Dolphins very busy in Free Agency and Trades

So much has happened in the last week, my head is spinning. The day I wrote the last article the Dolphins traded for DB Jalen Ramsey. The moves kept coming in a flurry of activity. We all knew we had a lot of players to re-sign, and the Dolphins seemed to feel like they wanted to continue forward with many of the same players. Let me start with the RB depth, which we brought back intact, the entire RB roster. Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson, Salvon Ahmed and then recently, Myles Gaskin. I saw an interesting tweet the other day, basically stating that the SF 49ers discarded two of their main backs, Wilson and Mostert and decided to draft Elijah Mitchell and later acquire CMC in a big trade. So the essence of the tweet was basically the Dolphins backfield is led by two castoffs from the 49ers. Well, as we’ve all learned, one mans trash is another mans treasure. Mostert and Wilson both succeeded and played well here, and Ahmed and Gaskin are decent depth players. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to draft a RB, but now it will most likely be a later RD pick, because it seems like they made it a priority to bring the entire RB room back. Some young blood is a necessity, but this can also be accomplished as UDFA’s, like half of our depth was acquired, Salvon Ahmed. We drafted Gaskin in RD 7 in ’19.

So, let’s tally up who we brought in . . .

DB Jalen Ramsey (LA Rams)

RB Jeff Wilson (MIA)

RB Raheem Mostert (MIA)

RB Salvon Ahmed (MIA)

RB Myles Gaskin (MIA)

LB David Long (TEN)

LB Duke Riley (MIA)

DB Nik Needham (MIA)

TE Eric Saubert (DEN)

QB Mike White (NYJ)

WR Braxton Berrios (NYJ)

OG Dan Feeney (NYJ)

OT Geron Christian (MIA)

S Deshon Elliot (DET)

Some notable losses are LB Elandon Roberts (PIT), one of my favorites, and one of my former favorites, TE Mike Gesicki (NE). I’m very interested to see how both of these players fare on their new teams. I think Roberts fits the Steelers defense perfectly, he’s an inside thumper, coming off his best season. Gesicki is an enigma, we know he has receiving talent, but somehow we never managed to get as much as I thought we could get from him. Gesicki’s most productive season was in ’21, where he caught 73 passes for 780 yards and just 2 TD’s. I expected him to be a high volume pass catcher with a high YPR, but that never panned out. He’s definitely a red zone threat, and the Patriots would be wise to employ him often there.

With most of free agency moves in the books, the team still has a pocket full of draft picks left for 2023. Our fist pick is #51 in RD2, followed by a 3rd RD pick acquired from NE for DeVante Parker (#84). We have #197 in RD 6 from the Bears, and then finally #238 in RD 7. Remember there is also free agency after the draft, and I suppose there may be a few veteran castoffs that might fit here. We’re definitely pushing to go deep this year, and as we all know, the health of #1, QB Tua Tagovailoa is paramount to that success. Yes, we signed Mike White, who is a nice story being from FLA and a fan of our Dolphins, but Tua is the linchpin to the season. We have to keep him upright and healthy, but most of all he has to play smart and keep himself out of harms way. If throwing the ball away saves getting hit, so be it. He can play aggressively, but he can’t allow himself to be in a position where he will absorb punishment.

Vic Fangio has put his stamp on this free agency. First, the trade to bring Jalen Ramsey here. Ramsey is truly a multi faceted DB who can range anywhere from a cover corner on the perimeter, to an in the box LB on obvious passing downs. He’s an excellent piece that Fangio will love to employ. LB David Long, who wasn’t a full time starter last season in Tennessee, is also a versatile player. He’s an excellent tackler, but can also cover very well. I think the latter is the biggest reason why we chose him over Elandon Roberts, we need a LB that can not only make most the tackles expected, but cover as well, and that unfortunately, was not Roberts strong suit. I’m thrilled that we brought back Nik Needham, he’s been a favorite of my mine because he’s such a gamer, and always stepped up when needed. Hopefully he’s fully recovered and ready to go by the time the season begins. Fangio now has a very strong defense, with two very good cover corners (I believe the acquisition of Ramsey will invigorate Howard this season), a strong defensive line with Ogbah, Wilkins and Sieler, excellent pass rush ability and run defense from two very strong OLB’s (Phillips and Chubb), and then the addition of David Long to help out the extremely underrated and underappreciated #55, Jerome Baker. He played every game the last 2 seasons, and always gets the job done, and do multiple things, run and tackle from sideline to sideline, cover, and always end up with 100 or more tackles. Seems like every year we want to upgrade, and I get it, but I like Baker, and think we should all like him more than we do.

Sorry to be redundant, but with #1 on the field healthy, we will methodically use two of the best wideouts in the NFL, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. We brought the entire RB squad back, in 8 games Jeff Wilson averaged 4.7 YPC for 392 yards. Mostert averaged 4.9 YPC in 16 games for the Dolphins for 891 yards. One element of concern is that this is clearly a RB by committee approach, and none of our backs can truly shoulder a big load, and haven’t done so in their NFL careers. We have two obvious needs on offense right now, TE, and a young RB. You can argue against the latter, but I think we need to have a guy that carry the ball 20-30 times in a game and not be on the injured list the next week. I don’t care if it’s an UDFA as I mentioned earlier, but I wouldn’t mind if we spent a pick on one either. Eric Saubert is a blocking TE, and for the most part, so is Durham Smythe. To be fair, we don’t have a real receiving TE on the roster, so we may look to draft one early on, there are a few that should be available to us at either #54, or #84.

The Jets and Green Bay Packers are still working on a deal that would bring QB Aaron Rodgers to NY. Apparently, Green Bay’s compensation for Rodgers services is the holdup. I would say it’s safe to assume that both sides will eventually get it done, but Rodgers is a loose screw that can nullify the trade at any time, but if he wants to play this season, I just can’t see him playing again in GB. If the Jets do indeed get Rodgers, then the AFC landscape changes significantly. It will be a very tough 3 way race between the defending AFC East champion Buffalo Bills, NY Jets, and our Miami Dolphins. You can make an argument for any of the 3 as to why they can win, or why they will fail. Injuries are the devil, and we know all too well that if our QB played all 17 regular season games, we had a legitimate chance to be either the #2 or #3 seed. I think our roster is better now. The Bills sustained a substantial loss in LB Tremaine Edmunds, but managed to retain S Jordan Poyer, as well as pick up OG Connor McGovern from the Cowboys. The Jets signed WR Allen Lazard, purportedly because potential QB Aaron Rodgers requested them to do so. The Jets lost a pair of DT’s though, Sheldon Rankins (HOU) and Nathan Shepherd (NO). The Jets also re-signed K Greg (The Leg) Zuerlein, one of the best in the league. If Rodgers comes to the AFC East, it will be an absolute dogfight and potentially all 3 teams could secure playoff berths. Hopefully, 2023 is the one where the Miami Dolphins are on top!

GO DOLPHINS!!!!

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941 Responses to Dolphins very busy in Free Agency and Trades

  1. If Brandon Jones, Nik Needham and Trill Williams recover from their injuries, our secondary is loaded.

    Needham is in his 5th season.
    Total tackles: 192
    Sacks: 3.0
    Forced fumbles: 1
    Fumble recoveries: 1
    Pass deflections: 25
    Interceptions: 6
    Defensive touchdowns: 1

    Like Mike E always says… he’s a gamer.

  2. bailbondmike says:

    Tim, to your last post, I agree. That’s why I think Sam Deporta is a good option at #84 but I also like FSU’s Camren McDonald later.

    I think those 2 would really fit what we do.

  3. ukfinfan says:

    The Flying Pig says:

    March 18, 2023 at 7:56 pm

    If your bracket is already broken and your are done with the tourney

    May I suggest another sporting event to watch

    …………… I think you stayed up too late watching this PigsGerald?

    https://twitter.com/buitengebieden/status/1637366887486046210?s=20

  4. The Flying Pig says:

    Tim in response to your 10:47 post

    That’s what I’ve been saying about the TE position. Also our running game works from the outside in. We need TEs who block first and foremost

  5. Dean Chance says:

    What’s happened to signing George Fant? I can see us taking Bergeron the RT at 51.

    • bailbondmike says:

      I’d ok with it but think it’s a little high for him but then again you might miss out on him waiting until #84. I also like Tennessee RT Darnell Wright at #51 though I am not sure how well he will fit. He is more of a mauler than athletic.

    • Rhino says:

      Sportrac has him valued at 2 yr / $6.6 million. At $3.3 per it seems like good value to shore up the right side and not gamble yet another year on Jackson or Eich.

  6. bailbondmike says:

    Cowboys acquiring WR Brandin Cooks in trade with Texans
    ———–
    There goes any hope of unloading Cedric Wilson and his terrible contract back to the Cowboys. Dammit!

  7. bailbondmike says:

    Texans signing LT Laremy Tunsil to three-year, $75 million extension
    ———-
    Wow, 25 mil per.

  8. bailbondmike says:

    Someone mentioned trying to get this guy the other day.

    “G Isaac Seumalo agreed to terms on a three-year, $24 million deal to join the Steelers, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported.”

  9. bailbondmike says:

    Jets defense players sign elsewhere. DE Nathan Shepard with Saints and DT Sheldon Rankins with the Texans.

  10. bailbondmike says:

    Texans been really loading up this offseason. Especially on D. Must feel good to be free of Watson’s contract. They also brought in Case Keenum to mentor their new rookie QB they draft.

  11. bailbondmike says:

    I wonder what Bud Dupree would cost on a one year rental?

    Probably too much.

  12. Dean Chance says:

    BBM One of the sites made mention that they felt Darnell Wright had a problem with his feet use. Seemed a little heavy footed to them. Reason he’s not projected to be a first rounder.

    • bailbondmike says:

      Makes sense. He is more like our RG Hunt and probably gets moved inside at some point. Good call.

    • The Flying Pig says:

      If we are drafting a OT at 51 my guess is the OT will have these kind of flaws and a really unrefined game

      51 isn’t exactly plug and play territory for OTs

      I’m a little worried we draft the next Austin Jackson if we are drafting projects to play OT out of need

  13. bailbondmike says:

    Looks to be a nice backup. A former UDFA at that.

  14. bailbondmike says:

    Even after resigning our 4 RB’s I saw 2 different draftnik’s have us drafting a RB in the 3rd round in Devon Achane 4.32 speed, Chase Brown 4.43 speed or Sean Tucker who’s pro day is tomorrow but was said to have run a sub 4.3 as a senior in HS in track. In a workout last week preparing for tomorrow, they said he ran a 4.33.

    I would not be mad at this but would be very surprised if it happened. Gaskin is the only RB resigned who does not have a dead cap hit.

    If it happens, and I posted him before, I hope it is Sean Tucker. At 5’9 207, he is a bowling ball with elite speed and good receiving skills.

  15. bailbondmike says:

    I’m a little worried we draft the next Austin Jackson if we are drafting projects to play OT out of need
    —————-
    Piggy, that is why I would like us to draft LT Cody Mauch. He is one that could be plugged in and start at LG and be able to move out if/when Armstead goes down.

    I think we resigned Lamm for that LT backup spot but hopefully Lamm has the skills to play either side like Shell.

  16. mf13ss says:

    I came across this video earlier and thought it might be worth posting, for whatever it may be worth regarding Austin Jackson…

    What The MIAMI DOLPHINS Are TRULY DOING At OFFENSIVE LINE. (A BIG PLAN!!!)

    • bailbondmike says:

      This guy almost sounds like Tim giving us his voice of reason. lol

    • He’s basically saying what Frank Smith said when he came on board. They see upside in Jackson and Eichenberg that we fans don’t see because we’re not around them all the time. We just see the struggles on the big stage in games against really good defenders.

      Giants LT Andrew Thomas really struggled as a rookie. Last season he made 2nd team all pro. Guys develop at different rates and in different situations.

      We’ll find out.

  17. mf13ss says:

    I’m all but sold on MLB/ILB Drew Sanders. Need to watch a few more games to actually consider trading up for him in the 1st round, but he’s an official ‘man crush’.

  18. bailbondmike says:

    M13, was just doing another one out of boredom and look what happened. He was there. lol

    51. Drew Sanders LB Arkansas
    84. Sean Tucker RB Syracuse
    197. Camren McDonald TE Florida State
    238. Connor Galvin OT Baylor

    Have you checked out late round TE prospect Camren McDonald?

    • mf13ss says:

      HOLY FUNK!!!

      That draft would be KILLER!!!

      No, I haven’t checked out Camren McDonald but will do so right now.

      • mf13ss says:

        He seems to be a very proficient blocker on video at 6’4″, 244 pounds. Soft hands, nice routes, 4.65 40-time low.

        This guy seems to be unsung. Coming off a leg injury in ’22.

        I like his potential, BB Mike!

  19. bailbondmike says:

    Ran another one and this is how I expected it to go.

    51. Cody Mauch OT North Dakota State
    84. Sean Tucker RB Syracuse
    197. Camren McDonald TE Florida State
    238. Connor Galvin OT Baylor

    • mf13ss says:

      This one is much more likely to happen. I’ve watched some tape of Cody Mauch and I honestly wasn’t all that impressed. It’s not that he sucks, but he’s another developmental project at the NFL level, IMO.

      I’d sooner package our #51 this year, along with a ’24 next year, to trade up for Drew Sanders… but that’s just me.

      • bailbondmike says:

        I agree, but still think he can move inside to LG and beat out Eich. IMO

        I would also take that trade up for Sanders. We would have to use a 2024 2nd, 2024 5th or 2023 6th.

        We don’t have a 2024 3rd thanks to Ross and we gave up our 2024 4th for Chubb. Right now (I believe) we only have 5 picks next year.

  20. pheloniusphish says:

    Question for the board’s lawyers. Exactly what crime/violation of law is the Manhattan DA trying to indict Trump for?

  21. bailbondmike says:

    Kentucky/Kansas State is a good game.

  22. mf13ss says:

    Thy Knight (@ThyKnight3) says:
    March 19, 2023 at 4:57 pm
    Well that didn’t answer what Phish was asking.
    —————–
    In a manner of speaking, it did answer what Phelon was asking… I just gave you the short, short version

  23. The Flying Pig says:

    Phish

    I’m hesitant to speculate too much bc I really prefer to read an Indictment first, I also really don’t feel like going back and forth with people on it and I can already tell it’s being reported inaccurately from what I read and everyone will throw In their own .02

    It’s being reported inaccurately if people say it’s based on paying stormy daniels – That’s actually not Illegal

    But using money raised during a political campaign to pay personal expenses, like a settlement with stormy daniels, is Illegal

    So I expect the indictment to mention campaign finance laws extensively

    • pheloniusphish says:

      Thanks Pig. From what I have read, the indictment looks purely political because:
      A) Campaign finance laws are federal, so the state DA doesn’t have jurisdiction
      B) DOJ and the FEC looked into it and declined to prosecute
      C) the money was paid out of Trump’s personal funds, not campaign funds

      Have you seen any of this? The Democrats are making him a martyr with stuff like this. If they would just stop, he will lose the primary and fade into irrelevance. If they don’t, they may well get another 4-years of mean tweets.

      • mf13ss says:

        And don’t forget about the Soros-funded DA in Manhattan who promised to destroy Trump if appointed.

      • The Flying Pig says:

        Probably the best thing for democrats is that he wins his primary….lol

        Again, probably worth waiting to see an indictment, if any, before speculating. the DA hasn’t announced anything and Trumps people also say they haven’t gotten notice from DA office. So right now it’s just noise and every discussion on the topic is unreliable IMO

        Honestly I don’t know how anyone can say for sure how some one was paid. As I recall Michael Cohen testified years ago that he paid stormy Daniels and then was reimbursed by trump. So it’s a bit eyebrow raising but it easily can be nothing too 🤷🏽‍♂️- I’m not gonna take a stab at that without seeing the books – and I’ll ever see the books

        Also Income is never simply federal jurisdiction. If there is income through an entity (like an entity related to a campaign) that received a tax exception bc they are set up as a campaign financing entity (they are tax alway exempt) but then some one uses those funds for personal uses – then both the federal govt and the state (any state where Income is derived) have jurisdiction over the tax fraud that flows from that

        Not saying that occurred or that’s the indictment but that’s the best guess I have

  24. mf13ss says:

    So the way I see it, we aren’t going to be able to get the next George Kittle or Travis Kelce this year, whether it be via trade or the Draft.

    So why would we draft a TE as our first selection in the Draft? And IMO, the same goes for O-Linemen… why would we draft an O-Lineman as our first selection in the Draft?

    • mf13ss says:

      I don’t like the value of TEs and O-Linemen where we select @ 51.

      • mf13ss says:

        Either trade up, trade down, or take the BPA @ 51. We’re FINALLY at a point that we aren’t so poor to take a position of need… nor are we so rich so as to must have an upgrade to our weakest link.

        It’s been a LONG time since we’ve been able to have the luxury of taking the BPA.

      • mf13ss says:

        This is — of course — brought to you by Steve Ross fucking us out of our 1st round pick, mind you.

    • Kelce was a 3rd round pick and Kittle a 5th. You can’t predict some prospects.

      • mf13ss says:

        Exactly, so I wouldn’t be blowing my load on a 2nd round TE in this given Draft class… same for O-Linemen.

        There are some incredibly good pass-rushers that will be availed to us @ 51, for example.

      • I’d draft the highest prospect on my board and if it’s even or really close, I draft need. You don’t reach. 50 prospects gone before we pick is going to thin things out a bit. Follow your board. 😉

  25. Randy says:

    I think Austin Jackson is still in play to be a starter for us. I know he’s struggled, but folks forget how raw he was…and how young. It was gonna be at least a 2 year project for him just to learn how to play. He was also a pretty soft player. They threw him in at guard to try to toughen him up a bit, but he’s naturally a finesse player. I think there’s still a good starter in there. The athleticism is there. The mindset and technique has to get there. Sure would be good for the team if he can put it all together and take a tackle spot.

    • The Flying Pig says:

      They have thrown him everywhere at this point – which is part of the problem

      I can see drafting at OT at 51 – but Jackson still starting at RT

      • LT, LG and RT. I understand coaches wanting to tap his talent anywhere they can. But maybe it was too much too fast, and then the injuries. This season is probably his last chance in Miami. At some point you gotta be the guy they thought you were.

    • manitobafinfan says:

      Almost verbatim of the video posted above … and hopefully the FO is correct

  26. The Flying Pig says:

    M13 I think at 51 OT and TE are okay but if we are looking there it might be a “reach”

    If Darnell Washington falls there – to me that’s an easy decision and a steal
    On the other hand some one like Sam LaPorta wouldn’t be a bad pick

    At OT, they seem like risky picks: Bergeron, Wright, Duncan and Mauch are probably not gonna come in and win the RT starting job, but they can add immediate depth, and if there is an injury, and we had plenty of injuries, they will be valuable – unless they just flat out suck

  27. Randy says:

    I know it’s not like we’ll be having a ton of choices where we pick, but I don’t like Mauch as much as others. #51 feels pretty rich for him. Personally, I’d maybe be figuring out a way to move up to the top of the 2nd and get a better prospect. Maybe a guy like Schmitz falls a bit.
    ***
    I think, if we stay where we’re at, there’s better value at TE than OT.

  28. Malik Reed seems to be the replacement for Van Ginkel. OLB backup will get some snaps behind Chubb and Phillips. Goode is the young guy competing for that same kind of role.

  29. pheloniusphish says:

    Thanks, Pigs.

  30. randydolfan1947 says:

    Well basketball fans, in less than an hour FAU and Farleigh-Dickenson are scheduled to take the court on DirectTV channel #246 (TNT). I guessed Florida Atlantic would be a 3-6 point favorite. WRONG!!!!!!
    ——————-
    Amazingly, FDU, the team that took out #1 seeded Purdue, is a 15 and 1/2 point underdog to Florida Atlantic. I guess cinderella doesn’t shine so brightly in Las Vegas, eh?? But being favored has counted for “ZERO” in this regional so far. I am hoping that trend will come to an end tonight!!
    ——————
    IF that trend ends with this game, FAU will be headed to New York for the Sweet Sixteen!!!!
    UNBELIEVABLE!!!!! GOOO OWLS!!

  31. Ken says:

    pheloniusphish says:
    March 19, 2023 at 5:17 pm (Edit)
    Thanks Pig. From what I have read, the indictment looks purely political because:
    A) Campaign finance laws are federal, so the state DA doesn’t have jurisdiction
    B) DOJ and the FEC looked into it and declined to prosecute
    C) the money was paid out of Trump’s personal funds, not campaign fund
    ————-
    A. Whatever charges Trump will be faced with in NY will be based on violations of NY state law not Federal as NY has no jurisdiction to bring a case based on Federal statutes. There are plenty of state statutes on campaign finance in all 50 states in addition to the Federal statutes.
    B. Other agencies investigations do not preclude charges by another agency/state.
    C. I have no idea of how Trump paid the money. That will be an issue for the prosecution to prove

  32. Barry Jackson is reporting the Dolphins are engaged with multiple vet FA RTs. The only guys left on this OL before McDaniel became HC are; Jackson (1), Hunt (2) and Eichenberg (2).

  33. steveccnv says:

    Watching a video on Long

    They said you can’t run a good Tampa 2 without a good Mike, to drop back in coverage

    Roberts out Long in

    You guys agree?

    • I think that’s what it was. It’s great to be physical and hammer RBs etc. But you have to play the pass in today’s NFL. Long is solid in coverage, a really good tackler in the run game and he can blitz. In the common 4-2-5 formation this is what it could look like.

      OLB Phillips
      DT Ogbah
      DT Wilkins
      OLB Chubb

      LB Baker
      LB Long

      CB X
      CB Ramsey
      NB Kodou/Needham
      SS Jones
      FS Holland

  34. randydolfan1947 says:

    TIM: I REPEAT, I am the resident FART on this site. All others are imposters or late comers!

  35. bailbondmike says:

    Tim, I guess Shell got signed by another team??? I don’t see him on Spotrac’s list of available OT’s.

    Pickings look slim unless you sign a LT to play RT. Might as well bring Shell back.

  36. Wyoming85 says:

    Beef!

    51.Siaki Ika DT Baylor
    84.Matthew Bergeron OT Syracuse
    197.Noah Ruggles K Ohio State
    238.Camren McDonald TE Florida State

  37. steveccnv says:

    Spotrac has us at 3.7m for our rookies, subtracting the bottom 4 contracts will only cost us about 250k to sign all 4

  38. steveccnv says:

    OD going Fair Dick hunting 😏

  39. bailbondmike says:

    Going back to Phelon’s question. I wonder if they show up with 50 state law enforcement officers dressed in SWAT gear and AR-15’s to arrest Trump.

    • Ken says:

      Only NY is involved in this particular circumstance and no they will issue an arrest warrant and give him an opportunity to surrender. If he refuses to surrender then NY will seek extradition from Florida and the extradition order will have to be signed off by Ron DeSantis

  40. randydolfan1947 says:

    It’s halftime in Columbus and FAU leads FDU 32-25. Bottom line: BOTH teams shooting terribly! FAU started off like lightning, leading 9-0. Since then,FDU has had a slight edge.

    FAU shot, I believe, 35% in the first half and 3-17 from 3-point land! Fdu WAS SLIGHTLY WORSE ON BOTH CATEGORIES!! – – It’s an ugly game, but I AM HAPPY that FAU cab shoot so terribly and STILL lead by 7 at the half.

    An FAU win would match them up against TENNESSEE in the sweet 16 in Madison Square Garden. If they play like this in New York, the Vols will blow them away!! In fact, if they don’t pick-up their play in the second half, they’ll likely LOSE THIS GAME!! (HOWEVER, teams with a 32-3 record find ways to win.)

    GO-O-O OWLS!

  41. randydolfan1947 says:

    3:50 left in the game and FAU leads 67-62. FDU came out of the locker ON FIRE, hitting 9 of 13 shots, including 3/3 from 3-point land!! They turned a 7-point deficit into a 5-point LEAD in A VERY SHORT TIME!!

    BUT a resilient FAU squad finally started hitting their shots. And they NOW LEAD BY 5. Like last game, I’m not sure my heart can withstand another game decided in the last two seconds!! –But here we are!!!!

  42. CavalierKong says:

    Looks like the sweet 16 for ya, OD. Congrats

  43. bailbondmike says:

    Congrats OD! Sitting on the edge of my seat watching IU.

  44. randydolfan1947 says:

    YES, YES, YES !!!!! OWLS WIN!! OWLS WIN!! OWLS WIN!!
    DOWN 5 in the second half, FAU took control of this game during the latter portion of the second half. Johnell Davis, a first team All-Conference USA recipient, was the difference scoring most of his points during the last 10 minutes of the game!!

    WOW!! WOW!! WOW!!

    The FAU coaching staff KNOWS the Owls MUST PLAY MUCH BETTER THAN THEY DID TONIGHT to run with the Tennessee Vols, one of the BEST teams this year in the mighty SEC Conference!!

    Johnell Davis and his 26 points have won a spot in FAU sports history with his mind-boggling performance under pressure tonight!! It was a performance for the ages!!

    I’ll have trouble falling asleep tonight.
    But that’s EXACTLY how I hoped this night would turn out.

    FINALLY, FAU IS GOING TO THEIR FIRST BERTH IN THE SWEET 16!!!
    It’s on to MADISON SQUARE GARDEN!!

    IF YOU CAN WIN THERE, YOU CAN WIN ANYWHERE, Right, Frank Sinatra?

    GO OWLS!!

  45. randydolfan1947 says:

    CAV KONG: Good Luck to your Hoosiers!
    PS: FAU Head Coach Dusty May was an assistant to Bob Knight at one time.

  46. CavalierKong says:

    Cuba did an excellent job holding the US team scoreless in the 7th inning of the World Baseball Classic Semi-finals. Unfortunately for Cuba, the US team scored in every other inning.

  47. bailbondmike says:

    And IU shits the bed….

    • steveccnv says:

      And Miami gets Houston next, yikes

    • randydolfan1947 says:

      SORRY YOUR BOYS lost to Miami, BBN. FAU alums consider Miami their number one opponent in Football, Basketball, and Baseball. The last time UM and FAU’s basketball teams met, (last season), Miami won on a buzzer-beater 3-pointer!
      A few years ago FAU DID BEAT Miami in basketball at FAU. The athletic director at UM got on the bus when they returned to Coral Gables and told the head coach he was fired!!!

      THAT was a very good evening for me!!
      BUT tonight was a BETTER NIGHT FOR ME!! GOOO OWLS!!!

  48. steveccnv says:

    2 big South Florida wins, back to back

    • randydolfan1947 says:

      STEVE, I GIVE MIAMI A REAL CHANCE TO BEAT HOUSTON!!
      In fact, I’m picking UM to WIN THIS GAME!!!

      • randydolfan1947 says:

        I must confess that my dream match-up for the March Madness championship would be FAU and MIAMI!!

        OUT for the night.

  49. The Flying Pig says:

    Gonna have a heck of a dime package

  50. Rockphin says:

    PFF Feeling like many of us do;

    Miami Dolphins: OL, TE

    On paper, this is a really good football team. They lost Byron Jones but added Jalen Ramsey, and they were able to bring back a lot of their speed on offense. At this point, it’s a matter of the offensive line playing better. On defense, the David Long addition was a good one. This feels like one of the most complete rosters in the league, one that just needs to go out and execute.

  51. Dean Chance says:

    IMO we have targeted our F/As really well. I like the look of the roster even with giving AJ the T spot. People aren’t talking about Rob Jones but didn’t he play a lot of LG last season?

    • Mike E. says:

      He sure did Uwant, he played in 16 games, starting 7 of those. Coaches seem to think that Eichenberg is going to be the better player, but I recall Jones held his own pretty well.

    • steveccnv says:

      Not sure what the holdup is, on some of the FAs we’ve signed, getting accounted for on the cap, maybe we don’t have the cap space

      Spotrac has us just under 9m (White at 2.7m), while over the cap has us at 6m, but has White at 6.7m (for sure that isn’t correct)

      Once these hurdles are cleared we’ll probably sign more comp on OL, TE may have to wait until June

  52. Dean Chance says:

    Thanks Mike, I’ve never been a fan of Liam. He just doesn’t seem like a good player to me. So it’s the Jones boy for me.

    • steveccnv says:

      He was really good in college, but his short arms and strength issues are making it hard for him in the NFL

      Most OL struggle early on

  53. Dean Chance says:

    Steve, I just don’t see him improving. His play appears to be a bit too erratic for my liking. I know his college career at Notre Dame was very solid, Probably why I’m so disappointed in his career with us so far.

    • steveccnv says:

      In general OL do keep improving from year to year early on, he just hasn’t really bit yet, and playing next to Armstead and Williams should’ve brought out better play

      I don’t get it either what they see in him, maybe he doesn’t make the 53

      Feeney, or Jones may take his spot or even Lamm

  54. Dean Chance says:

    Yes you’re right on OL improving and we don’t see them during the week. Anyone of those 3 can replace him. They have all started in games.

  55. ukfinfan says:

    This made me chuckle

  56. ukfinfan says:

    Did someone on here lose an awning to the wind?

    Don’t know if they are still available?

  57. steveccnv says:

    Did Grier F up?

    Rodgers said his #1 choice was Miami, once we gave Tua his 5th year, he decided he wanted to go to jets

    Should we have waited until just before May 1st, just to keep the jets in limbo?

  58. ukfinfan says:

    Bye Trent

  59. Dean Chance says:

    Berrios to be the slot WR now. I liked TS a lot.

    • ukfinfan says:

      TS probably a better blocker – let’s see if BB is a better receiver in McDude’s O? I liked Sherfield too. Now I hope he has a truly awful season.

    • steveccnv says:

      We’ve used Hill and Waddle in the slot at times, but they get extra attention, Berrios won’t have that issue

      I like Sherfield for his blocking and downfield big catches, he isn’t however a 1st down machine, that we really need from the slot on 3rd down

  60. pheloniusphish says:

    Ken – Thanks for the comments. Seems to me that state election finance laws would not apply to a federal election and even if they somehow did, federal laws would take precedence. Bragg’s case (without having seen the indictment) is flimsy at best. But I’m not a lawyer (although I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express once!).

    • Ken says:

      National elections are individually handled and certified by each state. Actually state law is primary

      • pheloniusphish says:

        What about the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause? Would that not be in effect? They certainly throw it out there when it comes to immigration laws.

    • steveccnv says:

      Seems all politicians are unto something these days

      We also have AOC and her event she went to and took gifts she shouldn’t have

      All those that took money from Sam Bank and-Fried

      Bidens and their money from China, drip, drip, drip banking news

      Trump and GA election

      George Santos and his lies

  61. bailbondmike says:

    QB Tua Tagovailoa’s fifth-year option was officially exercised by the team on Monday

  62. steveccnv says:

    Fangio said he did some league evaluations, while he was off this past year, wonder why he wanted the 2nd shutdown CB

    Are we going to see an innovative D, that somehow needs X and Ramsey?

  63. steveccnv says:

    Lots of fans seem to have an issue (overrated) with the re-signing of Gaskin

    We signed him to a 1yr 975k, no dead money contract, what could possible be wrong with that?

    He’s just on the roster as injury insurance

    Great job Grier of adding depth at a low cap hit

  64. steveccnv says:

    Can someone explain what biden vetoed?

    https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/03/20/biden-first-veto-esg-woke-climate-investing-retirement/11385255002/

    Congress voted to block a Labor Department rule allowing retirement plans to weigh the long-term impacts of social factors and climate change on investments

    “I just signed this veto because the legislation passed by the Congress would put at risk retirement savings of individuals across the country,” Biden said

    They both seem to be saying the same thing, who is lying?

  65. ukfinfan says:

    CK’s take:

    Between Mike Gesicki and Trent Sherfield the Dolphins had a a tight when who played like a slot and a third wide receiver who blocked like a tight end. Neither was a RAC specialist. They signed Eric Saubert & Braxton Berrios, let Gesicki & Sherfield walk. This is the context.

    Dolphins didn’t lose Sherfield. They went in a different direction. Sherfield was an ideal blocker but that didn’t end up a big part of Miami’s offense. Without the big 75-yarder Trent was averaging 7.0 yards per target, 2.8 yac per reception, 0.8 yards per route. They want more.

    My take, in addition to not disagreeing with the above:

    Nice for the other AFC East teams to be picking up our cast-offs whilst we look to upgrades. Of course we have picked up a Jet or two 🤮, but this has to be a measure of sorts of our roster improvement.

  66. mf13ss says:

  67. Mike E. says:

    Won’t be popular here, but I hope Trump gets locked away and they don’t let hom out until he’s too old to run again for President. We can do better, A LOT BETTER.

    • pheloniusphish says:

      I wouldn’t mind the same, but don’t think it’s going to come out of the current efforts.

    • steveccnv says:

      Doesn’t matter which republican wins the primary, the media will try to paint the picture, that he’s trying to destroy our democracy, he’s evil, racist, zenophobic, demophobic, a liar…

    • The Flying Pig says:

      There’s probably a really good chance he doesn’t actually get locked up but I’m not gonna try to pretend to be an expert on these things

      People do sometimes get significant jail time concerning fundraising/money/ and campaigns – it’s not completely an anomaly

      You can see how it might be good for republicans to move past his influence – but you can see how it might work the other way too, and invigorate people who already support him, and hurt another viable candidate like DeSantis

      I think I’m going to try to watch it from a apolitical point of view to the extent I can and not worry about what it means for either Party or the country – and not guess whether anything actionable actually did happen. I’ll probably fail at that…lol

  68. Ken says:

    Phelon:
    The Supremacy Clause aka federal preemption may or not be an issue. If the State law charges are consistent with and or do not run contrary to the federal election laws then preemption is not an issue. If the State law charges contradict federal election law then preemption may be a defense available to Trump. We do not know yet what the specific charges are at this time so we don’t yet know how viable an issue preemption is

  69. Ken says:

    Phelon:
    Here is a pretty good article about what charges Trump might be facing and what defenses he may have including a long discussion about preemption:
    https://www.justsecurity.org/85581/the-manhattan-das-charges-and-trumps-defenses-a-detailed-preview/

  70. Randy says:

    I’m just curious, if Trump goes to prison for any of the dozens of things he’s done, does his secret service detail have to go in with him? 🙄

    • The Flying Pig says:

      Yes….

    • CavalierKong says:

      He would probably get his own prison. And it would be the best, most tremendous prison in history. Way better than any prison ever used before, filled with the most beautiful and wonderful prisoner in the history of mankind.

      • CavalierKong says:

        But in reality, Trump isn’t ever going to do any time. I can’t ever see them locking up an ex-president for anything short of murder or the like.

  71. Rock, why did you have herpes on your anus?

  72. Krishna says:

    Oh my….lol

  73. I can see us going BPA with need or wants in mind. If a top prospect falls for some reason that isn’t a red flag, take him.

  74. Krishna says:

    An ancient virus that I believe resides in the sacral plexus….

  75. Krishna says:

    BPA at 51 is a crapshoot, imo. BPA at position of need makes most sense to me.

  76. Rockphin says:

    I want which ever player they wind up taking to wind up the BPA (Years later)

  77. Rockphin says:

    There are probowl players from every round. LOTS from 3-5. I hope we pick this years crop

  78. Look at it like produce. You don’t buy shitty tomatoes just because you want to make sauce. It won’t be good. The peppers look really good so take advantage of that.

    • Krishna says:

      Lol…if you can only find shitty tomatoes you don’t compromise….it’s the main ingredient..lol

      …maybe you go Indian…lol

  79. Rock, teams trade all the time when they don’t see a big separation in talent at multiple positions. I agree that’s a possibility too. If we stay put 50 prospects will be off the board. Did a top talent drop for some reason? What if RB Bijan Robinson is there and he’s considered the best back in the draft – do you pass on him for OL or TE that are not graded nearly as high on your board?

    If you like your RB group, that’s when you trade down. If there are no offers take the best talent. Your team gets better that way.

  80. Rockphin says:

    Sir Knight, you missed my point entirely. The probowl is full of players that 32 teams passed on again and again. Blah blah value, blah blah talent drop. For whatever reason, it happens EVERY YEAR. We don’t have any high picks (few all together this year) I want Grief to pick good players after the first round. He can barely do it IN the first round.

    • I didn’t miss any point. I’m well aware that good players come from every round and even undrafted. That’s after the fact. You have to assess talent pre-NFL experience. They only have college to go by.

      Zach Thomas was most likely the best 5th round pick in franchise history. They didn’t know that in 1996. They also didn’t take him too early based on the grade system. He was drafted to be a backup MLB and STs player.

      You don’t want to target OL and TE just because you feel a need there.

      Grier is also a lot better than you give him credit for. Most of the NFL world thinks the Dolphins are a major contender as long as one player stays on the field. 😉

  81. Krishna says:
    March 20, 2023 at 6:11 pm

    Whose ratings are valid, especially at 51? Lol

    =================================

    The team’s draft board from scouts, coaches and eventually the GM. The thing about the draft that a lot of people sometimes don’t take into account is… many teams don’t have 1st round grades on 32 players. This year is 31, thanks doofus, lol.

    Sometimes it’s only 15-20 and that’s why they keep trading down. The value isn’t there.

  82. Wyoming85 says:

  83. I get it, John Randle wasn’t even drafted. He’s in the HOF.

    So maybe the Panthers draft a guard #1 because they really think they need one. There is no grading system, just pick a guy you like and go from there.

    What I’m trying to say is it’s not like we can’t operate our offense without a rookie OL or TE.

    • Ken says:

      Yes but the odds go down on hitting on a draft pick after the first round. The odds in the first round is about 50% and they get progressively lower each round thereafter

      • I know, that’s what I’m trying to say. We start at #51. Rock and Krishna are advocating for need over best talent even if we’re rich at that position.

        People like to cite teams like the Steelers and Ravens as teams that have built teams the right way for a period of time. They did that taking the BPA every time.

    • Rockphin says:

      Yeah, I’m not even part of that argument. LOL I’m just wishing for a pro bowl player wherever we pick.

    • Rockphin says:

      I think our offense is better today than it was this time last year.

    • Krishna says:

      Well that’s a completely different subject…lol

  84. Rockphin says:

    But Krishna has a point. You don’t take BPA when it’s not a fit

  85. Krishna says:

    Our offense is same until… we need to protect Tua and get better on in OL and TE…what’s complicated about that?

    Go D in draft for a flyer? Lmao

  86. We did discuss trading down, right? 😉

  87. Krishna says:

    We are NOT Steelers and Ravens who have a history of building their teams…facts.

    Apples to oranges…look over there

  88. Krishna says:

    Can we not build some pieces of the team on draft? TE
    and OL are good pieces to build upon here.

    We have the No Fly Zone…lmao….

  89. Krishna says:

    Hunter Long is developing quite nicely and valudates point again…lol…draft OL and TE and get it right…lol

    Why fuck around with chances at other positions? I don’t get it…seems like wasted energy, imo.

  90. Krishna says:

    Validates

  91. Vic Fangio was the best addition of the offseason. The talent we had and have added on defense is a big deal. Fangio is 1a. and Ramsey is 1b.

    The attitude of the defense is going to change. Instead of being overly aggressive with blitz concepts, it will be more positional responsibility. Fangio is a no-nonsense guy.

    If most things pan out our defense could be really friggin good. 🙂

  92. Krishna says:

    Protect the fucking QB now…both. needs do that…lol

  93. Krishna says:

    Double down, but get one of those positions right in the draft..that would be nice…imo

  94. Mike E. says:

    Steve – I completely agree with you, that’s exactly what the Democrats will do to whomever runs for the GOP. Regardless, Trump just can’t be our representative, he’s a horror show. Hopefully, DeSantis decides to run, but if not, A.B.T. (Anybody but Trump)

    • This country is in political turmoil. It’s so divided where it’s one hate after another. It really does remind me of local sports. We hate that town and we must win. Yeah… world peace is a realistic venture. LOL

  95. mf13ss says:

    Guys,

    Tim and I have a long history of arguing over BPA vs need… and I take his side this year due to the fact that we have a solid roster. The TE and O-Line class of this year’s Draft is very weak in comparison to years past, at least IMO.

    If we draft a TE or O-Line @ 51, that player is going to be very underwhelming… and some of y’all gripe about Gesicki and Eich (both 2nd rounders).

    Can’t have enough good pass-rushers or DBs, for example. This year, IMO, is the first time in a LONG time that BPA is warranted.

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