If there was a unit out there on our defense that made our LB’s look like they weren’t the worst unit of our defense, it was the secondary, more specifically, the CB’s. Even the once vaunted Brent Grimes had his ups and downs, and there were enough downs (wife Miko included) to wave goodbye to #21, and really leave this CB corps very thin. We got our starter in the Byron Maxwell/ Kiko Alonso trade, in which we swapped first RD placement with the Eagles, moving down from #8, to #13.
At the moment, before the draft, we basically have 2 starters, Byron Maxwell, and it’s clear he prefers the right side of the field, so we’ll have to wait and see how this shakes out, but either way, we have a starter on the perimeter, and we have good ole Bobby McCain, who most likely is our nickel CB who will man the slot WR. Behind Maxwell, we have Jamar Taylor, who has yet to show he can handle the rigors of a full season, let alone a full season as a starter. He has shown flashes of being a legit player, but he has also been roasted and toasted and simply ineffective. We have the promising young WR convert to CB Tony Lippett, who brings some size to this unit at 6’2″ 192. He showed some potential last season, but it’s hard to say how far along this conversion at the moment, and if he’s ready to assume a starting role. My guess is he’s still a work in progress. We also have CB/S Walt Aikens, who also has good size at 6’1″ 205, and he will be working at both CB and S in training camp and pre season games, and I suppose they will try to lock down where he’s best.
Although I’m not at all pleased with the depth at LB, certainly not the 3 they intend at the moment to line up opening day if no further moves are made, Jenkins WOLB, Alonso MLB and Misi SLB. If the only change we’re going to make to a unit that couldn’t get out of their own way, but gladly stepped aside for opposing RB’s and TE’s is Kiko Alonso, who has yet to regain the form (and health) he enjoyed his rookie season in Buffalo, which now is 3 years removed at the start of the new season. I know some of you, and you know who you are, feel comfortable with this setup, but I remember how awful we were last year, and simply swapping Alonso for Sheppard doesn’t cut it for me.
Back to the CB’s. Here are some of the guys available to us in the 2016 NFL Draft that can come in and be a perimeter starter right away, which is precisely what we need!
There’s a chance that Florida CB Vernon Hargreaves III will still be there at pick #13. Hargreaves may be the best all around CB in this draft. He’s not a big CB for today’s standards at 5’10” 204, and he’s not blazing fast either, running a pedestrian 4.5 in the 40. He is however, a true cover corner, and he has elite skills in that regard. He is a very competitive player, and he would surely be starting for the Dolphins this season if we draft him. Hargreaves 39″ vertical is outstanding, so he can get up there to compete for the ball with bigger receivers. His 3.98 in the short shuttle shows he has that quick twitch speed and burst, a must for a good CB, perimeter or slot.
Clemson’s Mackensie Alexander is another possibility. Alexander is a fiery, confident player at CB who was rarely challenged. You might be concerned that he has zero INT’s, but when a guy doesn’t get thrown at very often, that sometimes is the result. Mackensie is similar in size to Hargreaves at 5’10″190. Again, not one of those big CB’s, and he his pro day numbers are also similar to Hargreaves, 4.47 40, 37.5″ vertical, a 4.21 short shuttle, which is not as quick as Hargreaves.
I know some folks on this blog (and others) are in love with this CB, Houston’s William Jackson III. Jackson is a little taller than the previous 2 at an even 6’0″ 189. A little more of a wiry frame than the previous 2, but a very good prospect nonetheless. Very smooth operator, Jackson also has the elite speed for a CB. His 4.37 at the combine was one of the best, but oddly enough, at his pro day, he ran the short shuttle at 4.32, which seems odd, considering his fast 40 time, and his impressive 6.86 in the cones drill. Jackson led all of college football in passes defended, with 5 INT’s and 23 pass break ups. Impressive!
There are a few other prospects that will be in play, but in my mind, these are the 3 guys that I think we might target to be our starter. Other CBs we may be interested in are Miami’s Artie Burns, Baylor’s Xavien Howard, Alabama’s Cyrus Jones, Northern Iowa’s Deiondre Hall, and Virginia’s Maurice Canady. There are actually more, but these are the ones that hit me today. Feel free to discuss and add more to the list!
Finsmob Unleashed 
Mike E. says:
March 30, 2016 at 9:01 am
Thanks Bri – but that’s a bit far to go all the way into Manhattan for a craving. Cravings pass. lol
_________________________________
If you like the LB from USC are you “Su’a Cravens”?
Or, should I say, do you have “Su’a Cravens”?
LOL Lou – I think Su’a is a good player, but maybe too specialized. I guess he could work like the Cards use Deone Bucannon
i don’t like the idea of drafting a CB in the first but this is a passing or flag football league now. Although If we had to choose between a CB or LB in first I would go LB every time since LB will have more of chance to impact the game since CB’s are only thrown at 8-10 times a game max usually. The NFL recently disallowed the chop block which will protect players health/injuries. Suh may get better with this new rule since he was chopped a lot last year.
whatever happened to the smelling salts when a player had a head injury.Damn wussies.
The reason to be optimistic about Lippett is that he never really had any coaching at CB in college they just put him out there because of his athleticism. Last season was the first time learning on the fly in the NFL. So he should be well ahead of where he was last year heading into TC. He’s going to get a lot of coaching from the new coaching staff so we could end up with a pretty good young corner in him this season.
jetsssuck,
The NFL didn’t eliminate the ‘cut block’ which is different than a ‘chop block’. Cut blocks are still legal. The rule modification was to make all ‘chop block’ illegal. I didn’t even know there were some that were legal but apparently there was a couple legal ways to do a chop block.
1 way was one player couldn’t be engaged before other player dived at knees. Very dangerous. When I played HS football our coach instructed a player to take out DL player who was dominating our OL. Well, needless to say he never played again since our tackle and guard teamed up on him by letting him get outside and guard took aim at his inner knee that was planted.
It is a cheap shot, as much as diving at a QB’s knees or a WR knees ala that punk Swearinger on our Dustin Keller….in a PS game no less….SMH!
yes it is… but 30-40 years ago everything in NFL and football was different also.
Tim, need to correct you. Lippett did play both ways in college. He had some limited exposure as a CB @ Mich St.
But, yes, nothing like the NFL though. But he’s a guy that could really come around at the position this or by next year at the latest.
I know that. Lippett said on Finsiders he was never coached up at CB, never taught any techniques, they just said go play the ball. So last year was the first time getting true CB coaching and he said this offseason he wants to get bigger and stronger and work on his footwork. My point was he won’t be anywhere near as green as he was last season which is a good thing.
Yeah, he could turn out to be a steal of a draft pick from the 5th round. He’s got the NFL size that is craved today & seems a fit for what VJ & Gase want to do on D.
Go #36!
Mike… I liked the highlights of Karl Joseph and he could be our 2nd round pick. There are several CBs we could take in the 3-5 rds. I get you aren’t happy with the LBs but every year you hate some part of the team. We will add a couple pf LBs and go from there. Chill out my man. Deep breaths.
I’m pretty calm Lee, just stating my viewpoint. I feel very much like I did about the O-line. People say the O-line is garbage, but didn’t want waste an early pick on an OT/G like I did. Last year, the LB’s were awful, but now that we got Alonso, they think everything is fixed. We need to get better there, and I’m not sure Alonso takes us there. Where else can I say these things if not here? 🙂
Part of the problem with our LBs last year was Sheppard was highly inconsistent and even bad at times. Jenkins played on a high ankle sprain most of the season and wasn’t the same guy who had a really good season in 2014, and Misi is Misi who also got banged up down the stretch so backups and guys who were a bit green had to play more than they should have. But Vigil didn’t embarrass himself and Hewitt actually showed potential to compete for playing time this season. So our LB corps will not be the same situation this year even if some of the names are the same. We added Alonso who is a projected starter and we’ll likely draft a LB or two.
I expect Hewitt, Vigil and Hull to be better players this year. You have to project progress from year to year with young players or what’s the point in bringing them in and drafting rookies? LOL
…..or what’s the point of cutting other guys if you don’t see or think some of these youngins will progress in time…..plus sometimes they’re easier contract wise to fit, but it’s a fine line at the end of the day and one that should lean on seeing some development in a young player.
Going for a big fat breakfast with the fam, and then off to do some hiking. Enjoy the day people, catch y’all later!
I remember when I played Optimist football leading to HS I played Guard one year and we were taught there are three ways to block when getting to second level. High facemask to fasemask, middle (stomach)like you are tackling with your shoulder and finally diving at their knees. This was taught throughout my HS. I played guard 1 yr and I can’t tell you how many times I got some knees to the helmet which made me wuzzy.It’s a art to get low chop block without hurting yourself with knee to helmet. A lot future Tramic Brain Injuries from Offensive linemen are going to be brought against the NFL for taking so long to change the rules.
Mike E replying to Lee downunder….
count to 10 and breath Mike. I know you can do it.
LMAO
The same way we’re going to rely on some young DBs to improve and provide depth or play prominent roles, is the same way we should look at some of our young LBs. I don’t know enough about James-Michael Johnson and Terrell Manning.
Per Barry Jackson at the Herald
Couple quick 11 a.m. Dolphins notes:
1) USC outside linebacker Su’a Cravens told Pro Football Talk that the Dolphins are summoning him to Davie for a pre-draft visit
He’s Jordan Cameron’s cousin.
He seems to be viewed as a nickel LB. They play 70% of the time so the value is still there.
Tim, Manning came to the NFL with a lot of talent, but it hasn’t translated yet. He’s entering his 3rd year and in a new system now. So maybe Burke can get him to develop some.
JM Johnson I don’t know much about. He’s a former 4th Rd pick in his 5th year & probably on his last thread of hope as he’s bounced around 4 different teams.
He’s bounced around so many teams so they must all see something they like in him but he always falls short and is a final cut.
He reminds of another Sheppard. 6’1 240, plays in the middle & ST. He keeps getting churned like we mentioned above, when teams draft or sign UDFA to try and land that next hidden gem. It’s the NFL cycle. After 3-4 yrs you have to be pretty damn good to stick on a roster these days with the newish CBA rookie contracts.
John Thornton, the agent for UCLA LB Myles Jack, indicated on Tuesday that his client will not be holding a personal Pro Day on April 1.
Said Thornton, “[Jack]’s close, but he’s not totally ready, and I’m not gonna let him go out there and run an average time [in the 40].”
________________________________
This could be a small sign of hope that the coveted Jack slides to #13…but don’t hold your breath.
I’d have a red flag on him. The guy can’t run and I’m going use a high pick on him in a month?
Risk reward type thing. Being that it was a meniscus, not sure how big the red flags will be. He’ll be part of the med rechecks in Indy very shortly. Jaylon Smith & Shaq LAwson will be there getting re-checked too.
PFF College @PFF_College 2h2 hours ago
LA Tech RB Kenneth Dixon had highest receiving grade among draft-eligible RBs.
Had 12 catches for 185 yards and 2 TDs from the slot
fairly small sample size to get all excited about…lol
Those were just stats with him lining up in the slot. He had 33-464 14.1 7TD receiving overall. That’s impressive.
Ahh, the way the tweet was worded it didn’t indicate that. Yeah, I thought he was used more @ LAT than that.
Just say no to Joseph!
Didn’t like his film last year or this year!
Yeah I’m not liking him either.
Dixon and Drake are both those type backs like Gase seems to like. Great receiving backs, size and ability to grind out yards and speed to get around the outside. That’s the two backs I’m most interested in and Alex Collins is a close 3rd
Prosis might fall in that group also.
Cravens could be a safety target for us, he’s they tore off safety that would fit as a SS for us
We have our two starting safeties and they’re going to split duties. I would project Cravens as a nickel LB.
Going back to Isa Abdul El-Quddus’s pro day.
http://blogs.nfl.com/2011/03/08/abdul-el-quddus-impresses-scouts-at-fordham-pro-day/
Some people right now think I’m nitpicking and some are saying I’m hating on Tannehill b/c of my posts on Twitter of plays but right now I’ve got Tannehill’s sack count at 36; not 45 like the stats say. 9 sacks so far that should never have happened. Yes, he was pressured and he was sacked but watch the film and you’ll see some sacks that HE took.
I’m pretty much in agreement with you. Tanny may be the guy next year, but I would call it absurd if the value was there for us to trade him and star over with Gase’s preference at the position. I do think it’s unlikely since Gase has made public statements in his belief in Tanny but I have also seen people turn from there word before when new opportunity presents. I’m in the group that is expecting a shit or get off the pot year from Tanny. I think we will keep him but I think with the ball pit option next year, of her doesn’t show something Gase will get his guy in 2017. You are right though a lot of the failing can’t be simply excused off on a different group and he does really need to improve on pocket presence, his touch pass accuracy, and in general with better defense recognition and progression reads
I think you are being honest about a sensitive subject
People just don’t want to hear it
Damn skippy!
You’re just in time to have a discussion with Lou on Tannehill. LOL
Tanny isn’t perfect Tim, and there is criticism he deserves. He has as much to prove this next year as anyone
Tim,
Lou isn’t saying anything I haven’t been saying for years. He just hasn’t realized yet that nobody cares about the truth….give him time. Lol
You guys enjoy beating the dead horse. Lunch time! LOL
Tim,
We can talk about one of the other dozen conversations we have around here repeatedly. Funny how it’s just the Tannehill conversation that irks people to no end. Enjoy your lunch.
Lunch delayed. The Tannehill discussion has gone on for 2-3 years. The topics of this offseason and the draft is nowhere near as tedious as the Tannehill discussions. Not even close. It also happens to be the most current thing going on in the NFL.
I think the convo ends up irking people one way or the other because people tend to make definitive statements when there’s nothing definitive that WE truly know. We can all agree RT needs to improve & continue to grow, but we’re saying the same thing about a pro bowler in Pouncey & others. I think overall everyone has opinions one way or the other, but that’s all they are & are in no way a fact. I’m still in full support of Tannehill, but if Gase & company selected a QB in the first round I’d support their decision and it would mean it was a move Marino was fully behind & that would carry a lot of weight seeing Dan has been in meetings w/ Tannehill for over a year now.
blood pressure collectively goes up when you mention flaws and tannehill in the same sentence
It just can’t be true
I could say the same thing when some of us say we aren’t concerned about Tannehill and believe he can play better, and that our team’s woes aren’t primarily because of him. In fact the longest posts are the ones that criticize him so it just goes to show you which side of the debate is more emotional. 😉
I came here to talk about football, and the specter of Tannehill clears the room! Lol
LOL
Tell me what LBs interest you in this draft?
Good write up Mike
Pork CB Rankings
Hargreaves
Alexander
Jackson
Apple
Fuller
Burns
Howard
Redmond
Zack Sanchez
DJ White
Mike E – how an you forget DJ White?!?!
Tim
Of course the posts on Tannehill flaws are the longest
They seek to discuss the opinions about his flaws
and alternatives or moving on without tannehill
that requires opinions and/or facts
The posts in response seek not to do anything but praise Tannehill
That doesn’t mean they aren’t emotional
Denial is not an unemotional response
It just doesn’t require must verbage
A person can bury something under the rug and they probably are best served saying little about it if they don’t want anyone to see what’s under the rug
I’ve seen plenty of criticism of other players on this blog or twitter about players I have confidence in and Often I leave them alone
Sometimes I post my own opinion or retort
I assume others do the same
but no one leaves a tannehill criticism alone
The tannehill defense finds a way to takeover
and its usually a barrage of blaming some one else in the organization
its usually something like “LOL _________ the Offensive line” or “LOL_____the coaching and playcalling” or “LOL (and then they just make something up)
The key thing on either side of the coin is its opinion based opposed to fact. So either way it becomes a useless pissing contest.
there are both facts and opinions
and there is always some reason not to talk about Tannehill
I don’t think its a useless pissing match
If Pro Lou thinks the FO should be exploring Wentz and trading Tannehill – I want to hear it
If Randy wants to say that Tannehill causes a lot of sacks – I want to hear it
If Son wants to propose trading Tannehill for Newton (as a dream that will never happen) – I want to hear it
Its not a pissing match
people obviously have different opinions
Some people are confident in Tannehill and some are not
I get that
and I think that is fine
But I hear a few favorable arguments in support of Tannehill that have substance
but more often than not I hear that tannehill should not be discussed
and that has never sat well with me
When opinions are given as a fact and then an argument ensues over the opinion that is a pissing match😂 I honestly don’t care if people have differing opinions, to each their own, right? In your own statement below you make a claim that you determine which favorable arguments have substance or not….which in theory can lead to a pissing match about the validity of said argument😂
Everything you just said is all opinion. I don’t praise Tannehill and never said he would be or is an elite QB. I think we can win with him. That’s my opinion. I’m not even the biggest Tannehill fan. I just think some of the criticism he gets is exaggerated and again, that’s my opinion. I’m not emotional about him at all. I find a lot of the posts criticizing him repetitive and a waste of time is all.
Glad to see Miami taking a close look at Burns & Bush from UM today.
frankly I don’t want to talk tannehill now either
I want to talk draft
b/c its that time
but if the possibility of upgrading the QB position via the draft is available
I’m all hears
I don’t think it works well given our needs
but I don’t want to miss out on a franchise QB we could have had bc we gave Tannehill another shot
So its a balancing act
and you have to be sure
signing Moore sort of kills the chances of drafting a backup who might compete
so at this point, if you draft a QB early
its bc you believe that guy is better or will be better than Tannehill
I’d agree w/ your last statement, but I still think a young guy could be brought in later via the draft to compete for the 3rd spot & kept on the roster if Gase likes him ala Tom Brady.
^I agree with your last statement^
Piggy, have you looked at Eric Murray from Minnesota yet? Me thinks he should be on your list above.
I was going to mention Murray also. Physical kid w/ good athletic traits.
There’s a possibility he gets drafted to play free safety
Randy / Lou,
The whole thing Tannehill and the timeline is this. As long as the defense remains shitty, the FO won’t feel the heat to change QB even if the stats from the QB position are adequate to win 9-10 games.
I haven’t spent a lot of time looking at him
He was on the border of making that list
I think I like Zack Sanchez and DJ Whote more than most
so I probably bumped them both up a little more than they should be
Hi,
Still talking Tanny? LOL
Oh well, might as well get in this last rip on ProLou
PFF College @PFF_College Mar 24
Per @PFF_JohnKosko, of Wentz’s 67 passes, 43 were “accurate,” 21 were catchable but ball location wasn’t perfect, and 3 misses
—-
You know i’m just messing with ya Lou! 🙂
I understand. lol
I see on my Twitter feed Louis Riddick isn’t a fan of Ramsey.
I think he was the same guy that posted a bunch of players as more NFL ready than Ramsey, Hargreaves and Alexander
I wouldn’t be against drafting a QB in the mid to late rounds but there is a high percentage chance they don’t pan out.
true, especially in this class. too bad Matt Johnson of Bowling Green isn’t a bigger dude. He’s an interesting prospect but his size says he’s a long shot.
He reminds me of Brees when he throws the deep ball.
The Flying Pig says:
March 30, 2016 at 2:32 pm (Edit)
Mike E – how an you forget DJ White?!?!
**********************************
That was what this last line was for!!!!
There are actually more, but these are the ones that hit me today. Feel free to discuss and add more to the list!
GDP,
I was combing over PFF college tweets and saw this on Eldon Roberts:
PFF College
@PFF_College
7:32 AM – 20 Mar 2016
Highest Run Stop % among LBs
Elandon Roberts, HOU 16.0%
Kentrell Brothers, Mizzou 15.8%
Hunter Kissinger, ULM 15.4%
Steven Daniels BC 15.3%
What a fantastic day to go on a hike! Just beautiful out there, it felt a little cool this morning, but on the hike, it was clear, sunny, about 50 degrees, just perfect. Really enjoyed the hike with my wife and son.
go take a hike you jerk!
Again??? lol
This is good!
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolphins_in_depth/2016/03/offensive-tackle-jawuan-james-battered-in-2014-is-healthy-again-.html
Ouch, a dislocated toe. Good to hear he’s healthy now.
he was healthy and doing all drills next to last game but staff kept him out as a precaution. Wish I could heal like him, my toe still hurts sometimes where I have to take pain pills and ice the foot for hours somedays.
For the Ragland fans
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/03/24/draft-pff-scouting-report-reggie-ragland-lb-alabama/
I do find it interesting the team is bringing Cravens in for a visit. It appears thus far they are looking at the fast coverage WOLB which holds w/ their early indicators of Alonso being the MLB. They’ll really pull the rug from under us when they trade up to 4th overall and draft Josh Forrest😂
maybe we want all of our LBs to cover in an effort to stop the patriots and their underneath offense
Guys fast enough to avoid blockers on those damn screens.
here’s a recipe I am making for family that is very easy. I added half fake crab meat and I used bread machine to make rubschlager danish pumpernickel rye bread served lightly toasted. I adjusted ingredients for 8 but below measurments are for 1. Enjoy
Brown crab salad sandwich on rye bread
Ingredients:
1-2 cooked brown crab claws (depends on their size)
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 hard-boiled egg, shelled and roughly chopped
1 tbsp chopped chives
2 radishes, finely sliced
5-6 thin cucumber slices
A squeeze of lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 slices rye bread
Method:
Crack the brown crab claws and take all the white meat that’s inside.
Mix together the crab meat, mayonnaise, hard-boiled egg and most of the chives. Add lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.
Arrange the cucumber and radish slices over one of the rye bread slices. Cover with a layer of the crab salad and sprinkle with the remaining chopped chives. Top with the second bread slice.
Lou,
I wouldn’t doubt a Murray conversion to Safety. I think it suits his strength of coming forward
What no love for Karl Joseph? BTW couldn’t sleep properly , tossed and turned so I got up again. Bugga.
A lot of people say good things about him
I don’t dislike him
but the idea of him being better than Ramsey is a little crazy to me
Is he healthy now?
It would be great if we could keep our best OL healthy for an entire season, so we can really see what we could do on offense.
we can always require the OL to workout here
I’ll sign up for 12 games. LOL
Honestly it’s pretty amazing that over a 32 game span that Albert, Pouncey, & James have played 5gms, I believe, together.
It’s something like that.
speaking of OL did anyone c where the Pats got old OL coach of 30 something years for Pats unretired.
uwantwat says:
March 30, 2016 at 3:31 pm
What no love for Karl Joseph? BTW couldn’t sleep properly , tossed and turned so I got up again. Bugga.
——
Pro Football Focus put this out yesterday and Joseph’s name was on the list
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/03/29/draft-5-boom-or-bust-prospects-in-the-2016-nfl-draft/
“5. Karl Joseph, S, WVU
Joseph is unique on this list, insofar as he flashed his talent on just a handful of snaps. After missing 17 of 106 attempted tackles in 2014, and recording a negative run defense grade, Joseph put 240 outstanding plays on tape. He went from our 98th overall safety to 32nd, despite getting on the field for just a quarter of the snaps. Joseph was a heat-seeking missile, destroying receivers over the middle for fun. The centre of the field was a dangerous place for opponents in West Virginia’s first four games. Joseph didn’t only make plays against the run, he also picked off five passes in his limited reps. However, the fact that Joseph played just 240 snaps is a both a positive, considering his production, and a negative. How much stock should be put into such a small sample? Will the knee injury that forced him to miss the rest of the season persist? Joseph offers a unique conundrum as the FBS’ best safety over just a four-game stretch.
@NFLHumor: This is the best picture of Tom Brady in existence 😂 https://t.co/IOsgNouR4W
He’s very metro-sexual.
Piggy > its usually something like “LOL _________ the Offensive line” or “LOL_____the coaching and playcalling” or “LOL (and then they just make something up)
_________________________
Dood,, really? That’s such an asinine thing to say & also a denial of facts from a non-Tannehill supporter.
Yeah I can see #17 missed on some throws here & there, took a few unnecessary sacks by not moving in the pocket as well as he could have, and missed an open guy by not going thru all his progressions, etc.
(remember this section above that I acknowledge when you try to poke holes in my defense of #17)
But again, it seems you guys that have a case against him never bring up the fact of the coaching, the poor scheme, the bizarre play calling.
That’s total denial my friend. Did you guys not see the offense as a hole suffer with other players? Or was that all Tannehill’s fault?
Did you guys not see how a great RB like Miller got only 12 carries a game? Or was that all Tannehill’s fault?
Did you not notice how when Tannehill & the offense did manage to score or get a lead, how the Defense then took that momentum away on the very next drive letting the other team march down the field scoring and killing clock? Or was that too all Tannehill’s fault?
Did you guys see where Tannehill was near the top4-5 in the Deep ball this year in a ineptly ran offense with OL issues once again? Or was that all sheer luck? lol
Now you guys can make fun of how here comes the butt hurt Tanneshill rambling on. Just remember, these coaches on both sides of the ball are gone for a reason….or is that all Tannehill’s fault too? SMH!
My thoughts on Joseph. I’d rather go after FS skills that UFlorida’s Neal or UMiami’s Bush offer.
Wedge is doing a report on Neal
I agree
why draft Joseph in the 2nd when you can have players like Neal on Day 3
We signed a safety this offseason who can start opposite Jones
safety (unless Ramsey miraculously fell to 13) isn’t a priority IMO
Honestly think Deon could be a special player if he is groomed for a year or two.
Mike, Mike and The Mad Dog replays are on the radio now until 8PM leading up to their live charity event show tonight. The Mad Dog is friggin hilarious and together they both played off each other and are a funny duo.
I used to enjoy listening to the two of them. Mad Dog used to go crazy. He was kinda hard to understand when he started to get all excited. lol
I forgot how insane he would get. He just went off on a rant when his SF Giants always choked. LOL
@HimmelrichNFL: On Sirius XM, @reggieragland says that #Dolphins are among the teams he has had most communication with.
Included Saints, Falcons, Bears.
What are all teams who need to sure up their run defense for $500? LOL
Al in MIA says:
March 30, 2016 at 3:21 pm
GDP,
I was combing over PFF college tweets and saw this on Eldon Roberts:
PFF College
@PFF_College
7:32 AM – 20 Mar 2016
Highest Run Stop % among LBs
Elandon Roberts, HOU 16.0%
Kentrell Brothers, Mizzou 15.8%
Hunter Kissinger, ULM 15.4%
Steven Daniels BC 15.3%
Reply
Yeah, Elandon Roberts had 19 TFL…the guy is cat quick and can shoot a gap to pop the ball carrier or disrupt the QB.
I hope we get him around the 5th and let him develop behind our starter Alonso.
Brothers must have had a lot of running backs come right at him. lol
Glad to hear the Dolphins have shown some interest in Ragland. Still not likely they go they that way, but sometimes the draft just falls a certain way where he may make sense.
Mets shellacked by the Nationals today, 12-1.
I don’t even pay attention to spring training other than no injuries.
Joseph reminds me a bit of Swearinger
Dustin Keller just cringed. lol
He dives at receivers knees when they plant?
He uses his crown/forearm a bit too much for my liking for a 205 lb guy.
Who’s that smaller, physical, S the Colts had a few years back during the Manning years that broke down after a few years?
Bob Sanders?
Yep.!
dbolt48 says:
March 30, 2016 at 3:53 pm
Honestly think Deon could be a special player if he is groomed for a year or two.
—–
Agree. He and Burns had terrible coaches
Al in MIA says:
March 30, 2016 at 3:49 pm
My thoughts on Joseph. I’d rather go after FS skills that UFlorida’s Neal or UMiami’s Bush offer.
++++++++++++++++++
Why not get all 3? Apart from 1 OL on offence, the rest of the draft should be DEF. with a RB taken in the 6th or 7th round.
I figured I wasting my time typing all that rebuttal on Tannehill…lol
we’ve moved on. lol
Randy,
This one is for ya
Got that great Cowboy OL and Romo still got 2 broken collar bones. I guess he took too many sacks with his horrible pocket presence….LMAO
Romo did manage to beat our stellar defense. Damn it Tanny, how could you let that happen?!?!
Al, you mean Sanders the SS for Indy? He was small but packed a wallop.
Yep.
I just looked at his nfldraftscout profile back during his draft class.
He was very athletic.
5-8 ish 205 lbs but a 41.5″ vertical and 4.40 speed at his combine not to mention a 6.72 sec 3-cone time and a 3.91 sec shuttle time. He was nfldraftscout’s #1 SS that year.
Lou,
Thoughts on UMass QB Blake Frohnapfel ? If only he had a better arm. This guy looks smooth in the pocket even with pressure.
I think with QB being such a crap shoot, sometimes it’s not just going after guys who have the raw physical tools but perhaps going after someone like Vernon Adams who doesn’t measure up well on size/weight/speed but on tape he’s got plenty of game in him. I would take a last round flyer on Adams.
Otherwise, on the developmental guys…Driskell isn’t a bad option. I like Jacoby Brisett as well and I never thought I’d say this but I’m even open to Kevin Hogan now. I used to hate watching Hogan play LOL but this year he did some little things that made me think he might be a useful pro.
I like Vernon Adams and really like Matt Johnson. I don’t know the guy from UMass. Like his name though. Sounds like a Muppet character. lol. Dysert has been with Gase in Denver and Chicago and now he’s in Miami. Something in mind with him? IDK. But, the guy I think they seem to be showing the most interest in is Jake Rudock.
I’m still hoping that since the Bears acquired Akiem Hicks in free agency Terry Williams now becomes expendable and he comes to Miami with Gase. Big Terry in there with Suh and Phillips would be tough to run against. He’s a DT so he’d be rotating with one or the other
GD… I agree with you. Why change horses now. We have finally got a coaching staff in place that will help him. Not being able to audible at the LOS was stupid and a HC who didn’t believe in him. The less said about the weird OC and his mad play calling the better. Let’s see what happens this year. I look at his numbers and think, this bloke could be really great one day with some help.
Yes, another good point. Even Greg Jennings repeatedly said how his old coach Philbin was wrong for handcuffing #17. Bizarre shit.
That’s like putting a skirt on Brady so no one is allowed to hit him….Ohh wait….
Al, yeah good stuff on the Colts SS Bob Sanders. I can’t imagine in today’s NFL any GM drafting a 5’8 SS in the 2nd round….lol…and rightly so. The poor guy missed games a lot from giving up his body like a torpedo.
Mike E,
I don’t put much thought into visits.
Seems half these teams meet with certain guys as a red herring.
The Dolphins never met with Pat White. LOL
Getter, your rant about RT seems like an awful lot of excuses, several things you noted have nothing to do with his shortcomings that have been noted here. The biggest one might be breakdown of his throws that shows why he got sacked as often as he did (didn’t see the open receivers). I don’t hate him, and don’t want him to leave, but he needs to play better than he has, or we have no chance at the playoffs this yr.
Here’s an example of a very good/great QB:
Take Romo from last yr, the team was horrible without him. He came in against us, even with an injury and lit it up, because he’s got IT. To get IT you have to be able to move your team down the field when they need it most, in spite of .what those around your are doing or not doing.
The running back equivalent to Tannehill would be DT3, not running where the hole is.
Romo didn’t light it up, he threw for 227 and 2 TDs but 2 picks as well. The Cowboys ran all over us 38-166. Of course we only ran the ball 14 times in a game that was tied heading into the 4th quarter.
Simple minds look at stats 😉
Obviously you didn’t read my ‘rant’. I did mention that. Sometimes not having an OL give you enough time can affect that too though….oh, and the bizarre route trees the WR’s had running into eachother.
Romo, yeah, he’s really got it. Ripped our defense that was among the league’s worse apart…lol 🙄
Dallas went from should’ve been playing in the NFC Championship Game (Dez catch no catch) to couldn’t win a game without him, until it was too late.
If RT doesn’t find IT this yr under Gase he never will.
Right! …and if the Dolphins franchise doesn’t find IT with coaching, OL, establishing a viable running game, better personnel on defense then IT will be another long year.
I hope Tanny plays better too. If he does, then it’s likely that some of IT was also because of the other things mentioned above were addressed too.
I don’t think the offensive scheme was poorly designed. We had/have the pieces with the wr’s, te’s and rb’s we have on the team to make it work. It actually played to the strengths of the team because we really have probably one of the best groups of skill players on any offense in the league and in most cases they did their jobs. Just the execution of a lot of plays that could have been better.
Oh man the down and distance play calls were baffling much of the time. The lack of commitment to the running game was absurd. We talked about it all season. Every week I’d say almost every week here we go again, do we have different game plans for opponents or does Lazor just run his favorite plays regardless of game situations or opponent? It was maddening.
This rant has nothing to do with Tannehill, this was the OC and what we ran.
I agree Tim.
some of the game plans were well devised. against teams like the Jets and Bills who blitz a lot we should have had more quick hit stuff designed to beat the blitz and we didn’t. so from that perspective there were some flaws in what we did.
“weren’t well devised’
…which greatly affects Tanny or any QB for that matter. Peyton Manning would be like, WTF are we doing?!?!?
3rd & short lined up in shotgun 4 wide empty backfield…Brilliant.
3rd & long lined up in shotgun with 1 back & bubble screen is called…Brilliant.
1st & 10 shot gun…..bubble screen….Brilliant….
Again, if you go back and look at the coaches film the execution of the play, not the play call was the issue. I counted over 20 times Tannehill threw the ball behind his wr or rb on those quick screens and they had to stop or sometimes spin around to catch the ball. The play is designed to be a quick hit play and when you throw behind the player instead of leading him so he can catch the ball on the run you pretty much kill any chance of success on the play. In addition, I posted an example on Twitter of a play where it’s 3rd and 13 and a cb let’s Matthews go by him and he’s all alone. Probably could have gone for a td. Tannehill has plenty of time. There’s NO pressure at all and he throws short to a rb who doesn’t come close to getting the first. So, it wasn’t all the play call or the offensive scheme. A lot of it was the lack of execution on the play.
Make it stop!!! LOL
When we draft Jack Conklin RT won’t have any more excuses, we’ll know, if he’s legit.
Tim Knight says:
March 30, 2016 at 4:39 pm
Romo didn’t light it up, he threw for 227 and 2 TDs but 2 picks as well. The Cowboys ran all over us 38-166. Of course we only ran the ball 14 times in a game that was tied heading into the 4th quarter.
Reply
Objection! How dare you present evidence that absolves the charged. He’s guilty no matter what. They declare a mistrial for tampering with the jury. They demand a new kangaroo court.
My last sentence was the perfect example of what I just said in my reply to Lou.
Al
That’s true about the visits. The last few years we met with some prospects like La’el Collins 3 or 4 times, but sometimes like you said, it’s all misdirection. Strange thing this draft strategy. So much smoke and mirrors.
Bringing Collins into this wasn’t a very good example, because of his off the field issue.
Bad example, he went undrafted for a shitty reason.
steveccnv says:
March 30, 2016 at 4:54 pm
When we draft Jack Conklin RT won’t have any more excuses, we’ll know, if he’s legit.
Reply
Do you have a stand up act on the Vegas Strip? If not, you should…..thanks for the laugh though. I did sincerely chuckle at that one.
“Take Romo from last yr, the team was horrible without him. ”
Because the team had no back up QB to speak of. Jerry Jones lack of foresight with a team that was ready to challenge for a CONF title.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000648993/article/rainstorm-hampers-miami-draft-prospects-at-um-pro-day
Tim Knight says:
March 30, 2016 at 5:09 pm
Make it stop!!! LOL
LMAO, I say tomato, you say tomoto….
Well, excuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuse meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! lol
Funny how people pay to see something so stupid….lol. People love to be entertained to take them away from their daily lives.
I’m sorry man but when you’ve got a wr running down the middle of the field WIDE OPEN and the ball is thrown so as to make him turn completely around, facing the L.O.S., that ball placement is the difference between maybe a 15-20 yd gain and a td. If the play calls boggle the mind for some why doesn’t the concept of ball placement or lack thereof boggle the mind also. It’s a different story if you’re under pressure or if you have to put it over the top of a db but when a wr has nobody around him why is it so difficult?
And, with that said, BBL. LOL
No QB is perfect with every throw, especially under pressure, nor is the WR’s running Lazor’s timing & placement routes. Be glad Lazor is gone gone. He didn’t even get another OC job, let alone get interviews for HC….ROTFLMAO.
More excuses
San Diego Tribune
UCLA LB Myles Jack told reporters the Chargers view him as a defensive back, in the mold of S Eric Weddle.
“Obviously, they want me at a lower weight, but with my skill set, they can see me in the slot, covering and running,” Jack explained.
______________________
WTF?!?!
And this is why SD can’t get it right year in and year out LOL.
This almost sounds like they are trying to make it sound like they aren’t desperate for Ramsey (in possible trade talks with teams in front) but boy is that a really shitty way to say you are going to address S LOL
GDP
You didn’t like Steve Martin? I thought he was funny as hell!
Agreed, I remember listening to his album. How far things have come. LOL
GDP,
From PFF College over the last week or so:
PFF College Retweeted
Steve Palazzolo @PFF_Steve Mar 29
UCLA’s Myles Jack had the highest coverage grade among all linebackers in 2014
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PFF College @PFF_College Mar 24
UCLA LB Myles Jack reminds PFF draft analysts of Carolina’s Thomas Davis.
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/03/24/draft-pff-scouting-report-myles-jack-lb-ucla/
GDP,
I saw this the other day while looking for BYU WR Mitch Mathews highlights lol
Quick twitch explosion
White Men Can’t Jump
I liked some of Steve Martin’s stuff…but wasn’t crazy over him.
Did you like to sniff the tuna fish from behind his ears? LOL
We’ve all been here before with rental cars….lol
I Loved Martin & John Candy in Planes Trains & Automobiles.
Classic!
Martin was good in a lot of movies, even a couple that weren’t that funny, like “Father of the Bride”.
By the way Mike, good job on the article. I just got into the topic and forgot to give props.
Thanks Tim, no need. I appreciate it though.
I remember listening to Cheech and Chong’s “Big Bambu”, my sister had it, and we used to sit there and laugh so hard. My friend Steve also had a Bill Cosby album that was really funny.
Richard Pryor and George Carlin too.
You old farts…lol
I only saw Richard Pryor in the movies, I never had any tapes or records. George Carlin I think I saw on an HBO special a long long time ago, and I thought he was hilarious.
They all had albums back then.
Getter, does Tannehill have any faults?
My guess is GDP will say he has too many critics. That’s his worst fault. 😀
Wait for it… LOL
I glanced at your reply and I thought it said he had 2 dicks, not too many critics 😛
No, he’s perfect. It’s Jesus in a jersey. Nevers messes up a play. He’s why we have multiple super bowl wins. 🙄
Here’s something I hadn’t thought about:
• In that 2013 Houston game, Whalen had a career-long 51-yard punt return. His longest kickoff return was a 50-yard effort at Houston on Oct. 8, 2015.
Our new return man, that can also catch passes. I think we’ll still carry one more WR, like Matt Hazel or Jeff Fuller, the same one we drafted is back on our roster?
Mike,
Nice article. I never mentioned it😉
Here’s the difference I see with Gase and other coaches. When asked about Cameron, he said I don’t know I need to see him in practice, I need to see him run. He doesn’t have something set in stone that he wants players to do, he finds their strengths and puts them in position to do what they do best.
Nice article Mike, sans the lack of paragraph indentions. 😛
Who needs paragraph indentations? 😉
My over 40 eyeballs……lol
Thanks D-Bolt
You’re welcome!
Maxwell vs Grimes, I hate when our CBs give the WR a free release from the line, Maxwell’s strength is pressing on the line. No free 5-10 yrd outs that Grimes consistently gave up (Taylor was the worst at that).
Coyle’s defensive play calling drove me as nuts as did Lazor’s.
Many times we’d see soft zone coverages with the corners playing way off….even in short yardage situations. Brought back horrors of Olivadotti….ugh
You got to break a receivers get off or rhythm as much as possible. look at what Josh Norman did to OBJ….gave him fits.
Then look at what he did against us.
Taylor may be better working in the slot competing with McCain.
The Mike and The Mad Dog Reunion Show is on live now for those interested.
Is it on YES network?
MSG
NO
No MSG, no MSG on fri ri.
Honestly I do like the idea of Miami going after Artie Burns from the U for a few different reasons. Plays well in press or off man coverage, not afraid to tackle, plays ST’s, & was used as a safety also. Also one of the few times my sentimental side gets to me…..Id be happy if he didn’t have to uproot his younger brothers and his own child that he’s taking care of.
Mike Francesa looks better on the radio. lol