If our WR corps is a little on the high side salary cap wise at the moment, especially considering who’s on our roster, our RB room is on the cheap. At the moment, no Dolphins RB is at a $1M salary or higher. Myles Gaskin, Patrick Laird and Salvon Ahmed are the only RB’s under contract now and add up to a stingy $2.5M. I expect that to change when the draft rolls around. I think after watching all of our backs it’s easy to realize that really none of them are a true bellcow RB or what could be considered a #1. I liked what I saw out of Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed, they both showed the ability to run the ball and catch the ball and do good things catching the ball out of the backfield (Myles Gaskin moreso than Ahmed) but neither guy proved capable of pushing the pile or creating after contact yards. I saw way too many times first contact and down. We need a RB that’s both more elusive and also more powerful that can break that first tackle which many times leads to big gains.
A RB that can catch the ball and then make things happen after the catch can be a QB’s best friend. I think Najee Harris fits that role best as he is probably the best receiving RB, and he has the size (6’2 230) to and skills to be an every down back. Travis Etienne is a very good RB, maybe the highest ranked pure running back. He broke more tackles than any other back in college and has a lot of long runs to his credit. Etienne is more of a traditional sized RB (5’10 205). Etienne had 43 runs of 20 yards or more, that’s the kind of explosiveness the Dolphins backfield could use. There are plenty of RB’s who would improve the quality of our backfield, but I think it’s time we really invested in getting a premier talent. Running backs have been devalued to a point in the NFL where they are rarely early to mid 1st RD picks, but I think there’s a good chance we could lose Najee Harris if we don’t take him at #18. Of course we could trade back either from #3 or from #18 and have a shot at him but I don’t think it’s likely he makes it to #36. The Chiefs took the first RB off the board last year at #32 (Clyde Edwards Helaire), and the guy I thought we would be the first back taken, D’Andre Swift was taken at #35. Another good choice for us would be Javonte Williams from NC. He’s a physical downhill runner with good size and speed 5’10 220.
Here’s what our RB’s did in 2020
Myles Gaskin – 142 carries – 584 yards – 3 TD’s / 41 receptions – 388 yards – 2 TD’s
Salvon Ahmed – 75 carries – 319 yards – 3 TD’s / 11 receptions – 61 yards – 0 TD’s
Patrick Laird – 13 carries – 72 yards – 0 TD’s / 10 receptions – 68 yards – 0 TD’s
We also had Matt Breida last season who gave us minimal production, despite most of us expecting him to be the change of pace and 3rd down back. We also got a little production from DeAndre Washington who is also not under contract in 2021. It’s clear we need to upgrade the talent in our backfield, so will 2021 be the year we go RB early? It’s difficult to say. I wouldn’t be surprised if they look for to upgrade the trenches in some fashion, either an OL, DL or even a playmaking LB or a CB. I’m going to hate to see Patrick Surtain II in another NFL uniform, but after drafting Noah Igbinoghene at #30 last year, I can’t imagine we would spend another first RD pick on a CB.
I don’t think there was DC that played our team that was overly concerned about our rushing attack. Nothing helps a QB more than a reliable, effective rushing attack. Proof of this is available from our own 2016 season with Ryan Tannehill and then any season while playing for the Tennessee Titans. Tannehill went from a run of the mill QB to a top 10 QB. I think we should do everything we can to help Tua become a better QB, so draft the best WR and RB in this draft and that’s a good start to getting him in that direction.
GO DOLPHINS 2021!!!
Finsmob Unleashed 
First!
I should have been. Dammit!
BBM how do you account for the 5 yard difference in YPC then?
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Rock, don’t read to much into me. Call it homerism. Mid way through the 2019 college football season I wanted us to draft DeVonta Smith because I thought he was better than Jeudy or Ruggs. Everyone kept shoving Jeudy back in my face. Then, Smith opted to return to Alabama so it was a moot point. Though, I knew from the start of the 2020 season, I wanted us to get Smith in the 2021 draft. I want to see what Chase runs at the combine. He may not be a faster Parker. Parker ran a 4.45 but don’t think we have seen much of that 4.45 on the field unfortunately.
TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU, Mike E. I’d be happy with either Harris or Barmore at #18, but, in my view, Harris fills a bigger need AND he brings THE SIZE (230 lbs.) we need to convert those 3rd and 1 situations on a consistent basis. These conversions keep drives going AND they keep our defense on the sidelines where they can rest up and NOT get worn down as they were in the game at Buffalo.
———————
Mrs. OD says “I feel better today!” It literally has been WEEKS since she’s said that. I’ve still got at least another week to go, then I plan on taking another test. Looking forward to getting back to work!
Glad to hear you and the Mrs are on the upswing!
good to hear OD
Mike, i dont understand why Breida did not get more carries, he averaged 4.3 per carry, same as Ahmed 4,3, and he did better than Gaskins 4.1
I’d guess the other guys were working harder and bringing more effort in practice.. Breida hardly got any carries so he was probably in Flores’ doghouse. At least he got more action than Jordan Howard. 😂
No consistency, he ran good one game, I think it was against the Cheats, the rest of the time he was mostly garbage, so the coaches had no faith in him.
He didn’t do much with the carries he had and his skillset is one that the expectation is he breaks a big one and doesn’t need that many carries to do it
I think he’s one of those guys you know won’t pick up yardage consistently but will pick up chunk yardage on very few carries
The problem was we never wore down defenses for him to exploit his skills
So we didn’t see him get that chunk yardage
i think the vision was for Howard to wear the defense down, then watch breida hit a whole
But that never happened
Gaskin sort of filled in for what Howard should have been doing. I think the opportunities that Gaskin and Ahmed got were much different late I the year than the opportunities breida received early in the year. They were getting carries a catches and playing All three downs
I don’t think we ever used a breida that way
Did i mention that Tua Sucks?
yea, bout a million times
Yeah, but it needs to be said, until we fix the problem.
maybe we could trade Tua to the Chiefs for Chad Henne, we could also give them a 2nd rnder to make the deal go thru.
Henne looked pretty good, and we know he has a cannon, but I don’t think Tua has enough arm to fit in with the Chiefs vertical passing game.
LOL!
Yeah i think that is far fetched, i may go a first rnder but i’d have to consider that.
Tua won’t be in the trade, he has no value to them.
not your best idea so far,,,,
Its a great idea to get Henne, we just can’t put Tua in the deal.
It would be like WoodStrock, except HenneTu, Tua would stink it up for 2+ quarters, then Henne would cleanup the mess.
BBMike
If you ask me, Chase is more Landry than Parker
I keep seeing him compared to WRs like Steve Smith or Aquanaut Boldin
Obviously he doesn’t have the size or Boldin and has much more than Smith
But the feedback I hear is that he’s a physical WR
And I don’t see Parker that way
Good write Mike!
IMO, Etienne is not a push the pile RB. I do see him as RB2 in this draft but don’t see him as what we need. He has the speed to take it to the house but we we need that bell cow. With that said, it is Najee Harris, 6’2 230, or Javonte Williams, 5’10 220, for me.
Also, I don’t believe (due to his explosiveness) Etienne was used much in pass pro. That is another area where Harris and Williams are good at.
For someone to be known as a homerun threat, Etienne only had 1 carry over 29 yards over the entire regular season and then a 44 yarder vs ND in the playoffs. Only had 3 games over 100 yards rushing last season including playoffs (out 12 games). Many of you are not stats people but his rushing #’s really dropped off from 2019 to 2020.
Javonte Williams had 6 games over 100 yards out of 11 and he split time 50/50 in the backfield with Michael Carter.
Travis Etienne WAS the leader in broken/forced missed tackles in 2019 but that title went Javonte Williams in 2020.
Per PFF, “Javonte Williams had one of the most productive years we have ever seen at the position, and he came away with the highest rushing grade of the PFF College era (95.9).” He set a PFF college record for broken tackles per rushing attempt in 2020. He also lead all backs in the percentage of runs that picked up a gain of 10 or more yards (26.8%). “The balance Williams possesses is extraordinary. Despite ranking 19th in the FBS in carries, Williams racked up four more runs that included 10 or more yards after contact than anyone in the country (23).”
Harris and Williams are both downhill runners and had less than half the negative yardage as Etienne. Harris was the best in that category.
IMO, Etienne is a bigger receiving threat as a RB than he is as a rusher. Etienne averaged 12.3 yards per catch, Williams 12.2 and Harris 9.9. I want the better rushers who are good receivers as well.
It’s always nice to see a RB who hasn’t been saddled with a ton of carries in college like Williams
Is it official that there will be no NFL combine this year?
That kinda sucks. I really like seeing what players can do. I suppose pro days will have to do, but those numbers are always unofficial and questionable.
This is great news!
Many college players who are #1 or 2 at their position heading into the draft usually don’t go to the Senior Bowl. I find it vary interesting that both DeVonta Smith and Najee Harris both accepted their invites. Can’t tell me it is just a coincidence that the team who drafted their QB last year just happens to coaching one of the teams at the Senior Bowl. Something tells me both want to come to Miami.
I think they also want to increase their exposure due to the fact that there is no combine
+ no combine has all eyes on the senior bowl and pro days at school
Exactly and because our coaches are coaching the Senior Bowl, its why I’m glad there’s no combine. Gives us the upper hand.
^Upper fin
I don’t know. I think it might have something to do with Tua being our QB and our coaches being there. They are still having pro days which is a bunch of little combines basically.
Davonte Smith was the best college Wr I’ve ever seen, but I don’t think he translates to the NFL. His narrow frame won’t last and he’ll have trouble getting off the LOS, and his speed was good for the NCAA, but won’t cut it in the NFL,so what made him great in college won’t translate, because he won’t get open.
Totally disagree!
Is this Rob posing as Steve? lol
Interesting and low risk move for the Steelers. I don’t think they believe in Rudolph and will be willing to give Haskins a chance to show them something to earn a contract. Good move for both team and player
Oh man! We might lose Son to the Steelers now! With both Haskins and Rudolph how can he resist? LOL
Steve – The NFL is so far from a being a physical league. I’m not worried about DeVonta Smith’s size. So few teams press well or even play press coverage. You don’t need to be big to be elusive.
Until a rail thin guy gets cracked a few times, then the alligator arms set in and he’s done.
I agree after all look at Ted Ginn & Tavon Austin, Smith is too light and you don’t spend the #3 overall pick on a type player you can get later on, you either draft a unicorn there or get out.
OD – They stole your idea.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/fed-up-executives-plot-a-faster-covid-19-vaccine-rollout-11611232941?mod=hp_lista_pos2
I already said this awhile ago….get the chick-fil-a guy to handle it. Only thing that would slow it down would be waiting for more doses.
they can carve both Tua & Smiths Busts, in the hall of fame Busts!
If this F.O. swings and misses again i fear it will be curtains for Flores!
Players come in all shapes and sizes. Most of them learn to play to their strengths. I find it hard to believe that Mr. Smith, for example, isn’t aware of his size and how he needs to play because of it. He’s been doing it for years. It’s kinda dumb to think he doesn’t know how to play within his physical abilities. Plus, he will probably get bigger as he grows and participates in an NFL program. It’s not like the guy is 5’5”, 135 pounds. He’ll probably end up around 6’1” and 185 pounds or so. That’s just fine.
***
Someone mentioned Marvin Harrison a few days ago, and I think that is a great example of someone who was slight of build but knew how to play within his physical limits…back when football was actually physical. He knew how to run routes utilizing his specific talents. There are lots of ways to beat press or tight coverage schematically so that’s not a problem. Smith will be fine.
Thanks Randy for sensible discussion. Marquis Brown is 5’9 170, and he’s played in more games than DeVante Parker 6’3 215. Size isn’t important if you’re a great player and know how to play the game.
^ In his first 2 seasons
Miss out on the Marvin Harris cuz Rob said so?
(not saying he will be Harris! But he could be!)
I remember well when Jeff Ireland and Parcells was here and were going with all these “big” size prototypes in every draft – Guess what? Our team was slow as shit and we sucked! 12 years later, the league has changed and speed kills.
BTW – How long did Ted Ginn last in the NFL??? DeVonta Smith is a much more talented receiver than Ginn ever had a chance to be.
They wanted big and fast.
You’re speculating, you don’t know that for sure, no one does, play the odds, it’s way more likely that Smith becomes sub par in the NFL just like Ginn.
he won’t be able to beat an NFL CB off the line, same as Ginn.
He’s a little bitch.
on the other hand taking the tackle at 3 you are more likely to hit a home run. if you can’t do that you trade back and get more early picks.
I don’t see a huge drop off in talent in this draft, there’s no Chase young.
out of the 3 scenarios Smith lags way behind.
no way i draft a 170lbs wr with the 3rd overall pick!
what’s this obsession with Ala skilled players, you want to draft Ala players you draft the LOS.
I would think that move would seal Flores & Griers fate.
terrible analysis on the heisman trophy winner and national champ, SMH, You arent even trying, lol
I think Grier is blowing smoke up everyone’s ass with this interest in Smith, if he takes him it shouldn’t be at #3
Grant is small but plays almost every week
Parker and Williams are big, but injured most of the time
injuries have nothing to do with size,
the argument that Smith is injury prone due to his size is unproven, and ignores the WR’s in Miami completely
Mike Ted Ginn turned out OK when he had Drew Brees throwing to him. overall thruout his career i think he was very subpar as an NFL WR. he had his moments but very seldom.
LOL @ little bitch. C’mon Rob, he might end up being one of the best WR’s in the league.
Ginn didn’t have the talent Smith has, he was just fast as hell, and the Dolphins fell in love with his PR/KR ability too. He was never a dominant receiver in college
get a big offensive line that can create a push, get a big uphill RB, skilled players are a dime a dozen.
downhill
so You think Isaiah Ford is just as good as Devonta Smith? lol disagree
skill players are highly paid in the NFL, for good reason
who mentioned ford? i think Henry Ford is better than Smith, and he’s dead!
Steve – If they wanted big and fast, why did they draft big and slow?
Orob, thats just being stupid on purpose, Henry Ford , SMH
just admit u dont like him, no need to lie about it
Henry Ford did not win the heismann, and did not win a national championship, u KNOw that
I’m being stupid? gee i thought you were but i bit my tongue. when did i say i thought Ford was better than Smith?
_________________________________
David C (@DolphinsSB52) says:
January 21, 2021 at 5:22 pm
so You think Isaiah Ford is just as good as Devonta Smith
Mike E. says:
January 21, 2021 at 5:22 pm
Ginn didn’t have the talent Smith has, he was just fast as hell, and the Dolphins fell in love with his PR/KR ability too. He was never a dominant receiver in college
___________________________________________-
you have seen what Ginn can do in the NFL, the jury is still out on Smith, so saying he’s better is speculation.
what made Ginn not a good wr was he got jammed at the line, he was man handled because he was 170lbs, he had great speed but that did no good if a CB raps you up. NFL QBs don’t have the time to wait for a 170lbs wr to get by an elite cb.
your opinion on smith is worthless, because of your claim henry ford is better
Nah man, he just didn’t have the hands and ability that Smith has. It’s also an attitude. Smith had 20 TD’s in the best conference in college ball. Ginn never had double digits in college. It was a bad reach, because Ginn was never considered a top WR in that draft. Snith universally is, but some feel Ja’Marr Chase is on his level too. That 2007 draft class was a bad WR class besides Megatron
you can be a little better that ginn and still suck
let me ask You this Orob, If Grier and Flores draft Smith, are You going to claim You know better than them?
then go apply for a job, let us Know what Ross says,,,
Sorry David, i can’t answer this question as the merry go round operator won’t let me on.
From one draft sites (the last comment says it all):
“There’s a near-unfathomable level of persistence and detail that goes into transcending physical limitations. If a player doesn’t have elite athleticism or size to fall on, they then must cultivate their own advantages. This is what Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith has done.”
“DeVonta Smith is such a fun player to watch. That’s not because he dominates with size or speed. He’s just good. Period. Smith is indeed undersized at the wide receiver position. He has enough length to extend for catches, but at 175 pounds, he’s inherently underweight. Predictably, that’s where most of Smith’s issues arise. He can struggle to fight through contact at times, and bigger, stronger defenders can muscle him when he doesn’t have leverage.”
“With that being said, Smith does everything he can to mitigate that concern. With any other prospect, that weight would be a massive red flag, but Smith’s playing style makes it almost irrelevant. Smith is incredibly detail-oriented at every level of the rep, and this helps him win, regardless of opposition.”
“Off the line, Smith has good explosiveness, and he’s also incredibly proactive in using subtle, brisk movements to confuse defenders. Approaching his stem, Smith again has the ability to employ quick head and shoulder fakes to feign his intentions, and his jittery style allows him to keep defenders on their toes. Smith’s savvy as a route runner is what generates most of his separation, and at the catch point, he caps off the process with nice body control and rock-solid hands.”
“What separates him is his high football IQ, toughness, diligence, and microscopic attention to detail. Those are the traits a prospect needs to perform beyond their limitations, and Smith fulfills that requirement.”
and all that may be correct, the bottom line is you don’t draft a wr at #3 unless he’s a physical freak like a calvin Johnson, andre Johnson or even a Julio jones, and even then i would pause. i want a pass rusher or a LT at that spot or i trade back.
him being undersize is a major red flag.
MikeE,
It’s a benefit of not being very bright. I like simple. Lol
***
Our conversations around here get pretty far into the weeds sometimes. Football just isn’t that complicated.
Flores says Tua is the starting QB
Orob says he sucks and wants to install henry fords corpse to fix everything, as long as he can get an OL
im going with Flores judgement on this one
The problem with Ginn was that he was fast but not quick. He was a long strider. He didn’t have quick feet and couldn’t move laterally well, or get in and out of his breaks quickly. I don’t know enough about Smith to comment on him, but 6’1″ 175 @ 22yo doesn’t stay 175. Just becoming a man will put weight on his bones without an NFL weight program.
putting on weight will make him less allusive and slower.
now you have the crystal ball you claim others don’t? That is not necessarily true. At 22 he hasn’t even stopped growing. He COULD (I don’t know either) put on 10-15 pounds of muscle without appreciably decreasing his speed. Besides, from what I am reading his game is not his speed, but his route running and savvy-ness
The red flags are flying high with his weight, having read about that, becoming slower and less allusive is the issue with solving the problem of being so light.
or so i read,
I gues that was to much reading. But here is another comment.
“A polished route-runner, he has a well-developed understanding of how to create separation and he also contains a diverse release package when facing challenges at the line of scrimmage.”
I didn’t know he was polish?
That’s it i’m outta here, if they draft Smith they will be right behind Gase out the door, a one season wonder, hell at least Gase made the playoffs
Just draft Sewell, and we can all stop the madness.
he may not be there
I found where smith ran a 4.49 in ’17 so he’s not a “burner”
I wonder what that number is when he has 25 more lbs to carry
NastraDumbass
Man! I thought I made that up, but it is already in the Urban Dictionary.
Anybody a boat expert? Capt. Stubbs around?
Mike E posts an article about running backs and we decide to discuss receivers. LOL
https://www.si.com/college/2020/12/30/devonta-smith-alabama-wide-receiver-legacy
https://www.nfl.com/news/scouting-devonta-smith-alabama-wr-reminiscent-of-marvin-harrison
All that said I think they take Waddle.
Thank you, Mike E.
For me:
RB: Harris, at 18 is ok. I think with his size and skills, he’s any an every down back. Don’t you want that on your tean?
WR: We definitely need an upgrade. I wouldn’t take Smith at 3.
You left out OL starter as needs in draft. I don’t care where just better than what we have.
Also, at three don’t you pick a sure thing. Shouldn’t it be a sure thing? We could use LB, DL, too. I haven’t looked anyone’s draft grades, but 3 should be immediate starter and more.
Sorry for the typos!
Phel, I’m not a boat expert, but I did sleep at a Holiday Inn last night.
You’ll do then!
If you have questions about the boat axle or the disc brakes, ask away. lol
Hold on….boats have axles now!?!
Can we fact-check this?
Is it confirmed Henry Ford never won a Heisman?
Snopes says this may not be accurate.
Good write, Mike!
Wait…Mike wrote something? Where do I find it?
Hey now!!! ^ look up!
Phel:
What?
CONGRATS to MR. Dan Campbell, new HC of the Detroit Lions! It’s his first HC gig and I wish him luck. His intro presser is below (begins @ 21:57 into the video). He’s come a long way since his days as a TE coach under Tony Sparano (RIP)…
That’s great, he’s earned it.
Kong – You want to keep those boat disc brakes well lubricated. The water is so dry right now.
Man you’re not kidding, driest water in years. But it’s all ball bearings nowadays.
Love it!!
Tim,
I was gonna mention the other day: I wasn’t trying to rip your idea of drafting Harris. He’s a good player. I don’t think he’s a great prospect, but he’s good. I just don’t like drafting RBs in the first round anymore. 20 years ago, absolutely. Now, it doesn’t make as much sense. A topflight WR is more valuable in today’s NFL with how the game is called.
***
If they do draft Harris, that’s fine. I’ll be happy to have him. He adds to the high end talent on the team and would definitely be a nice addition to this offense. I just prefer to go a different way. Bottom line is we’ll be getting a really good prospect somewhere! I’d draft Sewell, if he’s there, and then the best WR at #18 unless there’d been a huge run on them and there was better value at, say, DE.
Not sure what you mean about “I wasn’t trying to rip your idea of drafting Harris.” I don’t own his projection. LOL
Harris is a great receiver. That’s what separates him for me. He’s like a TE at times. I see at least a 1,000 yard rusher and a 500 yard receiver. TDs may vary but 10+ seems realistic.
Your Picks:
Round 1 Pick 3: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon (A)
Round 1 Pick 18: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama (A+)
Round 2 Pick 4: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama (A-)
Round 2 Pick 18: Patrick Jones, DE/OLB, Pittsburgh (A+)
Round 3 Pick 17: Alec Lindstrom, C/OG, Boston College (A)
Round 4 Pick 18: KJ Britt, ILB/OLB, Auburn (A+)
Round 6 Pick 23: Braydon Johnson, WR, Oklahoma State (A+)
Penei has played RT in the past, so he could become the elite blind-side protector of Tua, keeping young Austin Jackson at LT.
I would rather trade back than take an OT!
But I don’t want out of the top 8!
Unless you get next years first from someone!!!
LOL! Well don’t yell at me for YOU posting your mock draft! 😉
I agree, Wyoming.
So say we draft Sewell. Do you trade Flowers because you have Robert Hunt at RG, do you leave Kindley on the bench? I really like Kindley
I think Flowers was a poor signing. Dude should be playing RG, but we already have two RGs who are younger and better. I’d look to sign or draft a future LG who can pull… JMO, bud.
Disagree, Flowers played well at LG until he got banged up late in the season. He’s not a tackle but inside at guard he mauls people.
I find Flowers to be replaceable at this point with the rooks we brought in, that’s all.
Robert Hunt is also a young RT who earned his way into the lineup playing both RT and RG. Patience guys – he was a 2nd round pick. This team needs playmakers on offense. Guys who make special plays. We block well enough for that to happen.
The Sewell pick is usually more about the quality of player Sewell is than our needs
We can probably get better on the OL
But I agree – we need playmakers badly
After drafting two tackles in the 1st and 2nd in 2020 we just move on and do it again at #3? If we do Sewell better be Anthony Muñoz level.
Some people are suggesting he’s one of the best prospects they have seen at OT in about a decade
So some people are grading him very high
People do get really excited at draft time
Trevor Lawrence is the next Peyton Manning and Sewell is the next Orlando Pace if you believe the hype….lol
There’s room for us to spend an early pick on a position that’s not a playmaker, so I’m okay with it, but I’m more sure we need to invest in OL early in this draft
https://www.si.com/nfl/dolphins/news/miami-dolphins-trade-possibilities-with-third-overall-pick
Some of those trades are so crazy.,. Very few of them are for QBs. But memorable makes like a Kennedy, Hearst and Springs
The redksins gave up two first rounders to take an OL – that’s odd
Tim Knight says:
January 21, 2021 at 9:44 pm
Robert Hunt is also a young RT who earned his way into the lineup playing both RT and RG. Patience guys – he was a 2nd round pick. This team needs playmakers on offense. Guys who make special plays. We block well enough for that to happen.
————
You know I agree!
I could be a total d!ck and disagree with anyone who disagrees with me, but I find it more interesting to explore the possibilities. For instance, Penei really could be an incredible blind-side protector for Tua.
Doesn’t mean I want Penei @ R1P3, just talking aloud about the possibilities, that’s all.
Tim, for the sake of clarity, I’m NOT calling anybody (especially you) a d!ck. I’m saying that I’m open to any and all possibilities, as opposed to ME being a total d!ck!
I would put Sewell at LT, Jackson at RT, Kindley at RG an put Hunt at LG. I just wasn’t all that thrilled with him at RT. I think he’d still be best suited to move inside to guard, so he doesn’t get so exposed. Kindley also struggled at RG at times. He struggled to recognize twists and adjust to motion across his face. Both were rookies, so they certainly have time to get better. Draft Linderbaum at Center next year, and you could have a really nice OL.
they kept continuity by promoting the assistant OL coach to OL coach, but I’m not sure if that is a good thing yet. We have had all the big names come through here to try and turn this line around and it has been a mess forever. Tons for first’s 2nd’s & 3rds thrown away on linemen who didn’t cut it here, Maybe this young assistant will be the one;
He might be like Josh Boyer stepping up into the DC position.
How do you do that from a far not being on the practice field and watching these guys work on fundamentals etc.? I don’t care where they play but we have bigger and more physical players on the OL compared to the smaller zone guys of the past. We implemented 3 rookies into the lineup all season. Can any of this rebuild actually happen without one and done type comments? It’s getting fuckin nuts!
I’m so glad Grier and Flores are so grounded. They don’t pay much attention to the outside noise and I don’t think Tua does either. He has his own improvements he wants to make regardless of what the outside noise is saying.
For some reason I feel like the media overall always wants to put a black cloud over this team. I don’t get it.
I’ll take 15-10 over the last 25 games. We’re still building folks. Look at our draft capital without FA even being a big deal. Why the negative view of things?
Randy, this was not all directed at you except for the first few comments. What I ranted about is this constant criticism of this team as they get better. Oh right we’re still 3 years away. I wouldn’t be shocked if we won the Super Bowl next year. 🙂
M13, not sure we’re you’re going with the dick comments. I didn’t view it like that at all. No worries from me.
Good! I didn’t want my comments to be taken out of context, as they often are. I’m trying to keep a very open-mind with our 2021 Draft potential.
Sewell is supposed to be one of those generational players. I’m not so sure that’s true, but he’s well worth a #3 pick.
Everybody likes to say; “It all starts up front.” until it’s time to actually build the line with high picks….then it’s all about the “skill” players. The fatties get no love! Lol
And, I actually don’t think they’d draft him…but I can wish.
It feels like every time the experts are talking up an OT to a top 5 pick he’s a “generational talent”.
Sewell would be a great pick, regardless. Don’t know that we necessarily need him, but he’s a STUD, through and through. Seems to me that he’s going to be a perennial Pro-Bowler, but that’s just me.
He might be great but is he a no-brainer BPA? I still like Micah Parsons a lot. In our flex defense I see him making plays all over the place. He’s not just a MLB/ILB. That’s how I view Najee Harris, he’s a multiple too.
That said… we don’t draft either and move on. LOL
DE Ogbah
NT Davis
DE Wilkins
OLB Van Noy/Van Ginkel,Lawson(DE)
ILB Baker and Parsons (they both play multiple)
I really think Parsons takes the front 7 and the defense overall to another level.
Tim
It sounds like you have quite the man crush on parsons…lol
I actually think you nailed it on the head in terms of what somenone like that can do for our front 7
Maybe some one like Ossai can be had a little later and can also perform the same function
I have a question about NT though – do you think Davis is a long term solution at NT. He played well last season but I didn’t really think when we drafted him he would be a Nt
Well Davis played NT a lot for us and made the all rookie team so I’d ask why wouldn’t he be our NT long term?
I think Flores will take priority over his defense vs offense when it comes to FA’cy and the draft, but drafting an ILB that early is not good.
trade back and take an OL at about #10, there will be some good ones available and we could get a nice haul for #3 with QB hungry teams
Re: Devonta Smith
“He understands how to set up defenders and can sink his weight at the top of the route to efficiently get in/out of his breaks.”
—————————————–
This is why I like DeVonta Smith so much. He has mastered this. This is what I always taught when I was a volunteer at Richlands HS and for the semi-pro team in Jacksonville. It was how I was taught. It does not matter how fast you are. It’s all about setting up the defender covering you. Getting them off balance or to lean the wrong way then accelerate out of your break. This is something Jarvis Landry is good at also and he is almost a whole second slower than Smith.
There may be 1 player worth that #3 pick in this draft, problem is he will never reach #3, no other player in this draft is worth taking at #3.
there are teams out there salivating over a player they could take at #3 and may give back a lot of draft capital.
you have to weigh the difference over 1 good player vs multiple good players,
The Mega Millions lottery drawing for tonight is for 970 million, I could almost retire off that.
If you win, the next fest is on you
No doubt
Whoever we choose with our first pick, he’ll definitely unify the fanbase. lol
I suspect we all come together for a singalong
LOL
Your Picks:
Round 1 Pick 16 (ARI): DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama (A+)
Round 1 Pick 18: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida (A)
Round 2 Pick 4: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama (A-)
Round 2 Pick 17 (ARI): Josh Myers, C/OG, Ohio State (A-)
Round 2 Pick 18: Patrick Jones, DE/OLB, Pittsburgh (A+)
Round 3 Pick 17: AmonRa St Brown, WR, USC (A)
Round 4 Pick 18: Cameron McGrone, ILB/OLB, Michigan (A+)
Round 6 Pick 23: Stone Forsythe, OT, Florida (A+)
Your Future Picks:
2022 Round 1 Pick (ARI)
I like the trade compensation, but is it worth it for us to take Pitts at 18?
RIP Hank Aaron
Hammerin Hank, saw him hit 715 on tv
Wow, they have sold enough tickets today to push the jackpot over 1 BILLION dollars
I’d be giving out $1m checks like Oprah give out cars. YOU get a Million, YOU get a Million.
Good afternoon all!
Nice write up MikeE
I don’t watch college much at all. So I have to listen to the talking heads for my info. I believe I read somewhere that Sewell didn’t play last year. I’m concerned on him being in football shape and compounded with being a rookie. Sounds like he could have a rocky rookie year. Then all the fans heads will roll SMH!
Mr and Mrs OD godspeed on recovery glad to hear that Mrs OD is feeling better
Phish I’m here , shoot away on your boating questions
Miss you man need to get together soon
I should be a billionaire by tomorrow this little thing called work will be a thing of the past
Definitely my friend. I’ll be at the beach all weekend. You should come on out
Son did you invest in Bitcoin?
RIP Hank Aaron. One of the greatest to ever play imo
Ken, the mega millions lottery jackpot is now over a billion for tonight I plan on winning it 😁
If you do we may become good friends!
Rob who?
I think you should invest in Bitcoin and bovine futures if you win
Can’t get there this weekend Stubbs, damn wish I could
No worries, I’m doing some renovations on million dollar condo.. I’ve got a free place to party lol!
Ahoy Captain! This Dolphins fanbase is insane, never satisfied. I’m not just talking about the folks here, I go on Twitter and it’s just unbelievable. Nothing this team does is ever right or good enough. It’s frustrating to see this.
I totally agree…..no patience when it actually looks like we’re heading in the right direction for once SMH! It’s funny I had someone tell me earlier in the season that I was basically a bandwagon fan,because i was wearing my fins hat when tua started. which i always wear. So i pulled out my wallet with our old logo on it. He just walked off
Hey Cap, how’s the good Captain Randy doing?
He’s as crazy as ever. He’s doing good though
If Son wins the lottery tonight this should be his first purchase
Capt Stubbs can take us all out
What a beautiful craft! Am I right?
Wyoming, that was a killer draft if it were to work out that way! First 3 picks were steals, IMO. Double downing on WR in 3rd was nice but I am not a fan of AmonRa St Brown there. He ran a 4.67 40 in 2017 and does not project to break a 4.6 at his pro day. Dude is tough as nails and fearless though.
In the 3rd round I would rather go with a faster Dyami Brown, UNC who averaged over 20 yards per catch and had 20 TD’s over the last 2 seasons.
or
Marquez Stevenson, Houston in the 4th
or Tamorrion Terry, FSU in the 6th
Mike E. says:
January 22, 2021 at 2:35 pm
Ahoy Captain! This Dolphins fanbase is insane, never satisfied. I’m not just talking about the folks here, I go on Twitter and it’s just unbelievable. Nothing this team does is ever right or good enough. It’s frustrating to see this.
Reply
Mike, I don’t know where the frustration comes from. The best indicator of future performance is, well, past performance and this organization has been disappointing us for 40 + years now.
How can we question their moves!? Because history tells us we should. (they were still throwing away high draft picks for guys like Rosen just 2 years ago) Until they prove otherwise it is right and proper to be hesitant about their decisions. IMO. SHOW ME!
I agree, Ken. How did he not get unanimous first year HOF vote? SMH….
Wyoming, Another player that I am on the fence about in the 3rd round possibly 4th if he is there but doubt it is Virginia OLB Charles Snowden.
Dude has a wing span of some prehistoric bird that is now extinct. lol Huge tackle radius. At 6’7 240, he had 15 sacks, 3 FF, 2 INT’s and 15 PD’s in his career at Virginia. He has the frame to put on 10-15 more pounds and not lose a step.
#11. He has also been used as a big receiver at times.
Rock,
It’s hilarious because the patience brigade has been proven right exactly none times (although Tanny is debatable), yet it’s the people who think trading for a proven, young, top 5 QB is the way to go who are the frustrating ones, lol.
I can respect not wanting to trade for Watson, so for the people that don’t want to make that trade, can ya get off the narrowminded, my way is right and yours is stupid high horse.
History shows pretty clearly which of these camps has been the stupid one the last 20 years. Stop over-compensating trying to ‘prove’ you are right, and accept their are at least two ways to think about this.
Oh and here’s a nice rejoinder for those that say you can’t build a team unless you have twenty 1st rd picks: How many of the Chiefs 1st rd picks from 2014-19 were on the team for their Super Bowl win in 2019?
answer – 1
2014 1st rd pick – not on the team in 2019
2015 1st rd pick – not on the team in 2019
2016 – no 1st rd pick
2017 Mahomes
2018 no 1st rd pick
2019 no 1st rd pick
Because the key to sustained success is having a good coach, a good qb, and drafting well with what you have- not needing a multitude of 1st rd picks.
We have the good coach, we had a good draft last year, we need the good qb (or maybe we have it with Tua), and we need to continue drafting well. All the other shit is noise.
It’s pretty simple. You need those 3 things. Well we have the opportunity to get the 2nd of those 3 things without the uncertainty, and if Grier is the GM we think he is, then we’ll have all 3 because he’ll continue drafting well.
We’ve been on this rollercoaster before, so excuse some of us that think trading some 1st rd picks for a proven commodity at QB is better than waiting another 2-5 years hoping Tua will develop.
You have a good point. However, I think that the reverse of that is leading to the down fall of the Pats. The Pats were very good at picking good players in the bottom half of the first round for like an 8 year span (2004-2012).
Bellicheat has gotten too cute with his drafts and, IMO, has hampered their ability to sustain. Starting with 2013 he traded out of the 1st round. That one probably not in play for the now. The most recent ones, IMO, have hampered them greatly.
They lost their 2016 1st due to deflategate.
Traded out of 1st (#32) in 2017 and didn’t make their 1st pick until 3rd round. They did trade for a 2018 1st where they took RB Sony Michel. Jury still out on that one.
Traded out of 1st (#23) in 2020.
I guess, my point was, those 1st round picks make it easier to get top talent otherwise you better be really good at player evaluation and drafting rounds 2-5.
All valid points that I don’t disagree with. I’m not making an argument that 1st rd picks don’t matter or that losing them is no big deal. I’m just saying you can still build a team even if you lose a few of them.
Everything you pointed out about the Pets is true, and yet they have still competed for Super Bowls every single year because they have a coach, and a QB, and draft well enough even without all their 1sts.
They didn’t compete this year because they didn’t have a QB, and they had 7 starters opt out.
It’ll be really interesting to see how they fare next year with their whole team back but no Brady. And I’m hoping they still struggle at the QB position.
I agree with everything you said except waiting/hoping 2-5 years Tua develop. I don’t think it will take that long for Tua and we should move on if we don’t see it at the end of next year.
High first round picks offer the best chance of success. The more, the greater odds of success. Hitting on them can transform a team.
We are not one player or QB away from being a good team. That’s not bad just not there yet.
And I get what you are saying too. I fully get the other side of this coin.
If Tua stinks next year, it’ll probably be easier to move on from him. But what if he improves next year, but it’s marginal and he also shows some flashes of brilliance. Then we give it another year, right? That’s how it becomes 3-5 years, and in the end we still may end up not having our guy.
All I’m saying is there is merit to both arguments. There is a success factor probability with both scenarios. I’d just like to stop being relegated to the short bus group because I like our chances of success better with the Watson trade. LOL
Fair enough. Hopefully, we will never be deserving of R1P3 unless it is gifted to us through trades to better the team.
Lol…
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/asked-about-deshaun-watson-new-panthers-gm-says-carolina-will-be-in-on-every-deal/
So many teams are going to be in on this, if he does get traded it’s probably going to cost something crazy like six 1st rd picks. No way we’ll do something like that though. My money is still on him not going anywhere.
If he does get traded for some ridiculous price, it’ll be interesting to compare that team’s trajectory with that of the Dolphins.
If enough teams get in on it, he probably did the Texans a favor by being disgruntled
They are desperate to get draft picks back
Wouldn’t it be funny if the Texans trade Watson to the Panthers for multiple picks
Then trade those multiple picks back to us to get to the 3 spot and take a QB….
Actually, that makes a lot of sense, lol. Say Carolina at 8 makes that trade. The Texans trade up to 3 and we get 8 plus a 1st next year…
It would be a huge mistake to get into a bidding war for Watson regardless of how you feel about Tua. We have added a lot of nice pieces let’s keep building through the draft
Agreed, especially if the reports the Texans aren’t interested in Tua are true, it means we have to give up even more- meaning years of draft capital. I wouldn’t do it if it means giving up that much.
Unless we can secretly get in a bidding war to drive up the price, let Carolina give up a ton of picks, so that the Texans trade those picks to us for the 3 pick…..lol
That would be cutthroat
(piggy laughs diabolically)
Devil Pig 😈
And just because I know I live in a world of goldfish, I’ll reiterate my previous stance.
I would make the trade for Watson if we could do it for Tua and our 1st and 2d rd picks this year. I wouldn’t give up multiple years worth of picks. But it’s starting to look unlikely we will be able to get him for that price. So as the price goes up, I’d bow out and roll with Tua.
I would give up one of our fists and one of our seconds. Not both
I just want to stick with Tua
And both of your takes are valid. I’ve said it till I’m blue in the face, but I genuinely think it’s possible there may not be a wrong answer here. And the reason I think that is we have a coach, and I believe we have a GM. So I think we’ll be ok.
And there was a ‘fist’ing joke to be had in there somewhere…lol
Piggy I prefer to stick with Tua as well but if we could land Watson and still have a first and second round pick that would be something we have to think about
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/patrick-mahomes-says-he-ll-play-sunday-vs-bills-in-afc-title-game-as-he-s-out-of-concussion-protocol/ar-BB1d0qdP?ocid=msedgntp
Woohoo!! That game should be terrific.
I think Watson is going to the Jets. They have the picks and the cap space.
It makes sense. They can throw in Darnold too. Of course with the 2nd pick, the Texans may be looking at drafting a QB there instead.
Darnold could also be another trade to get back some draft capital.
Ah, that probably makes more sense.
I don’t know how Saleh will be as HC, but I liked him as the Niners DC. He’s basically the anti-Gase when it comes to being in touch with his players. Give him Watson and the start of a decent defense already in place, he might make the Jest respectable very quickly.
I’d just like to see us sweep the stupid Jest next year so we can take the series lead, because that is the way the world should be, lol.
Isn’t the Watson thing in football like the Harden thing in basketball? Watson’s gone. Another Texan team. WTF?
Kong, I was talking to my friend who’s also a Dolphins fan the other day and we both agreed we don’t care what other teams do. We want our team to get so good that other teams worry about us. To be the best team you have to beat good teams, not fear them.
It’s been nearly 40 years since we were that good. Hopefully we’re on the way there again.
That’s the goal.
Absolutely!
I could just see all the Dolphins fans that want Watson losing their shit if the Jets get him. Silly as it may seem, they will root for Watson to beat the Dolphins so they can say I told ya so!
That’s not a real fan so let them have at it.
You can be sure, I’m not in that category, because that is dumb, lol.
I will lose my shit if the Jests get anything other than herpes…
Herd, someone for you to keep an eye on. DT Kenny Randall, 6’3 320, he played for Charleston, WV in Div II. I hear he is a real beast. Got invite to Senior Bowl. He will be there practicing but not playing in the game. I guess they invite a group of the top Div II Seniors to participate as well. If our coaching staff likes him, he could be drafted by us in the 7th or an UDFA.
There is also a WR from that school who declared, WR Mike Strachan, he is a monster at like 6’5 225. He may not get drafted in the 7th but is considered to be a HPFA. A new acronym I learned today meaning High Priority undrafted Free Agent. Which means he will likely be one of the first ones immediately signed once the draft is over.
Man you’re already digging deep into possible 7th round – UDFA prospects. What two 1st’s, two 2nd’s, a 3rd and a 4th not good enough for ya? LOL
I agree that they’re not real fans but I feel like some younger fans really aren’t really fans. They watch the NBA and have that I want it now mentality. Or maybe they just have too much Veruca Salt in them. lol
LOL
Some of the younger generations are absorbed in sports in so many ways that they lose sight of fandom – it’s about betting and fantasy.
Football isn’t a millennial, me first sport. At least not in my life time. Yours OD?
Just random…I think OD is my only senior on this blog. Lol!
I think most of the elders are in their 50’s with OD being the eldest. So where do you fit in with that?
It’s between you and Naples and Naples voted for FDR
Yes Naples was known as the 2nd eldest. But FDR? LOL
I was gonna say Coolidge but I didn’t want to piss him off too bad lol
LOL
What about Watson to the Saints? They wouldn’t miss a beat. They’d probably be better because Watson’s deep ball is much better than where Brees was at.
Anyone with me in thinking the Bills win this Sunday? I think it’ll be a great game and could go either way, but if I was putting down money, I’d put it on the Bills.
I’ve got GB winning a close one against the Bills in the Super Bowl.
I think any of the 4 teams can win the Super Bowl. Let the games begin. 🙂
LOL, bold 😉
I really don’t have a gut feeling about any of them. I can’t predict the game changing plays that haven’t happened yet. 😉
LATE THIS AFTERNOON Mrs. OD and I got the words we were waiting for. “You’re Both Covid-Free!” My exhausted wife hit the bed at 7:30; I will follow her in just a couple more minutes.
I lost 10 pounds in 11 days WITHOUT TRYING TO!.
———————
The news is not all good. Pasco County STILL has no idea when Covid shots will be available to those of us in the 75 and up FIRST GROUP!! A grand total of 500 shots have been delivered to the nursing homes that dot the area in this county. But that’s IT!!
——————–
Talk to you folks tomorrow!
I can’t say Bills even though they’re playing really well.
Mahomes vs Rodgers and maybe State Farm will blow into a zillion little pieces
LOL, the State Farm dream game.
I’d much prefer to see Mahomes and Rodgers, but I just feel like it’s the Bills year to lose another Super Bowl. 🤣🤣
Tim, lol I got it down to who I like and where in the first 7 rounds. It was a boring rainy day so I had nothing else I wanted to do.
LOL
I know I am the only one here who wants Tampa this weekend, I cannot stand GB or Rodgers, even at the expense of Brady getting there. A Packers/Bills match up would be a nightmare for me. Not that anybody cares, Lol.
Rodgers is one of the best QBs I’ve ever watched play.
I know, and I can’t stand him, lol
So, am I crazy or is ED (edge defender) kind of a new designation? Is this just another way to say DE (defensive end) or is there something that differentiates an ED from a DE?
Yessir, ‘ED’ (unlike Erectile Dysfunction) is the new designation for ‘Edge Defender’.
But don’t say anything to Chuck Schumer… LOL 😉
For those that missed it today…
Ok, good, lol.
Cheers. 🙂
If we go WR at 3 he’s my choice, but I’d rather trade back a little and still take him. The Oregon OT is the only player I see worth taking at 3.
Harris or Waddle (if no WR at 3) at 18. Waddle over Smith all day every day.
Kong – The anti-Tua sentiment is much stronger on twitter than it is here. I just don’t understand why there is any anti-Tua sentiment at all. People have already decided he’s terrible and will never be a good QB. I suppose every team has fans like that but it disgusts me.
Piggy said it. It’s the shiny new thing syndrome. Combine that with the millennial I want it now arm chair GM attitude and you get the Miami fan base.
The busboy at breakfast looks like piggy. I elbowed his crotch for good measure.