I feel pretty neutral on the hire of new DC Anthony Weaver. I love that he came from a great organization like the Baltimore Ravens, but unless he’s bringing his players with him, that doesn’t mean as much as it sounds like it should. John Harbaugh is an excellent Head Coach, and I’m not sure how much it matters who his assistant coaches are. The Ravens have one of if not the best front offices in the NFL. I’ve put this stat up before, and every time I do it’s kind of astonishing. John Harbaugh is 160-99 as the Baltimore Ravens Head Coach over the last 16 years. That’s a ridiculous .618 winning percentage. and have made 11 playoff appearances during that time including 1 Super Bowl victory. The list of assistant coaches he’s had is extensive, big names litter the list. To me, the best aspect of bringing Anthony Weaver here is the base defense will be very similar to what we ran here in Miami.
I don’t know how much of an influence DC Anthony Weaver will have on acquiring personnel, but the salary cap of course is going to impact much of they proceed in doing so. You have to figure that one of the main priorities will be to re-sign DL Christian Wilkins. He’s been the epitome of what we strive for, honing his game, improving each season, and even more importantly, playing every single game the last 3 seasons, as well as tallying top snap counts on defense within each game. Our 1st RD pick (#13) in 2019, he has evolved into one of the NFL’s best interior defensive lineman. As we know, the Dolphins did offer Christian Wilkins a contract less than the top 10 DL and Wilkins bet on himself and now will be cashing in on that bet in 2024 as he had his best season with the Dolphins.
Right now, the linebacker position is a sore spot for the Dolphins. Weaver in Baltimore had a couple of the top inside linebackers, Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen. The pair combined for an absurd 291 tackles, each topping 80 solo tackles, and both near the top of their team in passes defensed (Smith 8, Queen 6), so these guys were also very involved in coverage. For the Dolphins, OLB Andrew Van Ginkel led the team with 8, and it’s anyone’s guess if we can find the money to re-sign AVG this season. I think you can pencil in ILB David Long Jr. as one of the inside backers, but it’s very questionable as to takes the other inside LB spot. Then of course, we have the unfortunate issue of filling in for 2 of our best pass rushing OLB’s Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips until they are ready for action. It’s fair to say both will miss a few games, hopefully neither miss 1/2 the season or more.
On the Baltimore defensive line, DE Justin Madubuike had an absolutely outstanding season, finishing with an impressive 13 sacks, after managing just 8 total in his first 3 seasons. Madubuike originally was playing DT, or RDE, and then was switched to LDE, and he really took off after the change of position. I think the most glaring difference on the D-line is the Ravens NT, Michael Pierce. He is the complete opposite of the body type we currently have at NT in Raekwon Davis. Raekwon is 6’7 325, while the Ravens NT Michael Pierce is a stout fireplug at 6’0 355. Guess what folks? Raekwon Davis is now a Free Agent, and as GM Chris Grier says, “He’s earned the right to be a Free Agent”. Don’t be surprised if Raekwon Davis is not back with the Dolphins in ’24. Free Agents that might fit the bills are former Kansas City Chiefs DT Derrick Nnadi (6’1 320), former Dolphins and Detroit Lions DT Benito Jones (6’1 335), and former Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings DT Khyiris Tonga (6’4 338). Currently on the roster is DT Brandon Pili who may able to eat his way to becoming a potential NT candidate as well.
Let’s get back to the linebackers. If we started the season today, I would imagine David Long Jr. (LILB) and Channing Tindall (RILB) would start inside, and as I mentioned that both Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips will most likely be unavailable to start the season, Cameron Goode and Quinton Bell bell are the only outside backers. Is it possible that we actually keep LB Jerome Baker on the roster, and make a position switch for him to outside linebacker? With all the money we need to shave, I say there are some long odds on that, and we will have to be creative to find suitable replacements for Chubb and Phillips, unless one of them, perhaps Cam Goode can make a splash next season.
At safety, well, we’re kind of fresh out of safeties. Jevon Holland is our only returning safety as DeShon Elliott, Brandon Jones and Elijah Campbell are all Free Agents. At cornerback, the picture isn’t much brighter. Once again, the salary cap vulture will be taking away a player or two from this unit, and it may finally come to play that CB Xavien Howard is no longer a Miami Dolphins. That leaves Jalen Ramsey, Kader Kohou, Cam Smith, Keion Crossen, and Ethan Bonner. There may be a cut or two at CB as well, but you’d have to expect Cam Smith will be given every chance to earn and secure a starting spot next season. There’s been a lot of buzz about how Anthony Weaver transformed Baltimore Ravens S Kyle Hamilton into a Pro Bowl safety. I don’t expect to use an early pick on a safety, Hamilton was a 1st RD pick in 2022, so Holland would be the guy who’s already on the cusp of being that type of player, but I wouldn’t mind if we could find the money to bring back DeShon Elliott next season. He’s a gamer, played in 15 games last season and finished 2nd in tackles. He’s also a physical player, a good partner with Holland. Depending on what Grier, Weaver and McDaniel think about Cam Smith, we may be forced to draft another cornerback, but whoever we draft early, we MUST hit on that player, and get early and important contributions from both. This is what has to happen when you put yourself in salary cap peril.
GO DOLPHINS!!!
Finsmob Unleashed 
First
Joe Flacco comeback player of the year? Ok, at least I can see the argument there even though I completely disagree with it.
But Stefanski as coach of the year?! That Cleveland team is effing loaded. It should have been Ryans, hands down. These voters are idiots.
No, eff that, Flacco as comeback player of the year for starting 5 games, 1 whole game more than 2022 is really stupid too.
In sorta related news, I had a dream last night the Dolphins scored 81 points on the Cowboys.
LOL, maybe if it was in weeks 1-7
Kong – I think Mayfield deserved it more than Flacco.
Good call. He completely revitalized his career.
Tua also deserved it more than Flacco
I agree on both.
DT T’Vondre Sweat, 6’4 360 could also be a possibility in the 2nd round.
That seems possible. Do you think Weaver will definitely want more of an anchor as NT?
Not sure
LOL, music Friday. Only posting this because I just watched Tucker’s interview with Putin. Actually found it interesting and watched the whole 2 hours.
I’m curious as to what all of you think about how our defense might look. Stout NT, bigger linebackers inside, who do we keep at LB, CB.
I’m not sure it’s necessarily about being bigger but more physical. Some players just have a more physical nature. Look at Isiah Pacheco, he’s not what you would call a big back but he plays like one.
On the D-line at DT/NT it matters. Not as much at LB and safety. Long is physical IMO, Baker not as much. No idea about Tindall or Goode. I’ll tell ya Malik Reed looked like one of the most physical guys out there for us against KC in our compromised state
We have big dudes up front but two of them are FAs. Long is the perfect example of not being big but very physical. Maybe we do look for some bigger more physical guys up front and at LB, but I think physical is a mentality.
Nice write, Mike! Everything you hear about Weaver is he’s a good coach that is close to being a legit HC candidate. He didn’t get that job this time around but he has a year experience as a DC with the Texans back a few years ago when that team was imploding. Now he gets that chance again with us.
I was saying down the stretch of the season that I feel our team needs to get more physical and that’s what Weaver believes in so hopefully he brings that to the defense. But it still comes down to the players and we have a lot of decisions to make. Like you mentioned, the injuries to Phillips and Chubb make this offseason even more of a challenge because we don’t know when they’ll be ready next season and they’re not easy to replace.
Thanks Tim
Maybe we do look for some bigger more physical guys up front and at LB, but I think physical is a mentality.
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I agree. That is why I like Edgerrin Cooper, Jeremiah Trotter and Junior Colson at ILB and possible 2nd round picks.
I’m not in the loop at all with most prospects. I’ll get up to speed after the combine and pro days when the info is more current.
I also think part of physical is how players are coached. If it’s in a player they can bring it out. But some players don’t have it.
It wasn’t that we weren’t a physical team, I just noticed not as physical as some of the other teams.
I agree
It will be interesting to see our roster decisions leading up to FA on March 13th.
I know. That is what is making doing a mock so difficult this year. It could go so many different ways with current needs. They have been able to make things clearer going into the draft but this year I am having trouble seeing how they are going to accomplish it.
Yeah it’s very hazy right now.
pheloniusphish says:
February 8, 2024 at 9:32 pm
Mmmm…..no. Politics this time of year is way more interesting than football.
———–
I cannot deny as much. And what a week it’s been!
Nice write, Mike E. So many questions right now and not enough answers regarding our new DC Weaver, his potential impact, and needs… plus we’re in salary cap hell to boot.
The best thing we can go by with Weaver is what people have said about him. He’s very highly respected.
Right on, but I’m talking more about what he needs in terms of Defensive personnel to make his system work. We’ve got limited resources and are in cap hell.
I understand but I’m not sure his system is much different than what we ran under Flores/Boyer which is more blitz oriented but less Cover 0. What I read is he prefers Cover 1 with a single high safety. That is well suited for Holland. More man coverage than what Fangio ran.
It would ideal if Chris Brooks stepped up to another level along with Achane, with Mostert as the vet Back in crucial situations. I don’t think Wilson and Ahmed will be back. I see us adding another rookie and/or low budget back to compete.
There is always a day 3 RB available in the draft.
Eno Benjamin might be a vet option. He’s not a big back but has the skills we like and won’t cost much.
I like Antonio Gibson but he might cost too much.
I feel like despite his size, Chris Brooks isn’t really a physical, imposing back. I guess he might get a chance, but I’m not expecting much. He did look good though in the little we saw of him, but definitely not a punishing, fierce runner.
It’s quiet so I couldn’t help myself.
Yeah, that was another one by Hi-Rez. I guess you could say Oops…I did it again…
Here’s another cover he did recently.
Another new one.
This one took me back. This is the latest he dropped.
Saw a blurb that Jim Harbaugh is going to hire Colin Kaepernick as QB Coach for the Chargers. Michigan Jim is going full on Cali now!
Wow!
Dane Brugler’s latest 2 round mock has us taking:
21. Miami Dolphins: Jackson Powers-Johnson, G/C, Oregon
If this happened, it would be one of my favorite team-player fits in the draft. The Dolphins have obvious needs at guard and center, and Powers-Johnson is arguably the best interior blocker in this class. With his size, strength and athleticism, it is hard to find bad tape on him from this past season.
55. Miami Dolphins: Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
A long, rangy athlete, Cooper showed steady improvement throughout his time in College Station and capped it with a career year (led the Aggies in tackles, tackles for loss, sacks and forced fumbles). He can impact the game in a variety of ways.
I will take that!
He also has the Pats taking WR Marvin Harrison, Jr. at #3 and QB Bo Nix at pick #34.
That would suck.
BBM, any team selecting prospects in the top 10 should get good players. Picking at #21 means we made the playoffs. You’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t. It’s never good enough for the fans unless you win the Lombardi Trophy.
There are always good prospects late in the 1st round and in the following rounds.
Oh yeah, if our draft started out like above that would be great.
Tim – I don’t think anyone here is disappointed that we’re picking later in the round, it’s that we gave up a lot of draft picks in trades and were also punished by the NFL for tampering which took more picks. Plus, after all that, we don’t have a lot to show for it, are in cap hell now, and we absolutely need more good young, inexpensive players on the roster because buying top players is not sustainable.
They are gonna have to be creative AF and the end result won’t be as good a roster as last year. I see a roster mixed with really good players including some coming off injuries with not as good depth.
We will have to fill the roster with a bunch of guys who barely crack the top 51 in cap.
I have to disagree with Ryder that Payton Wilson is the best LB in this draft class. I agree with him on everything else. I have watched him over the years cause I thought he would enter the draft sooner but injuries affected that. The ONLY thing I didn’t like about his game is he lacks physicality vs the ball carrier meaning he is not a thumper. Watch all his tape and highlight video’s and he is always wrestling ball carriers to the ground. Never seems to knock the shit out of someone. With that though, he doesn’t have a lot missed tackles. He wraps up well.
I think he would be a steal in the 5th round and might just slip that far with his injury history.
He is another one who is versatile that can line up inside or out.
I like this guys suggestions for free agents to bring in. Holland and Dugger would be a sick safety tandem. I just think both Dugger and Hyde would cost to much for our cap situation.
I think Curtis Samuel would make a great #3 WR if we could get him on the cheap. Maybe a 2 or 3 year deal with a small cap hit this year. I’m sure he would be stoked to play in this offense.
I hate the first highlight. It’s when Baker hurt his knee.
Samuel or Duvernay. He’s coming off injury though. I believe he came off IR before the end of the season.
Mike, my comments aren’t always directed at anyone on this blog. Sometimes it’s based off of articles that are out there. Most of them being other Phins sites. We all know our cap situation and our draft picks, but so does our team. I’m sure they have a plan.
👍
It’s interesting seeing the coaching fraternity. Weaver is likely adding guys he knows.
Hasn’t the Lions pass D sucked a little over these last 3 seasons or is that just me? Maybe due to lack of talent. I don’t know.
Hard to gauge how much is coaching, don’t you think?
They’ve lacked personnel on defense since Dan Campbell became HC. They got better overall this year.
I think they were middle of the package in yards against and bottom 3rd in points
So, not good
But I don’t think assistants can take too much responsibility for overall defensive performance
Piggy, I agree about assistant coaches not being responsible for overall stats. They teach technique and fundamentals and prepare players to play games. Not much they can do after that.
Makes sense.
I know we need to clear cap which they will do. Many teams do it every year. Hell, Saints are 82 mil over but they will get there and put together a 90 man roster.
We need to resign a bunch of our own FA’s but we will also need to bring in others. Some (most) will have to be on the cheap. I think we can fill some holes with guys on 2 or 3 year deals with minimal hit this year.
Outside of our own, what do you think about adding either WR Curtis Samuel or WR Devin Duvernay?
I think SS Dugger will cost way too much and we would be better off trying to resign Brandon Jones and Elliott.
In 10 days, teams can put the Franchise or transition tags on players. They have from Feb 20th to March 5th to do it.
The projected franchise tag for Wilkins would be 19.7 mil.
Transition tags are for RFA only. OG Robert Jones is the only RFA I see. Not sure he is worth a 2nd round tender at 4.6 mil but might be worth a “Right of First Refusal” 2.8 mil tender.
NFL combine starts in 17 days.
The free agent “tampering” period begins in 30 days. That is not very far off.
BBMike – I like Duvernay, mostly because he’s a return guy, and we need one
True, he was the one who burned us in 2022 on a return in the miracle comeback game for Miami.
Dreading tonight, it’s gong to be busy. The Pensacola Mardi Gras Parade just finished. Thousands attended and now hitting all the bars downtown. Heard from the jail there are at least 3 traps set up, 2 by the city police and one by FHP.
Isn’t one of the salary cap tricks up to an owner willing to pay bonus money up front?
Ross never says no to paying, ever. Is it just that though? Has to be more than just paying money up front
I think it’s one of the ways of manipulating it.
bailbondmike says:
February 10, 2024 at 6:16 pm
…I think SS Dugger will cost way too much and we would be better off trying to resign Brandon Jones and Elliott.
————-
If it were up to me, man, I’d try to re-sign Brandon Jones and Elliott… but that’s just me. I agree that Dugger won’t be cap-friendly to sign.
Upon a further re-read, LOL, I see that we absolutely concur! 🙂
I think that so long as EZ-E comes back healthy (he’s projected to), we’re going to be good at the WR position in terms of a sizeable target.
But who do we have after EZ?
BB Mike,
Check out who Zierlein has going R1P32 to the 49ers… but be sure to read the notes (can’t block)…
Just in case ya can’t click on the link, it’s (my former) guy TE Ja’Tavion Sanders.
FWIW, I can’t see Kyle Shanahan drafting a TE who cannot block… same with Coach McDaniel.
Yeah, same here. Didn’t know if he could really block or not. As a play making TE, not sure he was asked to do it much. Though Texas did like to run it as much as throw it so they should have the tape to make that assessment.
Do you think Stover would be a reach with our pick in the 2nd round? I kind of do.
I need to do much more homework on Stover before I can answer that.
bailbondmike says:
February 10, 2024 at 10:47 pm
But who do we have after EZ?
————-
Good point, but perhaps we can find a diamond in the rough. I’ve got my work cut out for me now.
There are a couple in the draft I like but not sure who will be there in round 5. You know my pick there is WR Ainias Smith.
BBMike – I can definitely see T’Vondre Sweat as a 2nd pick, after we take JPJ. Davis has been “meh” at best and I’d be surprised if we re-sign him.
Besides re-signing Wilkins, I think the next target would be AVG.
Wilkins, AVG and Hunt. Then maybe guys like Wynn and Robert Jones. Draft JPJ at #21. Then we have Eich and Cotton with Jones as backups on the IOL. IOL would be set.
My fear is they let Hunt (and Williams) walk due to cap and roll with Jones at RG with Eich and Cotton as backups.
I guess Wynn, JPJ, Jones wouldn’t be all bad on the IOL.
Sorry, meant on the defensive side. Hunt is definitely next after Wilkins
IDK, if we were able to sign Wynn and Robert Jones, I would like to see AVG back before Hunt with the ?? on when Chubb and Phillips will return.
MikeE., I also like DT/NT Sweat. I hope he comes in at around 340. Some say he was playing this year at 360 and looked a lot slower/not as quick off the snap. I like his teammate Murphy also who played 0 and 1 tech on a lot of snaps. He’s smaller but also quicker/more disruptive.
Other NT’s I like in the 2nd:
Maason Smith, LSU, 6’6 315
McKinley Jackson, Texas A&M, 6’2 330
Day 3 NT’s:
Jordan Jefferson, LSU, 6’3 323
Khristian Boyd, Northern Iowa, 6’2 320
Myles Murphy, UNC, 6’4 312
Justin Rogers, Auburn, 6’2 332
Fabian Lovett, FSU, 6’4 310
Evan Anderson, FAU, 6’3 326
Ty Robinson, Nebraska, 6’6 310
Some of these guys didn’t play as a true NT.
As far as a 2nd round, I would be happy with either Sweat or Murphy from Texas or Jackson from Texas A&M.
Day 3, I would be happy with happy with Fabian Lovett or Khristian Boyd.
McKinley Jackson #35
I have priorities ranked like this
1 Wilkins
2 hunt
3 AVG
I would go all in on Wilkins even if it costs us the other two
I agree with your priority list
BBMike – I just feel that when you draft and develop a guy, and he really excels for your team (Hunt), those are the players you just have to keep. At this point, if it’s a bidding war, we’re gonna lose, but you have to try.
I agree, the cap hell just has me thinking another way. I find myself jumping the fence from one side to the other and finding out the grass isn’t green on either side. lol
Jones and Cotton were OK to solid for short periods of time, but Robert Jones was pretty much good from day one. I guess if they know for sure that either Chubb or Phillips is going to miss more time than expected, then I can see AVG becoming more of a priority. On the other hand, you can’t be surprised if they make the O-line a priority, especially if they give Tua a big contract.
Just read that Cameron Goode tore his patellar tendon in Week 17 against Buffalo. WTFF???
Yeah that’s why we had to sign three LBs off the street for the playoffs.
I knew he was hurt, didn’t realize he was THAT hurt. He’s also going to take a while to heal. Not sure of the timetable on that one, but I think that’s what happened to Edwin Diaz.
Just looked it up, recovery is around 6 months, so he should be good to begin the season
It was absurd how many players on defense we lost at the end of the season.
That’s good because we’re going to need him.
More coaching changes on defense.
https://phinphanatic.com/posts/miami-dolphins-news-renaldo-hill-and-sam-madison-out-as-coaches-01hpansyj687
Been trying to figure out who I want to win today, settled on SF, because a win for Purdy type QB is a win for Tua
Not trying to be a dick, but Tua is almost in a class by himself right now. Those runs by Purdy are probably never going to happen by Tua because he doesn’t want to risk getting hit. If he changes that next season, you can bank on him missing time.
New coach on offense.
https://dolphinnation.com/2024/02/11/report-miami-dolphins-tapping-into-college-ranks-to-make-new-hire/
I’m unfazed by coaching changes. Hopefully, whoever we hire has a positive impact.
Same just sharing the news.
One of things about Anthony Weaver that I like is he wants the defense to be a bully. Be really physical against the run and force teams to pass. We’ll see if he can accomplish that.
Almost time for the most irrelevant SB in recent memory
Seems like it
Oops
49er’s = Dolphins, always killing good drives
Greenlaw done
That’s a Dolphin injury right there!
So true
The defenses are playing really well, but SF is looking dominant.
And here goes Mahomes.
I love music. But this halftime show is doing nothing for me. Needs more energy. Take off your shirt. Whatever.
This halftime show is about as uninspiring as the game
Thus is a mistake-filled game.
So far the game is mid, half time show was boring AF and the commercials are the worst ever
The half time shows are always filled with so much fluff.
Deebo down
Alright 4th quarter. Let’s end this pig
Sounds like you are enjoying the game!
Relatively boring but starting to get more interesting. Just not all that well played
Mahomes sucks only 1 TD.
Purdy sucks. 22 points but only 1 TD
Wow!
I hate football
Welp, we lost twice this past season to the former Super Bowl champs, and now the back-to-back Super Bowl champs. It’s all Tua’s fault… LOL 😉
ONCE AGAIN, Josh Allen couldn’t beat the Chefs* in the playoffs… I guess Josh Allen sucks… he can’t win the BIG games when it counts.
He beat us to win the Division, which is more than I can say for our QB. It’s funny, had a discussion on Twitter last night with a passionate Dolphins fan who was comparing Tua to Marino, because Marino couldn’t beat the Bills either. Problem is, the 80’s – 90’s Bills may have been the best team in the NFL. They were probably the most balanced team, strong offense, strong defense for a while there. This Bills team isn’t that great, but Josh Allen makes plays to win.
Joe Burrow beat the Chefs* in the playoffs and advanced to the Super Bowl. There’s a real winner… too bad he can’t stay healthy. In the meantime, Tua played every game this season.
Somebody is trending upward as the other is trending downward.
The Niners had an opportunity to put the game away on 3rd and 5 at the 2 minute warning. Convert that and you keep Mahomes off the field and kick a game winning FG.
Once they failed to convert there, even though they were kicking for the lead with under 2 mins left, if felt inevitable the Chiefs would win. That is what makes Mahomes Mahomes, just like it used to be with Brady.
But…but Mahomes only scored 1 TD through 4 quarters
Mahomes got his team to the Super Bowl and WON it. Let Tua start beating good teams and win a couple of playoff games and take us to a Super Bowl and I’ll be happy to excuse a 1 TD performance when it’s the game winner.
Mahomes also put the team on his back and got first downs when they had to have them. With his feet and his arm and by extending plays. With WR who are as likely to drop the ball as not and one guy who everyone knew he was going to throw to when they needed it. And no running game and a suspect OL.
Please….
I think what really surprises me is that some of you just can’t/won’t see how deficient Tua is against those better teams. It’s not just a game here or there either, it’s just about every game. He just doesn’t play well, and if that doesn’t concern you, you’re crazy.
I believe we can win it with Tua but can’t help but have that feeling. Proof is there. I feel like we have to have the best most dominant defense in the NFL to be able to do it with him. Can’t help how I feel until it’s proven otherwise.
PS: I did fill out my application for the PB. I had to as there appears to be no other option for the next couple years.
BBMike – What’s the PB?
Patience Brigade
We lost your application Actually, I used it to start the fire that burned the membership hall to the ground.
Et tu BBM? lol
I learned my lesson on the PB.
“If they don’t bite as pups”
lol
I know, but Goff didn’t bite as a pup either.
Just got back from the dentist/cleaning. My dental hygienist is hot. Hot, sweet and country AF. She loves the outdoors and hunting and fishing on her time off. I think it is important to have a hot hygienist, at least for me. I find myself taking better care of my teeth so I am not embarrassed to see her every 6 months for having a yuk mouth. To have a hot woman say your teeth are great and you make my job easy is a feel good. lol
BBM – So maybe we should trade Tua so he can start biting? lol
lol
I have done one of those mock drafts also.
Tua has bitten plenty
Lead the league in passing rating last year. Lead the league in passing yardage this year. Winning record every season he has been in the league. He hasn’t been exactly toothless. I get it we didn’t live up to our expectations but there a lot teams that would trade places with us right now
I have to say Hill really impressed me for an UDFA from Campbell University. With him making a good leap like that his rookie year, I just have a really good feeling that he is going to make another big jump into year 2. I don’t think he is close to his ceiling yet.
Ja’Tavion Sanders can’t block! He led all FBS teams in sacks yielded by a TE. We would have been better off just keeping Mike Gesicki.
That would be kind of silly when you hold the #3 pick in a qb rich draft
It wasn’t just about blocking with Gesicki, he had a limited route tree. He lacks short area quickness. He needs multiple steps to get going. He’s kind of gangly.
Now S Kam Kinchens would be a hot pick in the 2nd round… that kid is a playmaker! To pair him with Jevon Holland? Woooo!
Still, I’d rather re-sign Brandon Jones and DeShon Elliott. I think we have bigger fish to fry than to make a luxury pick like Kinchens.
I’d be pissed if that is who we took at #21
He does point out one of my biggest worries and that is the Eagles trading ahead of us for JPJ.
The NFL football season is over. Now it’s NFL mock draft season. 🤣
Come on Tim, I’m not interested in mock drafts until I see what happens in free agency. You know that comes first. 😉
lol
I’m just having some fun with it because if you look for any NFL news mock drafts are taking over.
Oh, yeah. From now until the draft. They will come out with their new versions right after free agent signings start also.
BBMike, FA is going to tell us a lot about the status of our team before the draft.
The cap situation is going to involve releases, restructuring and extensions. For me Wilkins and Hunt are priorities but we don’t really know what the market is for them.
Tua signing an extension is a big part of helping us sign those guys. This team is setup to compete now. Can’t turn back now.
New linebacker coach and run game coordinator Joe Barry has a pretty good resume. I didn’t realize he went back as far as Monte Kiffin and Tony Dungy and Jon Gruden in Tampa Bay.
https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/sports/nfl/2024/02/09/ronde-barber-lb-coach-joe-barry-will-give-dolphins-great-leadership-tampa-bay-buccaneers-vic-fangio/72528748007/
Pro-Bowl WR Stefon Diggs hasn’t caught a post-season TD in 7 straight games. Is that on Josh Allen, or is it on Tua Tagovailoa? Asking for a friend… LOL
What I see in early 1st round mock drafts for us at #21 is OL or Edge, maybe CB.
IMO, it should be on the O-Line. And unless Kool-Aid from Alabama is still there when we pick, I don’t think we’re going CB.
It’s still early… we shall see…
As ALWAYS, can’t wait for the Combine!
That’s where the depth is at this time. I don’t see us going QB or WR.
Yeah, many have OL and JPJ specifically.
Yessir! And you and I beat most pundits to the punch regarding JPJ.
FA is going to tell us a lot about the status of our team before the draft.
—————
That and a week from tomorrow they can place tags on players. I posted this weekend the tag on Wilkins is projected to be around 19.7 million.
That’s an option and probably close to what he will get in FA. We have to remember the price always goes up.
James Fragoza’s mock draft:
21) Miami Dolphins: Graham Barton, OL, Duke
Say it with me, everyone: The Dolphins need offensive line help. Luckily, Graham Barton can legitimately play all five positions up front with his mobility and technical prowess.
He may lack the measurements to stay at tackle in the league, but the ability to kick out to either tackle spot due to injury is an immense plus with Terron Armstead at LT (if he doesn’t retire).
55) Miami Dolphins: Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama
Chris Braswell can set the edge and bull rush tackles into the quarterback’s lap when at his peak. He’s played second fiddle to Anderson and Turner for the last two years, but Braswell’s play at the point of attack and speed-to-power go-to move will help him last in the pros.
156) Miami Dolphins: Kitan Oladapo, S, Oregon State
185) Miami Dolphins: Javion Cohen, G, Miami (FL)
199) Miami Dolphins: Andru Phillips, CB, Kentucky
238) Miami Dolphins: Jowon Briggs, DT, Cincinnati
Looks like he done some homework on us. Don’t know anything about his day 3 picks except for DT Briggs who would be a good 7th round pick.
Looking up SS Oladapo, sounds like he would be a potential steal in the 5th round.
Tua bites against good teams. lol
For Piggy! Pretty cool!!!
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Great! Now I’m a carb and a protein!
Stats shmats. Just show up when you’re supposed to.
👍 – fucking aye! Who cares what your stats say when you know what they are against winning teams. It’s like a fisherman bragging about catching a can of sardines
I am not disagreeing that Tua needs to step up more in bigger games. My point is I believe he can and will because he was as you say biting as a pup.
That’s a point I can’t argue. Belief or hope is what it is. I also hope he becomes the QB that can take us all the way, I just don’t want to pay him until he shows that he can
I hope so too! I just don’t want to be stuck with hoping for years while paying top tier.
ER, we’ve waited for back to back playoff seasons for over two decades, we’re used to hoping for years. 😉
Well, a lot of us have been wanting this, waiting for it to happen. It happened . . .
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Hallefuckinglujah.
Lol…agreed!
It’s weird how long it took to fire Crossman in contrast to parting ways with Fangio
Makes me think the decision on Fangio was ready to happen much earlier this season
Probably
Trade Happy Cap Clearing Mock Draft. Using the NFLDRAFTBUZZ simulator, I traded Tyreek Hill for #27, #35 and #141 then traded down from #27 to #29 for more picks. Later Traded Ogbah, Baker, Crossen and a 2025 6th for more picks. Traded away some picks to move up on day 3 and ended up with:
PICK: 21 RND: 1 Jackson POWERS-JOHNSON C Oregon
PICK: 29 RND: 1 Graham BARTON OT/IOL Duke
PICK: 35 RND: 2 Xavier WORTHY WR Texas
PICK: 53 RND: 2 Kamren KINCHENS S Miami (FL)
PICK: 59 RND: 2 Trey BENSON RB Florida State
PICK: 92 RND: 3 McKinnley JACKSON DL Texas A&M
PICK: 141 RND: 5 Ainias SMITH WR Texas A&M
PICK: 173 RND: 5 Curtis JACOBS LB Penn State
PICK: 199 RND: 6 Christian JONES OT Texas
PICK: 242 RND: 7 Tatum BETHUNE LB Florida State
2025 4th round pick
WR Worthy is a bigger target at 6’1 and was clocked at 22.7 mph this past season. He consistently runs in the low 4.3’s and faster than Waddle. WR Smith is a perfect slot for our system and runs about 4.0 flat. Dangerous after the catch. On top of that, I added arguably the best RB in the draft in Benson. He’s 6’1 223 and runs in the low 4.4 but may surprise at the combine with a faster time.
Adding S Kinchens, DT/NT Jackson, LB Jacobs and LB Bethune will be very solid additions to the D. Especially DT/NT Jackson if we resign Wilkins. Wilkins, Jackson and Seiler would be a sick DL.
Picked up an extra 2.6 mil cap hit in 2024 in the Hill trade but overall cleared 24.2 mil for 2024. This would take Hill totally off the books in 2025 and 2026 boosting our projected 2025 cap space to 91.5 mil.
YEP…..toooo much time on my hands this a.m.
L……O…….L
Actually, I forgot Ogbah was under contract for 2025 also so trading him would clear him totally off the books in 2025 putting our projected cap space around 110.4 mil in 2025.
Plenty of cap to spread around and resign guys in 2024 and push it forward.
Lots of snow in Connecticut today. I know how you feel about snow
not sure of it’s been posted but this is interesting and pretty on point article about Tua and what he needs to get better at.
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39493805/four-ways-dolphins-qb-tua-tagovailoa-improve-2024
Good staff and I agree with all of it.
stuff
Ken says:
February 13, 2024 at 11:46 am
Lots of snow in Connecticut today. I know how you feel about snow
—————–
LOL, I already pulled up the live cam’s to check it out earlier.
Kamren Kinchens with Holland would be a great safety combo.
Any other year and Worthy is a 1st round pick but this WR class is very deep.
WR Ainias Smith would be good out of the slot at 5’10 200. He’s also a threat in the backfield with over 60 carries from the TB position. He’s a physical player also.
Trey Benson 6’1 223 has deceptive speed for a big back. Runs with power and scores well in pass pro. Some think he might run below a 4.0 forty.
The one thing we’re learning about McDaniel is if he doesn’t think certain areas of the team are performing to his standards, he will make changes.
Truth be told, I’d be very surprised if Kam Kintchens doesn’t go in the late-1st round. Maybe he falls to the early 2nd round, but like I stated yesterday, that kid is a PLAYMAKER. Dare I say… he’s got a little bit of Pearl Thomas to his game. Coming from me, that’s saying something.
I think it would be a minor miracle if he fell to us @ R2P53 and I’m not sure we’re looking to draft a Safety so early. Needless to say, I’d be absolutely THRILLED to draft him. BALL HAWK!!!
*Kinchens
Sigh, why can’t they just leave football alone!
The NFL closely monitors its offensive numbers, and in recent decades, owners haven’t hesitated to tweak rules in ways that lock in a certain level of scoring. So it’s worth noting that points and yards per game have dropped in each of the past three seasons, a time period that is longer than a blip and one that will prompt a reaction at some point if the numbers don’t level off organically.
To be fair, the league’s historical highs came during the COVID-affected 2020 season, in part because the league’s on-field officials executed a sharp drop in penalties. But the drop since then has been precipitous and hasn’t simply returned to pre-2020 numbers.
The average game in 2023 had a combined 43.5 points and 663.2 yards, down 12% and 7.8% since 2020, respectively. Points per game were at their second-lowest since 2009, while yards per game were at a 15-year low. And even with teams increasing their rate of fourth-down attempts, punts per game have increased in each of the past three seasons.
It’s not yet clear whether the NFL will be sufficiently motivated to take action this offseason, but the trendlines are clear.
So 2 out of 3 coordinators being changed this year. You kool aid drinkers still feeling optimistic for the season? 2/3rds the roster vacant, no cap to sign anyone and two out of three coordinators changing AND bringing new schemes / terminology.
Slow start this season? Try false start! 8-9 season AT BEST and Grier finally given his walking papers. Then a couple of season to recover. I’ll see you guys in 2027
IMO, if we shore up the O-Line (draft), we’ll return even stronger as the reigning #1 Offense in the NFL.
On Defense? You’ve got me there, Brother. New DC, don’t know if we’ll re-sign Wilkins, and our best EDGEs may miss half of next season with injuries.