The Dolphins have agreed in terms to 2 trades so far, both with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Miami will be sending a 2017 7th RD draft pick in return for TE Julius Thomas. Speaking of Julius Thomas, he was in for his physical yesterday in Miami, and has passed that physical, so now we just wait until March 9th at 4PM, when the trading actually begins! Now that Branden Albert is gone, last years gasser of a pick Laremy Tunsil gets to begin his career as the blindside protector of QB Ryan Tannehill , provided Tannehill plays in his own right, with his mysterious knee condition. Julius Thomas gives Miami a good pass catching TE, but not a lot more than that. He’s not really in an line TE, and doesn’t block, so that means, at least in my view, that the Dolphins should be contacting TE Dion Sims A.S.A.P. Besides being fairly one dimensional (Thomas), Thomas has only played in 27 games out of a possible 48 in the last 3 years. (Jordan Cameron anyone?)
The Dolphins yesterday signed rookie Long Snapper Winston Chapman. Chapman played for Mississippi St,, but tore his ACL in 2015. This is his first NFL contract, which is why he has rookie status. Of course we have long time veteran John Denney, who happens to be an excellent LS and ST’s player. Chapman is a long shot to make the team, and is the annual “Bring in a guy to push Denney”
CB/NB K’Wuan Williams, who Miami was purportedly (love that word!) (in Miami’s case it should be porportedly, right) interested in has decided to sign with the SF 49ers. Good luck with that! Former Dolphins DT’s Jared Odrick (JAX) and Paul Soliai (CAR) have both been released. Would the Dolphins have any interest in either making a return? Not likely.
With the subtraction of former LT Branden Albert, Tunsil moves to LT, and that leaves 2 gaping holes, and maybe even 3 unless you’ve already bought in that C Mike Pouncey will actually be able to play the 2018 season, and I mean the WHOLE season. So how do the Dolphins approach this situation. I have made myself pretty clear for quite some time, and I’m sticking to my grits! Please sign RG Kevin Zeitler. We’ve cleared cap space, and I can’t think of a better way to use it. As Brian in NY was kind enough to point out to me, Zeitler is the 2018-2022 version of Ron Popeil’s “Set it and Forget it” Ronco Oven. Wouldn’t it be great to have finally solved one of the OG spots on our line? We still need a LG. I had brought up Luke Joeckel, and Phelon yesterday pointed out OG Austin Pasztor (MIN). Joeckel could be a relatively low end sign (<$4M)), one with more risk, and Austin Pasztor would be a mid level signing (>$4M). Still, both would be affordable options. I think it’s also imperative that we draft a G/C early in this draft, there are a few good options.
GO DOLPHINS!
Finsmob Unleashed 
Just because
Good stuff Mike E! I am now caught up! I too would love to see Zeitler brought in. Dave Hyde showed that many of the last few SB teams had either a high priced fill-in, or just a body that wasn’t retained. Getting Z would be our hopefully long term fill in. We have the money. What is everyone’s opinion about our own FAs? Will they get signed? Who won’t? I read that Misi might be back. I hope not!! What is our thoughts on pick #22 so far?
thanks Stanger,
Wagner’s estimated value per Spotrac is $27M. I don’t know how accurate that is but take it for what it’s worth.
Larsen signed a 1 yr $1.65M contract w/Chicago last year so I’m thinking we could get a year or two from him relatively cheap.
Schwenke would be a solid backup and is no longer a starter for TEN so I’m expecting him to be a big higher than Larsen and he’s still young and going into his 2nd contract so I’m thinking he wants at least a 4 yr deal but I’m not sure what we’d get him for. I’d say maybe $3m/yr tops.
Pro Lou,
I liked your article but I’m lazy. Where did those guys play last year?
New Age
If Misi pays us for the last 3 years, and he subtracts say $4M from our cap, I’d take him back. lol
Perfect answer.
Anyone else here hate the word catsup? Just wondering, I don’t like it at all . . .
My grandmother was obsessed with cats, and she used to buy catsup just because of that, so I have a soft spot for the word.
But otherwise I hate it.
Cat Soup?
Never used the word. It’s either ketchup or I don’t know you…lol
LOL, that’s how I feel
Good wrote up Mike
I tend to think Thomas reminds me of the Cameron move too
It didn’t pay off with Cameron
It might pay off with Thomas
It’s the same kind of risk IMO
Sometimes that works and other times it doesn’t
I really don’t think we need a superstar TE in his offense
It would be nice to have a weapon there and Thimas may do that for us
I also agree – call up Simms ASAP
In terms of alternatives at TE
Unless OJ Howard dropped to 22 which seems unlikely
We would probably be taking the same kind of pass catching threat if we picked a TE early in the draft
So in this Scenario we save the pick and add that potential elusive seam threat
I was kind of growing find to the idea of having a 2 TE set with Simms and Howard and going all out on defense with the 2nd and 3rd round picks
But Howard wasn’t going to drop to 22
We will know for sure on draft day
But when we see Howard off the Board before we pick – then I think it will confirm it was a good trade
In the same manner Tunsils unexpected availability made the philly trade a good trade
I am also all in on Zeitler as a priority in free agency
Sign out guys and go after the OGs like Zeitler
Makes sense to me
I would prefer to add vets
And then possibly add a draftee who is versatile enough to play OG/C
But I’m not in agreement that we need to spend an early pick in that
If anything the Thomas deal reassured that it will be a defensive heavy draft early to me
Thomas is a big time red zone threat. He can score in a myriad of ways. He opens up the field. If we use him as a 3rd receiver, in the big scheme of things with Ajayi in the backfield, we keep teams in base defense then exploit that because LBs can’t cover him.
You’re speaking in terms of definites with Thomas and I wouldn’t say anything is a definitie. When we get to the season and see it then it’s a different story. But, until he gets thru camp without an injury that’s going to have him missing half the season, nothing is a definite.
Well of course he needs to be healthy, that goes without saying. If he’s not playing then what I said can’t be. Try to be a little positive. 🙂
Piggy
I think signing Thomas means Howard is out. I do think unless we get 2 starters at OG in FA, we have to find one in the draft.
I believe they will sign 1 definite OG starter in FA w/ another young guy who can challenge for a BU spot. I think one will be drafted also.
LOL @ Bri
D-Bolt
That works for me. Do you have 3 guys in mind?
Lamp
Robinson
Dawkins
Elflein
Kyle Fuller
JonnToth
Dorian Johnson could be added to that list. Elflein could be the guy they target due to his position flexibility.
I think Elflein, Fuller, & Toth will all offer that flexibility between C & OG. I think Elflein is the most balanced out of the 3, but I think they all have good starter value.
NFL guys that I haven’t seen already floated:
Cody Wallace Pittsburgh
Dark horse possibility at LG—Ryan Clady
Lou – Just read through your posts. Are you suggesting that we sign….dare I say it….mediocre players for the OL? Guys who are “solid.” Like….Misi…is solid?
Just bustin’ your balls…
I never said Misi was solid. Don’t be looking at me.
Schwenkie is from TEN, Larsen played with CHI and Wagner played with NYG
Now I’m confused. You’re not talking about Ricky Wagner, RT BAL?
oops. sorry. yeah, Baltimore. I always get the NYG and BAL mixed up for some reason.
Ah…okay. I guess the question is will he be jiggy with a move to guard. Tackles, even RT, typically make more than guards.
I would be okay with Zeitler, provided they sign their own Stills, Branch, Simms, Landry, and Jones first. That is if Jones and Landry don’t get stupid about what they think they are worth.
I fully expect Horseradish sauce to be represented in the next article. totally underrated.
It’s good on roast beef.
mmm. I never thought about that. Would be a good one.
The biggest problem I have with signing a high-priced FA is if they go bargain basement with everyone else. It was pointed out before that we extended both Urbik and Young and if we were to sign Zeitler and keep Urbik and Young as backups where does that leave us?
Are you really comfortable with those two guys filling in for any length of time should one of the starters go down?
If Pouncey gets injured again this year do you feel confident that Urbik is going to step in and do a solid job for us at center? Are you confident Young can fill in at LT or RT if we need him to?
Knowing how things played out last year I just don’t want to sign Zeitler, keep what we’ve got and just draft another guard.
It’s hard enough to find 5 quality starters never mind exceptional depth. We’ll see how they do.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/dave-hyde-blog/fl-sp-hyde-dolphins-guards-20170222-story.html
No it’s not hard to find 5 quality starters.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-dolphins-greats-retire-20170222-story.html
Marino to become a Dolphin again.
Truth be told, I think I fall in the middle. I would rather sign Leary or Warmack over Zeitler at a lower price and maybe one other OG at the lower end. Then draft one as well.
You really think Warmack is going to be a cheap option?
Cheaper
https://twitter.com/MDCheer/status/834460568459366410
Lou, if it was that easy to find 5 quality starters every team would have a good OL and most don’t.
I’ll trust that Gase will get what he deems necessary now that he knows his entire roster & everyone’s pros and cons.
Yeah that is a benefit this year.
Everyone always bitches about the OL holding us back(farce) and then want to go shop from the bargain bin to make it better. How’s that been working out for all you OL haters? Lol
Who are you looking at for OG?
The Thomas move does not excite me that much. He has done nothing since leaving Denver. I don’t feel like that he is the piece that shores up the TE spot. I will admit the potential is there for an upgrade but that would require him to turn back the clock a couple of years and I am not sure how likely that is
Injuries are what set him back in JAC. Even in minimal games (21) he scored 9 TDs for the Jags in two seasons which is more than most of our TEs usually catch. So that’s another way to look at it. He is a big time red zone threat and he can stretch the field. He needs to somehow stay healthy because he got banged up a bit in DEN too.
Sporting half a chub, but not a full on eager!
Rager…Wtf
I think if he drops the excess weight he will be fine…just happy it’s not concussion issues w/ him which is my concern with Sims.
Sims was fine down the stretch. It took awhile for him to rebound from that awkward landing last year but he played really well late this year.
He did, but do you remember the play he got concussed on this year? I don’t so I don’t think it was a big shot. 2 in 2 consecutive years is a Arey to think about. This doesn’t mean I dislike the player, but I have grown more comfortable w/ drafting a guy to fill that role in the middle rounds.
dbolt is eager for some all out wood. LOL
It’s better to wake up having strong wood vs having dead wood👍
Yeah too much of Mr. Softy is a sign of aging. LOL
dbolt, I don’t remember Sims getting a concussion this past season.
Maybe we can try to get back Arthur Lynch. 😉
I also think MarQueis Gray could surprise us and Duarte as well. We could have a very different offense this year with the emergence of Ajayi and a whole lot of speed and skill at the skill positions.
Yeah, he got concussed and we were without him through part of the Pitt game & didn’t return until the San Diego game
I believe you but I don’t remember it. Let’s hope it’s not a common thing with him regardless of where he goes. Sims is a cool dude.
Agreed on Sims being a good guy & wish nothing but good fortune for the young man.
Adam BeasleyVerified account@AdamHBeasley 17m17 minutes ago
Sam Madison is running late for the ceremony. Tannenbaum jokes that he’ll be fined as soon as he signs with the team.
Glad to see the “Old” Fins having fun!
Adam BeasleyVerified account@AdamHBeasley 18m18 minutes ago
Larry Little, while looking over his contract: “My agent is dead.” !!!!
D-Bolt
I totally remember Sims concussion. I brought it up a few weeks ago. He was going for a pass near the sideline in the endzone, dropped it, came down and got a boo-boo head. lol
There was absolutely NO hit on the play, except for him coming down after jumping up and dropping the pass, which would have been a TD if he didn’t turn into Jordan Cameron for a play
Bunch of peeps blamed it on RT.
LMAO….
LOL Phelon – Is that right? It wasn’t an easy catch, but regardless, it wasn’t T-Hill’s fault that Sims fell on his head.
http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/dion-sims-concussion-dolphins-tight-end-motionless-limp-end-zone-head-injury-redskins/yhyc385tc1ey15vcjf427k2b5
https://twitter.com/MDCheer/status/834539208693919744
Dbolt,
I would sign Zeitler and draft a G/C in the first round just so everyone would shut up about how everything is the OL’s fault. Then, we’ll find out just how much it’s about another position. Lol
Alternate agenda eh? lol
pheloniusphish says:
February 22, 2017 at 5:05 pm
Bunch of peeps blamed it on RT.
*
I did- I was at the game. It was an awful pass.
That’s just so silly….lol
Even if a pass is awful then let it go. Why nose dive into the ground head first?
Tanny made an effort and was a lil off…Sims made an effort and gave up his body….oh well, that’s football. Tanny gave up his body over the past 5 years too.
It wasn’t a good throw, but it wasn’t awful. He was rolling to the left, and when you throw across your body like he did, it’s usually less accurate.
Wasn’t awful? Might have been the worst ever.
NICE WORK MIKE!!!
—————————-
Zeitler in FA; Elflein in round 2. Stud DE or LB round 1. The position NOT addressed in round 1 to be addressed in round 3 (projected comp. pick).
—————————
RANDY; You DID watch the playoff game, right, Randy?? With a solid O-Line, we beat Steelers 30-15. WITHOUT a solid O-Line, we got TRAMPLED by the same Steeler team in the playoff game. NO ONE is saying the entire problem is the O-Line. NO ONE!!! So don’t be setting up a non-existent point of view just to advance your agenda. We need help at DE. We need help at LB. We need to upgrade our depth at several positions. Tell the truth and your comments will rise in relevancy.
Mike E — good info (even if think you downplayed Thomas too much), but will stand up for John Denney. He gets the snaps right and after is actually down field making tackles…..hard to argue with that no matter what his age. Plus you need two of them anyhow. What happens if one gets injured? And isn’t Denney a FA anyhow. Smart move as a wake-up call.
Not sure if I downplayed him, or just stated what he really is. He’s a receiving TE that has missed a lot of time the last 3 years. He was very good with Gumby, but with Bortles, not so much.
Not just with Gumby, but with Gase too. Was just finding something about him and will add in. Completely agree we now to keep Sims or get someone like him though.
LOL @ Steve
Even worse than several passes Fiedler threw in the Candlestick wind, at a game I went to in 2001.
I didn’t watch the clip until just now, I remembered it, when it happened, and thought OMG Tannehill, that was pathetic.
Stanger
Yes with Gase, but Manning was throwing the football. As much as I like Tannehill, he’s not Peyton Manning.
and BTW, did you see that clip of that awful throw? If he does that to Julius Thomas, it will be career ending! 😉
Well you know how little respect I have for Manning. 🙂
Same time……he’s fast and big. And can slide out. Least offers something Sims cannot on 3rd and 6.
From the ESPN Jags guy. Seam, redzone, and mismatch in the middle with Landry already romping around……sounds like a great fit so long as he stays healthy. He can’t block, but no one was ever calling him an all-around TE.
———————————–
“Thomas’ struggles were partly due to erratic quarterback play by Blake Bortles, but also because he couldn’t stay healthy. He missed a total of 11 games in two seasons, including the first four games in 2015 because of a fractured bone in his hand and it took a while for him to get involved in the offense when he did return. … The Jaguars didn’t use Thomas correctly, either. They had him catching quick out passes and turning up field to gain additional yardage, especially on third down. That’s not his game. He’s not a guy who evades tacklers or runs through them. He’s better used downfield, especially on seam passes, or lined out outside in the red zone to get a mismatch with a linebacker. The Jaguars asked him to be a blocker, which isn’t his strength, either. There also was some feeling around the organization that Thomas wasn’t as motivated as he should have been after signing his big contract. Things might have changed in 2017 with new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett but Thomas is going back to play for Adam Gase, under whom he had great success, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if he had much better numbers this season.”
even with shitty QB play he still had 9 TDs in 2 years, playing in only 21 or so games, some of those injured. I’ll take him everyday on a Gase coached O.
OD,
I thought the tongue-in-cheek nature of my comment was evident with the exaggerated idea….when I’ve stated many times I don’t think there’s a guard I’d draft in the first round. I also used to beg for us to draft OL highly every year. Also, the question was about OG…not the whole team. I’ve chatted about the Dolphins and OL play with people around here for decades. They either know by now I understand football, or they think I’m a moron. I will sleep okay either way. Lol
***
You’ve made it pretty clear that you blame the OL for the faults of this offense. When you speak of upgrading the offense, you talk about one thing…the OL. It’s your opinion and one that has some merit. I have been hard on this OL myself for what seems like decades! It’s funny how I used to be called out for ripping an OLman or the OL’s performance and now I’m ripped for saying they get a little too much of the blame for my liking. Lol
***
I completely agree….and have said many times…that our OL has not played well and needs to get better. They have definitely been bad at times. They actually did get better last season and they had to deal with a lot of changes and upheaval along the way. Even with that, they still need to get better. They were nothing but average and at times worse. People keep talking about how our RB and QB had good years. They had to have gotten at least some help from the OL, didn’t they? They were average and inconsistent like almost everyone in this offense through the season. If folks didn’t notice the improvements made…that’s okay. There need to be more anyway.
Resign Sims, Branch, Kiko, and Stills, then bring in a quality OG, and add 2 OLBs/1 DE through FA that can run and we should be right back in the playoffs. With a chance to actually win a game there.
Dang OD….Randy may be many things, but subtle about his opinion is among them. He has always defended the OL and has always disliked RT. He has been consistent. No need to imply that he is being less than honest about what he feels or that he has ulterior motives behind his comments.
Nevermind….Randy has spoken for himself.
“Is not among them”….no more typing for me
phish,
What??? I’m not subtle? Fuck off! Lol
Lol….how about….forthcoming? That’s a good word!
phish,
We have a lot of opinionated folks here…always have….it’s one of the reasons I come here. We’re all pretty consistent in our opinions….well, expect for that Knight Tim….he’s only consistent in his homerism. Lol
I did a Double Take on that last word. For a second I thought you said homoism, and thought man if you thought the opinions for flying before…….
Opinions were….
Cheers Randy and Randy! Here’s to passionate Dolphins fans!
http://www.tmz.com/2017/02/22/aaron-hernandez-prison-phone-calls-mike-pouncey/
Did you think they bonded over not playing?
So Randy….what is your opinion on wht Miami should do for the OL?
So the NFL talking heads are saying there’s at least a 50% chance that QB Kirk Cousins doesn’t play for the Redskins this season, that he may be traded. Cousins put up 2 nice seasons consecutively, didn’t miss a game, and they want to trade him? After what they went through with RG III, they want to start looking for another QB when they have one? I find that hard to believe
Yeah the ‘Skins fans here in nothern VA are befuddled.
As well they should be. I understand trading when the value is high, but you only do that if you have a guy on the roster already that’s ready step in. They don’t.
22: R1P22 EDGE TACO CHARLTON, MICHIGAN
54: R2P22CB CORDREA TANKERSLEY, CLEMSON
98: R3P34 C ETHAN POCIC, LSU
167: R5P22 DL DEANGELO BROWN, LOUISVILLE
177: R5P32 LB JAYON BROWN, UCLA
185: R5P40 G DANNY ISIDORA, MIAMI
207: R6P22 S RAYSHAWN JENKINS, MIAMI
PIGGY WANTS LB’S!!!!!
I do to but I wasn’t going to reach for a mediocre one!
He can oink that again
WTF Wyoming!!!
He also wants people to stop sopping his kin in BBQ sauce!
James Walker from ESPN lists 3-4 ILB Lawrence Timmons as one of our best FA options. Do they take any time at all thinking about what they write before they write it? He’s a great LB, but has played in a 3-4 defense his entire career, 10 years to be exact!
Walker is the same type of throw shit & hope it sticks as Omar.
In regards to Timmons, I like the player, but at his age and transitioning to a 4-3…Nope.
Now AJ Klein might be a name to monitor, but he’s not that elite speed LB that it seems they’re looking poking for. I liked AJ out of ISU.
D-Bolt
Timmons is an excellent player, and durable too, but after 10 years in a 3-4 in PIT, why would he want to change now to a 4-3? He wouldn’t, and he won’t. He still may re-sign with the Steelers
I like atom moms a lot going back to his FSU days
But I agree with Mike. He’s a career 3-4 ILB
He’s also a decade into his career
It wouldn’t be a great signing
D-Bolt
Think there’s any shot the Knicks finally get rid of Melo today?
No one wants him
And appearantly there is only a short list of teams he will go to
All too true 😭
Nope….he continues to fuck this team since Dolan traded for him.
Never mind that he traded for him, how about re-signing him for more $$$ after he opted out? To me, that was the killer!
Yep, & supposedly that wasn’t Dolans call also.
Here McKinnley plays OLB
EDGE TAKKARIST MCKINLEY
UCLA
54: R2P22
EDGE CARL LAWSON
AUBURN
98: R3P34
LB KENDELL BECKWITH
LSU
167: R5P22
CB AARION PENTON
MISSOURI
177: R5P32
G JESSAMEN DUNKER
TENNESSEE STATE
185: R5P40
C JON TOTH
KENTUCKY
207: R6P22
EDGE BRYAN COX
I like pick 1…not a fan at the 2 that follow. Torch & BC work.
Assuming Albert is gone, really hoping we re-sign Bushrod. He could be first man in if either a T or a G goes down. And seems that should come with a premium versus your average back-up at either.
Bushrod was inexpensive last year, and I think he’d be willing to play for about the same salary this year too.
Guessing he will want more money (or at least guaranteed years), but like you said he came on the cheap last year. He wasn’t gang busters but he showed it and he and Gase really like each other. Getting the feeling Gase is a loyal guy.
Best scenario is Schwenke, Larsen and Wagner. Probably isn’t going to happen and I can see us being aggressive going after Zeitler and if we were just one guy away from making a run maybe I’d say “go for it” but we’re not.
We need to add talent from top to bottom; not only starters but our depth because injuries happen. We had a lot of starters go down last year and something like this may not happen all the time but I’ll be pissed if we go into the season with Urbik and Young as two of our backups again.
Lou keeps pushing this law firm on us . . .
LOL — and he makes for a great case for it. At the same time the chance of all three is close to zero……but the concept is sound, and relatively cheap too. Sacrifice a bit of top-end talent for more depth.
We’ve got three first round talents on the offensive line in Tunsil, Pouncey and James. If they stay healthy we’re in good shape just from that. We don’t need first round talent at the guard positions. We just need good play from the guys playing guard. We don’t need to go out and sign the best free agent prospect at guard to make the offensive line solid.
We just need two guys who can play the position well enough for us and stay healthy. Guards are easy to find. Centers and tackles are not. If we lost a tackle or center during the season we’re screwed again right now, regardless of whether we sign Zeitler or not.
Possibly, but aren’t Urbik and Steen last year’s version of that?
No, they aren’t. These guys are a lot more talented than what we had last season
Plus, we can add a guard in the draft. OD’s idea of going after Elflein makes a lot of sense because he also has position flexibility; playing both guard and center in college. We can start him off at guard and give him a chance to compete for a starting roster spot.
Gase on Bushrod….you at least know he is the type of guy Adam wants on his team.
“He probably could have made some different decisions and maybe he could have gone somewhere else for more money, but the fact that he had some faith in us to try to help him get healthy and get an opportunity to play this year, that was a great thing for us because he did have faith in us doing the right thin. He stuck with what he was trying to do, which was get to as close to 100 percent as possible and then to learn a new position was … not many guys would do that.”
“He stepped in and did everything he could to learn that position as fast as possible. His leadership ability is really something that’s unique, and the way that he goes about his business as a veteran player is something you want younger guys to see.”
I’d be much happier if our offensive line ended up like this:
LT Tunsil
LG Elflein
C Pouncey
RG Wagner
RT James
Backups
Schwenke
Larsen
Steen
Lou
I could dig those starting 5, but I honestly would prefer Zeitler.
Can we sign Zeitler and pay him all that money and still pay our guys?
I know a lot of people would prefer Zeitler because he’s THE guy in free agency and he’s a name; he’s the “splash” pick, if you will. gotta make a splash in free agency and the other guys aren’t names.
But, I prefer the list above to:
LT Tunsil
LG Elflein
C Pouncey
RG Zeitler
RT James
backups
Urbik
Young
Steen
There’s NO depth. None. If any one of those guys go down we’re screwed. Big time. And if it’s Pouncey, we’re screwed even more.
Oh and, by the way, Catsup on my what’s going on tastes gooooood.
Lou
I can’t tell you for sure. It depends on how high the bidding goes on Stills, but I also think Bushrod would come back for a reasonable price, and he gives you good depth at G and T
I also meant to say we should be able to, we have about $50M
Maybe the answer is just to add Bushrod’s name into the law firm and everyone can live with it. Can’t judge talent like you guys but like him and see what he offers as first back-up in.
Aim higher man!! We’ve seriously got to stop this type of thinking. I’m not trying to be dick about this but thinking Bushrod is good enough to get it done is what get’s us in these situations to begin with.
We need to increase the overall level of talent on the offensive line from top to bottom. Bushrod played okay at RG last season. Not great and not even good but okay.
He’s 32 yrs old. It’s time to get younger, faster and better on the offensive line. If we sign Zeitler I won’t be pissed because we’ve got to solidify the o-line. Then if we draft someone like Elflein, even better.
Maybe we can start off Elflein at guard and he can be the heir apparent to Pouncey’s position just like Tunsil and Albert. But, if we’re going to go in that direction we definitely need to address the depth we have in addition to what we’ve done with the starters.
Can Elflein fill in if Pouncey goes down? Maybe he can. But, a rook playing center and making the line calls and especially if he’s spending all of his time taking snaps at guard isn’t the best scenario.
I don’t know. But I do know I want the problems with the offensive line addressed and that includes depth because, as we saw last season, depth was a major issue as well.
Isn’t there just a time to be loyal? And from my own little point — would hate it if Bushrod started on opening day unless someone got hurt. Even if he won in a compete…..that would mean whoever the other guy was didn’t win when he should have.
from my point of view, if Bushrod won a starting guard spot we’re in deeper shit than we thought and the front office didn’t do their job solidifying the offensive line
Right — but that was what I was saying as well, even if perhaps in a different way.
Mike E. says:
February 23, 2017 at 10:55 am
Never mind that he traded for him, how about re-signing him for more $$$ after he opted out? To me, that was the killer!
*
Yup. Donnie Walsh did an AMAZING job getting the Knicks out of financial hell, taking on expiring contracts and getting rid of some of the heftier longer term ones. He put the team in a great position moving forward- and then came the Melo trade that was reportedly Dolan’s decision, with Isaiah Piece of Fucking Donkey Shit Thomas advising him from the shadows. Couple that with the Bargaini (sp) trade and the myriad of other trades and poor signings from the current admin and the past regimes fuck ups that drained us of draft picks, and the Knicks are screwed for another decade.
We have June 1st cuts to pick up a G as well. It doesn’t all have to be done now.
this is true.
Good point……says probably the only guy on this board to ever own an Offensive Guard’s jersey unless it was one he played football in. So I got street cred on the subject. 🙂
True, but if you want to make sure you get what you want, it’s hard to wait until post draft cuts
I’m sorry but if we go into the season w/Bushrod, Urbik and Young on the roster Tannenbaum and Grier should be fired. I can’t put it any other way. We’ve got free agency, we’ve got cuts coming up from other teams where we can add talent and we’ve got the draft.
If these three panty wastes are still around the front office has NOT done it’s job.
One other thing I like about the scenario I put out there is the fact that James has had some “moments’ like last season where Gase benched him shortly for his performance. He’s got nobody pushing him and I think he should.
Is he starting caliber? When he plays like he should there’s no doubt he is. But, Wagner can definitely compete for a starting guard position and also push James at right tackle.
James is a starter but sometimes that guy needs a fire under his ass.
I see the logic in that
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/armando-salguero/article134484399.html
Armando says Tannehill’s knee is healed and he’s ready to go
That’s great news, it really is
https://twitter.com/MDCheer/status/834810067266449408
Great news on Tannehill. One less thing to worry about. 🙂
I wasn’t really worried
There were so many speculations and odd reports. I figured RT and the team knew what they were doing though.
Lou,
I never get tied into one way of doing things. There are plenty of ways to build a team and have success. All I know is we need two starting guards. Guards are the motor of your offense…they’re what makes it go. People tend to write them off, but they control the center of the OL..where it all starts. If they can’t do their jobs, it dominoes out to the edge of the line….and your OL will never be dominant. I want a dominant OL.
***
With that said, I think there is a good match between a major need(guard) and a pretty good player(Zeitler) this FA period. Everyone keeps saying we have plenty of cap space, so I assume the money is there. I don’t think it’s a “have to” move by any means. I do know that Zeitler is a step above the guys you keep bringing up. The talent is not equal, so Zeitler’s gonna cost more. He gives this OL a chance to take a step towards dominant. Those other guys probably don’t. Zeitler could be a top end player at that position for another 7 years or so. You pay more for top end talent…not that you have to do it. But again….I’m not gonna be mad if they decide to go another direction. I think you always take a swing at top end guys at a big need position when available. If the money starts getting stupid, you bow out and go another way.
That’s basically what I think too Randy. I also think he’s a better player than the guys Lou is bringing up. Doesn’t mean you can’t make do with the other guys, but Zeitler and another good player at LG could make this OL special.
I was definitely worried about Tannehill. I was hoping it wasn’t going to be an issue where they would try and let it heal, and then only to find out he would need surgery in April or May.
And we found out it wasn’t just letting it heal but significant rehab and stem cell treatment.
Yeah, I’m very happy to see it’s no longer a issue. Quite relieved.
Yeah doctors Andrews and Uribe confirming he’s good to go is all we need to know.
He’ll be playing, which is great. Also thinking this talk of surgery or not had more to do with these specialized treatments than your traditional ones. But way it goes when you only get it through “reports” from sources with no names.
stanger,
The ONLY football card I have ever had is Larry Little. It’s signed too! Does that count as my OL bonafides? Lol
LOL — guessing you don’t know what my jersey reads — Incognito.
Glad we are not looking for a LT!
Ian RapoportVerified account@RapSheet 4m4 minutes ago
More
#Broncos informed LT Russell Okung they weren’t picking up his option, as @JayGlazer said. Gets $8M in 2016 out of $53M on his “5-year” deal
Yeah, it’s a gas that we have one
Well Shit!
I hate to agree with Omar! 😉
Omar KellyVerified account@OmarKelly 17m17 minutes ago
Omar Kelly Retweeted Curtis Morgan
I LOVE him…..he does things you can’t coachOmar Kelly added,
Curtis MorganVerified account@CMorganHerald
@OmarKelly Hope Fins target LB Zach Cunningham of Vandy. Dominated on otherwise marginal team. Good size, great tackling and instincts
Tim Knight says:
February 23, 2017 at 1:44 pm
And we found out it wasn’t just letting it heal but significant rehab and stem cell treatment.
I read that he DID NOT get the stem cell treatment.
HEY IT WORKED!!!! HALAFREAKINLUYAY!!! I thought I was going to be permanently a lurker because I have been blocked for weeks.
Rock — you talking at work? Far as I know only person blocked is Home, by the site at least. Good to see you any how bud.
New email?
Armando’s article said he did.
Rock
You’re banned – I need more Riftwar books! lol
Text me your address. I have ALL of them and I won’t be re-reading them any time soon.
That’s cool bro, but I don’t want you to ship them. I was just kidding.
IMNSHO we don’t need to break the bank on OG’s. We definitely need two good ones but we don’t need the highest paid FA guard.
The superbowl champs spent less than $1M on both guards combined this year.
We only need competent players for a change and GOOD DEPTH.
I have no idea about the players Lou is pushing but if the coaches are good with them then I would prefer them over paying the highest paid OG in the league.
All the Patriots need is Belichick. It doesn’t matter who they have anywhere.
Yeah, I read yesterday that he wants to coach at least five more years, post-Brady so he can prove he doesn’t need him to win. Maybe we can just tell him that we believe him?
Tim Knight says:
February 23, 2017 at 3:42 pm
Armando’s article said he did.
Reply
Joe Schad of the PBP says he did not get the stem cell treatments.
http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2017/02/23/miami-dolphins-qb-ryan-tannehill-knee-on-track-for-2017-season/
stangerx says:
February 23, 2017 at 3:42 pm
Rock — you talking at work? Far as I know only person blocked is Home, by the site at least. Good to see you any how bud
Stanger, I don’t think I’m blocked. My posts just constantly need moderation. I don’t know what the issue is. I created a new wordpress account and it worked for a while and then I started getting moderated again.
I lurk every day, some days I have nothing to add, not even smart ass replies, but when I have tried the last few weeks my posts don’t show up. No biggy. I don’t contribute much anyway. (I think it is Herd still punishing me for my drunken picture post last year…..JUST KIDDING HERD)
I wonder what it is that trips you up. Let me know when it happens next time so I can see if it just goes to spam, or something else.
Rock — you got me then. That new wordpress account might have needed approval, but only once…..but then I am one huge tech idiot. Can pretty much guarantee no one is after you in general though, even if would not surprise me if you put out a post or two that went “poof.” Guessing something tech — your end, board’s end or somewhere in the middle.
Mike E. says:
February 23, 2017 at 4:27 pm
That’s cool bro, but I don’t want you to ship them. I was just kidding.
I figured you were kidding, but they are just taking up space on my dresser and if I ship them from work it wont cost anything. LOL You are my buddy and I would be happy to send them. (Hell I wanted to give you more at the fest, but you didn’t want to lug them in your luggage.)
That’s very kind of you Rock, I really appreciate it. I’ll pick up some more at the next Fest, it will give me more incentive to make sure I go. 🙂
Yeah, whatever. I know the real reason is you don’t want me to have your address because you are afraid I will show up at your door one weekend. 😉
Ha! Busted!
I could use a new car Pal. Could you ship that to me?
Rock, whatever RT did it seemed to work.
As for acquiring guards I’m not even that concerned about it. The team knows they have needs there so however they approach it is cool with me until we find out they missed on it. Then we can criticize them. LOL
Mike E. says:
February 23, 2017 at 4:43 pm
I wonder what it is that trips you up. Let me know when it happens next time so I can see if it just goes to spam, or something else.
We had the issue a few weeks / months past and couldn’t figure it out. That is when I created a new account and was able to post after that. This is the first time I have tried to post from work in a long while and it worked. (with the new log in) I switched log ins on both phones and my home computer and my posts do not show up when I post from those devices. It is not such a huge issue that anyone should spend any time trying to solve it.
Mike E. says:
February 23, 2017 at 12:17 pm
True, but if you want to make sure you get what you want, it’s hard to wait until post draft cuts
*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BykilS816E
Ah, but we can certainly try!
Yes we can my friend. I’m really high on Forrest Lamp lately. If we can get some FA’s on D, then I wouldn’t mind going #22 on him.
“until we find out they missed on it. Then we can criticize them.”
LOL @ Tim. That is what we do best! I am glad Tannebum seems to be letting Grier do his job without meddling like big Tuna used to do. (Pat white pick!)
*See LB’s, 2016
Brian in NY says:
February 23, 2017 at 4:44 pm
I could use a new car Pal. Could you ship that to me?
Reply
I have a can of “new car smell” I can send you if that will help? (it smells awful!)
Yes please!
It seems like the league hasn’t caught up that if you have a bunch of smaller quicker WRs teams can’t cover them. Then throw in some good TEs and they can’t cover them either.
Tannehill weeks ago passed a battery of tests on his ACL and Grade 2 MCL sprain, The Miami Herald’s Armando Salguero reported Thursday. He is not only fully healthy, per Salguero, but also no more susceptible to a future ACL tear in his left knee than if he’d undergone surgery.
*
The latter part of this is the real news we want to hear.
Bri
That’s likely 5 more years behind the effing Patriots, unless we find his kryptonite before that
Actually, more like 10, because Brady will probably play another 5
We need to start thinking assassination…
Bri
I would definitely like to draft a G/C early, but we need 2, maybe 3 if Pouncey can’t go, so I think we should get at least a high level starter, and maybe a mid level starter too in FA, and then again in the draft, get a guy that can start.
Steen and Urbik are serviceable at C, drafting a guy who can both C and G would be good though.
I guess
I think they are backups at best Tim, although Steen did play well until he injured his ankle, so it’s tough to say with him.
Steen was doing okay until he sprained his ankle and eventually couldn’t play down the stretch. Urbik was #3 at C. It’s hard to keep going down the depth chart and get the same level of play. Pouncey isn’t easy to replace.
Realistically, we have some major holes to fill on defense. I’d love to settle the OL situation by the time the draft is completed, but I’d be okay if we could settle at least one spot. Reports are that Pouncey will be ready to go, and hopefully that is accurate. We should be able to find a serviceable G after June 1 if need be, but I think we would all prefer it was settled before then.
Tim Knight says:
February 23, 2017 at 5:06 pm
Steen and Urbik are serviceable at C, drafting a guy who can both C and G would be good though.
*
Tim,
This is one of the reasons I am really starting to like Forrest Lamp. I don’t think there is any way he makes it to us in the 2nd, so we would have to take him at 22, or trade down a few spots , pick up a draft pick, and grab him there.
Lot’s of options, I want to see what we do in FA first, including signing our own. We’ll know more where we stand and what position we’ll likely target early in the draft.
I think we have three options at 22: LB, G, DE.
I wouldn’t count out DT either but I put that 4th on the list.
Also do some of the newly acquired lower tier LBs become sleepers – Barrow, Lacey and Watts? Misi and Hewitt are the only other LBs on our team. All the others are some type of FA. No doubt LB will be a focus, it has to be. LOL
Misi hasn’t been cut yet?
Both Jenkins and Misi could be kept. Who knows? Maybe our first pick in the NFL draft is OJ Howard after all. Part of me would love that.
PBP’s Jason Lieser at least think there is one unit on D we don’t have to mess with. I have dreams of a killer safety coming in, but mostly agree.
And check out the headline — which Lieser may not have written — “Miami Dolphins’ secondary could be one of NFL’s best in 2017”
—————————————
Few would have anticipated this, especially after the tumultuous year this group just finished, but the Dolphins’ secondary goes into the upcoming season as one of the most solid units of the team.
Assuming everyone comes back healthy, which is expected, Miami will line up potential Pro Bowlers in strong safety Reshad Jones and cornerback Byron Maxwell, a promising young talent in corner Xavien Howard and ever-reliable free safety Isa Abdul-Quddus. All four of those starters are under contract for next season — all but Jones have multiple years left on their deals — and no older than 28.
As management cycles through various ways to tweak their roster, the defensive backfield is one component it should consider leaving as is.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/football/miami-dolphins-secondary-could-one-nfl-best-2017/jS4a9unYHCIghprROuV9uJ/
Stanger
I think Jenkins should be kept, but Misi has run out of chances IMO
Like I said — who knows what happens? Versus cap Misi cost us like $4 mil, but that cost could go down is he does a re-do. And he’s an OK player, even if probably a two-downer, and also one who can play the middle. Main point was we’ll have to see what we are looking for after FA is over….like Tim said.
schwenke, schwenke, schwenke….
Phil Savage@SeniorBowlPhil 7h7 hours ago
More
Another day, another position breakdown from @seniorbowl. Here is our look at the LB’s! Press Releases https://shar.es/19RInE
Good stuff Wyo!
Someday before the draft I’ll watch those practices I recorded . . .
I wish Rock could figure out a way to remember his fucking password or login or whatever the hell it is that keeps him from being able to post here so he’ll stop blaming me every time he can’t post here. It gets a bit old. I’m not sure what the problem is with whatever it is that he’s doing and I really don’t care. I have nothing to do with it. Yeah, yeah, I know he said he was kidding. But he likes to bring it up every now and then. So when he feels the need to do that, I’m going to have to say FUCK YOU!!!! Learn how to use the site or shut the hell up with your whining. No one else seems to have an issue but you.
Ahhhh….I feel better now. 🙂
There is a forgot your password feature. I found out the hard way
Good thing you didn’t blame it on Herd!
I also found out the hard way to never do that too. Just kidding Herd
Mike. I’m just mentioning who is currently signed. We might release Misi once we sign one in FA.
Gotcha – It would really surprise me if he isn’t cut, and somehow manages to stay with the team another season.
I can’t see him sticking at $6.5M. Half that as a reserve maybe, coaches seem to like him.
No way they keep him at that number.
I can’t see them keeping him. TIFI
Where did you get that cap number for Misi? Over the cap says 4.778M for the 2017 cap and 578K for dead money. His contract was lowered last year.
The still don’t keep him at 5 million. He’s not worth it.
Anyone have any idea what the salary balance will be between Albert and Thomas?
Albert will most likely be 7M-9M Thomas’ base is going to be much less. They said he’s going to have an incentive laden contract with a chance to make back all the money from his current contract. Why, to see where we’re at with the salary cap? Most likely save 3M-4M.
man, changing computers is a pain now a days. One has to remember all those passwords and usernames. I have my username but how can I get my password. .
You apparently have all you need
No, I’m on old computer right now.
upgrading from windows98 to xp is a big leap and these little things for all these old usernames and passwords is tough when one decides to check the box to remember your username and password. Getting old doesn’t help either.
There is a forgot your password feature
LOL @ jetsssuck – Windows 98? It’s 2017. LOL
I upgraded to xp windows. big leap with lots of cool features.
Isn’t XP like 10 years old? I don’t deal with PC much but as far as I know they’re at Windows 10 now. LOL
You’re still getting cola from a machine when you should download the app. 🙂
I was in va hospital to get a heart tune up and I had to stay in ICU. Well, a nurse was complaining about a patient veteran kid who said he was a ISIS warrior.The nurse told the doctor he was verbally abusing her. He ordered the veteran to be put into a body suit that shocks people remotely. After the va police suited him up I heard him crying about a hour later and the doctor and several nurses laughing. Poor veteran was trying to scam the VA hospital and he got more than he could handle.
Commodore64 to the rescue…..lol
LMAO!