The Miami Dolphins secondary was the strongest unit on the 2020 roster, but it wasn’t necessarily because of the play of our safeties. I believe Eric Rowe had a strong season, but the strength of the secondary was based on the excellent play of the two corners, Xavien Howard and Byron Jones. Bobby McCain was good, not great, and the younger players showed some promise here and there but failed to make a clear case to be a starter going forward. Clayton Fejedelem who was a free agent pickup and a good one because Fejedelem is a special teams ace.
Young Brandon Jones proved to be a reliable tackler and that’s good, but didn’t show anything special as far as instincts in pass coverage. Jones was seconds in tackles in the secondary behind Eric Rowe with 62 tackles, but his 1 pass defensed and zero interceptions seem to imply he’s better in run support and bringing down receivers than he is in pass coverage. Jones still had a nice rookie season after being drafted in the 3rd RD (#70). Kavon Frazier who came over from Dallas in free agency played in 15 games but he was almost solely on special teams. Good Ole Bobby McCain had somewhat of a bounce back season, but I don’t feel like he did anything that made him indispensable for this coming season. His cap hit versus salary make him a possible cap casualty as they can save about $5.6M if they cut him. This can open up a potential spot for either Brandon Jones or potentially a draft pick or a free agent signing.
In the 2021 draft, S Trevon Moehrig from TCU may be the best prospect for us. Moehrig 6’2 202 has the size and length that we don’t have with Bobby Mac. A former WR and special teams guy Moehrig worked hard to become a very strong defensive player.He has good ball skills with 4 INT’s in his Sophomore year and adding another 2 in a shortened season last year. He possesses good instincts and good long range speed along with a quick burst, ideal for coverage in the NFL where it could be anything from a RB, WR or TE. Jevon Holland is another good safety prospect but he may be similar to Bobby Mac in that he also plays the slot well and may end up a better player at slot CB than safety. This is not a great safety class and it appears as if Moehrig is the cream of the crop.
In free agency, Justin Simmons heads the class. He’s almost certainly out of range as he will garner somewhere around $15M per, so he will not be a Miami Dolphin. Former NY Jet Marcus Maye is also a top FA, but again, he will be out of our range. Former Steeler Sean Davis is a free agent and I liked him in that draft, very explosive and agile, ran a 4.46 40, 3.97 short shuttle which is very fast and a 6.64 3 cone which is elite agility. In the NFL though, Davis has been meh, starting at SS in his first 3 seasons and coming up with 5 INT’s those 3 years. The drafting of Terrell Edmunds (Bills Tremaine Edmunds brother) and then the trade for MFFF no doubt buried him on the depth chart. He may be worth a risk to resurrect his career. I don’t feel like safety is a position where we have to do anything, so it’s possible we just leave well enough alone and let a guy like Brandon Jones develop.
GO DOLPHINS!!!
Finsmob Unleashed 
First!
You did it Mike!!!! Congratulations! 🙂
Nice article! S Trevon Moehrig would be huge in our secondary. Though, I have been focusing on mid to late round safeties. Ones who are solid in all aspects and versatile.
Good article Mike. I also don’t think safety’s a need but it would be really nice to get some size back there. Bobby is little and it’s pretty easy to find mismatches against him. Damn that MFF!
I can’t figure out what scheme we play, and think in large part it is cause we use a bunch of them. Lot of sets though I see one safety way deep, single man with the two corners and a whole bunch of guys up close. To me that says a kick-ass FS would be a real asset. Even if like him, not sure that is Bobby McCain, especially with the money involved.
So yeah thinking we could draft a FS rover, even in the 2nd round.
There are some good safeties in this draft, IMO. Quite a few with some versatility Flores likes.
If we were to get one early, and early, I mean pick 50 or top of 3rd, I would like to get a really good punishing thumper SS type with good cover skills. That guy for me would be Talanoa Hufanga from USC. Dude always seems to play hyped up all the time like the Honey Badger. At 6’1 215 he kind of reminds me of a big Honey Badger or a Polamalu but not as good in coverage as the Badger though.
From “thedraftnetwork”:
Talanoa Hufanga was a versatile defender for the Trojans defense. He is a safety by trade but has aligned in multiple places due to his diverse skill set. He is a violent tackler who seems to enjoy the physical aspect of the game. His mental aptitude allows him to easily align in multiple places. He has made strides in the passing game, evidenced by his four interceptions this season. He is an instinctive player who plays the game with a violent edge.
Ideal Role: Eventual starting safety.
Scheme Fit: His skill set will allow him the versatility to play in any scheme.
PBP’s Joe Schad went through the big mocks and tabulated who they say we will take first.
————————————–
1. Ja’Marr Chase, LSU, WR (4 selections: Charley Casserly, Daniel Jeremiah, Bucky Brooks, Austin Gayle) — Casserly says Chase reminds him of DeAndre Hopkins of the Cardinals. Gayle, of Pro Football Focus, notes Chase was utterly dominant as a 19-year-old true sophomore, when he last played football.
2. DeVonta Smith, Alabama, WR (3 selections: Mel Kiper, Lance Zierlein, Josh Tolentino) — Kiper wants to see Smith and Tua Tagovailoa reunited. Tolentino of The Athletic notes Smith posted 215 yards and three touchdowns in the last national championship game at Hard Rock Stadium.
3. Penei Sewell, Oregon, OT (2 selections: Vinnie Iyer, Doug Farrar) — Iyer of the Sporting News suggests Sewell has “smooth agility for pass protection and rock-like stature for the running game.” Farrar of USA Today notes Tagovailoa was weak when pressured: 95 drop backs with no touchdowns and two interceptions.
4. Jaylen Waddle, Alabama, WR (1 selection: Todd McShay) — In McShay’s scenario, the Dolphins trade down to 8 in a deal with the Panthers. It’s unlikely Miami would select Waddle with the third pick, but there are some draft experts who prefer Waddle over Smith because of Waddle’s blazing speed and sterling yards-after-catch.
Full that includes same for #18
https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/sports/nfl/2021/02/26/nfl-draft-2021-popular-miami-dolphins-mock-draft-picks/6836460002/
Stanger – What’s great is we will definitely have our choice of a few players we really want, whether we trade back or not. I have no problem with either Chase, Sewell, Smith or Waddle. One of those guys is going to improve our team. Sewell isn’t a sexy pick but thinking of those mountains (Kindley and Hunt) on the interior of our line along with Jackson and whomever we have at center makes that line very promising indeed. Either WR would be an immediate upgrade to what we have. Get a good RB in this draft and I think this offense is much more formidable.
How hard is it to get a good player at #3 unless his last name is Jordan? 🙂
But yeah if we pick there hoping it is Sewell. Buy into your vision. Same time my very best hope is #3 won’t be our slot.
Hey, it’s not the worst thing. If the Texans were a better team we might have a pick in the 20’s, so I’d rather have my choice of players at #3 than the 25th pick. It’s a win no matter how you slice it, whether we trade back or not. Extra picks are always great but quality from your picks is priceless.
It will be interesting to see what we do in FA first. I don’t think we’ll be big players but I wouldn’t be surprised if we sign one big FA meaning an immediate starter.
The Flying Pig says:
February 27, 2021 at 10:37 pm
MF13
I don’t know who Jason McIntyre is
But that is unquestionably tampering if true
——————
Absolutely!
Tim,
Tell me what you think of this song… it came out 2 days ago, and kind of goes hand-in-hand with the video Phelon posted the other day. It think it goes with some of the political talk that’s been on this blog lately, but I’m (seriously) NOT trying to get political.
This guy — Tom MacDonald — is a genius. He’s self-produced, self-written, self-distributed (all just like me), but he’s the #1 artist right now according to many online metrics. I try to stay away from politics in my music… perhaps I should have second thoughts(?)… LOL
I think Mike E will love this one… I just hope he doesn’t want to kiss me! JK/LOL, Mike E! 😉
I really like the message but I’m bored with the rap rant. I’m also tired of this topic. I live a different life than what people are telling me it is. As you know I don’t fear the bogeyman. It’s all about individuals. The masses can always control the world rather than the minority elite. They’re just not united… yet.
I hear ya, man. And again, I certainly don’t want to get into politics… but this guy has BALLS, and he’s making it work as an indy artist. I suppose what he’s talking about isn’t so controversial as many had previously thought.
Meaning… he’s not trying to make something popular, rather he’s speaking to popular thought… and he’s addressing both sides of the aisle in the name of peace. I like it.
However, he’s certainly not my flavor in music. He’s just quite interesting, to say the least!
I agree. He didn’t do anything wrong or anything. I’m just tired of the angst among people. It’s an agenda not the norm in society. At least I don’t live that.
i couldnt watch more than a few seconds, the dude looks and sounds bat shit crazy with his creepy haloween costume and fake crayons
i did google his lyrics to see what he is about, he is clueless as to how the rest of the world works, and seems all butt hurt about losing his white superiority
Mike E,
Good write on the Safety position. I have a serious feeling that if we don’t make a surprise move in FA to nab a Safety (give me Desmond King), we’re going to make a surprise move in the Draft to nab a Safety. Not saying early, as in day 1 or 2, but early day 3. Just a rumble in my gut. We shall see…
Seriously, Desmond King? I never would have thought you’d bring him up. LOL
Wha? I don’t know what you’re talking about… LOL 😉
^ This is more of the vibe I’m digging today, albeit I’m not trying to replicate the 80s… as much as I truly love the 80s.
saw them in concert, awesome!, check out their song , dont fear the reaper, classic!
Great rock tune early 80’s.
M13, ever since you posted “Fake Woke” I have been keeping up with Tom McDonald. Dude is so on the money. Thanks!
Tim,
A study says the exact opposite. https://freakonomics.com/2011/07/28/minority-rules-why-10-percent-is-all-you-need/
If you think about it, it’s true. Most people don’t care and just want to do their own thing. 10% push the narrative. When you wonder how things change when most people don’t even seem to support it…it’s this. It’s how the Revolution was won. It’s how most revolutions and changes occur. It’s how the elite rule us. It’s how everything really works.
I wasn’t talking about what is, but what it can be. Individuals change the behavior in society on a daily basis, not the government. We just don’t do it enough. So we listen to the angry narrative about who the next leaders will be. Oh okay, yeah that’s the answer. LOL
agree with ya Tim, i dont fear the bogeyman either, i always hated fearmongering politicians, and dont have much time for people crying chicken little 24/7
if Your family isnt right, fix it, lol dont need politicians for that
i had a guy tell me to not wear a mask they dont work.
this guy was weird, had a huge trump face super imposed onto Rockys body, lol
i guess he never saw an overweitght old man with his shirt off, lol they DONT look like Rocky
i told them they do work, and i always wear them for my sake and others.
then he told me how he got the covid, and only had to spend a few days in the hospital, lol
so the minimum wage fast food worker knows more than the doctors, and knows they dont work, but admitted he got the covid, lol
i told him, thanks for proving they work, i have never gotten it while wearing a mask, lol
Maybe that person was going by what Dr. Fauci said way back last year.
doubtful, he seemed totally clueless, like half the people around this county
he looked like he walked off the set of Deliverance, smh
he was talking of his personal hospitalization, and catching it, and saying masks dont work.
his opinions of not wearing a mask, failed to keep him safe from hospitalization.
and what is up with the infatuation of trump superimposed onto rockys torso, is that from reality, or fantasyland? hes living in fantasy world, where facts dont matter, just fake stuff is important enough to wear it on a tshirt
i watched all of the Rocky movies , and Rocky never trained by riding on golf carts, lol
anyone wearing a tshirt like that is weird, and out of touch with reality IMO
BBM, according to wikipedia, the natives in this county i moved to, have the highest high school dropout in the nation, number 1, SMH lol they are REALLY dumb!
its not my job to educate the high school dropouts here, just trying to build My country home on affordable property, and runs into town feel like i ran into the cast of deliverance, lol
i guess if i keep a distance they wont bite often,,,
David C (@DolphinsSB52) says:
March 1, 2021 at 5:15 am (Edit)
i couldnt watch more than a few seconds, the dude looks and sounds bat shit crazy with his creepy haloween costume and fake crayons
*************************************
LMAO!!! He looks perfect to be appointed for a cabinet spot for Joe Biden.
lol hes a canadian rapper, that sings about illumanit cloning rappers in a lab.
interestingly enough, he doesnt have any songs about Canadian politics, but hes a certified whack job for claiming that rappers are cloned by the illuminati, among other weird things about him
imo, hes not suitable for anything in America, lol hes canadas problem
Mike, ive seen guys like him before, Canadian citizens all worried about US politics, and not a word about Canadian politics.
maybe they should focus on their country instead of ours, jus sayin
the illimaniti in canada screwed up with this guy imo, lol
hes living in a socialist nation with free health care pretending to be an American conservative
they likely have much better clone rappers than him, somebody just demand a full refund of their clone deposit, lol
im gonna google, illuminati clone rappers manufacturing near Me, and see what shows up,,,,,lol
hopefully they arent too pricy, and have no interest financing, lol
Man, when someone speaks the truth and wants to open the eyes of people on what is really going on in this country and it is against what the far left wants, David sure goes off on a tangent.
“i did google his lyrics to see what he is about, he is clueless as to how the rest of the world works,”
——————————————–
Sounds like a narcissist comment to me. Narcissists spew comments like this and they are really describing themselves.
David, I feel sorry for you in how blind you really are.
He was born and raised Canadian but has lived in LA, CA for a long time. You and I were born and raised here with our political system. Sometimes you can get a better view of things by listening to someone from the outside looking in. Companies/Corporations do it all the time.
What is clueless in these lyrics?
“They knew that race war would be the game they need to play
For people to pick teams, they use the media to feed the flame”
^
That screams Don Lemon right there all day and almost everyday.
“There’s a difference between hate speech and speech that you hate”
“I think Black Lives Matter was the stupidest name
When the system’s screwin’ everyone exactly the same
“We got so divided, it’s black and white and political
Republicans are bigots, libtards if you’re liberal
There’s riots in our streets, and it’s just gettin’ worse
Y’all screamin’, “Defund the police”, y’all are genius for sure
They’re underfunded already, they’re way too busy to work
Order food and call the cops, see what reaches you first”
“Segregation ended, that’s a lie in itself
That was a strategy to make us think they were tryin’ to help
They knew that racism was hot if they designed it to sell
We buy up every single box and divide us ourselves”
“Politicians are for sale and someone always makes the purchase
But you and I cannot afford it, our democracy is worthless”
“Instead of asking God for the strength to keep winnin’
We cheat to get ahead, and then we ask Him for forgiveness”
That was a different song but this is one M13 posted. These are just some of the lyrics.
David, what is clueless about these?
“You worry ’bout leavin’ a better planet for our kids
How ’bout leavin’ better kids for our planet?”
“Entire generation offended at everything
Getting mad that a human thinks all lives matter
We don’t need black or white, or left or right
All we need is common sense, we need balance”
“I believe in two genders, I’m not mad at the rest
I’m just confused when a dude has a beard and some breasts”
“I think fighting violence with more violence is what they want
Viruses and riots, people dying, we won’t stay home
Black Lives Matter, All Lives Matter, what’s all this division for?
It’s modern segregation, this is setting up a civil war”
“When I was a child, the only races that we hated
Were the ones that we ran and didn’t win
Then we stopped playing with each other, started hatin’ on each other
Started noticin’ the color of our skin”
“I think picking sides divides, it’s probably what has got us here
United States is great regardless, that’s what we’ve forgotten here
Black Lives Matter, All Lives Matter, what’s all this division for?
It’s modern segregation, this is setting up a civil war”
“This is what they wanted, this is how they planned it
This is to control everyone on the planet
Then we put each other in caskets, protest in panic
And they take advantage to manage the damage
We won’t always agree, nope, freedom doesn’t come free, nope
There was people fighting, dyin’ overseas so that you could have freedom and be home”
“I think the elites are real, but they ain’t drinking babies’ blood
They’re creating chaos so they have something to save you from
Black Lives Matter, All Lives Matter, what’s all this division for?
It’s modern segregation, this is setting up a civil war”
I know what it was, he had one line with the name Trump in it, “Trump can’t build a wall, why does your house have a fence?”. Then up went “your wall” and your blinders and suddenly he is a clueless Canadian. SMH
David, here are some more lyrics and a video for you. “No Lives Matter” What is clueless in these lyrics?
Hip hop died, it’s full of guys who cannot even rap (Facts)
Media dividing us by colors, white or black (Facts)
If you believe in Jesus these days Christians get attacked (Facts)
If you don’t hate police, then everybody thinks you’re wack
And everything’s so connected
Black Lives Matter got so aggressive
White folks who agree can’t support the message
Both sides go to war ’cause they don’t respect it
Our social climate from the global tension
Turned to total violence and a whole depression
We could unify and then all go against them
But we let ’em divide us with votes and elections (Ayy)
The music we bump, all about shootin’ guns and doin’ drugs (Ayy, whoa)
The things that we want are promoted subliminally through the songs
Like, “You need a fast car, you need designer clothes, you need a rap star
To tell you to start poppin’ pills, hit the blunt and go live at the club ’til you’re broke”
It’s all controlled by the elites
Put fake news all over our screens
Convincing the right to go fight with the left
And distract from the fact it’s each other we need, uh
Divided by race and religion, segregated into teams, uh
You a white supremacist, if you not, I guess you’re ANTIFA
Screaming from the rooftops, beatdown, battered
Turned us on each other, now no lives matter
If we do what the news wants, blood gon’ splatter
Turn us on each other ’til no lives matter
Freedom’s dead; if you have an opinion, take it back (Facts)
People hate the president; if you don’t, then you trash (Facts)
Indoctrinate the nation usin’ news and mainstream rap (Facts)
The government abuses us, it’s all part of the plan (Facts)
And it’s so confusing
Black Lives Matter’s a valuable movement
But All Lives Matter ain’t racist or stupid
It’s non-black humans who don’t feel included
All colors fall under laws that govern
The whole country and we all suffer
We’re all broke and nobody recovers
Until we accept that we’re all brothers (Ayy)
The music we make, all about big booties and getting paid (Ayy, whoa)
We watch the news and it fills up our brains with violence and riots and race
Like, “This is a race war, you need to hate more, get what you came for
You need some songs about Xanax and violence so you can escape more”
What a vicious cycle we can’t break away from
They control the culture, they control the paper
They’re indoctrinating a whole generation
‘Til the patriots start to hate the nation
The music we love make us dumb and addicted
The news that we watch is brainwashing the children
The viruses, riots, and racist conditions
Ain’t problems, they’re symptoms of life in the system
Screaming from the rooftops, beatdown, battered
Turned us on each other, now no lives matter
If we do what the news wants, blood gon’ splatter
Turn us on each other ’til no lives matter
The music’ll make you dumb
The media makes you hate
And they control ’em both
There ain’t no escape
They put the world in a state of chaos
Economy crashin’ and massive layoffs
Black against white or it’s left versus right
Divide and conquer and control is the payoff
Screaming from the rooftops, beatdown, battered
Turned us on each other, now no lives matter
If we do what the news wants, blood gon’ splatter
Turn us on each other ’til no lives matter
Sorry for the long “Cav” posts. I promise I am done! Coming off 2 hours of sleep and too much coffee already this morning. Hate that I may have ruined the “Safety” blog, lol.
No problem it was necessary, every word. I think some here have already adapted to this philosophy of we need to stick together no matter the color, party or other. It’s us against the machine.
And not us against each other
IMO, Cav like posts should always be welcome, lol. Just make sure you always go full on Kong and have a blonde in at least one hand- style points. 😉
Strangely I agree with this mock and FA signings
https://phinphanatic.com/2021/03/01/miami-dolphins-7-round-mock-draft-transform-franchise/
I’ve said I don’t want to make a splash in FA, especially for an RB, but getting Jones and Linsley, then drafting Penei and Pitts would make it a great O.
Don’t know anything about the S and LB they drafted, but if what they said is true our D would be vastly improved.
Another reason for doing it would be to fast forward Tua’s development, if he doesn’t look like a franchise QB in that O, he isn’t a franchise QB.
Haven’t seen D in a while. Did I miss him saying he was going on a trip or something?
https://www.nfl.com/news/veteran-de-j-j-watt-to-sign-two-year-deal-with-cardinals
2 yrs, 31 mil- 23 guaranteed.
Glad we didn’t pursue that
That’s about what he was on the books for with Houston.
I sorta of liked the idea of JJ and TJ crunching a QB together, but maybe Pitt just didn’t need JJ.
I think Pitt has a negative cap right now, they probably couldn’t afford to sign him.
LOL
Cav – You watched any Strike Back yet?
Nah, I’m still working on Jack Ryan.
I’d be done with Jack Ryan already if I hadn’t fallen down a Veronica Mars hole, lol. I like the Ryan series. Strike Back is next.
Didn’t expect Watt to end up in ARZ, although that defense just got better. If he could stay healthy for them he will help that defense.
Pretty much says his only goal wasn’t a ring. But yeah money counts too. 🙂
The Cards have an explosive offense, they need that defense tightened up some. Watt should help
Watt will help for sure, but if he stays healthy only Q will be if it is $15 mil per year worth of help. A lot for a 31 year-old DE, even if a great one before.
I think its great he’s going to AZ. Out of our conference and we played that division last year.
Phelon/Kong – Either of you watch Longmire? Good show. I didn’t have any desire to try it but it’s a good show. The lead character Sheriff Walt Longmire (Robert Taylor) totally reminds me of Adam West. He sounds so much like him.
I’ve heard of Longmire, but never watched it. Pretty hard to imagine an Adam West cowboy type as anything but a comedy, lol.
Haven’t watched it yet. I caught up on Jack Ryan and started over on Strike Back which I’m about 4 seasons behind.
bailbondmike says:
February 28, 2021 at 10:24 pm
M13, ever since you posted “Fake Woke” I have been keeping up with Tom McDonald. Dude is so on the money. Thanks!
—————–
You’re most welcome, Brother. I find him to be most intriguing, though his look is a little, shall we say… different, LOL. Yessir, the man speaks truth.
Lately I haven’t been agreeing with Armando too much
But this isn’t a bad idea
Like I said to BBM the other day, he finally produced in a contract year. But BBM made the stellar observation that he finally went back to his natty OLB position and actually had a good Defensive coach, which got the best out of him.
I’d love to have Haason on our team… IF the price is right. I wouldn’t pay him elite money though.
That answers the question I was about to post about why didn’t the Cards sign their young pass rusher instead of signing a highpriced aging vet.
M13 — seems $12M-15M is elite money.
My bad — those figures were for the Cards cap space. Looks from a Cardinals site that he might go for $10 mil though. And it was a breakout year (7.5 sacks in the 3 years before). 26 is mighty nice though.
David, why so outraged by Tom MacDonald? He’s all about UNITY… something I thought you were all about.
stangerx says:
March 1, 2021 at 2:28 pm
M13 — seems $12M-15M is elite money.
—————-
Then I wouldn’t sign Haasan (as obviously the Cardinals wouldn’t, as Cav Kong stated above), because he hasn’t shown the ability to be consistent. If I’m Phins GM, I’d sign him to a ‘prove it’ deal at best.
Just replied above in a way. My guess the kid is going to want long term in his 2nd contract…. so not thinking show me an option. The “flash in the pan” factor might bring his price down.
Yes, now you understand. If his price comes down to reality (“if the price is right”), I’d consider him. And I should think a wise GM would consider that “flash in the pan” factor, as well. We’ll see what happens!
JJ was cut, so he’s free to sign with anyone, FAs have to wait until the league year starts. If the Cards still want Hasson, they can work something out, don’t think signing JJ means they’re done with him
EXCELLENT point, man!
Spotrac ‘guestimated’ FA OLB contracts (they are VERY good at this, BTW), w/ age they will be at kickoff 2021…
OLB Bud Dupree: $18.2M/year (29 years old)
OLB Von Miller: $10.3M/year (32 years old)
OLB Matt Judon: $15.6M/year (29 years old)
OLB Melvin Ingram: $11.4M/year (32 years old)
OLB Shaquil Barrett: $19.7M/year (28 years old)
OLB Lavonte David: $12.7M/year (32 years old)
OLB Haason Reddick: $11.6M/year (27 years old)
Notes:
Andrew Van Ginkel and Shaq Lawson are under contract for 2021 @ WLB
Kyle Van Noy and Sam Eguavoen are under contract for 2021 @ SLB
Conclusion:
There’s no need to overpay via FA to get an OLB at the above going rates. We need a pass-rushing DE on a four-man front (nickel and dime packages) more than anything else on Defense, IMO.
I just did the same thing for DEs, and I’d say it’s better to keep in healthy cap shape, and DRAFT our own under solid coaching with Coach Flores.
Yes, we could really use a great DE in the 2021 Draft.
With the cap going down, who knows what any team is willing to pay. The NFPA wants agents to collude amongst themselves, so teams can’t collude effectively.
We don’t need one of these high salaried old LBs
100% agreed, Steve.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/phinphanatic.com/2021/03/01/miami-dolphins-tua-tagovailoa-playing-new-england-next-year/amp/
Fansided has this ridiculous article about Tua playing in NE.
Pre-FA and pre-Draft, and as currently constituted, we Phins have the 7th easiest schedule in the NFL in ’21, vs a .477 winning percentage of ’20 opponents.
This is an interesting story about Ja’Marr Chase being clocked at 4.40 at LSU even though he was clocked much slower going back to high school
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2901256-lsu-wr-jamarr-chase-running-440-40-after-being-clocked-at-466-in-high-school
I seriously wish there was a combine this year
I know sometimes it’s overrated, but this is one of those times when Chase’s 40 time might make the difference in the type of WR we draft (if we are taking one early)
More on that 4.40 time
https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/gm-report/bengals-prospect-breakdown-lsu-wide-receiver-jamarr-chase
It’s a big deal for Chase bc he is not perceived to have elite speed
And doesn’t have elite size like a Julio Jones type
Personally I think he’s kind of a mix between Odell-Beckham
And DeAndre Hopkins
He might be special in this league
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-mock-draft-eagles-roll-dice-on-qb-in-round-1-dolphins-target-receiver-at-no-3/
Learned a guy I really liked died today. First knew him in 1996 and up until like 7 years ago. Was a great dude to have a beer with. Funny what comes up after the fact — I would have said he was 70, but nah he was 75. Person who called me explains, “he always said he was 5 years younger than he was.” We all got our quirks….. and loved the guy.
Sorry to hear
Gerry was a good guy. If you had a Santa suit..he’s who you would pick to wear it. Lawyer too…. maybe we ain’t all that bad. 🙂
Sorry for your loss, Stanger.
Piggy,
The things that finally carried me into the Chase camp was his age when he exploded on the scene and stealing the limelight from guys like Jefferson and Marshall. Elite prospect.
I think he’s the one with a shot to be special
Sorry to hear that Stanger.
Fansided appears to be populated by dopes. Their 7 round draft has Miami taking Sewell at 3 and Pitts at 18. Why would anyone think Miami would waste a pick on. TE after their current TE room set club records last year? And they desperately need WR? And more defense? I also don’t see them taking Sewell after investing so much last year in the OL.
+100000 on your use of the word “dopes”!
Been using that online for sometime, and hoping it gains traction!
Yeah I don’t see us drafting a TE high in the draft. Our group was really productive last year, even under Gailey who doesn’t utilize TEs according to some people. 😉
Thanks again, Mike E.
If we could get a nice one in the draft that upgrades what we have, of course. Not a need position, considering all the holes we still have.
I don’t really think we have a lot of holes. We just need to upgrade some positions and hopefully find a few special talents. We already have a bunch of good players.
We still have holes….bunch of good players doesn’t fill the holes.
Defense has holes, offense has more holes. Are you serious?
How do you define bunch on a football team? 4-5 is a bunch for me. We need at least 4-5 positions to upgrade. That’s a bunch, imo! Out of 22?
With the NFL moving closer to adding a 17th game, it appears there’s now some clarity on the scheduling formula that will determine what the added games will look like this season.
For the Miami Dolphins, it’s looking like that will equate to a home game against the New York Giants at Hard Rock Stadium.
NBC Sports’ Peter King laid out the scenarios for the 17-game season in his weekly Football Morning in America column. According to King, the AFC East will play the NFC East in 2021, with teams playing the corresponding team in the other division based on which place the teams finished in 2020.
With the Dolphins finishing in second place in the AFC East (10-6) and the Giants (6-10) finishing in second place in the NFC East, they will face each other when the NFL officially schedules the extra game in conjunction with the latest collective bargaining agreement.
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-dolphins-giants-add-2021-schedule-20210301-hufb7tsu4vfmjg7zsnxq2p42re-story.html
So we play the AFC South, NFC South, and the Giants in a home game.
I told some Boys fans that the AFCE made out like bandits with that schedule. 4 free wins even one for the Jets. How nice of the NFL.
I thought the same thing- 4 wins for the AFCE, lol.
Krishna, from 8:13 PM – 8:20 PM, I saw you accelerate from a decent question, to going into attack mode, regarding your responses to Tim. Brother, slow your roll, man.
You’re respected, Krishna.
Krishna, holes mean you don’t have any quality players at positions. We need some special players now – new additions and guys already on the team taking the next step. Example
Where do you think we have “holes”?
Oh my….to slow roll it.
Positions of need in no particular order:
DL
LB
First two have to do with front 7 improvement. We are terrible here.
Offense, we need OL, RB, WR or two.
My bunch should be coorected to 4-6. Sorry.
I agree mostly. Definitely need front 7.. what Miami has is good but not elite.
Good is ok, just not good enough. Offense needs skill and strength on OL, imo.
One of the Guys mocking on NFLN has Pitts going to the Eagles which I also found odd, as they have Ertz and JoeDirt at TE and not much at WR… are they thinking Pitts is gonna be a WR in NFL ??
Stanger: sorry about your friend. It sux to lose them
Canucks checking in.
Saw I was being slagged into Tom Macdonald territory, figured I best pop in 😊
Lol
Holes and elite are two different things. I said we need more special, but holes means you don’t have anyone who should be a starter or on an NFL roster at positions. The proper word is upgrades. 😉
I want to win…holes to me means, weaknesses in a football team. I don’t give a shit if you’re a starter because that’s all you have. Facts.
Ok, upgrades….to fill the holes. Lol!
There is a difference. But you can be aggravated about it if you must. LOL
Stanger – Sorry about your friend
Stanger,
Missed it earlier but sorry for your loss. Good friends are rare.
Let me ask all of you, what position needs a player we don’t have? That doesn’t mean we can’t get better. But where is an obvious void/hole that is a must have?
WR, DL, Edge
Agreed! 3 players with two 1’s, two 2’s, 3, 4 etc. and not counting FA. Find some special. 🙂
We were 10-6 last year, not 7-9. We missed the playoffs by an inch.
Ape…Strike Back is better than Jack Ryan. And I like Jack Ryan. It’s like Lay’s Potato Chips….you can’t watch just one.
Tim Knight, not sure why you think we’re only an inch from playoff’s and greatness. Did you watch the last game of the season?
Do you remember the “team” we put on the field that day?
I also don’t know why if i disagree wholeheartedly with your assessment as somehow, i’m aggressive.
Any team can put players on the field. All you need to do is upgrade?
Our front 7 couldn’t stop any team that wanted to run the ball. We never had a 4 man rush that put pressure on the QB. Holes v upgrades? This article points to a position we should try and upgrade, not seeing holes. Front seven, I see at least 2 to 3 holes.
On offense, we couldn’t run the ball. No OL push, QB always under pressure, just not good enough up front. We can settle for upgrades, but i think we have at least 1 -2 holes on the line.
And/or RB position that stays on the field for 3 downs, can run between the tackles, block, and catch the ball. RB position is a hole, not an upgrade, imo. Who is our RB, truly, I can’t remember.
WR group? 1-2 holes. When some on this board think/believe the position group should be turned over. I would call that holes, not upgrades.
I’m glad we didn’t make the playoffs. We didn’t deserve to be there and saying we were an inch away is folly-thought. We were miles away from representing as a playoff team, imo.
Too many holes….
Okay.
Toba – Supposedly the Eagles and Ertz are parting ways. They’re looking for another dynamic TE to pair with Goedert.
M – I do think Tom MacDonald is in line with Phelon’s guy. I share many of those beliefs.
Piggy, that is interesting about Chase’s 40 time. I was hearing the same thing about Bateman’s 40 time. Bateman is considered possibly the slowest of the top 10 WR’s in the draft. Now, I hear he is posting low 4.4’s and possibly sub 4.4. I just don’t see that kind of speed on tape. If he does possess that kind of speed with all his other gifts, then he could be a top 15 guy. Pro days start this Friday so we will see.
Our entire team is basically filled with overachievers. There are very few starting spots on this roster that couldn’t use an upgrade.
RB
WR
O-Line
Front 7
Safety
Tua needs to take that next step or he’ll be replaceable too.
We need to continue to invest in our secondary as well. It’s not immediate, but we are far from stable.
I think you have to let the guys on the O-line play. I like what Kindley and Hunt bring to the table. Jackson is young and needs to fill out more and he will also keep getting better. Not sure what we do with center if we draft someone or if maybe they consider spending there in FA. WR, RB absolutely require upgrades. We need another LB with Baker but I like our front 3 with Wilkins, Davis and Ogbah. Maybe Van Ginkel is for real?
Right, not many holes, we need some upgrades. People act like we have nothing and it’s weird.
No team in the league is set at every position. It’s about what do you need to win games. We’re not that far off. And we have huge draft capital coming up.
M13, If we do do look at a DE for a 4 man front, who would you be looking at. I think they tried to do that last year with the drafting of Jason Strowbridge and the UDFA signing of Nick Coe.
For a 4 man front I am thinking the bigger/athletic DE’s in the draft. One who would have to be taken probably at #18 is Kwitty Paye, 6’4 277. Don’t know much about him but I think he is almost strictly a hand in dirt DE on a 4 man front and not sure what versatility he would offer us.
One I like as a 4-3 DE is Carlos Basham, 6’3 281. IMO he would be worth a late second or early 3rd. Again, he may also be strictly a 4-3 DE like Paye.
With a full off season and TC, I am excited to see how much last years rookies take on that next step. Especially the OLB/Edge defender we stole from Bellicheat in signing the undrafted guys. Remember Tyshun Render? He actually got brought up from the PS a time or 2 last year I think.
This blog is about safeties. I did not realize we had 7 safeties on the roster right now.
Never mind, the Dolphins still show Kavon Frazier on the roster but he is an UFA. So, I guess we have 6 right now.
They still show all our free agents still on the roster. Why do they do that?
Lazy, but they have to be somewhere, so people can look them up.
So we have Rowe, McCain, Jones and Fejedelem as our most used safeties. Then we have Nate Holley who appeared in a couple games and Brian Cole who did not play in any regular season games.
I think they try to add better depth in the draft but where is the real question for me. I think it will be later like 4th or later. Though, if someone they like falls a bit, I would not be all surprised if they take that guy at #50 or with our 3rd round pick.
I think you will just about be able to find a good versatile safety prospect in almost every round of this draft.
I can see McCain getting cut, if we want to be real players in FA at any position, but the group we have now + a draftee is fine.
Actually, let me retract that last sentence. As I am looking guys up, many of the mid to late round safeties I liked are returning to school for one more season lie Quentin Lake. So, if we want a decent prospect, we might have to take one by round 4.
Kiper says, we may trade back and take Waddle, then at 18 take Owusu, but if we want Najee we may trade again, because he may not be there at 36.
I’m OK with a lot of different scenarios, either Penei at 3 or trade down for top 3 WR. At 18 want an LB Parsons, Owusu or Collins. Not sure I like the trade down at 18.
Trading 3 to 10 might get us Waddle, 2022 1st and a 2nd this year. I’d be all over that, but if Waddle was gone I might even try to trade again.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thephinsider.com/platform/amp/2021/3/1/22305875/miami-dolphins-depth-chart-2021-53-man-roster-free-agency-draft-rookies-tua-tagovailoa
Sounds ridiculous to be talking about the 53, but he has rookie or FA inserted in spots, so it’s actually a good read.
Suggests Bobby go back to nickel, Wilson on roster, Bowden off, Godchaux on
The cheats don’t have a 3rd rd pick, the NFL took it for filming the Bengals, but they’ll get a 3rd back as comp for Brady, and likely 2 4ths for Van Noy and Jamie Collins.
Every year these Fers get great comp picks, but I believe that’s about to stop, as their roster is depleted.
Your daily dose of Chase
3: R1 P3 WR Ja’Marr Chase – LSU
18: R1 P18 DL Christian Barmore – Alabama
36: R2 P4 EDGE Joseph Ossai – Texas
50: R2 P18 RB Travis Etienne – Clemson
81: R3 P17 C Trey Hill – Georgia
123: R4 P18 RB Stevie Scott III – Indiana
202: R6 P16 S Christian Uphoff – Illinois State
256: R7 P30 WR Jalen Camp – Georgia Tech
It works we got WR and RB, but I’d rather wait on DL, LB before DL
LB before DL now 10fold😛
Looks like we’re going to cut Van Noy.
Wonder if Reddick is the target?
Makes no sense
Looking for an upgrade I guess. We could still draft Collins or Owusu after getting someone like Riddick
I don’t think Riddick is an upgrade
Maybe Dupree
KVN has been notified and sent out a disappointed response
WTF with Van Noy??? That was a shocker. Waiting for info from either Van Noy or FO about what the reasoning behind this was.
KVN had his moments, but I think they want a more dynamic pass rusher
Thanks the kind words about my friend Gerry’s passing. But he wasn’t a closest bud. Just someone really liked and saw 3-5 times per year for a couple decades. Hadn’t talked to him for like 4 years. Guess just wanted to put out his passing somewhere and talk about what a great dude he was. Spent some time thinking about him and some times we had last night.
I hope the Fins aren’t doing a salary dump as move related to making a move for Watson.
Oh lord I hope not!
I’m know capoligist
But don’t you usually take a cap hit by releasing some one a year into their contract?
Or speller😛
4.125 dead money
My spelling sucks
4.1 is a lot of dead money
But if it ends up being nothing in 202e it’s not so bad
Cameron Wolfe thinks it puts AVG into a larger role. Maybe we just draft an LB and add him to the mix
Yeah – AVG outplayed him
I kind of think it still feels risky and like a 2022 move
In case you were wondering about what happened to that 300 pound Warsaw Grouper. Never seen a fish that big filleted, but turned into two 70lb fillets. First part is cutting up and second is cooking.
According to Jackson, they didn’t even try to restructure KVN
Van Noy seemed like the perfect team guy veteran every team wants. Strange to me that they’d let him go after 1 season. He took a thumb up the ass for the team, now you cut him? Heartless!
I liked him a lot
I wouldn’t take a thumb in the ass for him, but he was a solid player
I don’t know, I’ve heard things🤪
“I am surprised and disappointed in their decision. As a captain, I gave my all to the team. I fought through a painful injury during the season, including spending a night in the hospital after a game. I was brought there to be a leader and I know my teammates looked up to and respected me. I am looking forward to making an impact on my next team, on and off the field.”
— Kyle Van Noy…. NFL is a tough business
At least they let him go early. He won’t be out of work long.
Some assholes make players wait until the back end of free agency
The timing is fine
It’s just kind of a shock
Flores and Van Noy go back deep. Makes me feel better about the move.
All about the money, but guess in a salary cap world it has to be….. whether the Phins are right about Van Noy or not. Be interesting to see his next contract.
I don’t think it has anything to do with money. You could say to KVN we want you to play for the vet min, but AVG is starting.
Out of respect they want him to move on, for a better opportunity, that he deserves.
The team is going in a different direction and he’s not part of that.
How in the NFL can a cut like this not have to do with money? Clearly Van Noy will play for another team at some price.
I think they just didn’t see him as that much money’s worth of an upgrade over Van Ginkle.
And wasn’t he the second oldest guy on the team?
Yeah, he turns 30 this month. Not like he was going to get any better.
Seems as an edge that still gives you 2-3 years if you are good. I’m back to the money. I’m more with your other comment on Van Ginkle showing it made him being one of the 3 highest paid guys on the team make no sense.
Took a look, and you are correct. 29 along with Hurns and Jesse Davis they are ‘tied’ for 2nd oldest behind Fitzpatrick.
How young is this team? Could be all under 30 on opening day.
Cutting KVN makes no sense to me… unless (see Rhino’s 1:49 PM comment above)…
You never know, but I be pissed, if that were the case
Me too, Brother.
That’s all I’ve got. KVN was a STUD for us, didn’t cost us THAT much, was a team captain, isn’t really that old (relatively speaking), and is a great guy off the field. That even HE’S shocked is telling.
In other words, it’s not like we’re trying to get better at SLB by cutting KVN. We’re making even MORE cap space (which we already had a lot of) to bring somebody in who will eat a LOT of cap space.
Only other thing I can think of would be this… KVN got in trouble off the field and we’re trying to get ahead of the breaking news, but that’s not in KVN’s nature to get in trouble. And I’d think Coach Flores would stand by KVN.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Miami hopes to find a trade partner for Van Noy, but he will eventually be released if no deal materializes.
Per ESPN’s Cameron Wolfe, the Dolphins will save $9.75 million against the cap in 2021 if they release him.
Our FO is more stealth, than any other team, except maybe the cheats. They keep us all guessing.
Same on the field, as trick plays run wild
When you have draft capital you have the flexibility to do all the whackjob things other teams only dream of.
Trade down from 3 and keep it going
Welp, with KVN getting released (or traded), I’m looking at Zaven Collins as his replacement in the Draft.
I like him too, or Owusu, either will do at 18
We may not have R1P18 if we’re trading for Deshaun Watson, though. Hopefully, we’re not trading for him and keep our picks.
From Over the Cap, other sites aren’t reporting it correctly
Contract Notes
Kyle Van Noy signed a four year, $51 million contract with the Dolphins. $15 million is fully guaranteed at signing including a $5.5 million signing bonus. Another $15 million is guaranteed for injury. If Van Noy is on the roster on the 5th day of the 2021 league year he $12.5 million salary will become guaranteed. If on the roster on the 5th day of the 2022 league year another $2.5 million of salary is guaranteed.
Sorta makes you wonder if they have Dawn Aponte on a consulting deal. We signed him to a very large contract last year and now get close to $10 mil on the cut. Assume his agent knew that could happen.
Wow, pretty surprising move on Van Noy. We just signed him to a big 4 yr deal to be our defensive captain and going into the 2nd year we move on? Maybe they anticipate giving Van Ginkel more time which makes Van Noy superfluous. Or maybe they don’t wan to many “vans” on the team, lol.
After overachieving 2 years in a row, I’m definitely not questioning the way we’re operating. As long as we see results all is good, but if we take a step backward this year, it’s going to be hard not to start wondering at the turnover of key players and coaches.