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Monday, March 31, 2008

Things I know before today's start of the NFL meetings


Clearing out the notebook before I refill at the NFL's Annual Meeting starting today in Palm Beach:

1. The Dolphins definitely have plans for John Beck. When coach Tony Sparano talks with his coaches and confidants about Miami's need to get leadership from younger players, he mentions the second-year quarterback. Sparano thinks great teams are ones with leaders that are in their third, fourth and fifth seasons -- guys in their prime. Sparano has been mentioning Ronnie Brown, Ted Ginn Jr. and Beck as guys that will be the nucleus of the team in the next couple of years. So don't write the QB off.

2. The Dolphins draft board is set. It was set last week. That means the Dolphins already know who they are going to draft if they cannot trade out of that No. 1 overall pick. They desperately want to trade out of that pick. By the way, don't ask me who they would pick because I've asked and the person I asked laughed at me.

3. New GM Jeff Ireland is a big believer in production. Like everyone else, he appreciates when an athlete runs a great time at the combine or at his pro day, but he appreciates more when a player performs and produces on the field. Given the choice of one or the other, Ireland will lean toward the player.

4. Ireland also isn't inclined to draft for need early in the selection process. He's more likely going to want the player with the best grade on the board. He does believe, however, that you can begin addressing specific needs later in the draft to fill out the roster.

5. The rumored trade that would send the Cowboys' two first-round picks to Miami for the right to pick Darren McFadden is dead, according to Dallas owner Jerry Jones (pictured with wife Gene and daughter Charlotte). Speaking to the Fort Worth Star Telegram, Jones said "I have no intent at all of moving into the top five. A team can get crippled, and I mean seriously crippled, from a financial standpoint by being up there in the top five or six. It's a real negative."

6. Read the last quote and understand two things: Jerry Jones can be saying this as a way to lower the price of getting into the top of the first round. So take it with a proverbial grain of salt. But also understand the rising cost of drafting a player so high -- at least $30 million guaranteed for the first pick -- is becoming something of a negative considering that player has never played in an NFL game. It is the reason there have been no trades involving the top five selections in years.

Anyway, I'm off to the Owners' meetings now. I'll keep you updated if stuff happens so check back here throughout the day.

53 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

My God this is good stuff. And I get to be the first to post!!!!! Very interesting on Ireland's philosophy ... and how come when somewhen else has the high picks, it's good and when we have the high picks, it always seems to be bad?

10:11 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great stuff Mando. You say that Ireland usually goes for the player with highest grade early on. Who in your opinion are the top players? McFadden?

SWFLfan

10:39 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

really the only thing new I learned on this post was what Sparano thinks of Beck. Of course he really doesnt make the decisions anyways. Mando, you took a beating on the Sirius NFL radio show "Press Pass" yesterday. The guys where all over you for lack of credibility for your post on JT going to Jaxs. They had some real valid points and now I wonder about anything you write. Watch your "P's" and "Q's" buddy, and dont discredit your paper!

Johnny Jets Hater

10:54 AM  
Blogger PIEMAN said...

WTF was that??? This is a football BLOG loser, so beat it!!
Great stuff Mando, but I am not buying the "best grade" crap! If so then McFadden will be a fin on draft day and I can't see that...it's Chris Long all the way!

10:59 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

11:03 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wasn't Lee (qb coach) the first coach hired? Before Sparano? I hope this article finally starts getting people off the idea we need to draft a QB at all. Beck was working with Lee the moment they hired him. I say draft only for O-line and D-line, sprinkle in a CB and a TE and call it good.

To answer "flatbush"-I think the talk of it being bad to have the high picks is due IN PART to the fact that other teams want to drive down the asking price for those picks. Jerry Jones has said 2 things (other than that he is not trading up!)- He wants the 'Boys moves this offseason to make people say "wow", and he couldn't contain his glee when McFadden ran his 40 at the combine. He knows that this is their time to get to the Super Bowl, and you know he wants to do that with an Arkansas product. So this is where I drop my ridiculous conspiracy theory-Jones/Parcells are wheelin' and dealin'. I knew the moment we cut Zack he was headed to Texas. We could have TRIED to trade him. We raided Jerry's coaching staff and roster without any REAL protests from him. I don't think he'll jump to the first pick, but we'll pawn that off to most likely Atlanta (c'mon, they NEED Ryan), and at some point the Boys and Fins will do business....

Note: I'm just a dude with a little too much time on my hands, but I love the fins and its the offseason. All the hating, frothing at the lips morons will come out and ceaselessly attack this and Mando etc., and I say as long as it keeps you from beating your kids and/or puppy, go right ahead!!

11:03 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Armando,

Please keep us posted on this draft's compensatory picks. I'm interested to find out if we get any of those picks this year. It seems that New England gets most of them every year. Thanks.

11:12 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

No deals consumated for our number one is not a surprise to me. Jones is right. It costs too much for an unproven rookie. And when you look at the numbers, the current system pisses off the good veterans, upsets the salary balance and totally screws with with the cap. And then next year you are in the same situation.
I like Irelands philosophy. Based on what he thinks, guys like Welker can make it. He isn't a prototype football player but he is a great player. I want a guy who can play not a guy who can jump and run fast.

11:18 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

im glad to hear that they are giving beck a chance.. if what sparano said is true then thats exactly what they are goin to do.. i still would like to see if flaco is around w/ our third pick (seond in the second round) if we get him or not... what do you think his draft grade will be? all in all i would love to see them adress both lines and the DBs... you know they will lol as for best player available... mcfadden might be but you also have to look at what we have... i mean if you can say there is one position that MIami can afford to hold out on it is RB..

--CJ

11:23 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow! Good job Armando. This is the first post in months which didn't make me laugh at your juvenile attempt to create news and hype.

Congratulations on learning how to properly keep your excitement level down and actually act like a journalist.

Blogs don't need to be giddy school girl diaries.

11:28 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yes, sing a little bit of these workingman's blues.

11:46 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

ok so what happens if the phins let the clock run out on there 1st pick is it true they can pass it by and the 2nd team takes the 1st pick so we dont have to pay the 1st pick money and still have the player we want with the 2nd or 3rd pick?

12:09 PM  
Blogger ImNoBetterThanU said...

First, I will state that I think a couple of the people posting got confused and thought they were posting on a political blog. Secondly, Mando you are great at stating the obvious but from the posts I am guessing that some of your readers get all of their information from your blog from the praises they have given you. I would enjoy your blog much more if you could post some actual new(s).
In your defense, I am personally a footfall FREAK so I keep myself up to date on news. But at the same time when I come to your blog I would expect to read something new and credible. Can you work on that for me? lol
The majority of what you posted is very old news for anyone that actually keeps up with what is going on.

12:24 PM  
Blogger ImNoBetterThanU said...

In addition for those of you readers that are not as well informed..what I think is bigger news for the owners meeting is if the partial sale of the team to Stephen M. Ross will be approved. 24 of the 32 owners must approve it....of course historically anything Huizenga wants gets approved. He is one of the best owners in the league in my opinion. Has he made mistakes...sure...but haven't we all. I hope you update us on that Mando, being that it was not even mentioned in this post.

12:30 PM  
Blogger Sean said...

Ouch, people are just downright cruel sometimes! Thanks for the info Mando. I have been saying all along that Beck has enough upside and promise to at least deserve to be coached up in order to see how high his ceiling is. Players need coaching and although I wasn't around last year to see how Beck was groomed I have a feeling he was left on an island. This does a player no justice when you throw him into the mix on the road against some of the best defenses in the league who are going against a vanilla offense with many of its star power gone.

I'm glad that they are looking for players because I am tired of hearing about Gholston being the dolphins pick. Yeah, he is a freak but (from what I hear from the experts) he plays inconsistently and does not always show up. Look, I'll take the players which would be J. Long, C. Long, or Dorsey any day over an overrated player with big upside.

I wish there was a way of banishing these people who talk their political dribble on this "football" blog. Blah blah blah blah blah......go somewhere else please, or do you feel you are so important that people must listen to whatever you say. I am a Christian but I do not feel the need to evangelize people on this blog. I also love football and is the reason I come to this blog.

12:48 PM  
Blogger ImNoBetterThanU said...

Sean I hope that you were not calling me cruel. Mando has been covering the Dolphins for almost twenty years now and is on the front lines. I am a die hard Dolphin fan and continue to visit his blog in hopes of getting up to date information as well as relevant information. Oftentimes that is not the case. Sure I have high expectations, but not living in FL (I am trapped in Cowboys country) I have to resort to these types of blogs to try to get good information which this blog lacks at times. I honestly believe that Mando likes to stir things up...lol.

1:37 PM  
Blogger ImNoBetterThanU said...

The partial sale of the Dolphins was approved unanimously! Of course I am sure there are mixed feelings on the matter. Mr. Ross is a long time Dolphins fan so that please me. My concern is the effect it can have on our new staff, GM, and Bill Parcells if they rush into giving more power to him to quickly.

1:47 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

ah............which way to the bathroom, I need to take a big Obama.

2:00 PM  
Blogger Sean said...

Jeremy, please don't take any offense. I did not mean that toward you. You stated your opinion respectfully and I appreciate that, but some of the other bloggers get under my skin sometimes. I know what you are saying and agree to a point. I actually enjoy (sorry Mando) the sun sentinel much better not just for the information but the bloggers seem more intelligent and there are less trolls. If you haven't been there you should check it out in order to supplement Mando's blog.

2:12 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Armando,

*********Quick question for you. Given the remark on the top talents regardless if it is a need position or not at the top of the draft. Is there any chance of drafting McFadden and then trading Ronnie? This way they take the chance at what most folks are saying has the most talent in this draft and you still get something back as Ronnie has been coming on last year dispite this injury.

I am really interested in your feedback and anyone else's thoughts on it. Same could be done at QB with Beck.

2:30 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Armando,

Great information on here buddy. I heard radio shows in Jacksonville have been praising you for a week now about the JT story. Great stuff.

finally, Jeremy, if you know all this stuff, which I had not heard anywhere, please tell us specifically where you learned it and on what date. Produce links to the places you gained this information.

Frankly, I don't think you'll be able to do it because you sound like some smartass that just likes to hear himself type and has nothing good to say about anyone.

2:57 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm right there with Finheavenblows, jereme. You claim to have all this knowlege but that's easy to say. Prove it. Where did you get that information specifically? I hear the friend of the roommate of the cousin of the maid of Parcell's dog walker is a very good source for you.

3:08 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Red Dog said "All the hating, frothing at the lips morons will come out and ceaselessly attack this and Mando etc., and I say as long as it keeps you from beating your kids and/or puppy, go right ahead!!"

Dude that is one of the funniest things I have read on this blog. Great insight on the post though...think I'll go beat my puppy!

3:25 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Since we didn't even send a rep to Run DMC's Pro Day, I somehow doubt, despite his top rating, that he will be our first pick. The comment about taking the highest rated player could be a ploy by management to keep the trade winds blowing. Chris Long just seems like the safest pick to me. I don't think you can compare him to a Patrick Kerney type of player as some have. Long has much more agility, hence the fact he would play OLB in our 3-4 but could also play with a hand down in some schemes. To get 14 sacks as an end just shows what kind of player he is. He also seems to be the favorite of most analysts. That's MY reason why we won't take Run DMC. Remember, everyone thought Reggie Bush was the obvious 1st selection for the Texans and they went with Super Mario. In hind sight it looks like the right choice so far.

3:25 PM  
Blogger ImNoBetterThanU said...

I have nothing good to say? Who are the ones judging someone off of a few posts? lol At least I was basing my opinion (let me repeat opinion) on a long history of posts from Mando.

Now for your links:
This one is pretty good about adding links as they happen. http://www.theredzone.org/

Others are simply feeds I have that pull in articles by the keywords "Miami Dolphins" so they vary and can come from anywhere.

Also you have NFL.com which is updated real time consistently. But where I get the majority of my information would be from Sirius NFL radio which breaks plenty of news. I understand that no everyone has Sirius nor are they capable of listening as much as I am (I typically have it in the background throughout most of the day). In addition, I do personally know a couple of players in the league of course I have never gotten any breaking news in reference to Dolphins from then whereas they both play for other teams.

So being that I am borderline OCD in how much I fiend for new information...there you go. Now whether you believe me or not will not change my ability to utilize technology to stay on top of breaking news. But I wish you both the best being that you think I do not have anything good to say about anyone. Again, I just expect someone that has covered the Dolphins for almost twenty years and is supposed to be in the front lines to provide better information for me.

And again in Mando's defense I also know that he covers more than just the Dolphins. I was just stating an opinion and I would be willing to bet that Mando has thicker skin than either of you. Do think he really cares what I post? I doubt it but obviously you do.

3:38 PM  
Blogger ImNoBetterThanU said...

Oh sorry I left out dates:

1. John Beck - I heard that several weeks ago in interviews on Sirius NFL radio with none other than John Beck, Ricky Williams, and another with Keith Davis where all were questioned about the QB situation. I would say that those are pretty reliable sources wouldn't you?
early March

2. The draft board being set...well if you think about it...it is set at the end of each day when they go home...could potentially change up to the time after the clock begins on April 26th.
common sense

3 & 4. I have known these facts about Jeff Ireland since before he went to Miami being that I live near Dallas.
pre-2008

5 & 6. I again heard this on Sirius NFL radio and also saw it online as well.
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/story/550044.html
Friday 3/28/08

Any more questions? You can say I just like to hear myself type; but I am currently not working so I spend too much time online...lol

3:50 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jeremy, you're a joke. You heard John Beck on Sirius saying he was the nucleus for the future? That's an out and out lie because Beck has been quoted several times saying he hasn't been told what the teams plans are for him.

common sense told you the draft board was set? Can you ask Common sense who the top pick is. Sorry, but common sense is not a credible source of information. Again, you're full of bunk.

3 and 4: Knowing these facts about Ireland based on what source? Where did you learn this? That is a cop out.

Jeremy, try again because if you're going to challenge someone to a gunfight, you shouldn't arm yourself with a knife.

4:03 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jeremy, you're a joke. You heard John Beck on Sirius saying he was the nucleus for the future? That's an out and out lie because Beck has been quoted several times saying he hasn't been told what the teams plans are for him.

common sense told you the draft board was set? Can you ask Common sense who the top pick is. Sorry, but common sense is not a credible source of information. Again, you're full of bunk.

3 and 4: Knowing these facts about Ireland based on what source? Where did you learn this? That is a cop out.

Jeremy, try again because if you're going to challenge someone to a gunfight, you shouldn't arm yourself with a knife.

4:04 PM  
Blogger ImNoBetterThanU said...

I am the joke? I am not hiding behind "anonymous".

You are correct Beck did not state he would be the nucleus but they have plans for the guy. I heard out of his own mouth that "He believes he will have a fair opportunity to compete for the starting position".

As far as having your draft board set, it would be irresponsible of any team to not have something set this close to the draft...and again I stated that it could change at any moment and numerous times from now to the draft.

Knowing what I know about Ireland again comes from articles in the Star-Telegram that are no longer in the archives. As well as interviews on Sirius NFL radio.

You seem angry? Our team will get better do not worry. we are on the right track...lol. But thank you for giving me something to do. Go buy Sirius and become a listener and you will be amazed at the plethora of information you will get each and every hour. I love it. Oh and I had previously left out NFL network...another great source. Especially Adam Shefter the king of breaking news.

You to can get all this information if you just utilize the technology you are on for it instead of attacking people on a blog.

4:12 PM  
Blogger ImNoBetterThanU said...

Correction:
Oh I now see it was finheavenblows! Just reposted as anonymous.

4:14 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I didn't repost as anonymous. Again, another example of you saying things you don't really know.

4:16 PM  
Blogger ImNoBetterThanU said...

LOL Now you are my amusement for this afternoon. Thank you. I did not accuse you of reposting, in fact that was the point of the CORRECTION post I made. But someone did repost it. Thank you for the laughs! Laughter is good for the soul. Enjoy the rest of your day I am moving on...I would not want to be shot while my knife is in its sheath...lol.

4:26 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous,
The bathroom is over there if you need to launch a Republican.

4:38 PM  
Blogger ImNoBetterThanU said...

To anyone was reading this and interested in Sirius NFL radio you can get a free trial here:
http://www.sirius.com/siriusnflradio

I love it! You can always hear live interviews from head coaches, GMs, owners, players (both active and retired), and potential draftees...just to name a few.

I would recommend checking out the schedule beforehand to see if there are any shows you would prefer to hear. I thought I would share this since it was mentioned previously.

6:13 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dolphins get a 6th round pick (#204) and a 7th rounder (#245) - better than nothing I guess, although some teams added more picks and were able to get some in rounds 3-4-and 5... at least the Pats & Jets didn't get ANY !! Yeah !!

6:42 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

nobody heard anything about them trading j.t to vikings for LT b. mckinnie

6:43 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/03/31/fins-draft-board-is-set/

10:25 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

third times tha charm


http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/03/31/fins-draft-board-is-set/

10:26 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/03/31/fins-draft-board-is-set/

10:26 PM  
Blogger Armando Salguero said...

Hey Jeremy, since you knew all this stuff, like, last year, you should have told Profootballtalk.com because they're linking to this blog and leading their evening rumor mill with the item about Miami setting its draft board. It is apparently news to them, too.

10:42 PM  
Blogger Aldo Quintanilla said...

I tipped PFT off to your piece, Armando. Thanks for all the inside info.

As for people who find the need to talk politics or criticize a beat writer/columnist on these blogs, I think it's a little sad you need this public forum to act like big shots. Nobody cares what you think on this comment thread, especially if it's not regarding the Miami Dolphins. Keep your nasty opinions to private e-mails and your own blogs.

http://www.stateofmiami.com

11:07 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Armando, is it possible we could see the Dolphins negotiate with a few of the possible top picks before the draft like teams sometimes do?

12:46 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jeremy, you're a putz. Go beat your dog and leave us alone.

3:37 AM  
Blogger ImNoBetterThanU said...

Armando,

You obviously did not read my posts nor did you fully read the article on PFT. I never claimed to have know all of what you stated over a year ago. I stated that I knew Ireland's philosophy on players which I did because I live near Dallas and have heard the man interviewed more times than I can remember. And after reviewing the article on PFT.com it was the writer prefaced linking your blog and and mentioning this great news with this "There’s an interesting item from Armando Salguero in his Miami Herald blog (i.e., the place where he posts all the crap that isn’t good enough for the fish wrap)."

8:15 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I wanna dip my balls in it

5:06 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

you wanna dip your balls inthe fish wrap???

6:52 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

mando the draft board is set huh
http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d8078598f

7:59 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

no i wanna dip my balls in the reaaal fuuuuuuuuuukin pizzzzzowwwwww

11:28 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Is Jim Mandich the new tight ends coach for the Dolphins or was this a April Fools radio joke?

Big Mike

2:25 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I may not be an expert on the NFL draft but I will tell you one thing for sure. McFadden will never be a Dolphin. He has gotten FOUR different women pregnant out of wedlock. When he is not banging women he is fighting in bars. You do not give a moron like that $30M and expect him to be a good citizen. Miami is finally over the give a bad guy money syndrome. The pick will most likely be one of the Longs with Ryan as a small possibility. Either of the Longs will take that money and work hard every day. Can you imagine McFadden with $30M on South Beach, he alone will increase the population of Miami by double. LOL. Plus he is not that great of s runner, he is a lesser Reggie Bush and look how bad he did after all the hype about him wore off. This draft is going to be all about character, talent and guys that will play hard no matter how much money they are making.

2:41 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think that will take Ryan because all of the good teams in the NFL are built around an awesome QB.Ryan is just the guy who could possibly do "Mission Impossible" and get the Fins to 500. record.

8:48 AM  
Blogger Tapupartforpres said...

Man I wish the Dolphins would of drafted Quinn last year. Ginn will be good, but not without a QB. I think the Dolphins go with DE Long, he's Parcells type of dude.
The Real NFL Draft

12:28 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Because as we all know, Brady Quinn was the last available good NFL quarterback and will be until the end of time. It's science.

12:31 PM  

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