The NFL Combine is finally here starting Tuesday February 28, 2017. You know the NFL Combine: The place where aspiring football players bounce a 225 bar from their chest. The place where 4.5 speed isn’t really fast. The place where phrases like “draft stock” are used like draft stock is a real tangible thing instead of just the manifestation of pre-draft rumors.
AH THE COMBINE!
Really the first couple of days are orientation, medial exams and measurements but by Thursday March 2, 2017 the OL, RBs and special teamers will begin their fist set of drills.
Here are some players worth watching at the combine. All of them will kill your dreams:
- Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama.
Admit it Dolfans…you covet Reuben Foster. He would be the perfect pick for us. Pound for pound Foster is considered by many to be the best linebacker in the draft. But he is unlikely to be around when the Dolphins pick.
So why should a Dolfan watch Foster at the combine? Here’s why: You are an idiot. You need to see you dreams die. The sooner the better.
When Foster demonstrates his notable athleticism at the combine, he will solidify his position as a top 10 pick. Only then can enjoy the death of your dreams of acquiring the talented linebacker.
2. Ethan Pocic, LSU, OL
I’ve heard some mutterings on this blog about Pocic. Think you are gonna get a shot at quality OL with experience at both center and guard?
At a minimum you will get a chance to watch talented players like Pocic, Pat Elfein, Dan Feeney and Forrest Lamb first as they will be the first to start recording their scores on the various events.
Here is the thing about Pocic: He’s huge. Like 6’6 to 6’7 huge. And that’s what makes him such an interesting prospect to watch at the combine. Rumor has it, some teams are looking at him as a Tackle. He does not have a lot of experience at tackle. But if his combine numbers stack up, he may be drafted to play tackle. If that happens – watch his draft stock shoot up and again, kill your dreams.
The Dolphins will not be drafting Pocic if another teams thinks he can be a starting tackle.
3. Jabril Peppers, Michigan, Various Positions
Yeah I don’t know what position he plays either. But maybe, just maybe he is an ideal 4-3 OLB with outstanding coverage skills. He might be positionless – but his athleticism is very real. I expect to hear a lot of fawning over Peppers at the combine. And when Mike Maycock fawns over a player there is lot of drool. So it’s gross.
Early in the college season Peppers was one of the top 5 players in college football. But that ambiguity about his position has caused him to appear to be slipping maybe into the 2nd round.
Will that last until the draft? NO! Peppers was built to dominate the combine. So if you started to believe that Peppers will be available at #22, then your dreams are bound to die at the combine as he blows it up.
4. Joe Mixon, Oklahoma, RB
Yes I said Joe Mixon. If you don’t know already, Mixon is a dirtbag. Not only that but Mixon was not invited to the combine because of his involvement in being a dirtbag. But you will feel like he is there. Why? Because life sucks – that is why.
See the RB position this year is top heavy with 3 very talented RBs: Cook, Fournette and McCaffrey. That trio is so strong we might see 3 first round running backs this year. But when you get past those three players – then where do you go? Its possible come April that the 4th running back to come off the board is Mixon.
And you will be reminded about his talents while he is not at the combine. Mixon might be the fastest RB to come out this year. I full expect a comment about what his score would have been if he was there. When a dirtbag gets a mention at the combine and increases his “draft stock” your dreams will die.
5. Evan Engram, Ole Miss, TE
Now we are talking. What an athlete Egram is! Should be fun to watch him do catching drills. Hey what’s his vertical? Wow really – that high?!?! This tight end class is something else. There are so many great tight ends in this draft. It is truly the year of the Tight End. We have to draft one!
Oh…we just traded for a veteran…
Okay…I will try to stomach watching the talented tight ends in this class knowing we won’t be drafting one. R.I.P. my dreams.
6. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech
Don’t get you Tannepanties in a bunch. I’m not talking about his replacement. I actually don’t know a thing about Mahomes. I don’t know if he is a franchise QB. But what I do know is teams are always looking for franchise QBs. I’m talking about unreasonable QB awe. Remember EJ Emanuel and JP Loshman. The Bills are looking for a QB in 2017 again!
I will never forget the 2011 draft. 4 QBs in the first 12 picks. “It’s a QB centric league!” And a bunch of good players fell deeper and deeper in the draft. That’s what we need if we want Reuben Foster.
Mahomes! Mahomes! Mahomes! He’s getting comparisons to Derek Carr. Alright! Drop that defensive talent to #22.
Okay – now look at that picture above and tell me you trust a guy who sticks his tongue out when he throws to mislead NFL scouts about his talent. This photo doesn’t say franchise QB, it says glue sniffer.
Your dreams will die. The QB class this year is….not so good…
7. Derek Rivers, Youngstown State, Edge
If you watched Youngstown State this year you could not miss Rivers.
What am I talking about?!?! You didn’t watch Youngstown State this year. In fact, you didn’t even know there was a Youngstown State until now. Quick – No Google. Where is Youngstown State? If you said Youngstown, Ohio – great job. But if you decided to sing the fight song of the…um…The Penguins…well just kill yourself now.
Rivers is a talented pass rusher. That lanky 6-4 end from a small school kind of reminds me of Jason Taylor. While Jason Taylor snuck up on NFL scouts, before he was a first ballot hall of famer. Rivers won’t sneak up anyone. He will put up impressive combine numbers, get compared to Taylor and before you know it – 2nd rounder! Death to your dreams again
So there you have it.
I’m not trying to depress you. I’m just saying life is meaningless.
Enjoy the Combine!
Finsmob Unleashed 
In regards to the coaching staff, I think they showed an uncanny ability to develop, motivate, & adapt in tough situations which is a hallmark of good coaching. When you do it year after year after year etc that’s when it becomes great coaching.
Absolutely no leaks from MIA this year on who will be their main target(s) in free agency this year and so close to free agency beginning. What a difference.
Were there ever leaks by Dolphins front office personnel? There’s always reporters making their own stories, like we’re not matching the $12M per Kenny Stills is supposedly getting, but I don’t ever remember anything more than that in previous years.
well, yeah, we knew about Suh long before the beginning of free agency.
professorloumiamidolphinsblog says:
February 28, 2017 at 9:00 am (Edit)
He can’t get to plays that are run wide. He’s shown that time and again if a play is run wide right or left he’ll never get there and the rb will be around the corner and gone by the time he arrives.
*****************
That’s my issue with him too
When a play goes to the edges – he is nowhere to be found
I can’t imagine that he will help us beat the Patriots
I can’t stand writing off a prospect
but McMillan jumps out to be as being particularly slow on the field
Like I said I’ll disagree with you guys on being too slow, but once again I did say if you’re looking for a “speed/cover” LB he’d be low on Miami’s board.
I think that is a huge part of our problem on defense last year
I think a huge part of the problem is just lack of talent and guys not hitting the right holes. I think Earl Mitchell didn’t help. If Phillips is on the LB play suddenly looks good also.
exactly. imagine how much of a liability he will be vs the Pats. huge.
D says:
February 27, 2017 at 2:40 pm
Wyoming, Wise is a brute strength kinda DE
He may be better suited as a 3-4 DE?
I don’t know were the team is trying to head! but I’m tired of loosing the edge because we have 3-4 OLB’s instead of 4-3 DE’s playing out there!
well, don’t be surprised if we go Tak/Phillips as our new DE’s.
Phillips?
Carroll Phillips
Honestly the construction of the Defense will be very interesting. If you play a power based run offense you better have DTs not named Suh that can occupy blockers and allow the speed guys to play to their strengths.
Is Jordan Phillips that guy?
I thought Mitchell for that profile
We might need another Big DT
D
Perfect example of what I was talking about. Not that NFL.com’s ratings equate to our Front Office’s ratings, but NFL.com has Howard at 6.5, and Zach Cunningham is rated at 5.9. So my question is, if you have a need at both TE and LB (now, after signing Julius Thomas the equation has changed), but back when I put that out there, this is exactly what I meant. Do you take Cunningham if you have him rated at 5.9, or do you take Howard who you have at 6.5?
My personal thoughts on this….Is I think Cunningham is just as valuable as OJ. What Would make choice for me would be what my team needs most vs the talent depth at those positions in the draft.
Cunningham is rated at 5.9 due to questions on his tackling. If a team feels that’s an issue they can resolve at the next level and he checks all the other boxes they won’t have an issue with taking him in the 1st rd.
However, compare a guy like Cunningham to a guy like McMillan. You can look at it and say McMillan doesn’t miss tackles but he’s not nearly in on as many plays as Cunningham is. Cunningham is in on a lot of plays other LB’s weren’t during the season and don’t have the ability to be in on. He covers a lot of ground fast.
here’s the great play by Hightower in the Super Bowl everyone is talking about. Unblocked on his way to the quarterback:
Talk about a bad day. A minute before handing out the wrong envelope for best picture at the Oscars, the accountant had tweeted out a picture of best actress winner Emma Stone on his personal account. Guess we now know what the distraction was.
But hey — he’s now the most famous guy at his firm.
My wife works for PWC. They have been auditing for the Academy for 83 years. I wonder if this was the last.
Sorry Mike E — didn’t know that one would hit close to home for anyone. My guess is yes they will but that they will be doing it on the real cheap for a number of years to come. Maybe even for free.
You know something Stanger, publicity was huge for this, and publicity, no matter how you garner it, is it a thing for Hollywood. I think it could be remedied with far less concessions by PWC.
Maybe I was overboard on free, but the double whammy on the PR hit will be if the Oscars then drop the firm afterwards. If I ran the place would want the next announcement to be that the Oscars have signed a long-term renewal deal. And yeah would be willing to offer that on the cheap to make sure that happened.
While the NFL combine is going on 16 Phins will be going to a “business combine” that Ross set up for the players to learn about the business world and help with investment planning. Good for him, but he also knows that ponying up to do it also helps the franchise.
“With what the team is doing, it kind of brings them together. And, you know, I think they experience these type of things together, they become closer together and they realize what the organization does and they’re more committed to the Miami Dolphins. And certainly, I think, when other players outside when they’re looking to see what teams they’d like to play for, it doesn’t hurt. Because the word spreads.”
D-Bolt
Before FA, I could argue (w/o signing Thomas), that TE is just as big of a need for us, having only Marqueis Gray on the roster.
Absolutely Mike….it’s all in the eye of the beholder so what each individual values at this time is no better than anyone else’s. We’re all just a sounding board of opinions.
Piggy,
We definitely need a DT who can take up blockers and hold the POA. Phillips, if he can become consistent, can be a game altering force. That final game vs NE he single handily took over that game in the second half which allowed us to nearly comeback.
One thing forgot to mention is that Ross’ business combine is being held in NYC, where Ross is a king of real estate (yeah even bigger than Trump) and includes of various real estate properties. Have to assume that includes his ongoing development on the West Side that is about the largest private one ever in New York City history.
So after it is all over, the players should respect that Ross is about a whole lot more than just the team. They might have known that before, but there is something about seeing it.
Kansas City finalized a five-year contract extension with right guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, his agent announced Tuesday. A source with knowledge of the situation told NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport the new deal is worth $41.25 million.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000788148/article/chiefs-finalizing-4125m-extension-with-duvernaytardif?campaign=tw-nf-sf59056437-sf59056437
Wow the Vikings are letting Adrian Peterson become a FA.
They haven’t won with him all this time, might as well.
Wyo
OG’s are getting PAID!
Yep!
Doesn’t look like we will get to do any bargain basement shopping!
Just pony up and get a good one!
Wyo
Either that, or Lou is right, and we just get some of the lower priced guys and supplement through the draft. We’ll see in a couple of weeks.
Ian RapoportVerified account @RapSheet 57s58 seconds ago
More
Sources: The #Chiefs & S Eric Berry are finalizing a 6-year deal worth $78M. It makes him the highest paid safety in the @NFL. Well-deserved
A Pig’s dream done — but just like with guards agree with him that safety is undervalued. Or at least was before.
I could definitely see AP on the Packers
He’d look weird in that uniform, but he’s gonna look weird in any other uniform anyway
Probably will never happen, but guessing right now the evil genius is thinking about what new schemes he could use if Peterson was willing to go there on a one-year-want-the-ring rental.
Belichick doesn’t need AP to win, but AP might need Belichick to win. lol
Stanger
That’s probably what it’s going to take to keep Jones?
The #Chiefs & S Eric Berry are finalizing a 6-year deal worth $78M
Interesting!
The Book on Jabrill Peppers: Scouting polarizing Michigan star
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000786691/article/the-book-on-jabrill-peppers-scouting-polarizing-michigan-star
He’s a super tweener.
he’s tweentastic
And Reshad is already on the books for $8 mil versus cap this year and not like he hasn’t griped about how much he was paid before. Key thing we have is that he is coming off injury and can dangle that set up contract before he hits FA next year. If we did though, he would for sure be on that same list. Wouldn’t hurt either way to take a safety higher in the draft though, even if he ends up playing with Jones for years.
I was thinking of next year!
He plays this season at his prior level and comes out healthy and then yeah he gets it, but he and his agent also knows what happens if another IR injury comes up.
Earl Thomas i heard is contemplating retirement.
Just get off the phone with him?
22: R1P22 EDGE TACO CHARLTON MICHIGAN
54: R2P22 C ETHAN POCIC LSU
97: R3P33 LB ALEX ANZALONE FLORIDA
166: R5P22 WR RYAN SWITZER NORTH CAROLINA
178: R5P34 CB CHANNING STRIBLING MICHIGAN
184: R5P40 EDGE BRYAN COX FLORIDA
206: R6P22 TE MICHAEL ROBERTS TOLEDO
240: R7P22 CB EZRA ROBINSON TENNESSEE STATE
You feel confoortable with Anzalone as your single LB upgrade?
Id also get one in FA, but id be ok with him as only draft pick yes.
I contemplated Jayon Brown to go with him using the first of the 5th round picks on him, but decided id rather draft the CB’s and get a LB in FA
Holy crap, this year Adidas reward for a person who breaks the 40 dash time is …..your own island… WTF thats pure crazy
Mike E. says:
February 28, 2017 at 4:16 pm
Just get off the phone with him?
—————————————–
No i read it in a online news feed a few days ago.
How can Adidas give away an island? Is It there’s to give?
a private person or company can own an island
It is if they own it. There are apparently stipulations, like they much wear an Adidas shoe when setting the record. They have to endorse the Adidas products, and the Island would be of Adidas’ choosing and they have the option of giving them 1million dollars instead of the island, which would also be Adidas’s choice. Taxes on the 1mil and/or island would also be responsibility of the player, not Adidas.
More i look at Chad Kelly and read about how he is kinda dropping, more im curious if we wont take a chance on him if he winds up dropping far enough in the draft. He has a Farve likeness about him, Cutler might be a better comparison if you want to factor his mental issues in with the talent. He obviously is a really talented dude, and an intriguing prospect minus the off field/character concerns.
I’m pretty interested in Chad Kelly myself. Could be a late RD steal
He’s known to be a dick right?
Look for the Cowboys to go after A.P. as a backup. lol
At this point of his career, he’d be perfect for GB
GB has Lacey and Montgomery who really started to show something as a RB. Lacey was playing really well until he went down for the year.
Lacey Underalls?
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000788062/article/joe-thomas-feels-for-suckers-attending-scouting-combine
Gotta love Joe Thomas, both as a player and a fun guy. Wouldn’t surprise me is he gets traded though. He’s 32, the Browns are rebuilding and he still has serious value……guessing he wouldn’t mind going to a contender while in his window either.
Isn’t Lacy a FA?
Not sure, maybe.
Tim, he is arrogant, yeah, little bit of a prick.
So was Marino
Yeah im not as thrown off by his attitude and some here. Id definitely take a shot on him if he was at a low enough round to be a good risk-reward pick.
D: Edge, Center, LB first 3 picks. I see you’re “sticking with the plan!” And Pocic has played at a high level at both G and C.
——————-
Hey, all you draftniks. If we, in fact, lose Stills, does that push WR into the top 3 areas of need?–NOT in my book!
ALSO, D,–When you listed the Joe Thomas article, I was expecting something on the Greatest GM in Dolphins’ history, NOT someone who plays for the lowly Browns!!-LOL!
Im assuming we will lose him, thats why i went for Switzer in the middle round of the draft, i dont think it pushes it up to a top three need persay, unless the person available to me was just a really good value pick, like one of the better receivers dropped to us. Even then i think id only go round 2-3, and it would have to be someone REALLY special for it to be a round 2 pick.
KD Cannon
I think unless we really like one of the LBs and they’re there for us, we’re going DL pass rusher in the 1st. Then LB/G or G/LB in the next two rounds.
D, maybe with one of the 5ths we take a shot at Chad Kelly, a speedy WR replacement for Stills and possibly another LB. 6th round maybe a DT. That’s if we draft with the picks we have. Something tells me it’s not going to end up that way. LOL
As you have pointed out, all depends on who we have on the roster going into the draft. And that only partly includes who we sign from other teams. We keep all our possible re-signs on the roster and our only clear starting need is at one guard spot….and that is only if the Albert deal actually gets done.
I think we double up at DE, LB and G in FA and the draft, then pluck a position here and there.
I completely agree btwn how it ends up after all is said and done. But just for instance, still see it possible that our top four LBs next year are Kiko, Jenkins, Misi and some compete FA we sign for say $3 mil and won’t be looking LB at all unless talent falls till the 5th rounders come up.
Tim
Eddie Lacy is a FA. Doesn’t mean he won’t be back, but I think AP makes sense.
GB is not a big spend team so AP would have to realize he’s in a dual back role and not a top dog anymore. He’s breaking down.
That’s exactly what I mean. He can’t be a top dog anymore, and GB wouldn’t pay for one. If were to accept a tandem situation, he’d be perfect for like a 2 YR contract
olddolphan says:
February 28, 2017 at 5:33 pm
ALSO, D,–When you listed the Joe Thomas article, I was expecting something on the Greatest GM in Dolphins’ history, NOT someone who plays for the lowly Browns!!-LOL!
————————————-
I was just thinking his comments were pretty entertaining and gives you glimpses into some of the crazy crap they ask those guys in the interviews lol. I really liked the, i guess JaMarcus nailed it line lol.
Honestly I see Kelly as a Ryan Leaf ticking time bomb. Let someone else deal with that non sense.
Im not as worried about him, i actually think he is the opposite of Leaf because i think he comes from money, he has family in the business, he is more prepared for the hooplah of the NFL life and he likely is a better pro than college kid. If he isnt you just get that distraction gone andif you are getting him in the 5th or 6th…you arent really out very much anyways.
He wont be Leaf just because no team is going to be using a 2nd overall selection on him and that changes the game in itself. If any team takes him in a later round the risk-reward i think is justified. Anything above a 3rd round selection for him, the team should have few needs to afford to potentially waste that high of a pick on him. Id be iffy on a 4th, but i could see a few teams going for him then as well.
Money didn’t make him any more ready just made him more entitled. He’s not shown an ounce of growth as a person since the day he got himself booted from Clemson. You’re correct on the cost to bring him in isn’t the same as Leaf, but he has the same explosive impulsive traits that Leaf had with a high sense of self entitlement…JMHO.
Tim i think we could take a DT for sure, but i think we would be looking more for a guy who is just a stud at the position, a indication we might not be very high on Phillips work ethic and consistency, or we go for value and potential that can be developed. I kinda think we might would shoot for late, maybe 6-7th round (and there are a couple guys i really like as possibles there), and i wouldnt be surprised for a mid level guy from FA, again value over studdage, because i personally think we have a stud in Phillips already. He causes havok when he is on. I mean i have seen him just work a OG, walk them right back into the QB. I have sen plays he absolutely manhandles people. He also is surprisingly quick and might actually be a scary pass rusher from that position if he can just work out some of his workout issues and get in better shape.
AP needs to realize that if he wants to play for a few more years, he really needs to move to a committee RB situation just for longevity. He really is at a crossroads right now, and he will either accept that its time for him to understand he has a new role, or he needs to walk away without going there. Tomlinson figured out he couldnt do it after one year of trying it.
dbolt48 says:
February 28, 2017 at 6:41 pm
Money didn’t make him any more ready just made him more entitled. He’s not shown an ounce of growth as a person since the day he got himself booted from Clemson. You’re correct on the cost to bring him in isn’t the same as Leaf, but he has the same explosive impulsive traits that Leaf had with a high sense of self entitlement…JMHO.
————————————–
Yeah i guess what im saying is i see what your concerned with, and if we were talking aboutdrafting him as the face of our franchise, using a extremely valuable pick on him, absolutley the wrong decision and i would agree with being too worried about him to want to put our team through it.
Im seeing him as a 5th or 6th round selection though, and with that he carries less concern over the character issues. So i completely agree with oyu that he has some traits that make him scary, we just could afford to see if he might lose them or be coached out of them, and taught to be a professional, as a later round selection. If we did draft him and he became Ryan Leaf, cut him and let someone else deal with him if they want to. He does have the potential however to go the other direction, and in the case that he straightened things out, he could be a helluva steal.
Yeah…he just scares me in any round….I’d struggle to bring him in as an UDFA. I will admit he has nice physical tools to work with.
Dbolt, What i was saying about the money is some players get to the NFL get that money and go buck wild crazy. I think that was part of what was with Leaf because i think he was one of those that didnt really come from money and when he got a taste for it just lost his focus on what got him there and what would keep him there. I dont think Chad Kelly will have the same issues as he comes from money and it wouldnt be as big of a culture shock and he has a HOF Uncle who could help him understand how to be a pro. As much as i really dont care for Jim Kelly, he was a very solid and responsible pro so im kinda thinking some of that might rub off on Chad.
I completely understood what you meant about that👍
D,
Phillips has all the physical tools needed to be a serious beast at under tackle….always has. It’s always been above the shoulders that holds him back. Focus. I think this is a big year for him. He’s shown he can dominate single blocks. He needs to do it game in and game out now. Then, can he still win when he draws more attention like Suh can…because he will if he keeps beating singles like he did late in the year. If he’s truly an upper echelon guy, he’ll get it done after the extra guy comes his way.
I agree. Its kinda frustrating because i see the plays he takes off, and it pisses me off because as long as he isnt gasses he is just brutal, but he gets gassed easy and then he coasts some or maybe its just he cant play through exhaustion.
I can easily remember when i was playing getting so gassed i hardly could catch my breath, and on the next snap i just dug deep and gave it everything, and then the next play and the next play. Our team was small so i played on both sides of the ball and on the ST units, so i didnt get a break. I can completely empathize with exhausted, but the great players will themselves through it, and we need him to become on of those guys, a real team player that consistently gives full effort every play.
I also like that Nathan Peterman kid from Pitt as a possible project QB. He might last until it wouldnt be a bad chance at taking a shot at him, but i think he is a less risk, with less star potential kind of pick, i guess some call it a “safe pick”.
I could deal with that.
I heard the guys on NFL radio talking about him. They like him a lot, skill wise, as a pocket passer. Didn’t sound to me like he was going to last in to the later rounds.
D,
As I said, I think Phillips needs to focus on being a professional and make it his priority year long. He could lose some weight. Maybe the team wanted him heavier because he played more of a run stuffing role, but I’ve always felt he could be more effective if he dropped a few pounds. I’d like to see him around 315 not 335-40.
Randy — Phillips flashes, but think they want a stay at home stump DT in there on rush downs at least. Also pretty sure with Mitchell gone that there will a 3rd DT who will split time with mainly Phillips….and that guy can get winded too. Part of why Suh gets the big money is his motor and that he can stay in for like 85% of the snaps……pretty amazing that actually.
LB ZACH CUNNINGHAM
VANDERBILT
54: R2P22
G DORIAN JOHNSON
PITTSBURGH
97: R3P33
EDGE JORDAN WILLIS
KANSAS STATE
166: R5P22
EDGE DAESHON HALL
TEXAS A&M
178: R5P34
WR RYAN SWITZER
NORTH CAROLINA
184: R5P40
C JON TOTH
KENTUCKY
206: R6P22
TE MICHAEL ROBERTS
Man big names dropping now. Jamal Charles cut, darellel revis, AP, ….
stanger,
Yep. That’s all true. But, I think it would be a waste if they want Phillips to just be a run stopper. He moves really well for such a big guy. He could be even better a little smaller, is all.
Mr. President, Great speech to try and bring all sides together….very proud moment as an American and as a human being who wants what’s best for his fellow human beings!
The onus is now on the opposers to come to the table and put their selfish agendas aside.
Randy, totally agree on Phillips. We’re banking on him, we need a solid 3rd though.
He’s very young, and typically most big DT’s start to really become a force in their 3rd+ years. I have optimism that he’ll become a rock next to Suh and beyond.
LB ZACH CUNNINGHAM
VANDERBILT
54: R2P22
EDGE DEMARCUS WALKER
FLORIDA STATE
97: R3P33
LB DUKE RILEY
LSU
166: R5P22
WR KD CANNON
BAYLOR
178: R5P34
G JESSAMEN DUNKER
TENNESSEE STATE
184: R5P40
C CAMERON TOM
SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
206: R6P22
EDGE DEATRICH WISE JR.
Here is a defense first 3 picks draft
I can’t pass Duke Riley up
We get a lot faster on D in this draft
We better get OL via free agency if we do this
great looking draft….and yes, especially if we get a solid FA OG.
Oink
D,
This was one of those incidents that made me a 100% no on
Kelly pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct after he was arrested and accused of punching two bar bouncers and threatening to get a gun and shoot up the place.
Sounds like a normal drunk college kid! 😉
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C51n9vmXMAEG79s.jpg:large
Happy National Pig Day Piggy!!!
NPPC @NPPC 1h
1 hour ago
Happy #NationalPigDay! Every day is pig day here at NPPC! pic.twitter.com/ivZ2ZVTjwu
Great timing
Happy Pig Day Piggy!
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/armando-salguero/article135645648.html
I think Alonso could still play MLB if we have 2 good bookends around him. If we can get 2 solid LB’s, we can see how it works with him at MLB, and if it’s not optimal, we can move him outside.
I agree
I think you are just looking for the best talent at LB
preferably we move Alonso outside and get a Mike
but when its said and done, I think if you have 3 solid LBs including Alonso that is the goal
So Alonso can stay outside if we draft/sign guys that our better fits for OLB
@uSTADIUM: NFL salary cap officially set at $167M.
THis might take Leary off as an OG option.
@fishsports: Source tells me #Cowboys RT Doug Free is considering retirement. Full scoop coming to @1053thefan
Maybe, maybe not. They still have La’el Collins
I think Elijah Lee and Duke Riley are 2 LBs to keep an eye on for the Dolphins bc both are pretty good in coverage
but I imagine drafting either might keep Alonso at MLB, bc they are both better suited outside IMO
Lee especially if they’re going w/ that speed LB.
He’s a talent
some people think he came out a year too early
I would never put him in a power based defense, but in a scheme that will emphasize speed vs brute power I like him a lot.
Josh Gordon s allying for retinsyyemenr to the NFL today
Want another Dion Jordan?
The KeaperSniffer rides again!
Will at least be interesting to see where he ends up. Have a feeling whatever contract he signs will be light on guaranteed cash even if the number looks big.
Adam SchefterVerified account @AdamSchefter 24m24 minutes ago
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NFL salary cap officially set today at $167 million per team, per source. Gentlemen, start your checkbooks.
Mike,
I’m assuming they’d kick Collins to RT.
Interesting team draft ranking by total points on the Jimmy Johnson trade value chart. We come in #22 (1322 points), which is right about where we finished in the round selection. So our comp picks brought us back to “normal”.
# 7 Jets (2477 points)
#13 Bills (2039)
#27 Pats (1149)…..they ain’t stocking future drafts like they used to.
#1 Browns (5627) doubled all but three teams in the league. #2 Niners have 3619.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2017-nfl-draft-cleveland-browns-lap-the-field-in-draft-capital-rams-rank-last/
How much do you guys think the combo of Zeitler and Warford at OG will cost?
Would you guys like those fits?
I basically never want to worry about the OL again
If Warford gets near Zeitlers asking price then I’d just pay Zeitler the extra and get a cheaper option at LG. I wouldn’t sign both as you’d be asking one to become a LG & you don’t know how that transition would go.
I can’t see doing both Zeitler and Warford. Maybe Zeitler and Joeckel or Pasztor. If Joeckel is healthy, I kind of like the versatility he brings to play both G or T.
I’d like one or the other. Am willing to make either our FA splash. Don’t see us finding that at LB or DE (after the tags came down), which would be the other obvious choices.
It sounds like Misi will be cleared by May. Not sure whether we keep him, restructure or release him, but his neck injury doesn’t appear to be career threatening which is good for him.
http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/dolphins-koa-misi-expects-to-be-cleared-in-may/
And Misi could be on our roster. Figure if they were going to let him go they would have done like they did for Mitchell or (at first with) with Albert.
I think it’s a medical/insurance thing. He’s not cleared yet. He was on IR and it was a football injury.
You could be right on that. Know medical versus actual cuts come into play, even if not the specifics. Sounds like he is still there for us for like $4 mil versus cap though.
Stanger
Like I mentioned in my article, I’d love to get LB Malcolm Smith. I don’t think he’ll be expensive. He’s not not an upper echelon player, but he’s very fast, and can tackle. I think he’d give us plenty of flexibility too, because like Alonso, he can play inside or out. Just in case we can’t get the LB we want, it gives us a guy we can start, while if we draft a LB a little later, who may not be able to start right away, it gives him time to learn.
Am sure you are right, but don’t know enough about their football to comment. Only have the big names on my radar, so only looking for who those might be. Know there will be a bunch of others, but Smith and Joeckel sound good…..especially given the fill the need part.
Stanger
Not that Spotrac is the end all, but they have Joeckel’s market value at under $2M per year. I think that might be on the low side, but even if it is, he’s not an expensive option. He’s basically a failed LT trying to play G, but I think if the right coach grabs a hold of this kid, he can be a quality player.
he was really good at TAMU
Adam SchefterVerified account @AdamSchefter 1h1 hour ago
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DE Chris Long posted that he won’t be back with the Patriots in free agency.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRG1oioh0E1/?taken-by=laflamablanca95&hl=en …
Liz MullenVerified account @SBJLizMullen 2h2 hours ago
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Miami Dolphins CB Byron Maxwell has signed with @RosenhausSports. NFL agents Drew Rosenhaus & LeRon McCoy repping him.
Not nearly as bad as Marino having a baby child, but still hurts on a player I liked.
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“Former NFL defensive back Will Allen was given six years in prison for his role in a Ponzi scheme, a harsher sentence than observers expected…. The scheme cost investors about $17 million.”
I’d say this was worse. Having a love child is a mistake, this was with criminal intent.
Sorry Tim — I missed a “not” in there about Marino. Still hurts when guys you really liked on the field let you down. And not like wasn’t wishing bad for Joey Porter in his career.
Mike E. says:
February 28, 2017 at 10:40 am
D
Perfect example of what I was talking about. Not that NFL.com’s ratings equate to our Front Office’s ratings, but NFL.com has Howard at 6.5, and Zach Cunningham is rated at 5.9. So my question is, if you have a need at both TE and LB (now, after signing Julius Thomas the equation has changed), but back when I put that out there, this is exactly what I meant. Do you take Cunningham if you have him rated at 5.9, or do you take Howard who you have at 6.5?
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Sorry Mike, didnt see this one yesterday. So lets start off with saying 6.5, 5.9 is NFL.com’s rating, in their opinion. IMO these numbers are completely worthless to me, and i would have my own numbers i have from scouting, combine, senior bowl, etc.
My number would probably start out with a base value, would scale up or down by where this player ranks within his position group for different aspects of how my offense uses a TE, or how i was intending to (in the case of i haven’t but only because i didn’t have the right person). I factor in also how much that player could potentially open up the entire offensive play book.
I now have a value of how he ranks withing his own position group, and what offset he is just on overall benefit to the team. I then factor in any other aspects that i might think are positives or negatives regarding him, be it personality issues, or weaknesses in their game play, poor development from college coaching staff etc and i wind up with a total value i have for the player.
Now factor in the Thomas trade. I go back and make an adjustment based upon my confidence im getting everything i expect from Thomas, my plan for using Thomas, how much i think he by himself completes my need at TE, and how many years i felt i was looking to keep him, etc. Of course other factors go in like if we are planning to re-sign Sims or not, or if we feel like any of the other TE’s can compliment Thomas enough to give us something comparable to Thomas and Howard on the same line. I adjust Howard’s number accordingly. Same thing gets done for each of the prospects on way to building a bigboard.
This is wordy, but what of my writings isnt. What i was hoping to illustrate with this is to me the score for the player to me is irrelevant to the value a team places on the player, and it could easily be that the two could be completely different, but yet still both be right for the reasons of doing them. No person or set of people at NFL.com can have all the information necessary to pick a number for any team in the NFL that would represent Howard effectively, so they literally could have not had a number and had a picture of a banana and it been just as accurate as the 6.5.
No doubt is OJ Howard a good TE prospect, and athlete, but who really cares if he isn’t the right fit for us, and what makes him the right fit takes factoring in a whole bunch of things that has nothing to do with some arbitrary player rating done by a writer, or even a group of writers, at ESPN, or NFL.com.
Not getting the 4th round comp pick hurts a little. Would have been really nice had it been a 3rd 4th and 5th or even 3rd 4th and 6th. That 4th basically causes us to lose a much more valuable pick, where as if we had got a 4th comp pick we would have given that one up and kept the higher value one. Im sure if we need to move around in the draft trades will be possible to get into the 4th, but i was really really hoping for that 4th comp.
For those that havent seen yet, we have 97th, 180th and 186th overall in comp picks.
I dont see Warford and Zeitler both, one for sure and preferrably Zeitler. I think Joeckel might could be in play for a secondary target, or maybe someone like Schwenke,or Aboushi from the Texans.
Piggy
Joeckel was a very highly rated prospect going into the draft. He wasn’t the most powerful guy, but a lot of guys aren’t until they hit the NFL training programs. he’s a very good athlete though, and supposedly, a pretty good technical player
D
I hate to add another post to this already “dead-horse” thread, but you keep missing the most important point, and it’s so frustrating to me. Forget that it’s NFL.com’s rating, mine was just a hypothetical, with the Dolphins FO having those ratings. Nothing else matters, just that the Dolphins have Howard at a 6.5, and Cunningham at 5.9. My question was with that being the case, would we take Cunningham over Howard? That’s it, it was just a hypothetical situation.
is that a big difference?
I don’t even know why I’m getting involved in this. There’s very little chance Howard would fall that far anyway. If he did, we’d be looking at another situation like last year where some kind of negative information came out about the player that caused him to drop.
If Howard did fall, depending on the reason, you may need to pass on him. So, a player with THAT grade, if there’s that much of a difference in your hypothetical wouldn’t be able to fall because you’ve got to consider other teams picking before MIA would have a similar grade.
Lou
I think it is a pretty big difference. It could be a RD difference, if you stayed true to your grade.
there’s that much of a difference in those two grades?
LOL – Did I stutter? Again, not that NFL.com’s rating equate to any teams ratings, but there are 23 players between Howard and Cunningham. Don’t you agree that’s a big difference?
Lou
I agree with your 7:26PM post, which is why I called it a “dead horse” post. I just responded to D for the last time so he knew what I meant
okay then. good to know.
The Flying Pig says:
March 1, 2017 at 1:53 pm
How much do you guys think the combo of Zeitler and Warford at OG will cost?
Would you guys like those fits?
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Pigs, I would guess $15-17 million a year for the two.
Has anyone started talking about this year’s fest?
I talked about it with my wife the other day, but if you mean have we all picked a date yet, we have not. I think Stanger mentioned we have to decide earlier, so i think we will sooner this year than last year.
I think most of the time
It comes up after the schedule comes out
Phelon
I think Zeitler and Warford are probably closer to $20M. I think Zeitler will be between $10-12M, and Warford not far behind between $8-9M
Lou
Just to add, now that we signed Julius Thomas, I think there’s zero chance we draft O.J. Howard, even if the grades were as I said, and he was there. Depending upon what else we do in FA, I think we likely go edge rusher or LB. OL would be 3rd behind DE and LB
Not officially yet, but he will be signed.
I think $9 or 10 for Heil Zeitler and 7-ish for Daddy Warbucks. I know ghe talking heads are throwing out $11 or12 for der fuhrer, but the guy they are comparing him to is a left tackle. I think he goes for less.
I want to make sure I get the date for the fest. I just put a deposit down on season tickets, so I will be there.
LOL! Phelon – I’ll make sure I get in touch with you when we’re voting on a date, so you can put your vote in.
Phelon; I paid for the entire season X 2 tickets in January. Looks like Mrs. OD has a pretty good chance of being in good enough health to attend SOME games. She’s STILL PISSED AT MANAGEMENT for the incident in the parking lot 3 seasons ago. And ALL OF MY “BOYZ” have let their tix lapse due to various disagreements with management. So it’s a NEW ERA for me, the Last of the Mohicans, er, “BOYZ.” –I’m hoping to attend live games for many more years. And oh how I want to see ONE MORE CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON!!
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AS for Fest days, I’d caution against September games, due to the excessive heat and the previously discussed “FRIED BACON FACTOR.” Beginning Oct. 15, the heat becomes slightly less oppressive and the incidence of hurricanes drops dramatically. South Florida has NEVER been hit by a major hurricane that developed AFTER Oct. 15.
I say we’re going DE/pass rusher at #22 if we stay there. There will be LBs in the 2nd and 3rd rd, even after that.
I agree. I think we’re gonna nag de as well
Sorry autocorrect I meant DE 🙂
I still think the guy we’re “targeting” in the first round is Tak McKinely at the spot we’re at. I think when they have everything set up they’re going to do their own estimation of who will be around at that spot and Tak is going to be the man.
Maybe
It’s actually a fairly deep for DEs
We can probably get a day 1 starter at 22
I like some of the LBs that may be available in 2nd and 3rd round
And I think those 3 5th rounders can be used to trade up some
I’ll be out west Oct 21-29, so I won’t be voting for those days.
OD – I’ll be going down in three weeks or so to pick my seats.
copy that, phelon!
Raekwon McMIllan draft grade and analysis:
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/raekwon-mcmillan?id=2558070
Not stellar.
22: R1P22
EDGE TIM WILLIAMS
ALABAMA
54: R2P22
LB JARRAD DAVIS
FLORIDA
97: R3P33
CB CORN ELDER
MIAMI
166: R5P22
C JON TOTH
KENTUCKY
178: R5P34
LB ELIJAH LEE
KANSAS STATE
184: R5P40
WR KD CANNON
BAYLOR
206: R6P22
G KYLE KALIS
MICHIGAN
Omar KellyVerified account @OmarKelly 18m18 minutes ago
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Listening to Mike Tannenbaum on @560WQAM it sounds like re-signing Andre Branch, Dion Sims & Kenny Stills is Miami’s top offseason priority.
ACCORDING TO THIS MORNING’S TAMPA BAY TIMES, Bucs’ starting RB Doug Martin likely won’t be part of this year’s team. Martin is rehabbing from a PEDS suspension and appears to be in really good shape. As many of you know, Martin set rushing records at Boise State which stood until broken by Jay Ajayi. IF Martin becomes a free agent, the Dolphins would be well advised to “kick the tires” for a possible back-up to Ajayi. Martin’s old contract was abrogated by his drug suspension. So he can be had for a bargain price. And he’s EXACTLY the kind of runner Gase LOVES!! –We’ve GOT to find a suitable back-up to Ajayi, a guy who, if called upon, has PROVEN he can rush for over 1000 yards a season. I’m NOT saying Martin STILL is THAT man. But I’d sure as hell bring him in for a work out!!!!!!
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Marlins at Mets, 1 PM, at Port St. Lucie live on MLB Network. Tempted to take ANOTHER day off. Last night I was thinking “Wouln’t it be GREAT if I could meet up with about a dozen “FESTERS” at the old ball yard today?” Might have to have a beer or two with Piggy, Mike E., and “The Boyz!” AH, ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE!!!
I would love to OD! That would be great. Not as great as a Fest, but it would be fun for sure.
BTW – NEW BLOG UP in 2 minutes, I accidentally scheduled it for 6PM instead of 6AM. Doh!
Boy, that Larry Bukkake from Jison U is a real up and coming player.
ProfessorLOU @ProfessorLou1 41m41 minutes ago
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Boy, that Larry Bukkake from Jison U is a real up and coming player.
Lee Harvey @Wyoming85Lee 2m2 minutes ago
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@ProfessorLou1 Maybe Omar can get us a facial to facial interview?