Resignings: Sean Smith, Cornerback - I don't think the Dolphins can afford not to resign Smith. I think he ends up coming back to Miami and continues to develop into a quality cornerback in this league. Chris Clemons, Safety - Clemons was a solid player who needs to be resigned. Free Agency: Mike Wallace WR, Steelers - I love what Wallace would do in this offense. He is truly going to be a special piece that would instantly help the offense in it's development. Glen Dorsey DT, Chiefs - I do not think KC used Dorsey in the right way. He is a true 4-3 DT and I think he would fit perfectly alongside Soliai if Starks didn't return. He has some injury concerns, but I do not think he will be that expensive. Draft: 1st Round - Lane Johnson LT, Oklahoma - the Dolphins really need a left tackle to take over for the departed Jake Long. With Mike Wallace filling a huge need as a #1 receiver, the Dolphins can sure up the left side of the offensive line to protect their investment in Ryan Tannehill. 2nd Round - Tyler Eifert TE, Notre Dame - After a solid combine earlier today, Eifert might sneak into the 1st round but I see it more likely that he will fall to the 2nd. He will be a huge addition and add yet another weapon for Tannehill to throw to in 2013. 2nd Round - Arthur Brown OLB, Kansas State - Some of you may argue that linebacker is not the biggest need but I honestly think Arthur Brown will be a top 5 LB in the NFL in just a few short years. Do something similar to what the Bengals did with Burfict and put him at WLB and eventually slide him to the middle once we are ready to let Dansby walk (which I think could be as soon as 2014). I think Brown will bulk up and play at or around 235-240 in 2013. 3rd Round - Corey Lemonier DE, Auburn - Apparently, he has added some much needed weight to 255 and in my opinion he will continue to develop into a very good defensive end. More so fits the RDE role that Wake currently has on lock, but with Wake getting older, the Dolphins can afford to pick up an eventual replacement. 3rd Round - Bacarri Rambo FS, Georgia - Great athlete who can lay the lumber. Love him as a safety prospect and IMO could play either FS or SS. Would be a great addition to the secondary. 4th Round - Oday Aboushi OT/OG, Virginia - Has the versatility to play either RT or OG. Would be asked to play OG to start off while Martin continues to develop. Would add much needed depth and competition to the offensive line. 5th Round - Everette Dawkins DT, Florida State - Just counting on Dorsey could prove to be too big of a risk, but adding someone like Dawkins to give the position depth could be just what the doctor ordered. 6th Round -Uzoma Nwachukwu WR, Texas A&M - I wouldn't be surprised if Nwachukwu is given a late round flier to team back up with Tannehill due to Sherman's connection to A&M. 7th Round - Onterio McCalebb RB, Auburn - Smaller, faster running back who would be used to compliment Miller and Thomas. Would be a nice piece in the passing game and also depth for the return game.
That's not a bad draft. Good first 5 picks. Dawkins is an intriguing 1 gap/nickel rush prospect. Not sure how waiting till the 6th round to address WR would go over. Might need one of these things:
I wasn't content with it; I simply understood it b/c we had a lot of holes to fill, and it was better to go with talent than need. No excuse this year with all our cap space, 5 picks in the first 3 rounds, and an abundance of decent 2nd-3rd round receivers. In other words, shaddup.
I like the re-signings. Like adding Wallace. 3 things: 1. Lane Johnson and Eifert probably won't be there when we're on the clock in the 1st and 2nd 2. Is this offseason plan incomplete? You're adding a WR in FA but losing one in Hartline, that leaves Wallace, Bess, Matthews, Nwachukwu, Moore and Binns? That's not gonna get it done. 3. We still need another corner.
true, it's possible, but at the same time Ireland is more about value and sticking to his board than drafting for need. Essentially, there's a decent chance we draft a player of value who slides to us (like Eifert or Tavon Austin) rather than a player we think is guaranteed to be there at 12 or 2a, if that makes sense.
There's a few problems with drafting Lane Johnson. We're letting Long go, the 1st overall pick five years ago. Despite injuries, which are largely hyperbole (at least in context to him "breaking down ala Tony B.)., proven best LT at one point in his career for 3 years in a row. We drafted a LT in the second round last year, moved him out of position. If anything Vollmer makes more sense at RT in F.A. if Long isn't coming back. And it doesn't cost us a pick. If you don't think Martin can play LT in the NFL, I'm not sure he can play RT at a high level. I'm willing to let him try, but I'd rather him try with Jake Long at left. That's really the only scenario that I can stomach. And I'm not crazy about Eifert either. Or for that matter, any our top 5 picks you selected.
I'm not saying you take Cooper I'm saying he is the next best OL guy on the board. Its why I think were going DT or WR at 12.
