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Dolphins take YOUR mock draft - expected reasonable improvement THIS year?

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by Finrunner, Mar 28, 2008.

  1. Finrunner

    Finrunner Season Ticket Holder

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    Really dealing in broad hypotheticals here, but let's say the Parcells/Ireland/Sparano braintrust takes your mock draft person for person - a total best case scenario in your opinion - and the rebuilding is on (and also your UDFA and FAs in the late signing period), what's the reasonable improvement you'd expect for the 2008-2009 Miami Dolphins?

    Bill Parcell's famous line of "you are what your record says you are" will be the measuring stick. This past year, we were 1-15. What will we be next year recordwise, and why? Obviously, you'd be happy with the rebuilding that's going on. I think most of us are completely aware that this isn't a one-year rebuilding project, but what's the improvement you'd expect to see in your best case scenario. (Then, when the real deal happens, you can tone down those expectations even more).

    And I apologize that I'm a little... premature :sad:... on this post as I don't even have a total Dolphins mock draft of my own as of yet (I'll do better next time :pointlol:), but I'll throw one together and post it in the comments with my own "reasonable" expectations as soon as I do.
     
  2. Stitches

    Stitches ThePhin's Biggest Killjoy Luxury Box

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    #1- Chris Long, DE, Virginia
    #2a- James Hardy, WR, Indiana
    #2b- Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M
    #3- Duane Brown, OT, Virginia Tech
    #4- Bryan Kehl, LB, BYU
    #6- Pedro Sosa, OG, Rutgers
    #7a- Barry Booker, DT/DE, Virginia Tech
    #7b- Darnell Terrell, CB, Missouri

    I wouldn't expect anything above reasonable improvement with my mock until later in the year, and wouldn't expect much more improvement compared to what the actual draft class will be.

    However, I would expect some really good results by the start of year 2. Picks in rounds 1-4 should all be starting by the end of year 1, and be fully into evevrythign by the start of year 2.
     
    Last edited: Mar 28, 2008
  3. Conuficus

    Conuficus Premium Member Luxury Box

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    Well away from here
    Round 1 - Chris Long:
    http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/nflcombineprofile.php?pyid=33806
    I have thought about this choice quite a bit over the last few days. I keep hearing how Miami is presently up Dorsey’s *** with a petree dish and tweezers so I have to consider both him and Chris Long as the front runners for the #1 overall. And, after seeing his arm measurements of almost 35” there is no longer a question in my mind as to if he has the length required for the DE in a two gap 3-4. If the level of interest we are hearing is true, and I believe it is as it from the gurus, then it might be a two horse race between Long and Dorsey. The apparent lack of interest in J. Long IMO lends credence to my hypothesis. Matt Ryan is being used as bait, pure and simple. He will probably be a good pro QB, but he isn’t worth the #1 overall in my view, at least not to us. Chris Long will be the pick IMO because of what he can bring to the table as far a SOLB. He can help control the run on the strong side, and provide some pass rush. Bringing in Long also allows us to keep Porter on the weak side, where he had the spent his career until last season. Also because the contract demands of a of a OLB are a little less in the end. Also Long will get more of a chance to show why he is getting paid, where as Dorsey will be lost to common fan, and thus bring about their ire for the lack of “big plays”. I know this is rather brief, and superficial but I think this pick has been debated to death and I can’t offer a new take, and won’t.

    Round 2a - James Hardy: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/nflcombineprofile.php?pyid=33065
    Here is where the information I examined earlier plays a big part for me. Seeing how surprisingly enamored with receivers as BP is, and how Henning’s offense requires them, I think the Fins will look to fill this need earlier than most would think. Parcells and co. signed Ernest Wilford to be a big receiving threat – size wise. Wilford should excel in that role, unfortunately to expect Wilford to become a solid #2 after being a #3 on a mediocre Jaguars receiving corp is a bit much. Having Wilford means having an experienced guy, who can start the season, and eventually give way to Hardy later on. Dan Henning has utilized a big receiver in his last two stops as OC; the Jets and Carolina. Chances are he will want one this time around, and so will Parcells. Hardy is just an amazing athlete, and can go up and make the big grab. He does need some refinement in route running, but who doesn’t at WR? Malcom Kelly, or Limas Sweed are also possibilities, for an early name call. If we don’t get a WR early, we will in all likelihood look at Jordy Nelson, or Paul Hubbard in rounds 4-5. However, should none of these guys be there at #32, I think we could consider Antoine Cason to play CB. At this pick I am trying to get value, much as BP and Ireland will, Cason at #32 is a great value, and fills a need.

    Round 2b – Kendall Langford:
    http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/nflcombineprofile.php?pyid=56382
    Langford creates some added flexibility to the defensive front, and should play the weak side for us. His weight has fluctuated from the low 300’s to 275lbs for the Senior Bowl. To my eye this fluctuation was caused more so by his desire to show that he was a pass rushing DE, who command the big dollars as opposed to the natural 3-4 DE that he is. Langford was only doing what he thought would give the best chance to raise his draft stock. Langford can play both the DE position for us, or kick inside on pass rushing situations. He has some natural pass rushing ability which could come in handy. He has the lateral agility that I think is necessary for the position especially the weak side. If Langford is gone my first choice to replace his position would be Dre Moore. He is tweener, plays a little tall to be a full time DT, but as a 3-4 DE he may be a natural fit. He does disappear in the mix sometimes, so getting him in some more space might help him show up more consistently. Again he has good lateral agility and 33 3/8’ arms. If these two guys are not here Parcells might look to see if Gosder Cherilus is still available for RT, which he might not be, or for an ILB like Cliff Avril, Jared Meyo, or Curtis Lofton if any are there.

    Round 3 – Duane Brown:
    http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/nflcombineprofile.php?pyid=11685
    In Brown the Fins get a player who should excel at RT. Brown played last year at LT, where he struggled a bit especially early. However, the two before that he was a solid RT for VT. Coming from a program like VT, we know Brown knows how to run block. Brown is one of those guys who won’t wow you with power, or the sweet feet of a LT, but he gets the job done. He is just a solid prospect at RT IMO. He will struggle with speed rushers a little, but isn’t that what OT’s struggle with anyways? The fact that Brown has played some LT is helpful, in that he will be probably asked to switch to the left side if Carey goes down. If Brown is gone, we might reach a little and grab John Greco, who we have shown a lot of interest in. But IMO he might be better suited at G than RT, but Parcells just likes tough guys there. He wants a RT who is tough, physical and powerful and both Brown and Greco are just that. If for some reason neither is here we might look to grab Charles Godfrey, this is of course assuming we never drafted Cason either. Godfrey is a strong, speedy, physical corner who can cover most guys. He does need some technique work, but is solid, even on ST.

    Round 4 – Jeremy Zuttah:
    http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/nflcombineprofile.php?pyid=33570
    Zuttah, in my opinion will be asked to move inside, where he can use his 35 reps in the bench to move DT’s instead of DE’s. Zuttah is another tough, hardnosed guy who won’t win any dancing competitions, but he will knock the snot out of you. Rutgers doesn’t like passing, ask Ray Rice. Zuttah was big part of his running success and should be a viable option for us. Being that was a OT he should fit the mold of tall, long and mobile that BP seems to covet. If Zuttah is gone, we make look to Donald Thomas as a replacement. If we don’t go offensive line here, I think this will be a prime time for Parcells to draft a stack and shed type LB. Phillip Wheeler, Beau Bell come to mind but really this draft is weak on ILB for our needs IMO. There are some OLB that could kick inside such as Ezra Butler or Brian Kehl. We could also look at Tyvon Branch as aproject at CB aswell.

    Round 6 – Caleb Campbell:
    http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/nflcombineprofile.php?pyid=55391
    Let’s be honest, at this point I’m just guessing like the rest of you. Campbell is tough and has a nose for the ball, and seems to have good character. If Campbell isn’t there I personally would like to take flier on Jack Ikewuono, who is injured, but was considered a pretty good prospect before the injury. I could see him lasting this long because of it. We found Rodrique Wright this way, and it wouldn’t hurt here either. Andre Guillon might be nice fit as a DE too at this juncture, he’s need a lot of work but who doesn’t here. The QB position could be addressed here with the addition of Kevin O’Connell, or Stuart Brink. Both of whom are nice developmental guys who have some upside IMO.

    Round 7 – Mike Gibson:
    http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/nflcombineprofile.php?pyid=72877
    A versatile guy who can play several positions, and considering our needs along the O-line a guy like this can’t hurt. He will most likely be on the interior in the pro game. After this it really becomes fill in the blank here, as almost anyone left is possible.

    Fine then,..............here...........since you're twisting my arm and all. :)

    5-6 wins this year.
     
  4. USArmyFinFan

    USArmyFinFan Maximum Effort

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    I have two senerios:

    1 Chris Long DE
    2a Gosder Cherilus T
    2b Chad Henne QB
    3 Tracy Porter CB
    4 Paul Hubbard WR
    6 Chad Rhinehart G
    7a Tim Hightower RB
    7b Rodrick Johnson ILB

    or

    1 Jake Long OT
    2a Derrick Harvey DE
    2b Andre Cadwell WR
    3 Chilo Racheal G
    4 John-David Booty QB
    6 Beau Bell ILB
    7a Gary Barnidge TE
    7b Darnell Terrell CB

    undraft free agents: Kyle Wright QB, Danny Woolhead RB, Tom Santi TE, Brandon Brezall WR, Derrick Morse C, Shannon Boatman OL, John Booker OL, Marcus Dixon DE, Jonathan Wilhight DB, Glen Sharp DB,Jamal Lewis DB

    I believe TE, OL, and other needs will be address after the draft and June 1st cuts.
     
  5. Finrunner

    Finrunner Season Ticket Holder

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    Alright! Now that I can cheat off all of you guys, it's time to unveil my draft.

    Drum roll please... brmbrmbrmbrmbrmbrmbrmbrmbrmbrmbrmbrmbrmbrm!!!

    1) Chris Long, DE/OLB, UVa. - perfect fit for defense and perfect fit as a "Parcells'-type player"
    2a) Dan Connor, ILB, Penn State - BP & JI are probably not going to make this pick, but I would
    2b) Chilo Rachal, OG, USC - nasty streak guard who would be an upgrade to Liwenski
    3) Pat Sims, DT, AU - while he may not be there - he also may! - I need an AU guy in the fold WAR DAMN EAGLE!!! (Heck, draft Quentin Groves, too!)
    4) Brad Cottam, TE, UT - big TE that would probably be as good or better than anyone we currently have
    6) Adarius Bowman, WR, OU - taking a flyer on a guy who's stock has plummetted, but to be plummetting, it had to have been higher for some reason
    7a) Marcus Monk, WR, Arkansas - Must seem like Saban drafting with my run on SEC guys... good, huge receiver that could be a bargain as he was injured most of his college career
    7b) Matt Flynn, QB, LSU - just in case you thought I was finished with the SEC... shame on you! Developmental back-up QB

    And if we go exactly by who I drafted, we will go... 19-0.




    Okay. Joking. I'd expect to be about 5-11 with the combination of better talent and better coaching. But they need to... do... EXACTLY... as... I... say.
     
  6. mason

    mason Junior Member

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    i'm not very good- but let me try:

    Jake long- We are rebuilding and rebuilding starts in the trenches. There is great value in OL this year and while C. long or dorsey would be nice here also- J. long gives what could probably be a pro bowl RT with the possibility of a good LT. Either way- the formation of a dominant o-line will take shape that will help out the development of Beck, Ginn, booker, and even ronnie brown. Two sacks in four years is nothing to laugh at.

    Dan connor- While a rush end is great to have, and cason may be on the board still- i think Connor would fill a huge void left by ZT.(well, not completely fill, this is Zach we are talking about). connor would help man the ilb with either torbor or crowder and from what i read is a great prospect.

    2b. charles godfrey- a good, raw talent at cb that in the first year would be good in nickel. could be very good and is definately a hard hitter.

    3. carl nicks- i'm hoping nicks lasts this long so he can be converted to g to fill up the o-line

    4. martellius bennett- a huge pass catching tight end with great upside--is raw, but is a good blocker and reciever

    6. brian johnston- to be honest- i stole this idea from ck. Has tremendous athleticism, but plays at a division 2aa school- could be a phenomenal pass rushing olb, or could take years to catch up with the pro game.

    6. comp pick Caleb campell- hard hitting army safety that everyone is high on- I am really reling on you guys here.

    7. marcus monk- finally a reciever- a big, big reciever- If he's gone then perhaps justin harper from VTech

    I think this draft we come away with a dominat offensive line and a good mlb in connor to help the defense. Godfrey could come in at nickel and after development may be a great cb. Bennet will be a good recieving option and a nice safety valve for beck.

    thanks for reading
     
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  7. Ducken

    Ducken Luxury Box Luxury Box

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    I am not very good at mock either so don't bash to hard. I would think that we would be a good bit better if it were come down to this....

    1 - Cris Long
    2a - Jake Long
    2b - Glenn Dorsey
    3 - Leodis McKelvin
    4 - Malcom Kelly
    6 - Branden Albert
    6 - Dan Conner
    7 - Martellius Bennett

    I think I may have a few slotted a little low but that would work for me.










    Ok in all seriousness I am the last person BP needs to be taking advise from.
     
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  8. Finrunner

    Finrunner Season Ticket Holder

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    :sidelol::sidelol::sidelol:

    Yeah, I do think you have Dorsey going a little low. Maybe if we got him at 2a, there's a better shot we still get Jake Long with 2b. And I can live with getting Albert and Connor in the 6th, but personally, I'd go with Quentin Groves over Bennett in the last round, but I favor defense after last year when we could stop no one.

    Great mock, Ducken! Hopefully it works out for us just like that.:wink2:
     
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