I’ve gone over the major needs positions in the last few weeks (OL, DE, LB, CB), and today I’m going to kind of give you the best of the rest. Today I’ll look at safeties, DT’s, and a couple of TE’s. I can’t believe the draft is TOMORROW! We’ve talked and discussed all these prospects for months and months and now it will all be over in one long weekend. I hope we ALL enjoy the draft, and it gives us a lot more optimism heading into the 2017 season.
Malik Hooker S 6’1” 206 Ohio State
We know the guy has talent, but he’s basically a one year wonder. Hooker played in 6 games his Freshman season, and then really put himself on the map with a great Sophomore season, starting 13 games for Ohio St. He finished with 74 tackles (43 solo), 5.5 TFL’s, 4 passes defensed, and a whopping 7 INT’s (3 returns for TD’s). Obviously Hooker has off the charts ball skills, but he is a prospect that is still very new at the safety position, and still has a lot of learning to do as to how to play the position. He will likely be off the board before we pick, but you never know. Hooker was unable to perform at the combine and his pro day due to having sports hernia and labrum surgeries. He is the top rated safety on NFL.com at 6.7
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Jabrill Peppers S 5’11” 213 Michigan
Polarizing figure for sure. Some here think he’s the best thing sliced bread. Others feel he’s a man without a true position. In any case, the guy has terrific athletic ability. He was used in various ways at Michigan, and in some ways, the fact that he didn’t get to concentrate on one position may have hurt him with some teams, and helped him with others that seek his versatility. Peppers started his Sophomore and Junior years. He finished his last year with 66 tackles (46 solo), 13 TFL’s, 3 sacks, 1 pass defensed, and 1 INT. So what you see here are not elite safety stats, and the 1 pass defensed and 1 INT indicate coverage is not his best suit. Possibly not his fault due to the way he was used, more like a LB near the LOS. In any case, as it’s been said by many experts, his best chance to succeed will be for a team that has a specific plan for him. Peppers did very well at the combine (besides the drug test), running a 4.46 40. He happens to be an elite return man, and that’s a plus for him as well, but I don’t think he’s a guy you just throw out there as a safety and expect him all of a sudden to be able to cover. NFL.com has Peppers rated at 6.06.
Oh, and Peppers was found to have a diluted drug test sample at the combine, which means once he signs, he will be in the NFL’s substance abuse program. He was just thirsty, give the guy a break, will ya! Anyone remember the last Gibril?
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Budda Baker S 5’10” 195 Washington
Baker was a 3 YR starter for the Huskies. His Junior season, Budda finished up with 70 tackles (48 solo), 9.5 TFL’s, 3 sacks, 5 passes defensed, 1 FF, and 2 INT’s. Baker is a former HS sprinter, and he did well at the combine, running a 4.45, a 6.76 cone, and a 4.08 20 yard shuttle. Budda is definitely undersized, and I’m sure many wonder if he can hold up in the NFL. Definitely too small to match up with TE’s, Baker maybe a deep safety who can also play some small nickel. The guy has tons of heart, and likes to mix it up, but I’d be worried about his size, which is nearly maxed out at 195 lbs. NFL.com has Baker rated at 5.91
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Obi Melifonwu S 6’4” 224 Connecticut
Help us Obi Meli Fonwu! You’re our only hope! 4 YR starter at Connecticut. Obi finished his Senior season with 118 tackles (73 solo), 3 passes defensed, 1 FR, and 4 INT’s. This guy is a freak athlete. Ran a 4.4 40, jumped out of the combine with a 44” vertical, and nearly set the broad jump world record with a 144” jump. OK, so he has elite size and athleticism. What could be wrong? He’s a little slow to react what he’s seeing, and hasn’t shown good instincts. He does however, have the size to match up very well with TE’s, and that’s the type of defender I’ve been looking at for quite some time. He’s compared to the Bengals safety George Iloka who I pined for here in that draft, but he’s Iloka on steroids. He may not be ready to start now, he may take time to develop, but I’d love to see this kid on the Dolphins. NFL.com has Obi rated at 5.77
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Josh Jones S 6’1” 220 N.C. State
3 YR starter at NC State, Jones completed his Junior season totaling 109 tackles, (62 solo), 4 TFL’s, 1 sack, 8 passes defensed, 1 FF, 1 FR, and 3 INT’s. Jones has great size and speed, and showed up well at the combine running a 4.41 40. Very aggressive player with excellent leaping ability to challenge receivers. Loves to hit, but sometimes foregoes proper wrap up technique and looks to just lay the lumber. Can play in the box or in CF. I like his size and attitude, and could be a nice 2nd or 3rd RD pick. NFL.com has Jones rated at 5.88
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Malik McDowell DT/DE 6’6” 295 Michigan St.
Has played both DE and DT, and will likely continue to do so in the NFL. That kind of versatility will only help him. 3 YR starter, McDowell in his Junior year totaled 34 tackles (20 solo), 7 TFL’s, and 1.5 sacks. Not very explosive, the big guy ran well enough posting a 4.85 40 at 295 lbs. Only put up 23 reps, but he’s got those long arms. Interesting prospect with elite size, He needs a lot of coaching, and probably endurance training. He fades away at times during games, and is it heart, or exhaustion? Some scouts think he can be a dominant player, so he may be in play for us. Most likely a 1st RD pick. NFL.com has McDowell rated at 6.22
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Chris Wormley DT/DE 6’5” 298 Michigan
Another versatile big man who can play both inside and outside. Wormley was a 4 YR starter at Michigan, and finished his last season with 36 tackles (18 solo), 7.5 TFL’s, and 5.5 sacks. Wormley didn’t perform at the combine because of a hamstring injury, but did very well at his pro day. Wormley ran a 4.86 40, a 4.59 20 yard shuttle, a 1.62 10 yard dash. and a 31.5” vertical. Needs to work on his pass rushing skills (as many prospects do) His defensive coordinator loved the kid, so that’s a plus. Good leader with good character. NFL.com has Wormley rated at 5.83
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Montravius Adams DT 6’4” 304 Auburn
4 YR starter at Auburn. Turned in an impressive season, totaling 43 tackles (26 solo), 8 TFL’s, 4 sacks, 1 FF, 2 FR’s, and 2 passes defensed, and 1 INT. Played his last season with an improved motor compared to his Junior season. Not necessarily a starter at the moment, could be a good rotational guy at the present. NFL.com has Adams rated at 5.68
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Bucky Hodges TE 6’6” 257 VA Tech
3 YR starter at VA Tech, Hodges has the prototypical TE size. Hodges totaled 48 receptions for 691 yards for a 14.4 YPC avg, and hauled in 7 TD’s in his Junior season. Hodges ran an impressive 4.57 40, an equally impressive 39” vertical and 134” broad jump. This kid is obviously an excellent athlete who can make the high point catch. Not a great route runner, and is a converted QB. Needs to hit the weight room too, not very powerful at the present. Still, he offers definite potential down the line, and wouldn’t be a bad choice if the Dolphins are truly looking for a TE in this draft. NFL.com has Hodges rated at 5.72
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Jeremy Sprinkle TE 6’5” 252 Arkansas
Sprinkle was a 3 YR starter at Arkansas. In his Senior season, Sprinkle finished with 33 receptions for 380 yards for an 11.5 YPC, and 4 TD’s. Besides being a good receiver, Sprinkle is also an accomplished blocker. Has long arms to keep defenders off, and is a willing blocker. Has run after catch ability and flashes a good stiff arm. Needs to hit the gym, but lots of prospects do. A good mid RD pick if we’re looking for a TE. NFL.com has Sprinkle rated at 5.54
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Remember, the draft begins at 8PM on Thursday, 4/27. Don’t miss it, and if you’re working a 13 hour day like me, you’ll STILL have time to get home and relax (YEAH RIGHT!) before we pick at #22. I have to say, we all have our opinions here, and I value all of yours, really. Just because we don’t agree on everything doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate and respect each other. Enjoy the draft, GO DOLPHINS, and ZERO IN!
Finsmob Unleashed 
Nice article Mike
Thanks D-Bolt
The Flying Pig says:
April 25, 2017 at 9:26 pm
You should add Cunningham, Riley, Walker and Elijah Lee to your LBs
Do you think Takk will okay OLB
He kind of has a DE feel to me
———–
I’ve come to the conclusion that Cunningham is solid (see Koa Misi), but he’s not a game-changer (JMO). I LIKE him, but I don’t LUV him. I think Cunningham would be a ‘safe’ pick, but he’s not going to be an impact player. Again, JMO. Riley, Wallker, and Lee are all solid prospects as well.
My man Takk can play where ever anybody wants him to play (DE or LB). For us? I hope he’s drafted to be a DE. I think if we ‘double-down’ on the LB position (Takk being one ‘LB’), that procures him as a DE for us. If not, he may be Misi’s replacement. I hope that makes sense to ya.
M,
I think what you’re trying to say w/ Takk is draft him & he can play at SOLB on regular downs and kick down to DE in rush packages while he hones his craft of pass rushing.
I approve of this message! That absolutely works for me.
Jones is a player I like. Sprinkle is a talented TE, but a complete dip-shit. Very wary Of McDowell after hearing rumors of the toxicity he created in the locker room at MSU along w/ being mentioned as having horrible combine interviews. Wormsley is someone you’d think any coaching staff would love to have.
D-Bolt
I think you can do the same with Reddick, but I’d be shocked if he makes it to #22
Reddick, Bowser, Takk, Watt, Anderson, & Carraway are all guys who can be base OLBvw/ rush kick down ability. Doesn’t mean they’ll all succeed, but they have shown the ability in college.
Yes, well done
FEST
Will be Titans (Sun, Oct 8) or Yets (Sun, Oct 22), both start at one. If you have not already voted, the poll is up. Will be the night before meet-up and Chef Warrens tailgate as usghe.
Need to get a rough number to reserve the group ticket section, but don’t worry if you are not sure cause they let you adjust down when payment is due a like 8 weeks before the game.
ALREADY IN (for either game)
Pig
PhinDog (+2 or +3)
Mike E (+1)
Son (+1…..and # will grow)
Rock
Chef Warren (+1)
Stanger (+1)
Phelonius (plus something)
Toba (+1)
OD
POSSIBLE
Ken (Jets works better)
Herd
Howie
New add is OD — as if there was ever any doubt. Now we just have to convince him to join the gang up in the nosebleeds.
Help us sent the number. And if someone like Bookman or DRG pops in, make sure they know.
Bookman pledged to go but we just haven’t seen him in a while.
Yep — his Arnold “I’ll be back” every year pledge sorta s how you have to be at one to understand. But then far as I know he doesn’t even know the possible dates yet. You gonna be getting some of your crew together for the weekend?
Way to go Mikey
Thanks Sonny
Son
Does Bookman have a pledge pin?
No but he has a GIANT mug
LOL – That he does, that he does. Like a barrel with a handle
Mike E — Much as would love some hot Pepper……Budda Baker sure would look good for us playing centerfield.
And thanks for all the awesome draft pre work. You and the Pig have combined to do better Phins prep for me than any draft site out there could do.
Baker is a very good player. Despite a mostly maxed out frame he could still be successful kind of like Renaldo Hill when he played FS for us.
YW – My pleasure! The Great Pig and I have laid it all out there, now it’s time to kick back and see what actually happens
Stanger, I’m working on my final number will know soon.
Thanks Son — keep in mind it doesn’t have to be a final final #. A good guess is all am asking for….just like what I give them with a bit of cushion. And if you need a couple more down the road not a problem either….say six more might be one though.
D-Bolt
I really liked Renaldo Hill, but Brock Marion even more
nice job mike. I saw in one mock that Malik Hooker dropped to 22. That would be something if it happens.
Thanks, I saw that too, mentioned it yesterday. That would be something!
Wow so now we play against both Lynch and Peterson this year. Our run defense better be ready to go. That not including Freeman and other good rbs we’ll be going against.
I just read that Grier had a 1st round grade on Jordan Phillips and 2nd round grade on Carroo. He was also gonna take William Jackson last year in the first if Tunsil hadn’t fallen.
Maybe we should have kept Hickey.
Where did you read that at? Man, WJ3 was my MAN CRUSH last year!
MY Phins 1st Round Draft history since ’04…
’04- Phins pick: Vernon Carey; my pick: Philip Rivers (wanted Shawn Andrews after Rivers went @ R1P4)
’05- Phins pick: Ronnie Brown; my pick: Alex Smith (wanted Cedric Benson after Smith went @ R1P1)
’06- Phins pick: Jason Allen; my pick: Tamba Hali
’07- Phins pick: Ted Ginn Jr and his family; my pick: Levi Brown (wanted Patrick Willis after Brown went @ R1P5)
’08- Phins pick: Jake Long; my pick: Jake Long
’09- Phins pick: Vontae Davis; my pick: Vontae Davis
’10- Phins pick: Jared Odrick; my pick: Pearl Thomas (wanted Sergio Kindle after the tradedown)
’11- Phins pick: Mike Pouncey; my pick: Mike Pouncey
’12- Phins pick: Ryan Tannehill; my pick: Ryan Tannehill
’13- Phins pick: Dion Jordan; my pick: Cordarrelle Patterson in a preferrable trade down
’14- Phins pick: Ja’Wuan James; my pick: Zack Martin (wanted C.J. Mosley, then Ja’Wuan James after Martin)
’15- Phins pick: DeVante Parker; my pick: DeVante Parker
’16- Phins pick: Laremy Tunsil: my pick: William Jackson III in a preferrable trade down
I’m 5-8 over the last 13 years! LOL
😀
My pick this year: TAKKARIST MCKINLEY
Pretty good record
I can’t beleive you remember all this
Sergio Kindle (I wanted him too) gave me a good nostagilic laugh
He fell down stairs and fractured his skull if I remember right – WTF
You just never know with prospects
Thanks, Pig! I know you like Philip Rivers, too!
I’ve gone after some doozies like Levi Brown, LOL. How EMBARRASSING!
Good piece Mike
Thanks Piggy!
Thinking James Walker might be worried about getting a pink slip today.
————————-
“ESPN will cut more than 100 employees today, That number is much bigger than the 40-50 that was initially reported. ESPN aims to notify all of the people today, if it can do so.
The 100 people getting cut are all “on-air talent,” a label ESPN uses for TV personalities, radio hosts, and writers who regularly appear on TV and radio.”
Ed Werder and John Buccigross have already been released as of this moment. Mickey Mouse is heartless.
Wait… Joe Schad just said the Buccigross report is inaccurate.
mf13,
I read it in the mando article last night. I can’t find it now. It may have been in the comment section so it could have been fake news 🙂 But I could easily have seen it being true.
Got ya, Boulder! Thanks!
WJ3 is going to be a STUD. Too bad he went on I/R before the season even began last year for the Bengals.
If Barnett, foster and peppers are all still there at 22 I think I would go with Barnett.
I have a couple of big misses the last couple of years
2014 – Lache seastrunk
2015 – Scooby Wright
In my defense I didn’t expect either to be any better than 3rd rounders
My new motto is not to fall in love with a prospect who at best is a 3rd rounder. Those guys can go from 3rd to UDFA in a blink of an eye
And their current team isn’t partial to keeping them on the final 53 if they are day 3
1st rounders are no sure thing
But don’t have a man crush on a later pick…lol
I was right there with ya on Lache and Scooby. But when Scooby failed to break 4.80 on his 40 at the Combine, I dropped him completely off my board.
Both were so-called ‘underdogs’ and over-achievers; I was rooting for them both, too. No shame in rooting for either of them. They were both VERY good college players.
They just were never elite prospects and I was looking for a diamond in the rough on both – so that’s always a long shot
^^^
Same here.
Good write up, Mike. So many options for us.
Thanks Tim, there certainly are. I really have no idea where we’re looking. That’s kind of fun
Agreed.
I used to make fun of the SB Nation, but seems they have at least some guys who are into investigative journalism these days like the gas mask was Watergate……and hey it is well done (even if long).
—————–
Why you’ll never know who hacked Laremy Tunsil
http://www.sbnation.com/2017/4/26/15341274/laremy-tunsil-2016-nfl-draft-hacked-bong-miami-dolphins
http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2017/04/26/2017-nfl-draft-unheralded-lb-javancy-jones-catches-dolphins-attention/
If you notice, Dolphins were there, I saw the white shirt with the Dolphins logo. Seems like a good kid, a leader. Might not get drafted, or maybe a priority UFA, but sometimes, those kids rise to the top if/when they get their chance.
Possible ST stud like current captain Michael Thomas?
Maybe to start, and then maybe starting MLB – Who knows?
Impressive kid as well.
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/armando-salguero/article146861524.html
I’ve been reading the dissertations about negative and Non-Negative drug tests and rumors about marijuana use and bad character issues!
I’m glad you guys didn’t talk Shula out of that QB he drafted with all of those questions!!!!!!!!!!!
😉
Exact same reason why we got Marino as the 5th QB…….Foster and Peppers with the first two picks.
Risk vs reward, all the GMs are pondering that now.
Miami was essentially a super bowl roster who could take that chance….similar to how some teams like the Patriots can take those risks.
From CBS..10 first-round trades that could actually happen : NOT THAT IT WILL
10. Pittsburgh Steelers trade to No. 22 overall
The trade: PIT sends No. 30, No. 105 to MIA for No. 22
Why it happens: Well, for starters, the Dolphins don’t have their original third-round pick because they traded it to the Vikings (though they did add a compensatory third-rounder to their stash). So they could use an opportunity to pick up some more capital. The Steelers have two picks, Nos. 94 and 105 (the latter being compensatory) and might be willing to send an extra selection in order to move ahead of the Giants and Raiders to ensure they get Miami tight end David Njoku, who might not fall all the way down to No. 30. As with a lot of these deals, it doesn’t necessarily hit on the full value in the trade chart, and I’m not sure I see the Steelers as a team that would likely trade away later draft capital to move up in the draft. But adding Njoku to this offense would give them another dimension, since Ladarius Green hasn’t necessarily worked out.
Would you do it?
It depends who is left on the board when #22 is on clock.
I would strongly consider it. Deep draft at a couple of positions of need, so unless there was a must have guy at #22, I’d do it.
Yes….without hesitation.
The draft trade compensation is so outdated 😉
gains a pick, but not sure who/what it would take away in RD 1 ..
Basically I would agree with Boulder.. another third would be nice, but ya want to ensure there are 8-9 guys left that ya have a rd 1 Grade on in case..
But of course that would make the Sherman Trade a No Go .. LMAO..
Ok do it then
PIT doesn’t seem like the type of team to trade up though like the article said. They’re a pretty conservative org. But there may be other teams looking to do something like that for a unique prospect like Njoku or someone else.
If there’s a guy they really want they will move up. The trade that sticks out in my mind is when they moved up to get Santonio Holmes. He was the only guy they were willing to trade up for in round 1 that year.
Okay there you go.
If the browns don’t take a QB in 1st round I can see them trading #33 to move up. There is a reason #22 pick has been one of the most traded picks the last couple of decades.
Lol, yeah it’s been traded do much, because the Browns jeep looking for a QB. Walker did an article on busts at 22, 2 were Browns QBs.
manitobafinfan says:
April 26, 2017 at 2:29 pm
From CBS..10 first-round trades that could actually happen : NOT THAT IT WILL
10. Pittsburgh Steelers trade to No. 22 overall
The trade: PIT sends No. 30, No. 105 to MIA for No. 22
Why it happens: Well, for starters, the Dolphins don’t have their original third-round pick because they traded it to the Vikings (though they did add a compensatory third-rounder to their stash). So they could use an opportunity to pick up some more capital. The Steelers have two picks, Nos. 94 and 105 (the latter being compensatory) and might be willing to send an extra selection in order to move ahead of the Giants and Raiders to ensure they get Miami tight end David Njoku, who might not fall all the way down to No. 30. As with a lot of these deals, it doesn’t necessarily hit on the full value in the trade chart, and I’m not sure I see the Steelers as a team that would likely trade away later draft capital to move up in the draft. But adding Njoku to this offense would give them another dimension, since Ladarius Green hasn’t necessarily worked out.
———
If anyone truly believes we’re a TE away from a championship, I’d ask why we traded for and paid Julius Thomas after letting Dion Sims walk… and then we re-added Phin favorite Anthony Fasano… and we have many developmental players at the position.
TE isn’t the problem in Miami… it’s the bleeding Defense. Can’t stop the run, nor can we stop the pass.
Keep in mind that we set the ALL-TIME RECORD last year in franchise history for futility in stopping the run. A damned TE in the 1st Round won’t stop that bleeding wound… especially when we’ve already invested in the TE position heavily over this offseason in J. Thomas and Fasano.
PIT trading for Njoku, not us taking him. We’re trading down in this scenario.
No one said TE is the problem, but if you believe in BPA and one is there…the thought is to be great doing something is better than pretty good everywhere. Getting Lamp fits the same logic.
M13 — but isn’t the real point we aren’t any one position away from a championship? Think these guys are more concerned about the 2019 roster than the one on opening day.
Don’t tell Wake and Suh that
Stanger, I agree with Son, this team has no intensions of taking a step back for good of the future. They want to keep the winning and playoffs going hoping to at some point be good enough to win it all. But I don’t think they have a target date season. They will try to go for the ultimate goal from here on out. But they won’t sell the farm to go for it.
I agree with Son to and you as well. Just think that is the way an ongoing contender is built, and that includes maybe going DE, CB or TE in the first instead of Lamp. Longer vision involved.
If Barnett and Reddick are off the board. I would take that Steelers deal.
“A little more than 24 hours before the NFL draft, Ohio State cornerback Gareon Conley put out a statement through his agent calling the rape allegations against him “completely false.”
“I pride myself on doing things the right way on and off the field. The things being said about me and what happened that night are not true and don’t fit my character at all. I realize that I put myself in the situation and I could have used better judgement. “
I hope he’s being honest. There just isn’t time to vet it all before tomorrow and as Piggs said he’s liable to go the way of La’el Collins.
Its a lot to ask a franchise to take his word for it in a statement
The timing of the allegations is really suspicious though
I don’t think anyone should assume he is guilty bc he was accused of it
Even by his own words….”could have used better judgement.“ Just looking at that — could the Phins be able to choose btwn him and Peppers in the 2nd round?
Peppers any day of the week IMO
I think by “could have used better judgement” he might mean live like a monk for 6 mos prior to the draft
I don’t read too much into it. These guys can’t breathe in a direction without fear of a Leech trying to suck the life out of them before it starts
Guess I read more into “could have used better judgement” in an official statement put out by his agent. To me that means something happened (and I don’t even know what she claimed other than rape).
And I’d smile all the way to the bank with Peppers in the 2nd too. And Conley too……given that would know the Phins had vetted it out more than you or I could.
Stanger, if you mean building a team with BPA over reaching for need, absolutely! Teams that constantly look for need when the talent isn’t there will keep doing that for a long time.
Was all I was saying. And seems by resigning our own proved (even early like with Reshad) that they were not in too much of a hurry. Building to be in there year after year.
I most definitely think we’re drafting for now, and the future. We’re a playoff caliber team, so we’re in it right now, but the way the roster is constructed, there are certain positions that need to be addressed sooner than later.
Only if the talent and value is there in each round. Every year different positions are deeper and thinner. Some philosophies are attack thin early before it dries out and then pick the deep later because it’s still there. For us that might be why we go guard in the first two rounds. It’s not a deep OL class based on what most draftniks say. But you can find DL, LB and DB later. Even TE.
I hope we don’t find Kaaya.
Dobbs from Tenn is interesting.
I think there is a pretty good chance our early draftees have an impact in ’17
And the late rounds guys bring something to the table on ST
In this day and age in the NFL with these 4-5 year rookie contracts
That’s basically the cycle
Every year is drafting for now
Most of the roster is made up of guys drafted in the last 4-5 years
Otherwise you are overspending in free agency (which I think Ireland’s doozies required us to do)
I believe only 1st rd is 5 years with the option. All other deals are 4 to 3.
you are probably right
I always hear about 5th year options on 1st rounders
Grier recently said this draft could be one where 15-45 could end up being the same talent level.
http://www.miamidolphins.com/multimedia/videos/James-Were-Working-Hard-Right-Now/6f1b5bac-9ddb-4ea6-96b7-93123f50cd28
I just realized I have an old #23 Ronnie Brown jersey I could have removed and replaced with Ajayi. 🙂
I just realized
I just realized
Who am I telling you
Great song by Clapton and JJCale
Who am I telling you
Only 1rst rounders get the 5th year option.
My gut by position based on strength of draft with our current picks.
1. DL/LB/DB
2. OG
3. DL/LB/DB
5a. DL/LB/DB/TE
5b. DL/LB/DB/TE
5c. DL/LB/DB/TE
7. OL
We have some bigger corners on board already. I see us maybe looking for more slot guys in this draft. Maybe one of them can kick outside on the boundary at times.
Just refuses to admit we need a safety. lol
Jamaal Adams – best player in this draft
No my bad, DB means safety as well. 😉
I just feel we need some more quick twitch guys competing at corner to matchup with the Pats and other teams who have those annoying smaller WRs. LOL
I wonder if Myles Garrett has a little Michael Sam in him?
Wait that didn’t come out right
Son, if the medical concerns aren’t an issue I think Jonathan Allen might be the best player in this draft.
Mike, that said I do not view Nate Allen as a nothing pickup, the same with McDonald for the 2nd half. Thomas, Aikens and Hendy are all hold the fort type of guys. The problem last year wasn’t at safety or at NB, it was that most of the secondary went down at some point, for the year and forever.
I’m not expecting much from Allen, I really can’t. He hasn’t done much the last couple of seasons, so why would i think he’ll do it now? McDonald is here on an 8 game contract, so again, not expecting anything from him either.
Follow the money, how much are they paying him? If it’s over $3M they expect him to be an above average safety.
Allen was just off an injury season in 2015 – only 5 games played. It sometimes takes a year removed. He’s not a long-term option at 29-30 this year, but he could be better than he has been. He had a good 2014 season. It didn’t go well for him in Oakland. It happens. That doesn’t mean he can’t rebound. We could draft a safety who takes two years to develop. Allen has 93 games and 76 starts experience.
McDonald could be a long-term option at 26 this this year with that size and ability you covet at S. Not sure why the 8 game contract has anything to do with how he plays? It’s about him giving up the nonsense and being the pro he can be. He might end up being a steal. He has talent and is physically healthy.
Allen is 29 that’s the prime of his career. We weren’t too bad last year at S until Isa went down, and I’m sure Allen is better than what we put on the field post Jones. We’ve got 2 options at S opposite Jones from game 9 on, the beginning of the schedule is the weak part, so McDonald will be back just in time for the tough games.
Not really sure where the big need at safety is, unless the valley girls want to be for sure for sure 😛
GMs will tell you, you don’t draft for this year, you draft for 2+ years down the road. Even first rounders you can’t depend on starting, if you do great.
I agree and I kinda missed that as the point Stanger was making earlier.
Just watched some Fasano highlights, when he played for us previously. Wow, did we have some shitty QB play. RT in comparison looked like Brady.
In a way and it’s unfortunate for him but getting hurt was probably the best thing to happen to Tannehill.
Now he might realize a higher urgency and figure out your time out there isn’t guaranteed. The time is now!
Son, we were rolling along with Tannehill but the injuries really mounted up throughout the roster. It was no one position. We were rolling with 2nd and 3rd team down the stretch.
That’s why we need our special players to go out and make a difference this year.
So this is the latest mock from CBS. Lamp wins. LOL
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/mock-draft
Smell that draft?
24 hours away now
(Piggy farts)
👍 🐽
The good thing about working for yourself is you stay up late to watch the draft and not worry about going to work the next morning.
It’s a beautiful thing. You’re a lucky man, I miss it.
And I don’t mean only lucky. Good for you man
Thanks Son. I took it the way you meant it. Luck is nothing more than preparation meeting opportunity.
We’ll toast in October, looking forward to it.
For sure.
Tim, I’m not bashing Tannehill he had a real good season but I think he may or maybe hope he’s ready to take a BIG step forward. It’s time and I think the combination of Fasano and Thomas is exactly what he needed.
If a TE is a QBs best friend, what does that make 2 TEs?
Playoffs!!!
A menage au trois?
I think Tannehill moves to the next level this year.
Phish
There’s a lot of good things about working for yourself
Not just the draft
True dat. I am walking in high cotton these days. It was a long time coming and rarely easy, but it is a trip I would tell anyone to take a chance on themselves.
Me too
I wouldn’t give it up for the world now
Rumor has it we trade DeVante Parker for Richard Sherman…???
http://www.thephinsider.com/2017/4/26/15416264/miami-dolphins-trade-rumors-richard-sherman-devante-parker
Holy shit
Don’t fuck with me and if you’re not then draft Ju Ju
Not a chance.
I smell the draft….we’ve got some really good options by putting ourselves in that position with a well planned offseason so far.
Yes
And stop talking shit about Suh
Exsqueeze me? WTF are you talkin about? Suh crazy….smh
OK, Peppers, McDowell, Lamp and McKinley are all there. Who do you take?
ORob
I wonder where he heard these rumors. IMO, Parker has been a disappointment, but if I was going to trade Parker, it would have been nice to know what Carroo can do, because he’s a big question mark at this point.
Ju Ju
It’s all BS, some guy with nothing to do is saying what if.
Very likely Steve, and that’s fine. I’d rather he just say what if instead of I’ve heard rumors. Own some integrity
Mike I think Parker will blow up now that we’ve begun to address the seam TE role. Some WR’s really start to bloom 2-3yrs in. But I agree, it is go time for him now. He knows now what Gase expects of him after 1yr under our awesome HC and entering his 2nd yr familiar with the offensive system.
He’s a big rangy receiver on the cheap right now with his rookie contract…You keep him and not trade for an aging Sherman….IMO..
I really don’t want Sherman here. I know he’d be good for a year or so, and that’s all we’d have him for anyway, but I can’t stand the show that comes with him.
Spot on…I agree.
Mike E. says:
April 26, 2017 at 10:11 pm
OK, Peppers, McDowell, Lamp and McKinley are all there. Who do you take?
Reply
McDowell or McKinley is the right choice @ #22
I can see that. I’d prefer Takk. I’m a little worried about McDowell’s motor.
McDowell has mommy issues or something
Could be, but he’s got All Pro potential. I suspect we got the HC that will grow him into a man, He’s only 20 and already sporting huge upside….he could be a 10 yr stud if groomed right.
Alright, catch you guys tomorrow, DRAFT DAY! Wow, it’s really here. I hope to be very happy after this weekend. Start strong tomorrow, make us proud!
Oinks
Oinks?
Yes Oinks!
Ok
Oinks!!!
I knew you would Oinking agree!
Earlier today, both McDowell & Reddick. McDowell looks ready to rip the interviewer’s head off, the reporter must look like Tom Lady….lol.
McDowell says the team that drafts him will get an Animal.
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/michigan-state/spartans/2017/04/26/malik-mcdowell-work-ethic/100953240/
McDowell has as big an upside as anyone in this draft. 2-3 years from now he might be in the top 5 prospects taken in this draft. Like you said, he’s only 20 at 6-6 295 4.85.
This is the kind of stuff I like to hear.
Tim, remember manchild Tim Bowens years ago….I think McDowell can be much more of a disruptive force.
If you draft McDowell
You are playing him at DE on early downs and moving him inside on passing downs right?
I don’t think he is a run stuffer inside
Polian doesn’t think so anyway
i don’t know if you guys watched the espn mock with polian
But I really got the feeling that polian was past his prime
Some of his critiques were kind of like …wtf
GD, if we take McDowell and he is anything close to Timbo I’d be happy. I see McDowell as more of a Muhammad Wilkerson type player though.
Narrowing down the options the way an idiot would
So they will pass on a K, P and LS? LOL
It’s draft time, the language becomes so mundane at this point. It’s go time tomorrow night. 🙂
You have to respect the boldness of his statement…😝
This would be the year to add young DL to the room. Hello Mr. Suh, Wake, Hayes, Branch, Fede and Phillips all with two or many more years under their belt. That’s not a room for slacking. It’s not gonna fly. Get ready for bootcamp young bucks.
But what about LBs!!!!
I think a rook added to the Alonso, Timmons, Misi, Hewitt room would be great. We have some other STs/long-shots lead by Hull etc. as well. I don’t see how more than one rook LB gets much playing time. My approach would be add one solid prospect this year and another next year.
Mike & Son who do we have at corner? Howard-Lippett and Maxwell??? CB has a high draft value and a position of need for Miami more than WR. what has Parker done? with Thomas in the mix we are very healthy with receiving corps.
I could see us trading down to the late 1st adding maybe a 4th and 6th, then use our picks to move up from there in the 2nd thru 4th. Come away with maybe 5-6 picks but more early value. Yeah baby, yeah!!!!!
Nice job Mike E
Let the bitching, oops….draft, begin! 🙂
GO PHINS
Nice article Michael. It’s draft day!!!!
https://twitter.com/joshnorris/status/857428807808102400
OUR TOP 3 NEEDS: O-Line, Edge, LB. –ONE of each would greatly please me in the first 3 rounds.
EXACTLY!!!
It’s draft day bitches!
I like Jordan Willis. I wouldn’t be disappointed if he were our pick. Identify who you want, and go get ’em!
That’s what they did in the last draft and you didn’t seem to like that too much.
You mean trading away picks? Not a fan. What I meant is if Jordan Willis is the guy they like, I have no problem with them taking him at 22. I had no problem with them taking Ja’Wuan James at #19 either, I thought they would.
Computers and phones out at my office. It’s draft day, FIX THAT NOW!
What time do you figure we’ll be making our pick tonight, about 11:50pm?
8:30PM
We’re trading up, or 8:30 your time?
You caught me😉 21 picks X 10 minutes a pick = 3.5 hours.
Steve – What I was trying to confirm is whether the clock goes 10 minutes each pick starting 8PM w/o any interruption or commercial breaks
Correct no interruptions, but when they actually call the puck may be lster.
Yup – By then I won’t care, it’s waiting so long to get to our pick that drives me crazy.
I m just going to drink 🍻 & hope the Browns do something stupid that causes their fans to riot. I may go to sleep before we pick though😂
Ditto re Jets
Always😁
Very interested in LB Dylan Cole. Guy is a physical beast. 6’1″ 240, ran a 4.5 40, 39″ vertical, 32 reps on the BP. Former wrestler. Anyone watch this kid play? I’d take a flier on him in the later RD’s.
Might be more of a 7rd or UDFA guy. His numbers were eye popping, but I wasn’t overly enthused when watching his available games. The funny thing is if you look at the kids Miami brought in to team HQs a lot of them will be later picks or UDFA’s. Setting up a good rapport w/ them so when the draft ends they may choose Mia as their destination as a n UDFA.
He’ll probably go somewhere between the 5th and 7th. Someone is going to take a chance on that physical ability, plus he has the size too.
Could be
Some guy over at the phinsider put more effort into when #22 comes up than it is worth, but still appreciate him doing it.
————————————————-
2016 – Washington Redskins (Hogs Haven) – Josh Doctson – 10:41pm ET
2015 – Pittsburgh Steelers (Behind The Steel Curtain) – Bud Dupree – 10:28pm ET
2014 – Cleveland Browns (Dawgs By Nature) – Johnny Manziel – 10:54pm ET
2013 – Atlanta Falcons (The Falcoholic) – Desmond Trufant – 10:57pm ET
2012 – Cleveland Browns (Dawgs By Nature) – Brandon Weeden – 10:31pm ET
That averages out to 10:42pm ET for the time of the 22nd pick.
I like the way the FO is setting us up for the draft by way of resigning our own and through FA. It really eliminates the draft for need. I do hope our first pick is DE or LB though. Could very well see them trade up in 2nd or 3rd round though depending how many players they want start coming off the board. That is why I agree with the trade back for extra picks if Barnett and Reddick are gone. Maybe someone will want Foster if he drops to us. I am not that high on Foster as much as most people are.
Right with you on trade down in or even out of the first as a serious option. This draft is deep…..and not much separation from #22 in he first to like the same pick in the second.
Foster himself may be high though . . . lol
LOL
Stanger
Yeah, not every team takes the full 10 minutes, so you’re right, it could be earlier.
Not me that is right, just the history on it. Same times the best laid plans of Mice and PhinPhans. Only learned about the Jordan pick cause was walking back from taking a piss and checked out the ESPN scroll on the TV at the bar. Talk about a missed pick times two.
LOL – I was so sure they traded up to get OT Lane Johnson, I was shocked when they announced Dion Jordan. I’m shocked 5 years later at what a freaking waste of a pick he was. Ugh!
Well I was Dion Jordan that night — cause had insisted that the dinner had to start an hour earlier so I would be home to catch our pick. 🙂
Smell it guys?
🐽🐽🐽
Reason I say I’m not crazy about foster at 22 is toward the end of last year I read an article. Don’t remember the source sorry. Being from the FL panhandle, I am surrounded by Bama fans and news so the source could have been local. I remember reading that he would make the wrong reads/calls on defense sometimes to often only to be corrected by one of the other LB’s. That other LB who corrected the calls (wish I remembered his name) was out a few games and Alabama’s defense struggled a bit those games. This was last year after being in Saban’s D for a few years. Now this is Alabama who everyone wants to beat so I’m sure every team they faced changed some things up to cause that confusion/wrong read. Not saying he can’t get better at that part of his game but that was my reasoning. Now, if we were to trade back and he were to slide to us there, I think I would have to take him because he is a heck of a LB talent.
Ryan Anderson?
I believe so. Foster also made a comment one time as to how much better a defense they were with him in there. Wonder if the remark came cause in the back of his mind he new he helped with the calls??? We will probably never know.
Interesting that NFL people think Gareon Conley still might go 1st RD.
Seems like there may not be any evidence to support an arrest
The alleged victim did a rape kit test
And those results should be available to the PD by now – and no arrest…so….
It must be brutal for these kids, to be so close to getting what they’ve worked for and waited for, and then (Like La’el Collins) and now Gareon Conley, to have it all put in jeopardy
So any new news about the draft?
I’m listening to NFL radio, and they think Conley will still likely go 1st RD.
If he’s innocent I hope he doesn’t get screwed in the draft.
Absolutely. It’s so unfair
In Collins case it was a little more understandable
Bc he was a person of interest in a murder case and the police called him in for questioning
But conley is just based on one persons accusation
Yesterday I said he might go undeafted
But now I believe he is probably a 1st rounder
Or a 2nd rounder
It really didn’t develop into an arrest or anything bigger
Noah Syndergaard scratched from tonight’s game. Dead arm, bicep discomfort. The Mets are falling apart.
Literally. It’s unbelievable. It’s early in the season and already guys are going down. Is David Wright contagious? LOL
The guys I expected to be contributing aren’t (Reyes, Walker, d’Arnaud), and the guy who I didn’t expect much from is doing pretty well, (Bruce)
“the cloudiest first round I’ve ever been involved with.” — Mike Maycock
It’s pretty cloudy
LOL — that has to be photo-shopped rather than real.
Mike, d’Arnaud is such a frustrating player.
Extremely. I’m thinking this season is his last chance to prove he’s an everyday catcher worthy of keeping on the roster. It’s pretty funny that Syndergaard was the secondary piece to that trade.
Yeah right.
I am posting my BOLD draft prediction for tonight now….
When the Dolphins pick is in they will still be talking about pick #21 right up until they go to commerical and when they come back they will start talking about pick #23 and in an “oh by the way” manner mention who we picked.
I am not even going to watch tonight’s draft. I will catch up with all the bitching, moaning and hair rending in the morning.
LOL – 100% agree. That seems to happen every year
They’ll talk about what the Pats might do in the 3rd rd when we’re up. LOL
BAILBOND MIKE IN THE HOUSE!! HELLO MIKE! long time no see.
22: R1P22 EDGE DEREK BARNETT, TENNESSEE
54: R2P22 LB ZACH CUNNINGHAM, VANDERBILT
97: R3P33 C PAT ELFLEIN, OHIO STATE
166: R5P22 G DAMIEN MAMA, USC
178: R5P34 S JOSH HARVEY-CLEMONS, LOUISVILLE
184: R5P40 CB BRENDAN LANGLEY, LAMAR
223: R7P5 LB CALVIN MUNSON, SAN DIEGO STATE
That would be excellent
OK, just for fun, put down the player you want at #22, and then who you think we take.
WANT – Haason Reddick
TAKE – Charles Harris
That’s a good one. So not to be the same I’ll go with this.
WANT – Haason Reddick
TAKE – Malik McDowell
WANT – Reuben Foster (too much value)
TAKE – Forrest Lamp (hard to argue against as most likely)
Want – Dereck Barnett
Take – WTF??? WHO???? Damn where is google, I wish they hadn’t skipped past our pick with a commercial, who the hell is that?
https://twitter.com/theflyingpig44/status/857654189547282438
Howdy guys, gals, God, Phindog and the flying pig in no particular order. Just a flyby to give you all a quick heads up – the 1st day of the draft is tonight in case you missed it!?!
I have no idea who any of the players are but I’m sure we’ll draft plenty of HoFers and will end up with a 53 which is so strong the play-offs are inevitable.
Then the season will start ……….. 🙂
Plenty of prime time games on the schedule I see – someone must think we are worth watching this year already.
Coverage is on Sky at 1am here so I’ll tape it and see who we pick in the morning. Then I’ll come on here and find out if he’s any good!
Enjoy.
UK out.
Oinks UK
Good to see ya UK! Enjoy the draft
That picture above is Piggy getting ready for a date (full body shave) when the phone rang and he had to fly to the phone to answer it.
Weeeeeee
Unfortunately it was his date calling to tell him HE was standing him up…..
Pig,
In regards to Conley the issue becomes complicated if his DNA is found from the test. After his friends who were in the room told the police that nothing happened between Conley & the plaintive at all & she has hard evidence that some form of sex happened those witnesses lose credibility & you’re back to her word vs his.
This in no way proves his innocence or guilt…just muddies the draft waters for him.
Even bigger issue is that no one of that will be settled before he is drafted. Fair or not…..he might go in the third. Foster, Peppers and Conley sound like a good first three pick slate though.
Exactly. Unfortunately Conley, if innocent, put himself in a bad position & possibly cost himself a boatload of money.
Coverage is on Sky at 1am here so I’ll tape it and see who we pick in the morning. Then I’ll come on here and find out if he’s any good!
Enjoy.
UK out.
UK, by the time the Dolphins pick you should be up eating breakfast.
Kippers most likely. lol
If we trade back in the first round I’m not going to mind. I will just pretend we went further in the playoffs than we actually did and that we never gave away our 3rd rounder for Carroooooooo.
Stanger
Just to be clear, you think Foster will be available at #22?
I think there is a better chance of it than before, but not much of a better one. I really don’t think the dilute sample thing is going to scare many people off.
I don’t think so either, and I don’t Reddick will be either. I’d almost bet Reddick goes before Foster.
Maybe or maybe not. He might be though. My true want is Howard, but know he won’t be there.
Kiper’s last mock has Foster dropping to Fins. That’d keep this blog arguing for a few weeks. 😉
I would 100% treat the Conely situation more carefully because its not a resolved matter. Its the La’el Collins situation. Collins was tempting but the night of the draft there was 0 way i took him. A potential murder case hanging over his head, not knowing guilt or innocence, very very hard to draft someone not knowing. Im sure they have their suspicions of guilt or innocence already, but i would guess that that kind of criminal case hanging over his head will get a lot of people to back off. I mean hell the guy could go to jail for what winds up being a lot longer than the duration of any contract he would have, possibly longer than any career he could have.
I hope the kid is innocent, id hate to know that he fucked his life up, and i hate to think he could miss out on millions, but teams should do what they did with La’el and let him fall to undrafted, let the interested teams vet the situation and offer him a contract and he can sign with whomever. He, if keeps himself clean and puts forth the effore will make it up when his second contract comes around in 3 years.