Live blog Monday from 1-3 p.m.
In the interest of remaining interactive with you I will be here from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday to talk with you and answer any of your questions.
We can discuss free agency, the draft or my Jason Taylor column which will be posting to the Miami Herald website in the coming hours.
Just post your question or comment in the comment section and that's where I'll answer it. Depending on the demand, we might start doing this more often.
Hope to hear from you then.
We can discuss free agency, the draft or my Jason Taylor column which will be posting to the Miami Herald website in the coming hours.
Just post your question or comment in the comment section and that's where I'll answer it. Depending on the demand, we might start doing this more often.
Hope to hear from you then.
posted by Armando Salguero at 11:29 PM
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179 Comments:
Hey Mando, what's the truth behind Gholston's Pro Day?
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=377837
NFL personnel arrived at the Ohio State Pro Day excited about how DE Vernon Gholston would work out. He no doubt looks the part: very muscular and defined. Gholston impressed many when he ran his 40 on field turf instead of Ohio State's notoriously fast track, timing a 4.63 and a 4.65. Then jumped a 37-38 inch vertical; anyone who reports he jumped 42 inches has bad sources as the testing unit was slightly broken during his jump. Once on the field, though, Gholston was not nearly as impressive. He is so muscle-bound and big that he struggled to bend knees and sink hips, which hindered his ability to change directions in drills.
Do the Dolphins take Flacco with the first pick in the 2nd round, or take a guy like Henne or Booty in the mid rounds? Also, do you know if Miami is interested in trading for either Hall or Sheppard?
Mr. Mando, why havent the dolphins offered their 32nd pick and possibly more for Deangelo Hall who is a premier shutdown corner and is only 25 which is better investment than an unproven rookie?
Hey Mando, if the dolphins arent sure about Beck or Ryan wouldnt the best option for the 1st pick be Jake Long? The best thing for a young quaterback to have or any quaterback is a solid line
Why would the dolphins not trade Taylor for a high pick? He's a great player and would love him to retire with the fins but keeping him doesnt make sense in the long run.
JT must stay or the gap is huge. It would alter the whole draft. Draft Jake Long #1 and Branden Albert #2. This locks down the left side for 12 years.
Armando keep up the great work!! For fans like me in Steubenville, Ohio you keep my up to date with the Dolphins!! My question has to do with the Dolphins defensive switch to the 3-4. With the current personel how would the fish look on defense? Who would play where on the front 7? Is Jason Taylor a DE or OLB? Who would be the 2 starting MLBs? Where does Joey Porter line up?
Hopefully this catches on so I can be even more unproductive at work!!
i've been receiving blogs to my email, i don't want that, what's up? fix it.
Hey Mando,
Keep up the great work! Since it doesn't look like Taylor is going anywhere, how can the we be considering taking Chris Long? Isn't he basically the same position..Weakside OLB in the 3-4?
I think if Taylor stays they'd go Jake Long, correct? Also thoughts on trading for Deangelo Hall and maybe grabbing Dan Conner to play ILB at #32.
Mando, ? about our secondary next year. I see that Ring my Bell got resigned to another year which is great. Do you see him starting at SS and JA starting at FS? JA made good strides last year and now finally looks like the All American he is. Your thoughts?
Hey Mando,
Glad to hear you will be live on your blog today. I assume the time is EST time. I will make every attempt to be here and chat. I truly enjoy your blog, even if I don't always tend to see eye to eye (such as us going after Alan Faneca) :) Still, you give great info and news and I have plenty of questions I'd like to shoot you off. Most notably I heard a rumor that JT might be in Jacksonville before the start of the season. I heard a 2nd and a 4th coming from the Jags. Any truth to this to your knowledge? It was from a Jags local newspaper...
Anyways, hope to catch ya in a few hours! Cheers and thanks for keeping us all informed!
I like the thinking with Jake Long and Brandon Albert but Brandon Albert will probably be gone by pick 32. With the depth at OT this year I wonder if Jake will be the pick. We need oline bad.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
What is the facination with drafting a QB again in the first two rounds? Considering the circumstances, I think Beck played well enough to give us hope for the future. With a better offensive line and weapons along with a 2nd year with increased snaps in practice Beck should be much improved. I mean, what happens if we draft Flacco and he struggles this year as well? Draft another QB next year? Not sure if anyone saw some of the shows on Favre's first few attempts in the games be played but all rookies struggle. What do you think Mando?
MANDO. ITS YOUR FAVORTIE BLOGGER FINSFAN!! OYE, HOW DID THE KIETH DAVIS VISIT GOO?? ARE THEY GOING TO SIGN HIM OR DID HE LEAVE WITHOUT A CONTRACT???
Would you trade Jason Taylor straight up for Lito Sheppard? I would
Hi Armando, great article today.
My question is in regards to the QB position: it seems that Ryan and Flacco seem to be getting all the attention, but myself, I don't see Andre Woodson being that far behind Ryan, and I'd think he's got to be ahead of Flacco overall. What do you think the 'Fins interest level is in taking Woodson with a 2nd round pick after shoring up either the O-line or D-line with the first pick?
YOO ARMANDO!! WHAT DO YOU THINK OF MY DRAFT ON DAY ONE!!
1. JAKE LONG-OT
1ST-32 PICK- BRANDON ALBERT-OT
2.BRANDON FLOWERS
3.FRED DAVIS
4.EDDIE ROYAL
5. NEXT BEST QB.
THAT WOULD GIVE THE FINS THE LEFT SIDE OF OUR LINE FOR THE NEXT 10-12 YEARS. LOOK AT IT!! LONG, ALBERT, SATELE, SMILEY, CAREY. THEN A LOCK DOWN YOUNG CORNER IN FLOWERS (IF HE IS STILL THERE) A PLAY MAKER AT TIDE END WHICH WE REALLYYY NEED. A SPEEDY RECIVER WHO COULD BLOSSOM IN THE FUTURE. AND A QB IN THE LATER ROUNDS, SO HE CAN SIT AND LEARN, JUST IN CASE (BECK) DOES NOT WORK.
Not sure how this live blog works but any chance Rex Hadnot ends up right back on this team?
Any truth to the rumor that Rex Hadnot is not a very good influence in the locker room? Could that be the reason that the team has shown no interest in bringing him back?
OK folks, I'm here. Let's get started:
If you leave your name, it makes it easier as I will address you in my response. That way, you can scroll to your particular response rather than paging through all the others.
On the Gholston pro day, I was not there but I'm told he's amazing on the measurables, not so smooth on instincts. The guy who wrote the report for Sporting News is Russ Lande, who is a former scout and knows what he's talking about. Obviously subjective, but he's usually good.
YOO ARMANDO!! WHAT DO YOU THINK OF MY DRAFT ON DAY ONE!!
1. JAKE LONG-OT
1ST-32 PICK- BRANDON ALBERT-OT
2.BRANDON FLOWERS
3.FRED DAVIS
4.EDDIE ROYAL
5. NEXT BEST QB.
THAT WOULD GIVE THE FINS THE LEFT SIDE OF OUR LINE FOR THE NEXT 10-12 YEARS. LOOK AT IT!! LONG, ALBERT, SATELE, SMILEY, CAREY. THEN A LOCK DOWN YOUNG CORNER IN FLOWERS (IF HE IS STILL THERE) A PLAY MAKER AT TIDE END WHICH WE REALLYYY NEED. A SPEEDY RECIVER WHO COULD BLOSSOM IN THE FUTURE. AND A QB IN THE LATER ROUNDS, SO HE CAN SIT AND LEARN, JUST IN CASE (BECK) DOES NOT WORK.
Jon, the rumors are that Flacco might even climb into the first round, based on the number of teams that have "discovered" him. If he's there, obviously the Dolphins consider him as they have been on the case with him for some time.
CRIS IN PA
MANDO WHATEVER HAPPENED WITH JOSEPH COMING IN WAS HE OFFERED A CONTRACT OR DID HE NOT IMPRESS ENOUGH TO GIVE HIM AN OFFER AND DO YOU KNOW OF ANY RUMORS OF TRADING RICKY OR IS THAT OUT OF THE QUESTION???
Mando,
Do we have to put up with this unsolicited left-wing BS in order to discuss our favorite football team now???
Seriously... if anyone read anything past the praising of the "generosity of Syria", you are in desperate need of a reality check.
Respect people with COMMON SENSE, and ignore those without. Think about it.
Mr. Anonymous, I am told the teams most interested in DeAngelo Hall now are Washington and Oakland.
I wish the Dolphins were more involved but they apparently are not.
Anonymous, I think Darren McFadden is the best player in the draft. Period.
My opinion is I would take him if I can't trade the pick. There will be tackles later in the draft as four may go in the first round. Big year for OT this year.
Mando - what's the deal. Is there a reasonable chance that we can trade down out of the first pick. There doesn't seem to be much interest that we're hearing from other teams other than a Dallas deal that now seems unlikely. It seems obvious to me that this is a deep draft in the o line and d line categories and quality players can be found deep into the 3rd round. We need to maximize our number of picks through the 3round.
Anonymous: On JT -- Everyone knows it makes sense to trade Taylor for a second, maybe even a low first rounder. Perhaps even a second and a fourth.
But Parcells doesn't feel the time to do that is right. If you ask me, Taylor will be traded.
Armando-
How has Ronnie looked in his rehab? Also, Yeremiah and all the other IR players from last year?
I hope these guys all return to pre-injury form. Any obvious set-backs or players who won't be ready for offseason workouts?
Go Dolphins!
Armando, do you see the Dolphins looking at bringing in anymore free agents before the draft?
Nicky: If the Dolphins keep Taylor (which I doubt) he's an OLB/rush end. You can use Torbor/Crowder inside at LB with Ferguson at NT and Randy Starks at the under tackle. Holliday is the DE with Porter next to him.
Arturo, I'll get that fixed right away. In fact, I'm leaving the blogging session to do that right now.
Anonymous, I think Taylor will be traded. It makes no sense for the Dolphins to keep him.
As for the Jake Long/Chris Long debate, I like both guys but don't think either one is No.1 overall pick material. They are both top 5 but neither is No. 1 overall pick studly.
What happened with Jake Long? Everybody was saying how great he looks and that he could be your LT for the next 10 years. Now, all of a sudden, I am seeing various rumors that he is more RT material.
What's the Tuna's take on Ted Ginn Jr.? Do you think he'll remain in the starting receiver set ?
I wish McFadden didn't have as much baggage. What is our best chance if getting a team to trade up? Atlanta for Matt Ryan or somebody for McFadden?
Hey mando...I really like the idea of miami taking jake long they need maulers up front if we could get him at Three in a trade with ATL and get D.hall that would be ideal...I think miami should rebuild there front 7 first on both sides...do you see them going going Long at left tackle or waiting to get a soild LT in the second round?
Do you think the dolphins will make a trade for any big name person such as (hall, chad johnson, or any other big name) and whats the chances of Atlanta trading for Matt Ryan for our 1st pick.
uc fin fan: Yeremiah Bell is one of my favorite players. I believe him to be tough, with great instincts and, until the achilles' injury, with more than enough speed.
I cannot predict how he will come back, but I'm told he's recovering well. jason Allen, frankly, has more tests to pass. He was OK last year when he finally got the chance and I hope he builds on that but my fear is that with the new defensive staff will come new defensive terminology and Allen hasn't been quick to learn new things in the past.
Why does everybody want Deangelo Hall so bad? He's a piece of garbage no different than Michael Vick. I really don't want one of those types of guys on this team. I'd much rather us trade for Lito Sheppard than him. Hall sounds like nothing but trouble to me let someone else deal with his headaches.
SOB, I know that Jacksonville would be interested in JT. That is correct. But right now, he's not on the market.
I stress the right now part as I think that will change.
mando, do we know what the QB competition status is? How are they going to name the starter? Is Beck going to a back up next year?
phin fan in ne, as I said earlier, this is supposed to be a great draft for offensive tackles. I suppose the Dolphins will have a plan for filling that need at some point in the draft.
Armando,
With Jesse Chatman heading off to the Jersey Swamps, how much playing time do you expect Lorenzo Booker to get next year, and how many touches a game will he get?
Michael Fraser
Hall is a piece of garbage? Why because he got in a shouting match with his coach (many competitors do) and wants a trade AFTER he found out Atlanta was shopping him? Athletes have egos, big suprise! He is talented and I would take him on this team in a minute!
Armando, what's your problem with Parcell? is because he thinks he's above the NFL rules, because he doesn't tell you anything or what.
Manuel
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Anonymous: On quarterbacks, I'm one of those guys who believes you draft one every single year if you can. You hit on one of those guys, you're franchise is set for a looong time.
finsfan, I believe Davis is still in town so his visit isn't over. I see their interest in him as an OK backup and a great special teams guy.
Just my opinion ... but if you're going to have a live blog, then you should entertain the questions for those folks that are actually participating live. I'd recommend that for future live blogs that posts shouldn't be allowed until the announced time, or shortly before.
I agree with "just my opinion"
Just my opinion: I understand your concern and it is fair. Let's see how it plays out and I'll consider making some changes.
Its obvious that JT is getting older, I think we should pick Chris Long, this guy plays like he has something to prove to his dad. This guy has a motor that will not stop and should be able to take JT's place in a year or two. Also, Have you heard anything about WR HELP????
Jon, the Dolphins are looking for draft picks so I'm not sure they would trade JT for Lito. If Philly throws in a second round pick, however, things change.
Armando,
Bill Parcells likes familiarity it comes to doing business. Aside from Jerry Jones and the Dallas pipeline, who among NFL owners, GMs and coaches are part of his inner circle?
Armando
Is Chris Long a DE or rush/OLB in the 3-4? Does he play were JT plays or Vonnie Holliday?
Hal: Thanks for the kind words. Woodson didn't have a very good week during the Senior Bowl and apparently his work to improve footwork and accuracy haven't really paid dividends yet. I don't see him as a high second round pick. Maybe a third rounder.
Armando-
Chris Long HAS to be the pick if we can'trade it. This will give us the protection we need with your expected trade of JT. I would have preferred that he learn under JT, but I'd rather have Chris Long than Jake Long. Jake is a RT, and we have one in Vernon Carey. Any other OT help in the free agent marketplace?
Go Dolphins!
Yo Mando,
Great article in the paper today. Just wanted to say thanks for your keeping us informed, even while on vacation in Capri, I can still count on you for the latest fin info.
Have you heard anything on Ricky? Will Lorenzo Booker get a chance to return punts and kicks this year? Y not go after Chad? What about a real tight end? Who does Parcells like for a CB? Good God this team needs help...
finsfan: I would pick the best player with the first pick and I don't think that is Long. He's a fine player but the only reason you love him is because he fills a need.
Tell me, which player do you think is the BEST player in this draft? I say it is Darren McFadden, who ran a 4.27 hand held time and 4.33 unofficial time at the combine. He runs away from SEC secondarys.
I take him. Just my opinion. Get a tackle in the second round.
Long can play the hybird DE/OLB position like JT (time will tell if he can do it AS WELL). Holliday is strictly a hand-down DE.
Hey Mando,
Great job as always. A few questions (and I apologize if these were asked).
1) Do you think Randy Starks is big enough to fill in as a NT in the years to come? IE do you think Parcells got him primary as a DE or NT later down the road? If not, what draft person could we expect to fill this role? Obviously Ferguson is a stop gap and we need a REAL NT thats young and talented to anchor that D-Line for years to come (Assuming we are indeed using a solid 3-4 and will be for many years).
2) I LOVE the moves Parcells has made, but why have we not made any additions to our secondary? I see players like Cason and Cromartie being available and Miami using that pick on a top ranked corner in the 2nd round. Still, can you really fix our secondary completely through the draft? Will Allen is solid, Lehan, well the jury is still out on him... but apart from Jason Allen who appeared to shine at Safety last year we have no one! Any comments?
3) Do you think the dolphins are secretly interested in Jake Long? While I admit, Chris seems like the logical choice we have a full left side of our Oline with absolutely nobody to fill it. Parcells MUST feel he can address the left tackle and guard position during the draft.
I have more I'd love to chat with you about (I always enjoy talking to folks who know their stuff) :) but I won't keep you because I want other people to have a chance to ask questions. I look forward to your reply.
Cheers!
SOB
Chris in PA: I have to do more checking on Joseph so I'll come back to that. As for Ricky, apparently Parcells has been impressed with his work ethic so right now he's not on the trading block.
I am an Arkansas graduate and attended school with McFadden. Born and raised in AR, but for some reason always been a Fins and UofM fan. Almost went to school there but a female lead me astray (shocking).
My question is whether you have heard anything else in regards to a trade with Dallas for McFadden? Do they still have their crush on him?
Im sure Jones does but it seems like most of that talk has died down, atleast around here. I like McFadden and all ive seen tons of him in game and he really is an amazing player. It just seems like we have more pressing needs on the team. Id love to see him in a Fins jersey and he will bring alot to the team. I was just hoping to get some more.
As for his off the field activity. He seems to be acting like any other college kid with the bar fights... etc. I mean one was with a guy who was stealing his cousins car (or something like that) and the other one was outside of the Piano Bar in Little Rock. Everybody who has ever been in there has more than likely been in a fight there. Its terrible. He does have multiple kids from different moms and more on the way. One that has really even been reported on yet. Thats 3 that are expected plus the two he already has. He is treated like royalty in this state... the girls love him as you can tell and if you havnt learned from his interviews or having classes with him like myself... He Ummm isnt ummmmm the ummmm brightest ummmmm.
Will Ted Ginn's entire family still be with the team next year or did some of them join Cam in Baltimore?
Obviously a joke, but in all honesty, Ginn is a very good player but they still should have taken Quinn. Agree?
Anonymous, I agree the political stuff is ridiculous on this blog. And, no, I didn't read enough to reach the Syria part.
But leaving it on there shows the shortcomings of the logic behind the post.
Does anyone have any thoughts on what the future may hold for Matt Roth? Also, do DT's Soliali and Wright show any promise in the future? Last season was unimpressive, but it was their first. Soliali has the size for NT.....
McFadden is fast, but something tells me that he is not durable enough for the NFL, I may be wrong, but it looks to me like he gives up on the play after initial contact. I havent seen him really break any tackles, but in the open field, if our O-Line can get him ther, he is dangerous. I still pick C Long
Armando, I can't agree with you on this one! McFadden is not the "Football God" you and a few others are making him out to be and he doesn't fit Parcell's kind of RB. He is a "poor man's" Adrian Peterson. He IS fast but he is small, doesn't make people miss and doesn't gain any yards after contact. If you watch him, his long runs all happened when he had a huge hole and could run straight line (didn't need to make a cut).
WELL YOU ARE RIGHT, THE BEST PLAYER IN THE DRAFT IS MCFADDEN, (BUT) THERES NO WAY PARCELLS WILL DRAFT HIM, BECAUSE WE WOULD HAVE WAY TOOO MUCH MONEY TIED UP ON RUNNING BAKCS WITH RONNIE AND DARREN.
THATS WHY I CHOOSE JAKE LONG, CAUSE ITS A IMPORTANT NEED. IN FOOTBALL THERES CERTAIN POSITONS THAT NEED TO BE TAKEN CARE OF, AND A SOLID LEFT TACKLE IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT POSITIONS IN FOOTBALL. JUST LOOK AT CLEVELAND WITH JOE THOMAS, I KNOW HE WAS NOT THE FIRST PICK, BUT THAT OFFENCE LINE GOT REAL GOOD REAL FAST. AND I THINK JAKE LONG IS AS GOOD IF NOT BETTER THEN JOR THOMAS.
phin fan in ne: Hadnot has visited Houston and Tennessee and it seems like he wants a bigger payday than anyone is willing to give, including the Dolphins.
I wouldn't discount his return, but clearly the Dolphins wouldn't be unhappy if he doesn't. The guy has a higher opinion of himself than he's actually worth based on the faulty thinking that he's been a starter for three years -- forgetting how bad the OL was he started on.
Sorry..Mando..don't have a login..
I Agree about trading JT...I DON"T agree about drafting McFadden..that's the 1 strength on this TEAM!!??!!
Let's say Taylor goes for a let #1 (keeping hopes high)
How likely is this?:
1-1. Chris Long (to take JT's place)
1-2. Best OT available
2-1. Dan Conner to play ILB
2-2. Cornerback (to hopefully start)
3. DE (big enough to play end in the 3-4 and better than Matt Roth)
4. WR
5. LG
6. QB
What do you think?
Dolfan in Lake Mary, FL.
Anonymous, I'm sure the Dolphins will try very hard to trade down but the fact is there hasn't been a trade that high in the draft since 2004 so the trend is working against them. Nobody really wants to pay that much money.
Also, in the RB position, I think we have a pretty good line up with Ronnie, Ricky, and Lorenzo. Once Ronnie proves he has recovered from his injury, this man can flat out play, so why go after McFadden, unless you think the Patriots are going to get him at #7 NCFINFAN
dolfan ray: Ronnie Brown is ahead of his rehab schedule according to his agent Todd France. And Bell is obviously also doing quite well as the Dolphins, who should best know his status, just signed him to a contract.
Every three or four years there is a Darren McFadden. You had AD before that and Reggie Bush before that. McFadden is not as physical a runner as AD. He gets hit and stops on contact. Ronnie Brown time and time again would get hit in the backfield and still turn it into a 3 yard gain. If you don't have an O-line, McFadden won't be as effective. Fix the oline or build the defense with the #1 pick. Take Chris Long. He is a Ray Lewis type player.
Ceed, the Dolphins will be brining in free agents for several more weeks. They will do so after the draft and in June should there be any late cuts.
Moreoever, the Dolphins will bring in more guys after other teams make their final training camp cuts.
My prediction is there will be three or four guys that seemingly make the final roster cutdown here, but never make it to the first Sunday of the season because Parcells will replace them with guys cut from other teams.
Armando,
In response to your question of who I would take #1? If Jake Long IS an elite LT, I go with him. If not, I take Chris Long because he brings JT/Zach Thomas intangibles. He has JT flexibility and Zach's nonstop motor.
Matt, that is the nature of the draft. Guys get built up and torn down. Before the draft you'll hear how Chris Long also has warts like he can't run very well and stuff like that.
McFadden has already suffered his public flogging. Don't believe the smokescreens.
armando, espn 760 had a guest on that said there is a possibility that if we can not trade out of the first pick, we will just allow time to run out and pick in a lower slot avoiding having to pay the ridiculous amount owed to a #1 overall pick. From what you have heard, does that sound like a legitimate possibility?
Armando, great work as usual.
MY question for you is:
What is the real feeling about John Beck? Is McCown here to truly compete, or is he here to push John and sure have a chan=ceto win someone over or do th eDolphins se McCown as a plug while drafting someone now. I would like to think Beck is going to get his shot to lead this team. I don't want another controversy like last year. I want Beck to earn the job and have a year to prove it. WHat does the Trinity really have in mind?
dolfan in denver: Yes. At least that is the plan. It's not like they have many more options, but Parcells likes the idea of Ginn's speed.
Chico, I don't know the odds but the Dolphins will try to get somebody to trade up.
hey mando, you gotta admit, even though this idiot has to use up the space of this blog to leave the stupid polamatickers at least he is giving your blog hits....i'm quite sure that was his intention.
also quite sure that he understands that no one is reading it.
Thanks for the response Mando, and I am on your boat with Bell. Boy is solid.
Where do you see Beck and Ginn playing next season, depth cahrt wise after the new aquisitions in FA.
Also, where do you see the fins adressing the TE position, the draft, remaining FA or are we just going to keep the trash we have. I like Peele, but Martin is a joke and Lerkerkerkerkerkerkerker is only good to have around for humors sake.
one last note, you offseason coverage has been great so far. I have gotten my cousin and other fin fans addicted to your blog as well.
Anonymous, the idea floated in different place (including this blog) of trading picks with Atlanta and getting DeAngelo Hall in the process seems dead. The Falcons want an outright first rounder for Hall and still want to keep their pick in the process.
Washington is considering.
On the QB situation: I just hope I don't have to hear who the starter is going to be until after training camp. Why must we announce a starter? Let em compete for it.
Anonymous: the QB competition has not started yet.
Michael Fraser: Booker will have to add some bulk this offseason and show the new coaches that he can do more than simply catch the ball out of the backfield to earn more snaps.
otherwise, he is what he is: I third down back.
Ceed, I don't agree with you on DeAngelo Hall. Everyone claims he's got attitude issues or is a thug. He disagreed with his coach last year -- a coach who players universally hated and left the team before the season ended.
I don't equate that with Michael Vick.
Manuel, I have no problem with Bill Parcells. So I guess the answer is OR WHAT.
Armando, do the Dolphins think that Ronnie Brown (coming back from injury), Ricky Williams (who hasn't played an entire season in a few years), and an unproven 2nd year back, Booker, qualify as a solid RB corps? Do they have plans to fix this? Thanks! NYJeff
Anonymous: I think the Dolphins are more likely to trade away a big name (Jason Taylor) than add a big name.
ARMANDO! Do you have a lazy eye or is that just a bad picture?
ncfinfan: I appreciate guys that want it more than most guys so I like Chris Long. But with the first overall pick you need more than just desire and motivation.
Matt Roth wants it, but he's been a disappointment.
Armando
What do you realistically think JT's value is? A 2nd & 4th? If Miami had their #1, 3-#2's and the first pick of the 3rd round that is 5 of the top 64 players... You would think Parcells would get at least 3-4 starters out of that... That's 3-4 young talented starters to go along with what the Dolphins have done so far.
SOB: The Dolphins love Starks' ability and VERSATILITY. So under tackle now, perhaps nose tackle later. We'll see.
Jake Long? I like the idea if he's truly a LT, but as you may be hearing, that's still a question mark. Plus there will be more tackles in the second round.
I forgot your third question. Sorry.
b man, I know familiarity has been important to Parcells when hiring folks. But if you're wondering whether he needs familiarity to make a trade, that is not true.
He's been in the NFL for 30 years so he knows practically everybody. I hope he gets very familiar with someone that can offer multiple picks for their first overall selection.
If Jake Long(best tackle in the draft) isnt good enough for LT then you surly wont find one in thesecond round.
Scott
Chris: Excellent scouting report on Darren McFadden, but you forgot his math skills.
They are 4.27 and 4.33. That's good enough for me especially how he translated them into production in the SEC.
What about G Jake Scott from Indy?
WLC26: Agreed.
Jake Scott was signed by Tennessee i think.
Yea Jake Scott got a 4 year deal with the titans!!
ncfinfan: I haven't watched tape of McFadden, but I did watch three games of his last year. He breaks tackles.
Another thing people: Ronnie Brown is coming off reconstructive surgery. He has not finished any of his three NFL seasons. Off the top of my head, he has only two years remaining on his contract. And he has always been better splitting time with another back.
What are your thoughts on the new coaching staff? Are the Fish at least going to be able to out coach a few teams this year?
Scott I agree if Jake Long isn't a true LT then who is? If the knock on him is he likes to run block more than pass block lets go for it. We should be a run first team anyways.
so whats going on with the quarterback sit.? are we really thinking bout strating Josh? beck dint do anything to help himself when he was given playing time all he did was loose the ball rookie or not hes 26 and it dosent look like theres a franchise quarterback in the draft peeps talk bout Ryan but he throws to many interceptions he wont translate to the NFL to well what do you think???? Julio from miami
Dolfan in Lake Mary: I could live with that.
Marcus: Disagree with you about McFadden gaining yardage after the initial hit. Seen him do it plenty.
Anonymous, to show how sick I can be, I was thinking about the Dolphins passing last week. I was just sitting there wondering why not? Minnesota did it a couple of years ago (not on purpose, of course) and there is no penalty for it other than losing the slot. But you still get the pick when you rush the name to the podium. Not the first resort, however. But intriguing to me.
hey Armondo, give us injuries updates? rehab? on IR players
Andy P
Just once, I would like to see Dolphins mgmt do something that takes real balls. I remember SD wanting Phillip Rivers and no one would trade with them. So they took Eli and FORCED the trade. I don't know which player it should be - Ryan or McFadden - but I would love to see the Dolphins work a trade and if not take one of those players and FORCE someone else to step-up so we got what we wanted. Your thoughts Mando?
You were working your way down, but I got skipped! Question was Matt Roth's future, and any promise to our young DT's Soliali/Wright. Good blog by the way!
Ron in Charlotte: First I want to thank you for being here and the support you give this blog.
As to Beck, he will have the opportunity to compete. He gets a one-year window in which he'll get to show if he's the future or not. If he doesn't prove it, the Dolphins will make QB their NO. 1 priority next year, assuming a good one seems available.
Having said all that, I wouldn't discount them drafting one this year, either. But even if they do, that rookie is behind Beck initially.
ucf fin fan: Many thanks for spreading the word.
I think Ginn starts and I think Beck will be competing for a starting job. Obviously I have no idea how he's going to do in the competition.
we need a TE!!!
Nicky the greek: Opa!!! Most teams project Long as the OLB/hybrid DE in the 3-4. He's supposed to be more JT than Vonnie.
Are there any more Free-agent WRs that the Dolphins have any intrest in?
Armando, sorry for being late to the party! I read though some of the posts and see that Jake Long has been discussed, but it seems the Dolphins are posturing to add OL help in the draft. What are chances this is a smoke screen and we are actually thinking seriously about Matt Ryan or moving up later in the 1st round for Joe Flacco?
Armando,
Outside of Smiley and maybe Torbor, do you consider any of the free-agent signings to be anything more than special-team guys or specialty players?
Also, as for my own opinion I do have Chris Long as my top rated player in the draft(partially since he is heavier and a much better college player than his dad was, and his dad was a much better player than any defensive player the Dolphins have ever had). Also I am not as impressed with McFadden as much as I was with Adrian Peterson, or as I was with Reggie Bush. McFadden's weak games against Alabama, Auburn, and especially Tennessee downgrade him in my view.
Michael Fraser
Thanks for the kind words Armando. ANd thanks for the answer!
NYJeff: You forget Patrick Cobbs!!
Actually, if you been reading here, I think McFadden should be added to that group,but I doubt the fins will do that. They may bring in a couple of more guys for training camp.
Hello,
I like the idea for drafting:
#1 Jake Long OT
#2A Branden Albert OG, Kenny Phillips S or Aqib Talib CB
#2B Dustin Keller TE
#3 Terrence Wheatley CB
#4 Oneil Cousins OG
#5 Martel Van Zant CB/S
Think there is any interest in Bryant Johnson WR, Ben Utecht TE or Max Starks OT?
Anonymous: I appreciate you spending time studying my picture. I'll let you spend more time looking at ME so you can figure it out on your own.
Mando- You are a sick SOB! Passing on the pick until maybe 3 or 4 and pay the guy # 3 or 4 money. Awesome idea!!!! Will the NFL ever use a slot system to pay rookies? I look at Jamarcus Russel and wonder what he's done in the world to deserve $30M guaranteed and yet someone like Tedy Bruschi negotiates his own contracts for $4-$5M per after completeing 6-8 years of production. I think that's the knock on having the #1 overall- it's not the talent, it's the expediture of paying an unproven commodity too much too soon.
Go Dolphins!
Nicky: I think the Dolphins could get anywhere from a 28-40 overall pick for JT -- which includes a low 1 or a high 2.
I truly believe beck will be the starter this year. For him to be a quality "QB" in the NFL, you need to surround him with talent. It all starts with a quality offencesive line. THATS WHY JAKE LONG WILL BE THE FIRST PICK, THEN YOU DRAFT A PLAY MAKER LIKE FRED DAVIS AT TIGHT END, PLUS RONNIE IS COMING BACK (THAT WILL TAKE ALOT OF PRESSURE OF BECK) REMEMBER GUYS BECK WAS PUT IN A SITUATION BY THE OLD REGIME TO FAIL. HIS FIRST TWO GAMES AT PHILLY AND THE STEEL CITY( BAD WEATHER GAMES). THIS KID HAS THE TOOLS TO BE A GOOD QB, HE JUST NEEDS A OLINE THAT CAN BLOCK AND SOME WEAPONS AROUND HIM!! LETS NOT GIVE UP ON HIM YET!!!
WHAT YOU THINK ARMANDO!!!!
Armando
Thanks for answering multiple questions from me!! It's so hard to get Dolphins info in the heart of Steeler country but with the internet and blogs it's almost like living in Miami without the heat now!!
Hopefully I am saying OPA after each Dolphin pick in the upcoming draft!!!
Scott: You logic is flawed about Long and the draft. Guys drafted later often turn out to be better players than some guys drafted earlier. It's not an exact science.
ARMANDO!
Bottom line... who do you see as the opening day starter in 08??
Red Dog: I think Matt Roth has to work very hard to make up for the last eight months. He played poorly in the 3-4 last year, proving himself to be inconsistent. then he had that arrest in Iowa after the season.
Soliai regressed last season, I was told, because his work ethic was awful. he'll have to address that this offseason and early in training camp to keep from getting cut.
Mando- Any real burners with some hands projected to be around in the 3rd or 4th round when Miami Picks?
Thanks.
Armando... 1 more quick one
What are the Dolphins going to do with all that money now that they're not giving it to Pace?
Jake Scott agreed to a four year deal with Tennessee today.
Do you think the dolphins off season moves improved the team? also do you think the dolphins believe in beck or will they draft a quarter back in the draft? also do you think the dolphins will trade jason taylor? also will the dolphins trade for leto sheperd or dante hall or pacman jones?
Since your sources show that Miami is not willing to trade for a proven CB, will/how does Miami plan to improve this obvious area of need?
FYI, correct me if I am wrong, but I believe this interactive blog session was a success!
Ray, my thoughts on the staff is it will be better in some places and probably not as good in some places.
Look for coaching improvements on the DL at DC and major improvement on special teams. I think Houck is excellent and don't understand why he wasn't retained because his rep is very good around the league.
Bottom line, though, it's more about the players than the coaches right now. Dolphins just don't have the players to match up with most teams, regardless of the coaching.
Armando, I wouldn't say I "forgot" Patrick Cobbs, lol, I just don't know if he is NFL caliber - he just happens to be on the roster. I think had we kept Chatman, RB is a position we wouldn't have to worry about this year. Mcfadden would be nice if we had just a few fixes to make, but we have many. Any reason why we didn't pick up Carr instead of JC? NYJeff
Here it is boys:
#1 Jake Long OT
#2A Branden Albert OG, Kenny Phillips S or Aqib Talib CB
#2B Dustin Keller TE
#3 Ahtyba Rubin NT or Terrence Wheatley CB
#4 Oneil Cousins OG
#5 Martel Van Zant CB/S
O-Line complete for 10 years
Not much studying needed. It's the first thing I noticed when the page popped up. Pretty obvious really that you're winking at somebody.
Patrick: The Dolphins are seriously considering EVERYBODY at No. 1 -- the two Longs, Ryan, Sedrick Ellis, McFadden and even perhaps Gholston.
Who will they pick. I still wish they would take McFadden but think they'll go with Chris Long.
Only good trade for Taylor is Chad Johnson
mf52dolphin: McCown has the look of a starter but hasn't been able to put it together yet.
Starks has great upside but Tennessee doesn't usually make a mistake on guys they allow to leave.
Wilford can be a serviceable No.2 receiver. I think he'll be an upgrade from Marty Booker, who was never really in love with the idea of being on the Dolphins.
Damn is the blog over? my question was never answered =^(
We should do something bold in this draft and go against the traditional "these are the top 5" picks that every publication, and hence, every fan, fawns over. The Dolphins have worked on their defensive line, they have worked on their offensive line, they have a couple QB's to mess around with - we need a playmaker on defense. Do a trade, make some moves, GRAB Cromartie with the first selection we have. A play-making, fast, big corner is what the Dolphins need. We need a kick-ass CB and a kick-ass LB. Then worry about the "sexy" picks and names the media keeps drooling over.
T-bred: You can't really FORCE someone to make a trade. But on the balls issue, amen.
Armando, McFadden has some ugly question marks from his bar room fights...
Finsfan: I agree Beck seemed overmatched at times last year when he was pressured.
but I remind you that this draft offers offensive tackles in the first few rounds. It's not like there won't be any in the second round if they don't draft an offensive tackle in the first.
Joey C: McCown.
Mando what do you think about Kevin Smith from UCF? I think he has all the tools to be a good RB in the league he just lacks great speed. Any prediction on where/when he'll get drafted?
Armando, What is your opinion on Jake Long OT, Branden Albert OG and then Dustin Keller TE?
Paul
so whats are we doing about te???? we cant afford to have martin dropping everything except his paycheck
Ray: Donnie Avery of Houston is a favorite of mine.
They say he's too small at 5-11, they say he's a system guy at Houston which accounts for mamoth production, they say a lot of CRAP. But he runs a 4.3 40 and at the senior bowl practices he embarrassed what is supposed to be a good cornerback class.
Joey C: The Dolphins had $21 million in cap space as of last Thursday, which is the last NFLPA update I have.
What are they going to do? They have to spend 84 percent of the cap and they've almost done that already.
They're going to draft and give some untested, untried rookie $31-$32 million in guaranteed money.
OK guys, gotta go. I'll check back and try to pick off the final few questions I didn't get to.
Thanks for stopping by.
Any chance to trade down to three with Atlanta? If that happened moved down a little more with Dallas??
Armando:
Do you believe the dolphins are going to address their tight end issue. There is noone in free agency, so who do you think they may try to take in the draft and how early?
Keep up the good work!
I think Atlanta will take their chances with us taking matt ryan. Also, if Chris Long is the pick we might lose him to St Louis.
Armando Salguero said...
"ncfinfan: I haven't watched tape of McFadden, but I did watch three games of his last year. He breaks tackles."
the SEC isn't the NFL. It's not the same game
TE will be adressed in the 2nd with Miami's third pick; Miami selects: DUSTIN KELLER TE.
Round One Jake Long OT
Round Two Branden Albert OG
Lock down that O-Line LONG, ALBERT, SATELE, SMILEY, CARVEY
Hey Armondo,
Any word on D.J. Hackett? Haven't heard anything just wondering if Miami is looking in that direction?
-Ben in SD
I know it is late in the day, but I hope you answer my question before you log-off. It does not appear to me that there is any logical reasoning to what the Dolphins are doing with their F/A pickups. Do you have an idea of what the Fins are trying to accomplish this offseason.
Aw man I couldn't get this thing to work in time to post a question. Well, Armando, if you still have time I have a couple questions:
Are Indiana WR James Hardy, USC QB James David Booty, or either of Mizzous tightends on the Dolphins draft radar?
What is the possibility of the Dolphins picking up Mcfadden. At first, I was very opposed to this selection. But honestly, picking up Mcfadden would not only give the Dolphins an insurance policy for Brown who has yet to play a full season without injury, but it would give them a powerful 1-2 running combo. Effective clock control can assist a less then stellar defense.
And, again, I do not think we will lose Chris Long to the Rams. the rams need offensive line help more then the dolphins unless they want to go through another season of injuries. I think it is very likely the Rams snag Jake Long and work on beefing up that O-Line to keep fragile Bulger healthier and open more holes for the explosive Jackson.
I would love if we did take mcfadden, i just cant see it happening. i dont think there would be one upset fin fan if we did.
Did the Fins sign Ian Gold on Feb. 29th?
Wikipedia.com and espn.com say "yes" while nfl.com and miamidolphins.com say "no"...
what gives? Is he a Fin or not?
Thanks.
I WOULD be an upset fan if we drafted McFadden!
One simple question, why don't we go after Bryant Johnson or D.J. Hackett? I mean wrs take three years to develop through the draft, and well Dolphins WRS take five years.
Alrite fine, most fin fans wouldnt be upset... Theres just so much excitement and hope that mcfadden brings. Something dolphin fans havent felt in quite a while.
Hadnot signed with the Browns. Good riddance.
Armando is a Bush felcher.
Here's why the Dolphins won't pick McFadden...
In 2006, McFadden, had surgery for a dislocated toe - after a police report said he was involved in a fight outside a Little Rock club. According to the police report, McFadden was involved in a disturbance at 4:20 a.m. Palace the Club, a private club in Little Rock. When officers arrived, a fight was taking place in the parking lot while a crowd watched. McFadden told officers he didn't know the person he was fighting with. Palace the Club was shut down in December of 2004 when a judge ordered it closed. Two people were killed and police responded to over 30 crimes or other incidents at the club that year. What was not noted in this report was that McFadden was 19 years old at the time and under the legal age for alcohol.
On January 10th, McFadden was involved in a confrontation at Ernie Biggs bar in Little Rock, where he was handcuffed. The fight involved one of the bar bouncers. Authorities say that one of McFadden's relatives was being escorted out of Ernie Biggs when McFadden and the people he was with got involved in a fight with Brant Hankins, the bouncer. The argument went into the streets of the River Market where the Little Rock Police Department had McFadden in handcuffs for "agitated and provoking aggressive behavior." Once he calmed down the handcuffs were removed. So far, he has not been charged, but this could be a battery 3rd degree charge if Hankins presses charges. Ernie Biggs, the bar in the River Market where McFadden was handcuffed had 67 trips made by the Little Rock police department during the same time span.
Anonymous said...
One simple question, why don't we go after Bryant Johnson or D.J. Hackett? I mean wrs take three years to develop through the draft, and well Dolphins WRS take five years.
Thank you
Please,pass on mcfadden we dont need a running back!!!!Brown and ricky will do just fine.Ricky williams will have a great season under parcells.Beef up the D and offline,and then see how are 2 sub par Qbacks can do.....
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