Some observations from training camp
The Dolphins have been in camp for a week now so let me share some things that are becoming apparent to these highly untrained eyes.
*That quarterback competition that everybody is mocking? Well, Trent Green and Cleo Lemon really are sharing time with the first team offense. Today, Lemon took the first-team snaps after Green did that yesterday. "I really believe it's an open competition," Lemon told me Wednesday.
*Rodrique Wright, injured all of last year, has pretty much changed his body configuration. He's leaner, stronger, seemingly quicker than he was last year when he got only a few weeks of work following shoulder surgery. I'm told he might have been a first-day draft pick had he not been injured before the draft. He went in the seventh round. Now playing outside rather than DT, he might actually push for playing time.
*Rookie middle linebacker Kelvin Smith didn't look like much in the offseason camps. But he's been much better since the pads have gone on. The guy isn't fast or necessarily strong. But he's a hitter. He has a chance to make the team as a backup to Zach Thomas if he can show some of his instincts and hitting potential on special teams.
*Recently acquired TE Courtney Anderson is 6-6 and 270 pounds. He should be able to destroy people with his blocking, but I definitely haven't seen that. He looks like a better pass-catcher than blocker. In that respect, Justin Peelle's job seems secure.
*Drew Mormino isn't ready to be an NFL starter right now so the Dolphins are really kidding themselves thinking of him as a starter at right guard. But that is right now. Today. The guy's work ethic is amazing and his toughness is unquestionable. Give him a couple of months and he will be a legit competitor to start. Give him a year and the job should be his. Not bad for a sixth round pick the Dolphins found only because they were studying Joe Staley. (Good job Randy Mueller!)
*Jason Allen is starting to worry me. He is a first round pick that really isn't playing up to the draft pedigree. At least not so far. Understand that the Dolphins need help at CB. Andre' Goodman is still not ready following two offseason shoulder surgeries. Well, Allen not only isn't working with the first team, he's not even the No. 3 cornerback. Mike Lehan is filling that role with Goodman hurt. That means when Goodman returns, Allen could be further down the totem pole of cornerbacks. Unless the light bulb suddenly pops on brightly, Allen would be the No. 5 cornerback at best behind starters Travis Daniels and Will Allen, Goodman, and Lehan. Disappointing.
*That quarterback competition that everybody is mocking? Well, Trent Green and Cleo Lemon really are sharing time with the first team offense. Today, Lemon took the first-team snaps after Green did that yesterday. "I really believe it's an open competition," Lemon told me Wednesday.
*Rodrique Wright, injured all of last year, has pretty much changed his body configuration. He's leaner, stronger, seemingly quicker than he was last year when he got only a few weeks of work following shoulder surgery. I'm told he might have been a first-day draft pick had he not been injured before the draft. He went in the seventh round. Now playing outside rather than DT, he might actually push for playing time.
*Rookie middle linebacker Kelvin Smith didn't look like much in the offseason camps. But he's been much better since the pads have gone on. The guy isn't fast or necessarily strong. But he's a hitter. He has a chance to make the team as a backup to Zach Thomas if he can show some of his instincts and hitting potential on special teams.
*Recently acquired TE Courtney Anderson is 6-6 and 270 pounds. He should be able to destroy people with his blocking, but I definitely haven't seen that. He looks like a better pass-catcher than blocker. In that respect, Justin Peelle's job seems secure.
*Drew Mormino isn't ready to be an NFL starter right now so the Dolphins are really kidding themselves thinking of him as a starter at right guard. But that is right now. Today. The guy's work ethic is amazing and his toughness is unquestionable. Give him a couple of months and he will be a legit competitor to start. Give him a year and the job should be his. Not bad for a sixth round pick the Dolphins found only because they were studying Joe Staley. (Good job Randy Mueller!)
*Jason Allen is starting to worry me. He is a first round pick that really isn't playing up to the draft pedigree. At least not so far. Understand that the Dolphins need help at CB. Andre' Goodman is still not ready following two offseason shoulder surgeries. Well, Allen not only isn't working with the first team, he's not even the No. 3 cornerback. Mike Lehan is filling that role with Goodman hurt. That means when Goodman returns, Allen could be further down the totem pole of cornerbacks. Unless the light bulb suddenly pops on brightly, Allen would be the No. 5 cornerback at best behind starters Travis Daniels and Will Allen, Goodman, and Lehan. Disappointing.
posted by Armando Salguero at 4:20 PM
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finally something other than Cpep news thanks for updating
-- CJ
Actual football talk. Thanks for the updates. Anderson will be a beast, you wait.
Good job Armando. I too think Anderson will be a beast!!! I'm still kinda confused as to why we released Randy McMichael!?!? But I'm not gonna start downing Cam about this one, but it seems like another one of those questionable decisions!!! What is Randy McMichael dumb TOO???
Also I think we need to start looking at a trade for a better cornerback, Nick Satan screwed us with that pick!! I hope he's ready to go by the start of the season.
Armando how is Vernon Carey looking at his new position??
Jason Allen, can you say: "Jamar Fletcher all over again?" now, I'm willing too see how things play out over the course of the season, but it's not looking good (thanks Nick). Honestly, I think Trent will still be the starter. By saying it's an "open competition" I believe Coach Cameron is trying to give Cleo Lemon incentive to give his best effort at every practice. It's nothing more than a motivational tool. Think about it, if you were a quarterback, and your head coach told you, "you're going to be the second string quarterback, end of story." How would you feel? You probably wouldn't have much incentive to perform at a high level if you knew you were just going to be a backup. Remember, the backup is one play away from being a starter, so it's important that Cleo has a starter's mentality.
Hopefully Rodrique Wright can be a steal for us, he was tabbed as a late first/second round pick by most draft analysts in 2006. I like football players that know how to give a good hit. That's why I'm looking forward too see how Kelvin Smith develops. Courtney Anderson has the size and height to win a lot of those "end zone jump balls", with questions surrounding the TE position, hopefully either Martin, Peele, or Anderson can step up and be the man.
Coach Cameron said at one point in time that "Mormino could use another year of conditioning." I like the fact that Mormino is going balls to the wall and giving max effort, but a year on the sidelines may be better for him. When is Rex going back to his RG spot, and when is L.J. going back to his RT spot? If you're going to play Mormino somewhere, play him at LG. I am kind of hoping that Alabi wins the starting RT job, but it probably won't happen.
jdizzle,
I don't think Randy McMichael was dumb, I think it had more to do with the fact that he was consistently inconsistent! Remember how a lot of us said: "This is it, this is Randy's breakout year! He's gonna do it, he's going to the Pro Bowl!" Look what happened, he whiffed on blocks, he dropped easy passes, he was arrested twice for domestic violence, etc. Randy McMichael is the Rex Grossman of tight ends. He will amaze you one game, and completely frustrate you during the next one. I just think Coach Cameron and Randy Mueller felt that Randy was a underachiever, and was not worth the salary that he was paid. I was actually happy when they cut him.
I don't think cutting Randy McMichael was questionable, it was something that needed to be done. He could "talk the talk", but just couldn't quite "walk the walk."
Great point John, now that I really think about it he wasn't all that consistent so I can understand that move thanks for the input!!!
And I agree about Trent vs Cleo its just a motivation thing!!!!
Hey what your take on Jason Allen???
I am beginning to think the secondary could be the worst unit on the team and not the O-line. What is your take? Nick the *ick screwed us with the J.Allen pick.
just to let everyone know. i dont miss a fins game. i dont care what randy mcmicael does for the rams, he was horrible for us. dolphins could not count on him. on another note watch if the wes welker deal dont turn around and bite us in the but, and as far as cam, i dont care what he does he has got tobe better than wanny and saban and for all you negative dol fans we dont need you. all you are is a closet new york jets fan
jdizzle,
Honestly, I hope Jason Allen succeeds and silences his critics and becomes a serviceable corner for us. However, for a guy that was picked 16th overall in the first round needs to be more than serviceable. He needs to be a top tier player that can be the kind of ballhawk that Sam Madison was in his prime. Unfortunately, it looks like he'll be nothing more than a third or fourth DB utilized in nickel and dime situations.
It almost seems that we're going to be dealing with another Jamar Fletcher. If Allen can wind up as a serviceable corner, I'll be happy with that. I'd rather him have some use, versus seeing him be a total bust and out of the league. I hope the light comes on for Jason soon, I'm sick of seeing our first round picks being wasted.
As they say, in training camp hope springs eternal.
That said, the offensive line seems like swiss cheese still. Think back to the Dolphin dynasty years and there was great offensive line play. Langer, Little and Kuechenberg or Stephenson and Webb, etc...I just can't get fired up about Vernon Carey. Would be great if Mormino turns into something. But at this point, I would say this is the biggest weakness on the Dolphins.
I'm also not convinced Ronnie gonna carry the load like he needs to for this team to be a contender. We know that straight-laced Cam is not going to welcome Ricky back. After Ronnie then, besides some good third down runs by Booker on occasion what do the Dolphins have? They need to pick up a quality RB quick. Ronnie is no sure thing.
Wide receiver looks like the strength of the offense, TE can probably function, but I am one of those people who doubt Green can last more than a few games, and when he falls down, we gonna by crying for Daunte because I don't think Lemon or Beck are up to the task.
All that said, the Miami defense looks like a top five crew again barring injuries.
Randy Mueller: shop for offensive lineman and a running back.
from what i have been reading jesse chapman seem sto be a big suprise, what are your observations on him mando? also, sounds like beck is settling down a bit and showing off his talents - could he possibly actually play this year or even win the job? seems like sutton and reed are looking awesome and hagan get open alot but still has the dropsies as does are good buddy chambers. could these youngins be our newest best recievers? i think ginn is gonna play alot too if he keeps burning our secondary like he has (thats right - it's our secondary)
jason allen has to be the most disappointing 16 pick of all time - hope he figures it all out.
jed, can we please not mention Culpepper in this blog. Let's focus on the topic at hand. Thanks! Anyways, I like what I've been hearing about Jesse Chatman. I think he'll make the final 53 man roster. He did well with Coach Cameron in San Diego.
You know what, I'm kind of curious about Vernon Carey. I wonder how he's been doing at LT? Maybe, this is one of those "no news is good news" type of thing.
Armando...How would you say Brady Quinn was doing in Dolphin camp? Oh, wait, I just remembered...
PLEASE FIRE CAM IMMEDIATELY
I've always said Wright was going to be the steal of the draft. I watched him play his last two years at UT and the man is a beast. He was considered a first rounder at the beginning of the year. I'm glad you touched base on him.
What I really want to know is what do you think about this years draft class. Not so much about their ability, but how much you think they will get playing time. With the exception of Smith and Beck, it seems like all can really see some game time. But that's all speculation because I have to read what you writers say, not what I can see with my own eyes.
And dude.... screw Pep... no more columns of him PLEASE! Spend your energy on making pointless predictions of the dolphins not of a guy they released.
Thanks for the updates, Armando.
One comment. I think we're kidding ourselves to allow it to even enter our minds that there's a possibility Cleo Lemon will be our opening day starter, barring an injury to Trent Green.
Its Trent's job to lose. Believing otherwise is just foolishness. I'm sorry Cleo, but you're #2 for the time being....and once Beck gets up to speed, you'll be numero tres.
i like what im hearing on Chatman reed and the other new comers to the skills position. hopefully the all make the cut. would be nice just think starting rookies at the corners that no1 knows about and they suprise (btw i know how crazy it sounds) i mean if it does happen there wouldnt be much game film on them till mid late season o well. glad to hear the good news armando keep it up
--CJ
Armando
Tell us about the fight between Derek Hagan and Y.Bell!?!?!
Also I have a question for my fellow bloggers/Dolfhans!!! Does anybody else feel we should be trying to trade to get Ashanti Samuel from the Patriots, I know its a long shot but the guy is clearly unhappy. And how would any of you feel about the Dolphins picking up Tank Johnson even though he's suspended for the first four games of the season , he's still a beast and could provide some excellent depth along with Wright at the DT spot!!!?!?!
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Michael Lehan is just plain awful. If Jason Allen can't beat him out, that's very disappointing. I think the secondary's gonna have big depth issues.
Jason Allen is surely a disappointment. How can a coach who specializes in DBs pick such a bust? I wonder if Saban ever saw the U-tube video of Ronnie Brown brutalizing Allen while in college. If I find it I'll post it. Brown was just wiping him out.
On McMichael, I had a nick name for him... Olay! Olay! Olay! He looked like a matador waving DEs and LBs past with his cape. The guy may have single handedly been responsible for half of Culpepper's sacks. OLAY! Add that to his inconsistent hands and you have the reason he is now playing for the Rams. Not to mention the talka, talka, talka, say nothing! Randy would be better served to keep his mouth shut and let his play do the talking... OLAY!
Why does everyone rip Ronnie Brown?
Ok, he hasn't posted the numbers that some pot smoking, social anxiety queen had in the past. But has he had the opportunity to? Saban rarely used this guy for more than 12 to 13 carries a game. Brown is the tyoe of runner (big, strong, punishing) who needs to get a lot more touches to wear down that defense. Look at his ypc last year...4.2! One of the best in the league...lets get this guy an O line and some more touches and then judge him!
"Anonymous said...
Armando...How would you say Brady Quinn was doing in Dolphin camp? Oh, wait, I just remembered...
PLEASE FIRE CAM IMMEDIATELY". How about posting a NAME? As far as Quinn, how's he looking at Browns' camp? His early work was nothing CLEVELAND papers were happy with and now he's a 22nd pick trying to get paid like top 10. Somehow, I don't think we're missing much. It's possible he'll make me eat my words, but I don't think it's likely.
Here's that video... If you haven't seen it you will love it, unless of course you are Jason Allen...
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1613355994129727084&q=jason+allen&pl=true
Saban is a horses a**. (my favorite line) It's apparent that any move this guy made was only detrimental to the team. See CP. I figured that the long holdout, then trying to switch positions with Allen was his problem. Now it just seems he can't play with the big boys!
As for the Green Lemon, you HAVE to make it seem like a competition for various reasons
1 makes Green work harder, and not lax thinking the job is his.
2 makes Lemon more ready if Green gets hurt
3 Instill fear that they may bring back CP if neither works out!
An didn't Lemon come from San Diego? Cam worked with him before, and maybe he sees something in him.
That video was great. I guess there's some Allen haters out there.
By the way....where does everyone get their Dolphins inside info from? This is the only place I look to for info.
Thanks.
p.s. Brown will come around (providing he has some blockers) People have to remember the line we had, or lack of. That's why our QBs were tackling dummies. And I think that's why Ricky retired a few years back. Wanny abused the poor guy. And he produced like a workhorse, but took a BEATING! I wouldn't want to step back on the field after being told that you were going to be used MORE than the previous year.
Yeah he see's something alright, he see's a great backup for Trent , but considering our shaky O line and Green's fragile head he may be forced in that starting spot real soon!!!
Another thing all I been hearing is good things about Beck , Armando stop sugar coating this guy give us the real deal , does he really look like he could actually be ready to go this year????
Also if we would've taken Quinn he would be in camp now!! The only reason he's not for the Browns is because he went at pick 22, had we picked him it would been at 9 and he would've been entitled that top ten money that he's holding out for now!!!
And we rip Ronnie Brown because the O line hasn't changed all that much from when Ricky lead the league in rushing yards!!! So he needs to step up and let us see that downhill runner we saw in college!! He needs to make the DB's in the league fear him!!
They were also 2 different styles of RBs.
Make Ronnie do what Ricky did and he'll be off in the corner talking to pink elephants too!
LOL
Armando, keep tabs on the O-line for me.. Without them the Offense will probably be only as good as last year when we had to adjust with the Quick timing routes since some of the O-lineman couldn't hold their blocks long enough to go for that deep pass.. O-Line is key to our Offensive success this year!!
Armando sugar coat?! HA
If John Beck plays this year, the Dolphins are in trouble because:
1. It means Trent Green got hurt.
2. It means the season was long ago given up for dead, which means the team is really bad.
3. It means he has to get his NFL baptism behind the current offensive line.
Now I wonder if we should've taken a O line player in the first round, especially if Ginn isn't going to start at WR!!!
ARMANDO
Has there been any word on that guard from the Jets sound like we need him really bad!!?!?!?
Now I know we're in trouble. I just read that Jason Allen got beat by Derek Hagan ............that guy is strictly a possesion rec. with not much speed. Jason Allen ran a 4.3 in the combine and he can't keep up with Derek Hagan!!!!!!!! I think we have a BUST on our hands!!! I say trade for Ashanti Samuels!!!!!
Nahh, Belichick would never let Samuels go, esp. to us. But it would be nice.
Samuel
a few comments.....
Our O-Line should come together throughout the year, but at least we have better blocking from the FB (thanks to Cory Schlesinger and Reagan Mauia) and TE (Justin Peelle & David Martin)
Our offense doesn't have to be explosive because Cam's play calling will help keep defenses on their heels. That alone will create big plays. He runs everything from 3 TE to 5 wide passing plays, and I also expect at least 4 pass attempts for Ronnie Brown.
Our front 7 should be able to over our deficiency in the defensive backfield, but we'll still need to score points to win games.
Saban sucks and I'm glad the Canes are taking recruits from him at Bama.
Jason Allen, there's really no debate ... stick a fork in him, he's done.
2nd year & can't handle basic coverage + has great physical skills = dumb with few football instincts.
I said this last year & my Dolphin friends didn't believe it, they do now.
He also made comments this week on how the vets were teaching him to focus in meetings & on each play ... DUH, de-de-de!?!
Also, didn't he make national news this summer ... saying how his mamma pitched him eggs that he caught??
We wasted money on him, but its water under the bridge.
We'd be better off to replace him if better DBs come available on the final cut to start the season.
Just being realistic, not negative ... don't wanna be toasted & lose games.
Go Phins!! Cheers, Jerry
to the guy who said fire cam because we don't have brady quinn.
the team that actually drafted brady quinn doesn't have brady quinn. brady was so over-hyped and lacked any big game wins. he has ZERO upside. i don't know if you watched the draft, but many other teams picking lower and in need of a QB on some level also passed. from every report i've heard beck has been outstanding in his rookie camp. ginn has also been making some game altering plays. seems like cam did quite well in the first 3 rounds, also getting a starting center. i think i'll wait 3 years and see who's making the playoffs. beck lead dolphins, or quinn led browns. my money is on beck.
j dizzle
if we took quinn at 9 he would be holding out for 1st pick money. this guy thinks he's god's gift to football. i see him as a ryan leaf. only difference is most GM's saw it too, and didn't waste a high pick on him. he is a big game chocker on the most overhyped team in college football. how many beck games from college have you see? check some out. only 2 losses to arizona and B.C. by a combined 10 points. the won their bowl game handily, he had four 4 TD games. 32 td's against 8 ints. almost 70% commpletions his senior year and nearly 4000 yards.
BYU has a great rep as far as high picked QB's go. i think beck will be another one. he can make all the passes, has velocity and touch. he's mature, and knows how to be a team player. he has been at every practice and will be ready to play when he is put in. we have 2 QB's ahead of him. green, the starter, and lemon who already knows the system and terminology. beck will get a year of learning and when he gets his shot i have faith he will be the QB for a long time.
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