Some players Miami will look at with the rest of the draft
OK guys here are some names of players I have unearthed that the Dolphins are very, very, very interested in. This is not a complete list by any means but it includes names you might not have seen mentioned by other news sources.
We know Jake Long is a done deal. But the rumors about the Dolphins liking other Michigan players based on the friendship between Bill Parcells and Lloyd Carr are accurate. When Long visited the Dolphins a while back, receiver Mario Manningham and quarterback Chad Henne were also here.
The three had dinner with coach Tony Sparano, GM Jeff Ireland and offensive coordinator Dan Henning. Henne worked out for the Dolphins, by the way, but he also worked for the Tampa Bay Bucs and the Falcons.
Watch for Manningham as third round pick if he's around. He didn't run well (4.6) at the combine and had issues with marijuana but that might still make him a value in the third round or even the fourth round. Another Michigan player the Dolphins like on the second day is Michigan receiver Adrian Arrington.
Arrington is neither fast, explosive nor a great route runner. But he is has good hands, is a fine blocker, isn't afraid to go over the middle and, at nearly 6-3, has the body to get bigger and stronger.
We know the Dolphins love Auburn linebacker/defensive end Quentin Groves (pictured). He's the guy I believe the team will take with No. 32, if he is available. They also like Auburn DT Pat Sims as a second-round pick. Another possible second round pick is Penn State inside linebacker Dan Connor who is a little light for the 3-4 at 230 pounds, but could easily add some bulk.
Connor had character issues. He missed three games in 2005 after he got caught making harassing phone calls. But that is reportedly is something Connor addressed with the Dolphins during his visit with them.
Sims has good bulk and he is VERY explosive off the ball which typically makes him a disruptive force when he can disengage from the center. Keep your eyes on him when the Dolphins are picking in the second round.
The Dolphins still have not made a decision on Reagan Mauia following his arrest for punching somebody at an Ale House parking lot earlier this month. So look for them to hedge their bet by adding a fullback either in the draft or as an undrafted free agent. Miami likes Idaho fullback Rolly Lumbala, who worked out for them.
I realize the Dolphins are telling everyone Vernon Carey is going to right tackle. But the fact of the matter is the previous regime finished last season convinced Carey is best suited for a guard position. I don't know if this regime shares that idea but I do know the Dolphins really like Toledo offensive tackle John Greco.
Greco has drawn interest from numerous clubs over the past few months, including formal interviews at the Combine with San Diego, Miami, Dallas, Arizona, St. Louis, Detroit and Indianapolis. The Colts and Miami were also prominent among the teams that were looking at him recently.
Greco seems like a perfect right tackle candidate.
The Dolphins need a tight end because David Martin simply didn't get it done last year. Watch for Tennessee's Brad Cottam, who had personal workouts with the Miami, the Chiefs, Falcons, Browns and Jets. Cottom is a second-day player also. University of Miami linebacker Tavares Gooden showed great speed at the Combine. He visited the Dolphins during their chats with local players but he didn't work out for them then. He would be a good value in the third round. The Ravens love the kid, but they love many UM players.
Finally, watch for Purdue CB Terrell Vinson. Purdue's productive cornerback has received repeated inquiries from the Cleveland Browns, but he's also been in contact with the Dolphins, Panthers, Texans, Colts, Chiefs, and Vikings recently.
He is 5-9 and 183 pounds and, as you might guess at that size, he is quick, running the 40 in 4.47. But he is deceptively strong having done 16 reps of the 225 pound bench press at the Combine.
We know Jake Long is a done deal. But the rumors about the Dolphins liking other Michigan players based on the friendship between Bill Parcells and Lloyd Carr are accurate. When Long visited the Dolphins a while back, receiver Mario Manningham and quarterback Chad Henne were also here.
The three had dinner with coach Tony Sparano, GM Jeff Ireland and offensive coordinator Dan Henning. Henne worked out for the Dolphins, by the way, but he also worked for the Tampa Bay Bucs and the Falcons.
Watch for Manningham as third round pick if he's around. He didn't run well (4.6) at the combine and had issues with marijuana but that might still make him a value in the third round or even the fourth round. Another Michigan player the Dolphins like on the second day is Michigan receiver Adrian Arrington.
Arrington is neither fast, explosive nor a great route runner. But he is has good hands, is a fine blocker, isn't afraid to go over the middle and, at nearly 6-3, has the body to get bigger and stronger.
We know the Dolphins love Auburn linebacker/defensive end Quentin Groves (pictured). He's the guy I believe the team will take with No. 32, if he is available. They also like Auburn DT Pat Sims as a second-round pick. Another possible second round pick is Penn State inside linebacker Dan Connor who is a little light for the 3-4 at 230 pounds, but could easily add some bulk.
Connor had character issues. He missed three games in 2005 after he got caught making harassing phone calls. But that is reportedly is something Connor addressed with the Dolphins during his visit with them.
Sims has good bulk and he is VERY explosive off the ball which typically makes him a disruptive force when he can disengage from the center. Keep your eyes on him when the Dolphins are picking in the second round.
The Dolphins still have not made a decision on Reagan Mauia following his arrest for punching somebody at an Ale House parking lot earlier this month. So look for them to hedge their bet by adding a fullback either in the draft or as an undrafted free agent. Miami likes Idaho fullback Rolly Lumbala, who worked out for them.
I realize the Dolphins are telling everyone Vernon Carey is going to right tackle. But the fact of the matter is the previous regime finished last season convinced Carey is best suited for a guard position. I don't know if this regime shares that idea but I do know the Dolphins really like Toledo offensive tackle John Greco.
Greco has drawn interest from numerous clubs over the past few months, including formal interviews at the Combine with San Diego, Miami, Dallas, Arizona, St. Louis, Detroit and Indianapolis. The Colts and Miami were also prominent among the teams that were looking at him recently.
Greco seems like a perfect right tackle candidate.
The Dolphins need a tight end because David Martin simply didn't get it done last year. Watch for Tennessee's Brad Cottam, who had personal workouts with the Miami, the Chiefs, Falcons, Browns and Jets. Cottom is a second-day player also. University of Miami linebacker Tavares Gooden showed great speed at the Combine. He visited the Dolphins during their chats with local players but he didn't work out for them then. He would be a good value in the third round. The Ravens love the kid, but they love many UM players.
Finally, watch for Purdue CB Terrell Vinson. Purdue's productive cornerback has received repeated inquiries from the Cleveland Browns, but he's also been in contact with the Dolphins, Panthers, Texans, Colts, Chiefs, and Vikings recently.
He is 5-9 and 183 pounds and, as you might guess at that size, he is quick, running the 40 in 4.47. But he is deceptively strong having done 16 reps of the 225 pound bench press at the Combine.
[Thursday evening update] I continue to be told that even though there is much fanfare about the possibility the Dolphins will take Joe Flacco, it just doesn't seem to be the thing the team will do. Flacco does indeed have a great arm and potential.
But he is erratic with his delivery and his footwork is atrocious. Part of the problem is he spent most of his career in a shotgun offense and that hurts because he not only has to straighten out the footwork, he has to correct the problem of taking snaps from center which he displayed at the Senior Bowl. Also, this guy didn't beat out Tyler Palko at Pitt!
The Dolphins haven't really been calling him or his agent, so I just don't see the connection to him. Another thing: He seems a value in the third round but not any earlier.
I will add more names as I come across them. I will also do a live chat on The Herald website from 1-2 p.m on Friday. Join me there. I will be on 790 The Ticket from 1-3 p.m. Saturday so you can listen locally or on the Internet at 790theticket.com. Feel free to call with your comments.
I will be blogging live from Dolphins camp once the draft begins. Join me here then.
posted by Armando Salguero at 2:27 PM
Get our feeds
58 Comments:
Arrington was on Sirius yesterday and seemed to think that the Dolphins were showing him a lot of extra interest, as much as that means.
Groves probably won't be there at 32. If we want him we'll need to trade up. i think we will. Manningham in the 3rd round would be a steal. He plays fast and that's what matters, who cares how he ran without pads on? Dan Conner is a stud, but I'm not convinced he'd be there past the 49ers pick. A corner in the second seems logical. If Brian Brohm is there at 32 then I say we pounce on him. If he isn't and Flacco and Henne are there I say we wait.
Finally someone talking about our need for a TE. That should be 2nd round material...we need our Moose Johnston!
I'm First! Whoo-hoo
damn...took too long to hit submit!
Mando,
I agree with all those names!! Lets not forget Kendall Langford DT, thats a parcells type player. Dont rule out Kevin Smith RB also and a dark horse could be Jake Ikegwuonu CB, he blew out his knee, if NOT he would of been a 1 round chioce. Dont let that fool you Armando, if you Remember Patrick Surtain was hurt when the fins drafted him, and years past and he became a baller.
Good stuff Mando!!!
Forget about it!!!
The Dolphins are going to draft Joe Flacco or Henne at the begining of the second round, if either one is there, if not they are taking a DE/LB like Quentin Groves, Jason Jones or Calais Campbell.
'Mando--
Your post is grossly irresponsible & borderline unethical. You are not reporting news, you are making it by tipping the Fins interests, and making it likely some other team will take the players the Fins are interested in. Have you no shame, Sir!?!
Is this guy da purist for real? It's this guys job to tell us what is going on, you turd on wheels!
It is a wonder Armando even wants to do this blog with morons like you on here. If you don't want information, why do you come here?
Moose Johnston was a FB and he didn't play for Parcells.
To Da Purist - dude, most fans want to know the scoop - 'Mando provided that. Do you think that GM's on other teams read this blog? I doubt it (nor would read any blog). Do you think that they would take a player that we like just to spite us? No - this isn't the Pats vs Jets childish behavior. Could a team move in front of us because we may be interested in a player? Sure, but if you think they're basing their draft board off of ours, you're crazy. 'Mando - thanks for your inside info and thoughts. I agree that Manningham could be available at the top of the 3rd or a quality TE there. I think it's a toss up at 32 between Henne, Flacco or Groves if more than 1 is there. The JT trade pick can/will influence who we pick and when. Have we shown any interest in Safeties? And I don't think we'll draft a FB- we signed Boomer and Reagan is still on the roster. But you're correct that we may sign an undrafted rookie or a FA.
FINSHEAVENBLOWS,
HAHAHAH The problem is these people come here, just to get attention. They have noooo clue, what the hell they are talking bout. One of them wrote, we have to get A te, so we can get our MOOSE JONHSON!!!! WFT HAHAAHH.
I CAN'T STOP HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHHAHA Moose was a GREAT TE, YOU FREAKING DOPEEEEEEE!!!
Taveras Gooden, I really like him. I hope he is available in the third.
I agree with Da Purist. I don't want Armando giving us information. I like it when he just tells us stories about his pets.
I think we will have an outstanding left side of the offensive line:
LT- Long
LG- Carey (per Mando)
C- Satele
I would love to see my boy TE Keller in a phins uniform, he would help Beck out greatly.
Phin Up!
Keith in Portland,
Did you mean our Novacheck (SP)? We can use a TE like that!
We could use a Moose Johnson type FB as well. Remeniscing of Keith Byers awesome game/Snow angel in Dallas... A little Pass-catching ability would be a plus, but Parcells likes those big bruisers.
please not another QB
lets get
Groves
flowers
connor
phillips
lofton
with the 32nd pick. If we trade JT which I hope we do (good luck Jason) and get the Jags 1st round then we take Henne or Brohm. Please defense and then offense on the second day
Mando,
Have you heard anything about Calais Campbell? He's interviewed in today's Rocky Mountain News and says only the Fins have shown interest. He also had a terrible combine and could only do 16 bench presses, worse than any other DL.
Since they don't play in shorts, I care less about the combine...give me a Zach over a combine warrior every day. He also says he will be driven by showing people who pass him up in the 1st what a mistake they made. That usually is a pretty good motivator!
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Stav, I know that Campbell visited with the locals. He's hoping to be a late first or second round pick.
I would not pick the guy until the second day because the only thing more depressing than his season last year (no production, lots of excuses) was his workout at the combine.
He's slow, he's not strong. He's just a tall, average player.
Mando is taking off posts that he doesn't like, even if they are tame. I posted one and he removed it.
I'm done with this insecure guy. better known as Mr. "I".
the Sentinel guys give better info and have better blogs.
I am as real as it gets - - ask anyone. I come to this blog because I love the Fins, and I try to monitor all those who would harm them! I also especially look forward to 'Mando's pet stories. Finally, where else could I get good sarcasm from the "fool." I will not shirk my duty to break-down the draft and to protect the Fins Draft Board from closet-Jet-loving Herald columnists. Ya Dig!?
Armando,
Thank you for writing back about my missing post. I didn't think you would have erased it but I WAS getting a little paranoid! Anyway thanks for the info on the draft and I will be looking forward to your next blog. Henne or Groves at 32. If Groves is gone I would expect them to take Henne, assuming he is still there. But if we can get an extra pick for JT and then somehow move up, maybe we can grab both. Can't wait for this weekend, Go Fins! NYScott
I say we trade Taylor and get a late 1st or mid 2nd round pick for him. If it's between Dan Connor and Groves I'd def. pick Groves. If hes gone and Connors not, def. take him and hope Henne falls to the late 2nd pick.
Good column armando. add name kansas cb aquib talib if he drops to 32 due to character issues. Also qb brohm from louisville who torched a very good cane secondary a few yrs ago. What if calai campbell drops to 32? Talib is most intriguing, a talenred cb with issues.My opinion is the fins trade down with pick 32 or the first pick in 3rd round to get some of the players you mentioned armando. doug collin hallandale
The phins need to draft a qb in the 2nd. They need to draft a qb every year until they find a good one. Just look at the playoff teams, all good qb's. until they find that guy they will at best be an average team. hope beck can be that guy. can't count on it. draft a qb!!! NOTE TO THE IDIOTS ON THIS BLOG. IF YOU DON'T LIKE MANDO AND HIS BLOG GET THE H@LL OFF!!!!!
Armando....nice job. I would like to see the Dolphins trade w/ the Browns for Brady Quinn.
Armando Salguero said...
Stav, I know that Campbell visited with the locals. He's hoping to be a late first or second round pick.
I would not pick the guy until the second day because the only thing more depressing than his season last year (no production, lots of excuses) was his workout at the combine.
He's slow, he's not strong. He's just a tall, average player.
I have to figure either you don't have the slighest idea what a 3-4 DE is and does during a game...or your working for the Dolphins. Which is it Armando?
My sources tell me chad henne qb michigan, will be taken by chicago bears. I didnt see ur comment armando re campbell, i agree.What happens every nfl draft is that somebody unexpectedly drops into rd 2.Hopefully fins will have chance with pick 1, 2nd round
Sometimes I really have to hold my tongue on here. To the anonymous person who said I have no idea about a 3-4 defensive end, I would tell you that the University of Miami does not play a 3-4. They are classic 4-3 defense.
They were that way under Jimmy Johnson, who I covered. They were that way under Dennis Erickson, who I covered. They were that way under Butch Davis, who was Jimmy's DLine coach, and who I covered. They were that way under Larry Coker, who I covered while I was at ESPN. They are that way now under Randy Shannon, who learned about defense from Jimmy Johnson and Dave Wannstedt and Butch Davis -- and who I covered when he was a linebacker at Norland High.
I could buy your argument better if you would argue Campbell projects as a 3-4 end in the pros. That I can see -- but again, that would be a projection not worthy of a super high pick because then he'd have to learn to take on two guys rather than one.
As for his college career ... he didn't meet expectations.
So please ... just don't even go there.
Guys.... Just one thought on trading Jason Taylor, that maybe you haven't thought about. Think about who we just drafted. I’m ok if we get a 1st round pick out of him, fine. But anything less, and I would keep him & let him & Jake battle until September. Think of what he would do for the kid. Jason will get the Jake ready for battle. Something to think about.
Hey Mando any ideas on whether the phins might take Kevin Smith in the third round? I know it is a pretty high pick but with Ronnie coming off a knee injury Ricky has as of late been more injury prone than Trent Green the last few years (broken arm in CFl and last year after 8 yards)and Booker hasn't been a full load RB in over a year.
trade jason taylor to san diego for the 27th overall selection in round 1 at that point we draft groves to replace him and at pick 32 chad henne qb michigan bryan in ohio
Armando, I have to say several of these would surprise me.
If Parcells was disinterested in McFadden due to character issues, then I can't see him being interested in Manningham either.
As you note Conner seems a little light; Parcells has typically favored LB's weighing at least 245 (i.e. Bradie James).
Brad Cottam would really surprise me, as Parcells historically dislikes injury-prone players, and injuries have dogged Cottam all the way through college.
I still like Woodson's potential better than Flacco's, but I wouldn't put TOO much stock in the fact that he couldn't beat out Palko at Pitt. After all, Pitt's head coach isn't exactly known for his astute evaluations of QB's. :-)
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Funny stuff on Calais Campbell. He did only 16 reps on the bench press and most NFL DE avg. 25 reps. He ran a 5.05 in the 40. I could go out right now in tennis shoes and run a 5.0 without trying.
And his production sucked. Any wonder he's a third-round pick waiting to happen?
Good predictions, but what I really want to know is, "How good are their families?"
Palko's father, a legendary HS coach in Western PA, and Wanstead were buddies. So Palko was going to start the whole time he was at Pitt... hence Flacco leaving when he saw the writing on the wall and getsy transferring to Akron.
I love the idea of Carey playing LG.
LT - Long
LG - Carey
C - Satelle
RG - Smiley
RT - Draft pick in Rd.3/4 like Greco, Kansas T or Nebraska T
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Armando...did I ask what he did while at Miami? If you look at his production the season before the last season, you'd find he played well...and yes he would play as a 3-4 DE..and yes he could hold up since he weighs 290 and is 6'8".
The Dolphins do have a weight room...do they not?
My guess is that Roth will be traded to a team that needs a 4-3 DE..he doesn't fit a 3-4..the same way that Taylor doesn't fit, as a 3-4 DE.
Great draft news Armando!!! Don't let some of these crybabies on here discourage you. Keep up the good work!!!
Armando,have you heard anything about the Dolphins maybe trading for Lito Sheppard,Chad Johnson or Anquan Boldin? There's obviously a good chance that all 3 will be playing for different teams next season.Out of the 3,i would'nt mind Miami trying to get Sheppard cus i feel that our CB situation is one the biggest needs at this present time.
Armando Whats the story on og mormino who started in the preseason then went on ir. Is he a possibility at left guartd. The ol with long, smiley and satele may be one of the most physical ones since the 70s fins. Please give us some info re mormino and any other offensive line candidates currently on the roster. ty armando
I saw Henne and Flacco (suck-oh) play and lose to my alumni (Appalachian State Univ.), Henne is better!!! I hope they get him and not waste a pick on Flacco, but we need defensive help.
Am I overlooking the obvious or isn't Calais Campbell the perfect addition as a 3-4 DE? At 6'7 290, he will hold up against the run and is also proficient at rushing the passer. He also fills a big need for the 'Phins.
I have watched chad henne play and dont believe the fins should draft him. Henne has a strong arm but is slow afoot, throws into coverage and gets lost in games where he throws the ball all over the place and not to receivers.He was very good in the bowl game against the gators but the gator defense this yr was pitiful.I dont see him as a prime time player. I think briam brohm has more upside and hes the only qb i would consider with the first pick rd 2. flacco this lol i think flacco a project at best too
I don't want this to be seen as me picking on Calais Campbell because he played for my alma mater and I rooted for him and want all the best for him.
But the facts are: He did 16 reps at the combine when most DE avg. about 22-28. And yes, the Dolphins have a weight room. But so does UM. Why didn't he use it?
I saw an interview in the Denver Post where he said him only doing 16 reps wasn't a big deal. That's not a good response.
And, again, you guys are making projections for him. You cannot deny that when you project a position the kid has never played, combined with projecting him to a professional league, you increase your chances of failure. Also, he was worse in 2007 than he was in 2006. Regression is also not a good thing.
Having said that, he is a value in the third round. We'll see what happens.
Mando,
Are the dolphins really not showing any interest in CB Antoine Cason, he is 6'0" 200 and complete. I think he is going to be great but waht do i know right Vinson is 5'9" and the shortest receiver in the East is Welker right at 5'11" I would think they would consider Cason more.
I don't think the dolphins should draft a QB in the first day, unless it Brian Brohm. Flacco and Henne are overrated. Drafting the Penn St. QB Morelli in 6th or 7th round looks like Tom Brady to me.
You heard it here 1st too.
Dolphins should get OT John Greco with the late 2nd or 3rd round to complete the o-line of the future.
Mario Manningham would be the Steal of the Draft in the 3rd round
sure he did marijuana who hasnt honestly..Joking..But do you really see him falling that far?
Gabriel, d-Town Dolphins fan
I think if jason taylor is traded we will find out tonite or right before the draft. The reason being that wayne will want to notify jason and the team he is traded to will want to make sure taylor wont retire and will discuss contract extension. I see the odds as 50 50 jt is traded and if the fins were to giver jt an extension he might play an addl 3 yrs as besides dancing what else could he do. hes not the rock.
Gabriel in DTown,
Morelli has a strong arm - that's it. No leadership, apparently really dumb and I don't think his teammates trusted him. Are u a PSU fan? I am and I think he sucks. And I think Justin King is not a good corner. But I love Dan Connor.
Armando,
I recently asked whether Drew Mormino had bulked up during the off season and you were kind enough to tell me he had been working out.
To follow up, I would also like to ask if you have heard any specific remarks about Mormino by Dolphin management and if so what?
Furthermore, are you aware of specifics ie, he's gone from bench pressing 220lbs. 20 times to 30 times, he went from 299lbs to 320 lbs?
I'm not trying to beat a dead horse here but rather find out how a potential starter is coming along for an offensive line in dire need of one.
Thanks...
mario maningham scored a 6, thats right a 6 on the wonderlic test. A tree scored a 7. doubtful fins will take a druggee and someone not bright enough to know the plays and his assignments. i think you get 2 points for writing your name
Martink,
you really think so? I think he came from a young squad that outimmatured him if that makes sense. I know he is a project player, and has tremendous upside in the 6th or 7th round. Well would you fill a need and draft him later or overrate a QB?
Another question whats the dolphins stand on DENNIS DIXON!?!
He is the true hybrid player in this draft.
Armando, given that the Dolphins didn't let you look at their board, what is the chance that your source is lying?
does anyone think that if a player like limas sweed, who i feel is the best WR in the draft, fell to the dolphins that we should consider taking him??
The recent cuts make it obvious that we are going to be looking to pick up atleast one WR in the draft. I think we cut 2 or 3 of our current WR's
Thanks for the continuous updates, Armando.
Personally, I would not be surprised if the current suspense regarding Jason Taylor's situation serves its role as a smokescreen, even if it wasn't manufactured by Parcells and Company. I have a feeling in the deepest recesses of my gut that the Dolphins' will trade Jason Taylor and make their best attempts to attain a secondary first round pick, but the deal will occur during the latter half of the first round. If it is accomplished, the Dolphins will likely finish the trade quickly. I honestly think they may attempt to take Chris Long from another team via a trade involving Taylor.
Although this "Long family" scenario is undoubtedly very remote, I still have a "Ron in Charlotte" feeling that the Dolphins quietly harbor a vibe for a good defensive player like Chris Long. It would definitely make sense. Parcells' frugal and cunning nature should not be underestimated, and he is well known for surprising decisions in the face of poor odds and probabilities. Persuasiveness could yield fine results. Furthermore, it is nearly impossible to predict draft outcomes for any franchise, especially in the current climate.
I know that this sounds ridiculous, and my rational mind doesn't buy it, but I'm merely thinking and musing aloud.
To Gabriel to DTown - I would want to fill a need in round 2 instead of picking a QB. I am not sold on Beck though. The numerous fumbles concern me. I think Parcells & Co want to draft a QB at some point and I'll trust their judgement but I would give Beck this year to show what he's got and then look at FA QB's in the offseason or next year's draft - if needed.
Hey Madge,
Thanks for the compliments on the post(s) last weekend. I was thinking... I believe you said you're a Literature professor so I wondered what your thoughts are on the social gatherings and the activities that took place at those gatherings of your buddies, Plato and/or Socrates. I remember stories of "naked flute girls" and orgy-type activities (by the way, I highly recommend those DVDs, even though the picture quality back then wasn't great). Anyway, if they were some of the best intelluctuals of history and you are discouraged by the "intellectual impotence" of today's youth and young adults... well, have you considered instituting experimental forms of education in your class room?? Just a thought. And if your vision gains mainstream acceptance, maybe your husband could teach his students about you in History class. Any thoughts on the draft this weekend?
Post a Comment
<< Home