As Naples was able to convey so clearly, this roster is basically set. There are only a couple of spots on the roster in which anyone drafted in this 2023 NFL Draft can make even the slightest impact on this season, and beyond. With that in mind, let’s once again look at those spots and the players that could have a chance to make that impact. To me, Tight End is the easiest. We have two blocking TE’s, Durham Smythe and Eric Saubert, and then we have a tweener, Tanner Conner, who was a former college WR converted to a TE. Realistically though, Conner is at best what we hoped former Dolphins TE Mike Gesicki, a dangerous receiver. Neither Smythe or Saubert has proven that they can be reliable receivers, but Conner has elite speed for the position (4.37 40) and hops as well with a nearly 40″ vertical. I’ve already illustrated that neither TE is a true receiving threat between Smythe and Saubert, they have a total of 121 receptions, 88 for Smythe over 5 seasons, and 33 over 6 seasons for Saubert, 3 TD’s for Smythe, 2 for Saubert. Those career totals don’t add up to one season for Niners TE George Kittle, who HC Mike McDaniel had the services of in SF as the Offensive Coordinator.
This brings us to Darnell Washington, who already has established that he’s a solid in-line blocking TE, with the size to get bigger, and he’s already shredded. His pass catching is more on potential than actual production, or he’d likely be the first TE off the board. Taking into account that TE is probably one spot where someone could potentially slide into early on, I wouldn’t be upset if we traded up to get him, and it looks that might be a necessity to guarantee he’s on our roster. If your roster is already mostly set, and you only have 4 picks, none of them on day one, and two of them on day 3, I see nothing wrong with acquiring one impact player in exchange for one of our 3 other picks. I think Washington has the size and speed to become a good receiver, and the fact that he could line up now and block on the line and downfield just as easily makes him an easy choice.
Another position where I think a player could help us right away is RB. Let’s face it, we have a RB room that screams “Running Back by Committee!!” There’s not one feature back on our roster, and one half of our RB room is signed through ’24, the other half on year contracts. Adding a versatile RB like Jamhyr Gibbs would be an easy pick. Gibbs increased his carries and receptions each year, and was a big part of the Alabama offense. He has a similar skillset to Mostert, Ahmed and Gaskin, in that he’s a very good receiver out of the backfield, can run either between the tackles, and has the speed to break a big run at any time with 4.36 speed. Mostert had career highs in carries (181) and yards (891) in his 8 year career. Wilson also had career highs last season, splitting the season between the Niners and Dolphins, finishing with 176 carries and 860 yards. None of our backs have played an entire season as a lead back getting the lions share of carries. Adding some young talent to the pool makes sense. Improve the depth, and very likely, one of either Ahmed or Gaskin would be either released or traded.
To me, it sure seems like the Dolphins staff is committed to developing OG Liam Eichenberg. If it were up to Ken, we’d have already moved on from Eich, but even Ken knows we invested an early 2nd RD pick, in order to do so we traded up from #50 and traded an additional 2022 3rd pick to get to #42 to take the Notre Dame OL. It’s sensible to get something back on your investment if you truly see the potential there. He absolutely has not realized that potential as of yet, and RT Austin Jackson is certainly on his last chance, being 2024 would be the fifth year option for Jackson, a $14M + decision, in which Jackson would need a standout year to have the Dolphins pick up that 5th year option. To think the Dolphins may spend another 2nd RD pick on an OL is not folly. I don’t think anyone here would be disappointed if we went that direction. Once again, there are a couple of interior OL that could give Eich a run for his money in this draft. TCU OG Steve Avila is a massive lineman, 6’3.5, 332 lbs., who is very light on his feet for such a big guy. He’s also a team captain, leader of men, and could potentially be a day one starter. Many here feel we need to upgrade the O-line, Avila could remedy that. Another OL I’ve mentioned is OL John Michael Schmitz. He is widely considered to be the top interior lineman, specifically OC prospect. I know some people get bent out of shape when you say we could move C Connor Williams to OG, (where he played 4 seasons for the Dallas Cowboys) and have Schmitz at C. Williams is a very solid player who played every-single-snap last season at C. He struggled some with high snaps, but otherwise it was hard to criticize his play. Schmitz is a true C that could step in day one, and moving Connor Williams to LG gives us a strong left side, with Armstead at LT and Williams at LG.
There’s always different ways to look at things, and we may just end up being patient, see who falls to our spot at each draft pick, and end up with 4 players, or we might get aggressive and package a pick or two to get a player. I’d prefer the latter, as I feel if we’re going to draft players in the 2nd RD and 3rd RD, these players better be roster worthy and at least in my estimation, should have some impact, even in their rookie season. Keep in mind we drafted LB Channing Tindall last season who made zero impact last season, but we’ve also seen Grier trade up for players he wants as he did with OG Liam Eichenberg. Whatever they do, I just hope these players we draft make our team better not only in the future, but this year as well.
GO DOLPHINS!!!
Finsmob Unleashed 
We draft BPA, and hopefully it’s at a position of need
Another nice write, Mike E!
FYI, May 1st (as in 3 weeks from now) is the deadline to exercise 5th-year options for 1st rounders drafted in the ’20 Draft. I don’t believe we’ll do it for Austin Jackson.
I agree, I’d be surprised if we pick up the 5th year
I forgot the deadline was so soon
Thanks M!
Anytime! Truthfully, I thought the deadline had already past… had to look it up.
*passed
Don’t mistake hasn’t for can’t
I’ve already illustrated that neither TE is a true receiving threat between Smythe and Saubert, they have a total of 121 receptions, 88 for Smythe over 5 seasons, and 33 over 6 seasons for Saubert, 3 TD’s for Smythe, 2 for Saubert.
I’d love to have Kittles, but what would we be happy with from one of our TEs?
50 catches, 550 yards 5 TDs and 20 1st downs on 3rd down, would do it for me
Usually Steve by your 5th NFL season, you are what you are. There are exceptions to everything, but if I were a betting man, I wouldn’t bet on either Smythe or Saubert to have a big year receiving.
What you’re missing is opportunity, both have had better receivers ahead of them, limiting their opportunity, with Gesicki gone, that changes
It comes down to what are you trying to accomplish?
We don’t need a TE to catch a pass 15+ yards downfield, we already have 3 WRs who can do that, we need someone that can move the chains and score a few TDs, that’s it
“Another position where I think a RB could help us right away is RB”
LOL, I figured that RB could help us at safety……
LOL, thanks for the late edit
“so pay be in the cards,” ??
Steve – I suppose that’s the optimists way to look at it. Good players get opportunities. Smythe started every game, he played more snaps than Gesicki, he’s just not that guy. Saubert is a blocker, he’s not a receiver. If we can get a guy that can be both, I’m all for it.
Nice write up Mike E.
I disagree with wanting to package up picks to “get his guy”
Grief’s guys are DT3, Eich, and some others who I can’t recall because they didn’t pan out but cost us two or more picks to get.
Take your highest rated player and go with it. Take away his tradey pants.
DT3 was Ireland
who was the other guy we called **3?
In 2016 we moved up and took X
We traded up for Waddle too.
IMO, we need a savvy vet on the O-Line to back up at Tackle (left or right)… I think that guy is Brandon Shell. The sooner we ink him to a new contract (hopefully before the Draft), the better.
Could we do than Shell? Perhaps so. I’m not liking the feeling of trusting Austin Jackson, Eich, and Terron Armstead’s injury history to get us through the season and into the playoffs. And I’m not sure any rookie T we could draft this year would be any better in production (learning curve).
As a matter of fact, yes, we CAN do better than Brandon Shell. My point remains: I’d feel a lot more comfortable with a savvy vet Tackle to back up our current guys.
Ideally, we go into the Draft with all of our bases covered. Unfortunately, we’re not going to get much cap relief until Byron’s contract comes off the books on June 1st… unless we trade one of our current players (looking at you, Ced Wilson).
I will say this… there will be vets who choose not to sign to any team in order to skip minicamps and the like. They don’t need those kinds of things being they are vets.
Perhaps we’ll nab one of them after camp is over.
Rocko – Leonte Carroo?
YES! great mamory
LC3 was a fuckup, no doubt. I fell for the Carroo hype. Piggy may have cursed him with the conch thing. lol
Brandon Shell cost us a mere $1.04M last season and he was PFF’s #69 overall Tackle (out of 139 Tackles) last season. Actually, that’s not too f’n bad.
And who was PFF’s #139 overall Tackle last season? Greg Little… buh, bye!
Think of it… there are two starting Tackles (Left and Right) on every NFL team… that equals 64 starting Tackles. To be the #69 overall Tackle is rather impressive.
And we’re talking about insurance in the event Armstead or A. Jackson goes down or aren’t pulling their weight. We’re talking about a backup Tackle.
You can take it to the bank that we’ll need a backup for Armstead at least part of the season.
CavalierKong says:
April 7, 2023 at 3:18 pm
You can take it to the bank that we’ll need a backup for Armstead at least part of the season.
———-
100% agreed, CavKong. I think it’s very important to get a savvy vet Tackle.
And that certainly doesn’t preclude us from drafting a Tackle this Draft, but with the scheme we run, no rookie Tackle (2nd round is our highest pick) is going to be able to be plug-n-play for us this season.
Saw another new mock draft that had us taking LB Drew Sanders at #51. I would take that!
Yessir! Me too!
I believe Blake Freeland, T, BYU, is a target of ours. I’ve seen him going anywhere from the 2nd round to the 5th round. But until he adds more functional weight to his current 6’8″, 302-pound frame, he’s going to be a project.
Even Freeland won’t be a plug-n-play Tackle for us.
My Miami Dolphins 2023 Mock Draft (4/7/2023)
R2P20 (51): Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia (in a possible trade-up)
R3P21 (84): Blake Freeland, OT, BYU, OR Braeden Daniels, T/G, Utah
R6P20 (197): Brett Neilon, C, USC, OR Jerrod Clark, NT, Coastal Carolina
R7P21 (238): Devonnsha Maxwell, DT, Chattanooga
UDFA: Trent Thompson, TE/FB, UTEP; Christian Izien, S, Rutgers; Camren McDonald, TE, FSU; more to come…
FA: Brandon Shell, T
You guys back on the old blog still discussing the woke movement made me post in the wrong blog!
Rockphin says:
April 7, 2023 at 4:03 pm
Nice optimistic article about year two in the system
https://dolphinstalk.com/2023/04/history-points-towards-big-things-for-tua-and-dolphins-in-2023/
Sorry pal, wanted to keep it there, not bring it on here as an incendiary topic
I’ll start off music Friday LOL
Some “bad” “news” is that Daniel Jeremiah has rated the top 50 payers in this draft.
This is their quality in his opinion,
not where he thinks they’ll be picked,
but still it’s bad because he has Darnell Washington at #25.
If he’s that high, he’s out of reach for us in any sane trade-up.
Not saying Jeremiah is “right,” but if a lot of folks read that article,
and that sort of thinking gains traction,
we probably won’t be able to get Washington.
btw
This is what DJ says about Washington:
A traditional in-line tight end, Washington is a massive physical specimen with outstanding play strength and toughness. He can power through press coverage with upper-body strength. He uses his long stride to build speed down the seam and provides an enormous target for his QB. He is a little clunky getting out of breaks, which limits his separation. However, it doesn’t really matter because he can use his big body to shield off defenders. He has some “wow” contested catches where opponents just bounce off his frame. After the catch, he is shockingly fast and nimble (see: the hurdle vs. Oregon). He is a dominant run blocker, as he latches onto and displaces defensive ends with ease. Overall, Washington has tremendous value because he functions as a sixth offensive lineman in the run game and he’s a moving billboard in the passing game.
The good thing is there are always more important positions of need, like QB, OT, EDGE, CB. That automatically pushes the other positions down the board. It doesn’t even appear that Washington is the unanimous best TE, so teams in need of the aforementioned positions would rather have the 2nd or 3rd or even 4th best of those other positions before they look at the others. On the other hand, if there are teams that really want a TE, he could go well before we pick for sure.
LOL @ Kong
On the other hand, Jeremiah revised his first list, where he had Washington at 17th best, and moved the TE down to 25th, so these things are still fluid.
In that first list he rated TE Davis Allen as the 50th best prospect.
I’m not sure he’s dynamic or purely fast enough for what we want,
but if we just want a Mr. Dependable to go where he is supposed to go
and hit who he is supposed to hit,
Allen is a very safe pick who will execute every play perfectly.
Jeremiah says,
He’s also a savvy route runner who gets separation by always knowing where the dead spot is in the zone and is known for sitting down past the line to gain against man.
I continue to see/hear the word “polarizing” as it pertains to Darnell Washington. He’s the kind of player ya might expect a Pete Carroll to draft in the 1st round, but he could also easily fall into our laps @ 51.
Prior to Washington’s combine, I had zero interest in him. But being he DID have a killer combine, I went back to the tape to see what I may have missed in the first place.
He’s a wildcard, to be sure.
When I say Washington is a “wildcard”, I’m talking about where he goes in the Draft.
And if he doesn’t pan out as a TE in his first couple of seasons, perhaps ya ask him to gain 25 pounds of muscle to eventually become a Tackle. He’s got many of the same attributes of a young Terron Armstead out of Arkansas Pine-Bluff.
Lol…swirls
I’m swirling….lol
Nice write, Mike E…..I swirled..lol
And, thank you!
51.John Michael Schmitz OC Minnesota
84.Matthew Bergeron OT Syracuse
197.Nick Broeker OG Ole Miss
238.Kemari Averett TE Bethune Cookman
Oh my…how many times do i have to say I’m swirling…that’s fucked up…lol
Isn’t it Friday night music? Lol..
Washington sounds like the TE we would want…I have no fucking idea…lol…if we have a chance, pick him.
Based on mf13ss.
It’s not music, but HC Bob Green is hilarious!
Bob Green And His Sayings Are Legendary! (A Hilarious Compilation Of ‘isms)
for Krishna
So nice..ty
Alright I have chosen a player to root that the Dolphins draft.
Jack Campbell LB
Jack Campbell from Cedar Falls High School was rated a 3-star recruit by ESPN and handed a 4-star grade by 247 Sports. After high school, Campbell joined Iowa after being lightly recruited.
In 2019 as a freshman Campbell saw action in 4 games and played a total of 41 snaps at linebacker for the Hawkeyes. He recorded only 3 tackles, one assist, while adding one stop.
As a sophomore for the Hawkeyes in 2020 Campbell played in 5 games and took part in 141 snaps for the Hawkeyes. He recorded 24 tackles, 3 assists, while adding 18 stops. In coverage Campbell made 2 pass breakups, one interception, and a QB rating when targetted of 79.6. As a pass rusher, he chalked up 7 total pressures, and 6 QB hurries, no QB hits, and one sack during the year.
In 2021 as a junior Campbell played in 14 games and contributed on 972 snaps. He recorded an impressive 95 tackles, 44 assists while making a huge 56 stops. In coverage Campbell chalked up 3 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and a QB rating when targetted of 85.3. As a pass rusher, he produced 13 total pressures, which included 7 QB hurries, 5 QB hits, and one sack on the year.
In 2022 as a senior Campbell had a massive year as he logged playing time in 12 games and a total of 804 snaps for the Hawkeyes. He added 77 tackles, 37 assists, and 47 stops. While in coverage Campbell made one pass breakup, 2 interceptions, and a QB rating when targetted of 70.6. As a pass rusher, he tallied 13 total pressures, which included 9 QB hurries, and 4 QB hits on the season.
Campbell has been a hugely productive player who has received an almost endless list of awards – including the Butkus award
Prototypical size for the position standing 6-4 and weighing in at 249 lbs combined with excellent speed (4.65 combine forty)
He’s a sure and violent wrap-up tackler with sideline-to-sideline range. He’s an excellent tackler in space, showing loose hips and the ability to break down and contain runners.
Can attack the edge with speed and has the flexibility to dip low and under the tackle’s reach.
Really improved his stock at the combine where he displayed serious explosion putting up a 128 broad jump and a 6.74 three-cone both in the 96th percentile
Team captain who is like a coach on the field – super smart player quick thinking with a high football IQ
Good closing speed with long arms to drag down quarterbacks and running backs.
Campbell will always try to plow into the largest piles and has a good knack of ending up glued to the ball carrier.
He possesses an intriguing blend of size and movement skills. He has good length, wide shoulders, and long arms, and Campbell has room to add weight.
Reacts well to draw plays and misdirection, sniffs out screens to his side of the field. Keeps his eyes in the backfield when rushing the passer and uses hands and strength to stay in the play.
Has complete position versatility – can play any linebacker position as well as on the edge with his hand on the ground
Has become elite in coverage – plays the position like a pumped-up safety – is easily able to lock down tight ends man-to-man
Campbell has big value as an inside blitzer as well, showing the initial burst to shoot through gaps and disrupt the backfield.
And he just sounds like a probowl LB
Jack Campbell
You might change your mind after watching his tape.
Randy, who is a HUGE Iowa Hawkeyes fan, hasn’t even chimed in on Jack Campbell to my knowledge.
Hey, he might be good… I’m just sayin’, I don’t dig his tape.
That’s exactly what we need to see Liam Eichenberg do… and Austin Jackson.
We need to see their replacements in the weight room
He’s got kind of a stocky build
I hope he’s on the verge of crushing it in 2023
Darnell has huge upside, if he catches 5 passes all year he can still be a huge contributor blocking
We have a TE coach, that get polish him up catching and running routes
That’s the way I see it as well, my guy!
Shout out to Naples, Wyo, and bbm…I’m hallucinating…lmfao
Nice write, Mike.
Thanks! Huh, what, oh… yeah, I agree.
I think I forgot to tell you folks some good oinking news
And good oinking news is rare so prep yourself a
I don’t know if you Oinkeroos remember
But in December I was in the hospital with a seriou stomach infection
I was there for a week with the exrcpexcton that upon release o
I would have surgery to remove some of insteatines
So after my release I dieted with plenty of probiotics Etc
And this went on for weeks
Liquid diet – careful diet
Plenty of probiotics
No alcohol
No red meat
Etc…
Anyway last week we met with the surgeons after weeks of dieting
And they don’t think I need surgery
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
That’s awesome news, Piggy. Congrats!
I am celebrating my eating red meat and drinking…lol
Lol, as you should
Great news!! Lol celebrating with what got you in that mess
Way to go Piggs
Well done Piggy. Stay healthy.
Congratulations Piggy
Tried to get a straight A rated draft:
51
Sam LaPorta
TE | Iowa
A+
84
Tyjae Spears
RB | Tulane
A+
197
Brenton Cox Jr.
EDGE | Florida
A
238
Dante Stills
DL | West Virginia
A
way to take control and kick ass, Pig!
I sure hope so….
“I like a lot of things about Braxton,” McDaniel said. “I like that he’s a playmaker. I think the more assets that we have in terms of being able to make plays with the ball in their hands (the better). You guys know I feel like we have an elite distributor in Tua (Tagovailoa). So if you have scorers, to use a basketball reference, I see Braxton as a scorer, a guy that can make plays with the ball in his hands.
I agree!
Playmaker
oops pardon the puke green color
Naples, I saw an updated mock draft from a draft site that had us taking LB Drew Sanders at #51 and RB Tyjae Spears at #84. Spears is a quick 3 down RB. Who knows.
I do think #51 is too high for Sam Laporta, but what do I know. LOL
I really think it will be BPA out of TE, DL, OL, LB, CB, RB at #51. Something tells me we don’t address TE until day 3. Just a feeling.
I really think they like TE Brenton Strange on day 3.
Didn’t love this one, but i’d take it
51.
Dalton Kincaid TE Utah
84.
Matthew Bergeron OT Syracuse
197.
Byron Young EDGE Tennessee
238.
Cory Durden DT NC
I like it other than Kincaid. Dude can’t block other than get in the way. Very rarely lined up in line. Great receiving weapon though.
With defenses having to worry about Hill and Waddle, Berrios could have his best season yet.
Good news Piggy. You need to be in drinking shape for the season
Good news Piggy! Most people don’t like chitlins anyway. 😉
Jets GM Joe Douglas gives positive outlook on Aaron Rodgers: ‘He’s gonna be here’
Jets Sign P Thomas Morstead
———
Boo
Saw 2 new mocks that have TE Darnell Washington going in the late 1st round as TE1 ahead of Michael Mayer. Mayer didn’t go in the 1st round in either mock.
A lot of draft “guru’s” have TE Michael Mayer sliding out of the 1st round and list Washington as TE1. One even has Mayer listed as TE3.
Yeah, he is not the fastest. He is a beast and very good blocker at 6’4.5″ 250 pounds. Runs really good routes and actually has a quickness about him when getting off the line. Does very well boxing defenders out. Great hands.
I would take him in a heartbeat! IMO, his play is Kelce like.
I remember Mayer being the TE that Rhino wants us to draft if he is there.
BBM, I just watched that tape of Mayer and he is impressive. If we decide to spend the draft only taking 1 or picks he would be on my wish to be one of those picks. Jamyrr Gibbs would be the other one. Playmakers babyyyyy!
Yeah, I like Gibbs also and what he could do in our offense. I said a while back he reminds me of an Alvin Kamara.
1 or 2 picks.
Adding those two would make for a downright scary O for opposing teams to deal with. I noticed the other day you are taking a DT late. What taking a NT late. A few names have been mentioned but Keenan Benson seems to a name mentioned often by the talking heads.
Lately, I’ve been hearing that the FO is NOT looking for a blocking TE, as they think both Smythe and especially Saubert can handle that.
They are looking for a seam threat YAC guy to add more speed in the short-intermediate passing game underneath the routes they want Hill and Waddle to run.
I hear they are looking at Luke Musgrave @ TE.
And they are serious about both Jamyr Gibbs and Tajae Spears @ RB.
I was thinking that after you did that mock taking Kincaid. They could go either way, blocking TE or receiving. Maybe they didn’t want to pay Gesicki that much and replace him with a cheaper version of him.
Gibbs and Spears are both 3 down YAC backs.
Yeah, Keeanu Benton, I believe. He is a stud. Someone on here selected him in a mock a while back. He caught my eye last year when I was watching tape on Wisconsin ILB Leo Chenal.
Benton is 6’4 310. He is not a true NT, but has power and played the position a bit at Wisconsin, I think.
I think the Dolphins are looking to address DL late as the DT’s they have met with so far are late round prospects as far as I have found, like DT Karl Brooks of Bowling Green.
ESPN has us ranked 6th in their latest Power Rankings.
What?! You’re telling me they suddenly believe in TUA!
NFL.com has us ranked 10th.
Sports Illustrated has us at #7.
Spinzone has us ranked #5.
The Ringer has us at 10th also.
Sportsnaut has us 8th.
I am going to do an OD and rank us in the middle at #16 until they SHOW ME. lol
Dolphins met with TCU RB Kendre Miller ahead of draft, 5’11, 215 pounds. Ran for 1,399 yards at 6.2 per with 17 TD’s. Didn’t run at combine or pro day as he is recovering from an MCL injury.
Reminds me of our RB Jeff Wilson.
another excellent prospect!
Piggy – Glad to hear the good health update! Looking forward to seeing you at the Fest!
You just never know about a player whether drafted early, late or UDFA.
We have pick #238 in the 7th round.
In 2018, with the 238th pick, the Ravens selected DT Zack Seiler.
Yep! Look at Brock Purdy too. There are many good late round and UDFA players in the league.
Funny and true!
Piggy, glad to hear you’re doing well.
Miami Dolphins hold visit with Texas LB DeMarvion Overshown, 6’3, 229 pounds, 4.56 40, 1.59 10 yard split.
I think Rock and I liked ILB DeMarvion Overshown months ago until we found out he had a high missed tackle rate.
He is a 3rd round prospect. He is a good nickle LB as he played safety at Texas then moved up to ILB.
The good:
Excellent awareness to routes when dropping into coverage.
Athletic blitzer when his number is called.
The bad.
Needs to get off the block more cleanly to tackle.
Allows too many broken tackles in space.
They do say he has improved every year.
He does look to have the skills to play a role in nickel and dime. Hopefully he can clean up his tackling and he’ll have to play STs. Not sure we need a LB like this but I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up a good NFL player.
“After the #UVA pro day, CB Anthony Johnson told reporters he will visit the Miami Dolphins” (Might not be a top 30 visit because he is from FL.)
“Cornerback turned safety with good athletic traits for the safety position and rare physicality-Team captain with 54 career starts under his belt.”
Naples, I think Jamyr Gibbs is a real possibility. MM loves speed and explosive players. Gibbs is a dual threat RB. He can line up as a receiver too. Might help in the return game as well.
Remember our passing game is built to get the ball out quickly to players who are good after the catch. Tua had a lot of time last year on some 7 step drops off play action to take shots down the field. When there is time he’ll take shots. If not he’ll get it out quickly. He also has good pocket awareness and the ability to move around.
That might be why we feel good with a lot of the OL we already have. That doesn’t mean you don’t try to improve and upgrade, but improving is also about the guys already on the roster. Lots of players in the 2nd year of this system. That’s a big deal.
^
I know highlights of Gibbs has been posted before. Imagine adding this guy to the rotation of playmakers we already have. The speed will never end. He’s got more pure talent than any back on our roster. His receiving ability and speed is so good. He’s not going to be a bell cow but could he emerge into a Miles Sanders or Alvin Kamara type with more speed. Will he fall to #51? I’m not so sure. But I wouldn’t pass on him.
MOB LIST OF POTENTIAL TARGETS @ 51 (R2P20)
Copy and paste after you’ve added your prospects, please don’t duplicate a name already on the list.
QB:
RB: Jahmyr Gibbs
IOL: Steve Avila
T:
TE: Darnell Washington
WR:
EDGE: Adetomiwa Adebawore
DI:
CB: Emmanuel Forbes
S:
By the way, this is not a poll. No need to add your personal name to your selections.
I don’t think Gibbs falls to us at #51 because most mocksters have him late 1st or early 2nd before the 40’s. He would be a gift for us. I would not be shocked if we traded up for him. He’s a perfect fit for what we do on offense.
John Michael Schmitz
OC Minnesota
Dawand Jones
OT Ohio State
Siaki Ika
DT Baylor
Mazi Smith
DT Michigan
Looking at our roster and based on how we play, I could see this kind of breakdown.
DL 5
ED 4
LB 5
DB 10
24
OL 9
TE 3
WR 5
QB 3
RB 5
FB 1
26
K 1
P 1
LS 1
good breakdown
I see you want to keep 5 RB and only 3 TE.
It could work that way, but how much is that 5th RB going to play versus the contributions of a true backup TE, as Conner is too small to play inline.
Can you tell I am bored at work. lol
Updated on 4/2/23. I am sure they don’t have them all, but I am interested in who they were or are still looking at.
BOWLS:
Ryan Fowler – LB Dax Hollifield (VA Tech) has been a popular name at the Tropical Bowl this week. Versatile second level defender that’s shown improvement in coverage, he’s met with the Steelers, Dolphins, Bears, and Jaguars, per source.
Ryan Fowler – Lots of attention at the Hula Bowl last week for Youngstown State RB Jaleel McLaughlin. Met with 22 teams but conversations with the Raiders, Giants, Dolphins, Panthers stood out, per source. Rushed for 1,584 yds and 13 TDs this fall.
Justin Melo – WR Elijah Harper has been busy. Competed at @FCSBOWL and is now at @TropicalBowlUSA. Harper is legit 6-3, 195 w. 4.4 speed. Harper met with the Jaguars, Dolphins, Jets and Ravens, per source.
Ryan Fowler – IDL Brodric Martin was a popular name at Shrine. He met with a long list of teams but time with the Jets, Chargers, Giants, Dolphins, and Titans stood out, per source. 6’4.5″, 337 who had a heck of a week in Vegas.
COMBINE:
Ryan Fowler – Oregon State CB Alex Austin has met formally with both the Dolphins & Broncos here in Indy, per source. Riser in a deep DB class.
Ryan Fowler – Pitt RB Israel Abanikanda has had formal meetings with the Dolphins, per source.
David Furones – Texas LB Demarvion Overshown says he loved his conversations with Dolphins. He mentioned he would enjoy teaming up with former college teammate Brandon Jones if Miami chose him.
Justin Melo – #LSU OL Anthony Bradford was extremely popular at the #NFLCombine. Bradford is versatile w/starts at LT, LG, RG. Bradford met formally w/ #Chiefs, #Raiders, #Eagles, #Cowboys and #Dolphins, per source.
Tom Downey – Ole Miss RB Zach Evans’ formal Combine interviews: Dolphins.
Tom Downey – Iowa TE Sam LaPorta has had a bunch of formal meetings at the NFL Combine, including Dolphins.
Justin Melo – TE Tucker Kraft was EXTREMELY popular at the Combine. Kraft met formally w/ 15 teams — including Dolphins, per league source.
Ryan Fowler – Kansas State EDGE Felix Anudike-Uzomah had formal meetings with the Dolphins, per source. One of the most explosive athletes in the class.
Ryan Fowler – formal meetings for Georgia CB Kelee Ringo: Dolphins and many others.
Justin Melo – Minnesota CB Terell Smith reached 21.37 MPH at @ShrineBowl. Ran 4.41 at Combine. Stock UP! Smith met formally Dolphins.
Justin Melo – Penn State C/G Juice Scruggs is attracting interest due to versatility as a 2-yr starter. Scruggs had Combine Formals w/49ers & Dolphins.
Justin Melo – Get familiar with Utah’s OG Braeden Daniels! Lots of buzz in league circles. Combine Formals: #Titans, #Dolphins and others.
POST COMBINE
Tony Pauline – Northwestern RB Evan Hull interviewed with Dolphins before his Pro Day.
Justin Melo – Michigan DE Mike Morris is scheduled to interview with the Dolphins in the near future.
Justin Melo – Bowling Green DT Karl Brooks has a top 30 visit with the Dolphins.
Jacquie Fraciulli – After the #UVA pro day, CB Anthony Johnson told reporters he will visit the Miami Dolphins.
Aaron Wilson – Duke CB Datrone Young, invited to @MiamiDolphins local Pro Day, has his college Pro Day today and is expected to test well. Aggressive, versatile, has played outside and nickel. 45 tackles, one interception, seven passes defensed last season.
Aaron Wilson – Louisville OT Trevor Reid met with #Dolphins at Pro Day.
Ian Rapoport – Despite #TCU star RB Kendre Miller not working out at Pro Day today as he recovers from an MCL injury suffered in the playoff win, Miller is well ahead of schedule and had meetings yesterday with the #Dolphins.
Barry Jackson – Dolphins have begun summoning prospects for draft visits. Edge player Garrett Nelson among them this week, per Nebraska source. Bowling Green DT Karl Brooks has said he’s taking a ’30’ visit to Dolphins.
Ian Rapoport – Texas LB DeMarvion Overshown visited the #Cowboys yesterday and has the #Dolphins, #Texans, #Falcons, #AZCardinals and #Broncos, as well.
Tony Pauline – Michigan State TE Daniel Barker will participate in the Dolphins local Pro Day.
“Justin Melo – Get familiar with Utah’s OG Braeden Daniels! Lots of buzz in league circles. Combine Formals: #Titans, #Dolphins and others.”
That’s my guy! Though I usually see him listed as a T. Doesn’t matter as he has played both.
Also, Ryan Fowler – Kansas State EDGE Felix Anudike-Uzomah had formal meetings with the Dolphins, per source. One of the most explosive athletes in the class.
You brought him up as well.
Don’t be surprised if we trade 2024 picks to move up in this draft for specific prospects. This team has been aggressive in building a now team. We’re focused on competing for a championship this year and the next few years.
Tyreek Hill has already said his playing career window is probably over after the 2025 season. He’s got a lot of other business things going on. He’s committed to playing for the Dolphins for 3 more years. That trade followed by Chubb, then Ramsey and the hiring of Fangio is pretty obvious.
When you think of the draft and playing GM with simulated mock drafts, keep that in mind. We don’t want to turn 4 picks into 8, we’re probably more like turning 4 into 2.
I know, I get nervous about them trading up because of recent trade ups that didn’t pan out so well like Eich and Hunter Long. Grier is not afraid to, that is for sure.
They traded up to just overdraft those two.
If you followed every team like we do the Dolphins, you’d see the same misses across the NFL. The goal is trying to win. It’s not a perfect science.
How many teams missed on QBs because you have to take one?
Our current roster can compete with anyone and we proved that last year hobbled at the end.
So true and missing on other positions as well.
QB: Hendon Hooker
RB: Jahmyr Gibbs
IOL: Steve Avila, John Michael Schmitz
T: Cody Mauch, Blake Freeland
TE: Darnell Washington, Michael Mayer
WR: Jalen Hyatt
EDGE: Adetomiwa Adebawore
DI: Mazi Smith, Siaki Ika
CB: Emmanuel Forbes
S: Sidney Brown
After taking another quick scan of that visits list, the vast majority of those players are day 3 to UDFA prospects. That is why I keep thinking a possible trade down or even trading a 2024 day 3 pick for a 2023 day 3 pick. There are a few teams with an ass load of day 3 picks. The Packers (before even trading Rodgers) 49er’s, Rams, Chiefs and Texans all have seven day 3 picks.
If we come away with one projected impact player and a solid backup OL who could develop into a starter down the road that would make our current team better. As a fan I don’t care about 2025 or after.
Why do you think all these different projections from media types have us top 10? Because we have a lot of really good players. The time is now. We’ve got a window. We’re finally there.
Josh Allen knows it and he even said I expect to see Miami in the playoffs last year and he was right. But it was a 3rd string QB and a depleted secondary. We lost by 3.
Yes sir. Now opponents will have a different D to face as well.
Thy Knight (@ThyKnight3) says:
April 8, 2023 at 8:16 pm
I don’t think Gibbs falls to us at #51 because most mocksters have him late 1st or early 2nd before the 40’s. He would be a gift for us. I would not be shocked if we traded up for him. He’s a perfect fit for what we do on offense.
———
Bro, no offense, but if we actually trade up for a RB from @ 51 — and I don’t care if his name is Barry Sanders — it will betray the Shanahan System rules. And honestly, I’d be shocked if we draft Gibbs @ 51… even if he falls to us.
In a way, it’s kind of funny that Jahmyr’s last name is Gibbs! LOL
Remember Alex Gibbs (RIP). He’s the one who built the ZBS system that the Shanahan tree uses… and it has often turned UDFA RBs into 1,000-yard RBs.
Yes, I listed Gibbs as a RB we might be interested in, after seeing some of y’all posting about him recently… he’s certainly a stud. But again, the Shanahan System generally uses a RB by committee.
The only outliers I can think of off the top of my head are Terrell Davis and Arian Foster.
And yes, Arian Foster was an UDFA.
Terrell Davis was a 6th rounder.
It’s about the current prospect to make our team better and scary, not draft philosophies so we worry about the future. I have no idea if we’re targeting Gibbs or not. But you win with really good players. I think this dude make us really scary. How would you cover it?
Alright man, I hear ya there. But instead of drafting Gibbs @ 51, why not spend a draft pick (maybe even a future pick) on a proven commodity like Dalvin Cook or Derrick Henry if trying to WIN NOW?
I do realize we’d have to wait until Byron Jones’ $$$ come off the books on June 1st to execute such a trade.
Just some food for thought! 😉
Too costly. We were rumored to have been interested in trading for Cook. I don’t think Henry was. We’re not a one back offense type of approach.
Tourists just don’t pay attention to the warning flags and signs posted at the beaches here. Most all beaches don’t have lifeguards except for Pensacola Beach.
I went surf fishing Thursday morning on Perdido Key near my house. The surf was rough as hell and could easily see the rip currents. I look for the rip currents because that is where I set up to fish where the water is rushing back out through cuts in the sandbars.
The fire dept on Perdido Key is very proactive in putting up the warning flags and keeping it updated throughout the day. It has been red flagged for severe rip currents all week and purple flagged for hundreds of man of war jellyfish.
Just learned a 16 y.o. died from a drowning today about a 10th mile from where I was fishing. This just 2 days after (same day I was fishing) 3 children and 1 adult had to be water rescued about a half mile from where I was fishing. Two of the children and the adult had to be life flighted to the hospital. Reports were the rip currents pulled them out over 100 yards off the beach.
People, the warnings are put up for a reason!
That’s sad. And even without the warnings put up, you’d like to think that one could identify a rip current when one sees as much.
Yes, very sad. Crazy thing about today was it was raining all day and probably not many on the beach to help.
Cold front has gone through and wind is out of the north so that will greatly suppress the rip currents.
Ugh that’s horrible.
per MF13’s rules
This is only prospects we might draft @ 51
but with Gibbs and Washington,
I can see us trading up to get those guys if the FO really likes them like I do.
QB: Hendon Hooker
RB: Jahmyr Gibbs
IOL: Steve Avila, John Michael Schmitz
T: Cody Mauch, Blake Freeland, Matt Bergeron
TE: Darnell Washington, Michael Mayer, Luke Musgrave
WR: Jalen Hyatt
EDGE: Adetomiwa Adebawore
DI: Mazi Smith, Siaki Ika
CB: Emmanuel Forbes
S: Sidney Brown
ILB? Drew Sanders
Damn, surprised I didn’t think to add Drew Sanders myself.
M13, MM is building this offense based on speed and movement. As a game goes on and you can still hit a team with speed through depth that’s the nail in the coffin.
This is why I hear they are looking at Luke Musgrave.
Speed in a seam threat TE.
They already have Saubert to slam block the DE/OLB on the double team to open the hole
and Smythe to block the second level so the RB can turn the corner.
Now they need a TE with certified YAC potential.
A good prospect will fall to us if we stay pat. They can’t all go before #51. LOL
Here’s an interesting look at the 2023 schedule.
I really didn’t want us to go to KC for Week 1 on a Thursday,
but I guess it would be ok on second thought
because i think then it would give us a long rest before the Week 2 game.
Is that how that works?
Actually,
Maybe it would be better for us to play KC with no real tape on our new defense.
Maybe we could surprise them a bit and counteract that Arrowhead advantage.
We are gonna have to go out there some time this season.
We need all the help we can get on that one.
https://www.si.com/nfl/dolphins/news/miami-dolphins-2023-schedule-note
Quinnipiac Bobcats college hockey national champs
Yeah, that’s pretty cool!
He was whispering, “He bud, we don’t have much money right now but we are going to make a trade for you mid season.”
Then second part when they started laughing MM said “and don’t tell your pussy ass coach I said that, we don’t want to be accused of tampering.”
Our core defense is going to be Wilkins, Ogbah, Sieler, Chubb and Phillips up front. Then Baker, Long, Riley and Tindall as off the ball LBs.
We’ve got some really good secondary players in case you were worried. 😉
good call
PLUS
we’ll be sending van Ginkel and Malik Reed on kamikaze blitzes.
Wow Piggy that’s great news. I didn’t realize how serious it was when it first happened. Good to hear you’re doing so much better.
bailbondmike says:
April 9, 2023 at 12:50 am
He was whispering, “He bud, we don’t have much money right now but we are going to make a trade for you mid season.”
Then second part when they started laughing MM said “and don’t tell your pussy ass coach I said that, we don’t want to be accused of tampering.”
BBM
Your suggested dialogue is hilarious.
As a reminder, here’s the full slate of 2023 opponents for the Dolphins:
(One game is probably in Europe.)
Home (9)
Bills
Patriots
Jets
Broncos
Raiders
Titans
Cowboys
Giants
Panthers
Away (8)
Bills
Patriots
Jets
Chiefs
Chargers
Ravens
Eagles
Commanders
There are no easy games in the NFL, but that is a really rugged schedule.
We must play BOTH Super Bowl teams ON THE ROAD.
We have to play the NFC East and the AFC West.
Both divisions have had all 4 teams predicted into the playoffs.
And for our throw-in teams we have to go to the Ravens and play Tennessee at home where their QB is very comfortable with the field and heat and facilities.
The “easiest” team on our schedule is about to draft the #1 pick!
That is a tough schedule up and down especially on the road. Be nice if Jackson was no longer in Balt. Would like to open vs a division team or KC like you mentioned.
Happy Easter everyone.
and/or
Have a happy Seder with your fam
or
Chag Pesach Sameach
Happy Easter!
https://www.nfl.com/news/braxton-berrios-on-tyreek-hill-jaylen-waddle-truly-one-of-the-best-wr-duos
Happy Easter to all who celebrate!
Did one with intentions of doing a mock for Tim and trading up. Had it going slow so I could pause and trade up. Everyone who I would target ened up going before pick 40. I ended up staying put for BPA and then traded down twice later. lol
I kind of stuck to players they have interviewed already, Connor Galvin is one exception.
51. Felix Anudike-Uzomah EDGE Kansas State
99. Braeden Daniels OG Utah
184. Juice Scruggs OC Penn State
187. Brenton Strange TE Penn State
197. Christian Izien S Rutgers
240. Karl Brooks DT Bowling Green
256. Connor Galvin OT Baylor
I don’t know, trading down works for me. I do it every year. I must be a closet hoarder. lol
51. Drew Sanders LB Arkansas
89. Joe Tippmann OC Wisconsin
129. Israel Abanikanda RB Pittsburgh
197. Brenton Strange TE Penn State
212. Cory Durden DT NC State
238. Connor Galvin OT Baylor