Miami, FL -- When Silver "Silverphin" Phinley came into town as the Miami Dolphins' new General Manager, he made it one of main goals to overhaul the offensive line. While many believed that he would look to the draft to do so, things changed before the free agency period even began. Wanting to get some insight about the moves, Jeff Darlington had a sit-down with the GM of The Miami Dolphins. JD: Well, many thought you'd look to the draft for answers at the offensive line. What changed? Silverphin: Honestly, I didn't expect so much talent to be available before the free agency period. I heard of the saying "one man's trash is another person's treasure", but the amount of talent that was out there was just ridiculous. JD: Who was the most surprising acquisition for you, relative to the offensive line? Silverphin: Lyle Sendlein. This man has been arguably the best offensive lineman for the Cardinals for years. He has always been solid in the both the run and the pass, which is all you can really ask for. I was surprised that he was even released in the first place. He could have easily landed the Cards a third-round pick, or the equivalent of. So, I brought him in and had him moved to left guard. JD: Some people believe that Mike Pouncey should be moved to left guard. I'm guessing that you disagree with that sentiment. Silverphin: Wholeheartedly I disagree with it. Mike Pouncey has been in the league since only 2011, and he has already proven to be one of the best centers in the league. I'm here to fix what's broken, and the center position isn't one of them. JD: Let's talk tackles. First, you had acquired Jason Peters in a controversial trade. But then you turned around traded him for a pick, which, in turn, was trade for Andre Smith. Adding to that, you also managed to land Michael Oher. Do you believe that they can be a tandem that can protect Tannehill for years to come? Silverphin: I believe so. Everyone knows Michael Oher. He regressed a bit, but he's still better than a lot of the other right tackles in this league. As for Andre Smith.... A few years ago, I wouldn't have touched him (pause). But over the last few years, he showed a work ethic to match his talent level. And I'm confident his second go-around at left tackle will be a lot better. JD: Out of all of the offensive lineman from last year, only Pouncey, Brenner, and Watkins remain. Why only them? Silverphin: Honestly, I felt like we only three offensive lineman that actually played on a level worth a dang. Pouncey's been great and consistent, and Sam Brenner showed that he's, at the very least, a dependable starter when his number is called, and Bryant McKinnie would have probably added two more wins had he been acquired earlier in the season. Unfortunately, McKinnie is getting up there in years, so the front office decided that it'd be best to let McKinnie go on his way. As for Watkins? I figured he was a low risk, high reward type player to keep around. JD: What about the other linemen from last year? Silverphin: In all honesty, Bullygate aside, forgive me Dupree, I didn't think that Jon Martin had the intangibles to be a starting caliber offensive lineman. And with the fallout from the whole scandal, I felt it would be better for everyone, Martin included, if we released him from his contract. Richie Incognito, in my opinion, would have been a better guard if he put half as much effort into harassing defensive tackles and ends as he did into assaulting female employees. And with the whole controversy surrounding him, and his current issues, we made no effort to resign him. We really don't need that in our locker room. Clabo, in my opinion, doesn't seem to have it anymore, and John Jerry.... is not what I'm looking for. I'm not saying that Ryan Tannehill's perfect. He isn't. But the fact that he doubled his touchdown totals from 2012 in 2013 DESPITE the o-line play is nothing short of incredible. JD: Do you believe that your overhaul of the offensive line is over? Silverphin: .....Honestly, I won't go as far to say that's it's over. I still have a few picks in the right areas of the draft. But, as the offensive line is now, I'm confident that Tannehill will have the protection that is needed.
