We all ahve lamented about receiver play, as well as the OL play on the right side. But the safety play is a huge liability. I am not confident in Jones and Clemons back there. Safety should be a priority in the next draft. Marshall generally didn't play well in the game early, and allowed Davis to get back into the discussion.
Safety, WR and Pass rush is the clear major major needs this team has. We have to be extremely aggressive next off season with those positions.
Well when you go into the season hoping that 2 very average players in Clemons and Jones turn out to be good and that maybe a 7th round pick converting to safety (Wilson) can help hold down the fort...
I think that safety is simply TBD. We have a bunch of very young, inexperienced guys out there. Ones who were all lower draft picks and fought their way onto the team. Lets see how they fit into the new defense and play over the season. If they're jelling and producing by the end of the season, then we're ok. If not, then yes, we need to look to upgrade. Next April's draft doesnt look very deep at the position though, we we'd be relying on castoffs from other teams as free agents. Quality starting safetys rarely move as free agents.
Wilson is 26 Clemons is 27 , that is not young , if they aren't performing well now the chance for substantive improvement isn't great imo , if you can get a young player you like that improvement scenario greatly improves.
Is this Cameron Collins kid being used as a LB or Safety? I understand he has played both in college.
Safety has been a desperate need for this team for team for years. The need wouldn't be so desperate at the WR position if the Dolphins had not traded Marshall, but they felt he was bad for team chemistry. Instead they wanted WR's who were good citizens, being able to get open or catch the ball, didn't seem to be a priority. A pass rusher opposite Wake has been needed for the last few years and Ireland drafted Vernon to be this pass rusher. I am a big Hurricane fan, and I never thought Vernon was that great at UM. I think a pass rusher will still be a huge need when the 2013 draft rolls around. You forgot to add that the right side of the offensive line is still a major concern for this team. I just don't see Martin, Hicks, or Jerry being the long term answers on this side of the line.
I don't think OV was drafted to be solely a pas rusher , he was drafted for the overall game he should/could provide imo. He has and can potentially make a lot of plays around the LOS. Some pass rush is expected of course but I would not term him a pass rush specialist.
I hope you are right about him being a solid overall player for the defense. I am just going by what I saw from him during his playing days with UM, and he was just a very average DL at UM.
I didnt realize that they were so old. We seem to be drafting a lot more 24 year olds than 21 year olds lately, dont we? An Ireland thing? And as to the WRs, Robert Woods is one of the best WR to come out in a long time, if he declares (junior at USC). He's my target for the Fins. As many as a half dozen other first rounders perhaps, too.
Based on play tonight I think Russell is cut without a doubt. By far his worse game. Another situation where a ball was thrown up and two defensive backs were unaware of the receiver and the ball. Third time this preseason.
What does that tell us? I know what it tells me , are we going to have to wait two more years and still say this?
