this is not at least a B or B+ job, then your standards are very unrealistic.

    Now, there are still moves to be made, specially along the O-line. However, free agency is still not over and so far, the job being done by the team has been very solid indeed.
     
    zwave21 likes this.
  13. Clark Kent

    Clark Kent Fighter of the Nightman

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    Delmas, D: Not sure I like him more than Clemons. Only a one year deal, so I'm not going to get too worked up about it. Given his injury history, I hope this team has a backup plan.

    Albert, B: Obviously Albert is a huge upgrade. However, I don't understand why he was our first choice when Eugene Monroe is younger, better, and 10 million dollars cheaper. While there will be those who point out that Monroe was not leaving Baltimore, I disagree. I think he could've been had if the Dolphins pushed for him. From what I've seen, Miami wanted Albert > Monroe and acted accordingly.

    Grimes, A: Signed one of the best corners on the market for a solid price. Was expecting him to cost more, tbh. Verner signing cheap kind of stings a little.

    Starks, A: I didn't expect either DT to return to Miami. I thought were fully prepared to move on. If the numbers are right (6 million last I heard) I can't help but be a little annoyed we couldn't get a deal done last year as well as we could of carried millions over into this year. Thank god Ireland is gone. Bozo.

    Mitchell, C: I'm not sure what to grade this move. I picked a C grade because he's coming into a new system, perhaps better suited for him than the 3-4, but as of now, it's unknown how he'll perform. I don't hate the move by any means, I'm open minded. It's odd that we paid 4y/16m when Odrick is going to need a new deal. How much money are we going to invest in DT? That 16 million could have been invested elsewhere, IMO. On the offensive line perhaps, which now has 2/5 starters...


    Martin, A: Getting rid of him was a given. Doing so, and potentially getting a pick in return? Nice...

    Patterson, A: I liked Patterson. He made a ton of plays in his limited playing time. The injuries are just too frequent to keep him around at his price tag/
     
  14. MikeHoncho

    MikeHoncho -=| Censored |=-

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    On a scale of Pear to Orange, I give us a grade of Grapes.
     
    Fin D likes this.
  15. Limbo

    Limbo Mad Stillz

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    I go purely off "Is player X worth the contract he got?"

    Grimes: A+ | age/injury is not a concern for me. look how the dude bounced back from an Achilles in one season. and look at the corner market.

    Starks: A | rock-solid player at the point of attack, the critical spot.

    Mitchell: B+ | hidden value because of how HOU used him. potential steal.

    Cut Patterson: B+ | solid player, but as unreliable as they come. would welcome him back cheaper.

    Albert: C- | lotta guaranteed dough for an almost-30 guy whose body hasn't made it through 16 games since 2011 (missed 7 over last two years). and I put more value on run blocking than most.

    Don't really know Delmas's game, though a friend of mine who's a Lions fan said he wanted Delmas back.
     
  16. CaribPhin

    CaribPhin Guest

    I wonder if we've taken a look at Brandon Browner yet. Guy could probably be had for cheap. I'd sign him and Patterson. If Carroll doesn't get the money he's looking for, I'd sign him and Browner. Grimes, Browner, and Carroll would be a great top 3 for the price with Wilson as a fourth/safety option and whatever the heck we have in Davis and Taylor.

    Sent from my GT-P3110 using Tapatalk
     
  17. Larryfinfan

    Larryfinfan 17-0...Priceless Club Member

    Actually, we just signed Jake Long back, it's not really Albert......hehehehe
     
  18. Fin D

    Fin D Sigh

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    That's stupid, this was clearly a kiwi first two days. its not even arguable.
     
  19. Stringer Bell

    Stringer Bell Post Hard, Post Often Club Member

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    Grimes: A
    Albert: D
    Mitchell: B+
    Delmas: C
    Starks: A
     
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  20. Fin-Omenal

    Fin-Omenal Initiated

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    Albert was simply necessary, I would've preferred a couple other guys but hard to be mad we signed an upper teir OT.
     
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  21. MikeHoncho

    MikeHoncho -=| Censored |=-

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    I'll wait until after the draft before I start handing out papayas, is all I'm sayin'.
     
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  22. 54Fins

    54Fins "In Gase we trust"

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    over there
    everyone (most) giving Albert failing grades is laughable. :confused:
     
  23. phinswolverinesrockets

    phinswolverinesrockets If he dies, he dies

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    grimes - A+
    albert - A+
    starks - B+
    mitchell - B
    delmas - C+
    cutting patterson - A
    trading martin - A+
    now, get another tackle and I'd give our offseason so far an A. i think we can shore up both guard spots via the draft.
     
  24. the 23rd

    the 23rd a.k.a. Rio

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    Delmas: B+
    Albert: A
    Mitchell: A
    Starks: A
    Grimes: A
    Martin: C expected)
    Patterson:C+
     
  25. Limbo

    Limbo Mad Stillz

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    Necessary doesn't equal "good signing".

    In a vaccuum, is the player worth the money?
    should always be the first and most important question. I think Albert got more than he's worth. 26mil guaranteed is very high for a guy whose body has not served him well the last two years. Jake Long, a better player, got 16mil guaranteed last year because of similar health concerns. It's also a lot of money for a guy who isn't a good run blocker.

    The fact that we were desperate means we needed to bring someone in. It doesn't mean that whoever we bring in is automatically a good signing.
     
  26. Stringer Bell

    Stringer Bell Post Hard, Post Often Club Member

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    No, he was not necessary. Plenty of teams have had success with LTs that are much worse than Albert. He's essentially paid as a top-5 LT, which means he would have to outperform that in order to provide value-added. Does anyone see that happening? I certainly don't. If he is the 10-15th best LT in the league, then he's a net value-subtracted.

    Signing a guy like Albert simply to fill a need isn't a move that should be applauded. It doesn't take much skill to sign the most expensive guy at a position of need. Anyone with access to an ESPN article on top FAs, and an article on team needs could have done this.
     
  27. Fin-Omenal

    Fin-Omenal Initiated

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    I think he's pretty good.

    Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk
     
  28. Stringer Bell

    Stringer Bell Post Hard, Post Often Club Member

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    He's being paid more than "pretty good" money is the problem.
     
  29. Fin-Omenal

    Fin-Omenal Initiated

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    Who would you suggest we should've gotten? Monroe obviously preferred Baltimore

    Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk
     
  30. Stringer Bell

    Stringer Bell Post Hard, Post Often Club Member

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    Free agents that would out perform their compensation. That pretty much eliminates the Monroe/Albert types. Sign a mid-level tackle and then find players at other positions that will out perform their compensation.
     
  31. ckparrothead

    ckparrothead Draft Forum Moderator Luxury Box

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    Letter grades just tend to produce animosity and argument. Nobody seems to accept the existence of a "C" grade, let alone something "D" or "F".

    Getting Randy Starks back was fantastic and the price is good as well. Getting back Brent Grimes is a good thing though the price is a little bit above ideal relative to age and risk.

    Branden Albert was an overpay and there were other players with better talent, better durability and better age, that also happened to be cheaper. Signing him is better than just letting the position wallow and hoping that you manage to find a guy in the draft that can play right away. The Oakland Raiders, not the Miami Dolphins, represent failure on this front (although I'd still like to see Menelik Watson given a shot). But the Miami Dolphins could easily have done better.

    I love the philosophy behind signing Earl Mitchell. They had conviction on a guy with unique physical characteristics that might have been mired in a bad situation from a scheme standpoint, and they're going to place him in a different scheme that could take better advantage of his physical characteristics. They paid an easy $4 million a year for this but on a longer term contract showing their conviction. This is a well done move with a good philosophy of trying to be great and not just average. Maybe you strike out. That happens. But you make enough of these types of moves and you will come up with guys like Randy Starks. The bad news is his tape is not necessarily something that gets you excited. You can see the physical ability there, but you also see him playing a position he can't really be GREAT at because of his size. You're taking a leap of faith that had he been put in some of these other roles more often the tape would have blown you away. I like the gamble.

    I've yet to watch Louis Delmas but I have heard from Lions insiders that he hasn't progressed much as a pass defender and he's got shoddy knees so it strikes me as a "meh" signing.
     
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  32. CaribPhin

    CaribPhin Guest

    Veldheer went much cheaper. We could have given him $1 million per year more than Arizona gave him and still average $2 million per year less than we have Albert.

    Sent from my GT-P3110 using Tapatalk
     
  33. Fin-Omenal

    Fin-Omenal Initiated

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    Isn't he coming off an entire year of being injured?
     

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