Ding dong the Bills are dead, the wicked Bills are dead!. Actually, NO. OK, the Bills traded a very talented WR away to the Houston Texans. While Stefon Diggs had a productive season last year for the Bills, his 2nd half performance was way down from the first half. In the first 9 games last season, Diggs had 70 receptions for 870 yards and 3 TD’s, including five 100 yard performances. In the next 9, which includes the playoff game against the Steelers, Diggs didn’t manage one 100 yard receiving game, and had only 1 TD reception.The Bills have 10 total picks in the 2024 draft, one 1st RD (#28), one 2nd RD (#60), one compensatory 4th RD pick (#133), three 5th RD picks (#144, #160 and #163), two 6th RD picks (#200 and #204) and finally one 7th RD pick (#248). They’re not going to find a WR in this draft that is capable of playing to the level of Diggs immediately, but they can still find an impact WR that can help this team, without carrying the selfish, negative impact on the locker room. Plus, as I always stress, the Bills still have QB Josh Allen, who is a relentless warrior and certainly has the Dolphins number.
Back to our Dolphins. I was listening to WQAM this morning, as I try to do as often as I can to the Joe Rose Show. Omar Kelly was co-hosting with Joe Rose, and they briefly discussed the draft, and in particular, Chris Grier’s mindset on the draft. I’ll paraphrase and summarize for you, Omar Kelly insinuated that Chris Grier will draft the best player available (BPA) period. No position will hold any favor, whomever they have graded the highest, that’s who he’s taking. I’ll go ahead and call bullshit on that. Is it possible? Of course. Is it logical? Of course not. You don’t make a trade for a WR (Tyreek Hill)who is the highest salary on the roster ($31M cap hit 2024), and then say we’re building the roster responsibly for the future. If we’re building, you don’t let 2 of your best players on their respective lines (DT/DE Christian Wilkins) and (RG Robert Hunt) leave in free agency. Next season, Tyreek Hill’s cap hit is $34M. There’s nothing responsible building for the future about that. It’s irresponsible, unless you’re going for it all in a small window. With huge question marks on the D-line, and even on the O-line, considering the injury track records of LT Terron Armstead and LG Isaiah Wynn who never play a whole season. We have a lot of depth on the O-line, but how much quality remains to be seen. On the D-line, we don’t have a replacement for Christian Wilkins no matter what defense we’re running. You can’t put Sieler and 2 guys who don’t play a lot of snaps and don’t make the slightest threat of getting to the QB on that line and expect it to work. In other words, if Grier takes a WR in RD1, I’m going to flip.
Another issue we have with this artificial win now mode is we have players coming up for contracts. S Jevon Holland is in the final year of his rookie contract. The knee injuries suffered last season hurt us, because Holland has been an impact player for us. If he’s healthy, and has a good season, we’re going to need to pay him. OLB Jaelan Phillips will be on his 4th year contract, and if he plays well this season, don’t expect him to want to play on his 5th year option. Most of the offensive linemen are on one year contracts. Next year, Armstead is retiring. Isaiah Wynn is a 1YR contract. OC Aaron Brewer and RT Austin Jackson are the only starting O-line guys on multiple year contracts. We’re going to have to bring in a whole bunch of guys for the O-line next season. Same goes for the D-line. Only Zach Sieler is under contract beyond this season. Benito Jones and Da’Shawn Hand are both one year contracts. While some of you are oohing and aahing at all these signings, it’s a band aid. Not even real Johnson & Johnson Band Aids, they’re just cheap adhesive bandages. Again, we take a WR with our first pick I’m gonna lose it! We need quality players on the D-line and O-line for this year and beyond. You want to pay $25M per season for a guy like Robert Hunt next season? $30M per season for a guy like Christian Wilkins next year? The salaries just keep going higher my friends, this season was nothing new, nothing different.
So, less than 3 weeks away, Chris Grier better be looking real hard at fixing those trenches, both sides. As you know, my feeling is the D-line is the priority, but it’s razor thin over the O-line, or an OLB/Pass rusher. As I stressed a moment ago, it’s not just this season, but next season a lot of the players on both the O-line and D-line disappear next season. In the 2025 draft, we have our regular picks in rounds 1 through 4, we have two 5th RD picks, no 6th RD pick, and two 7th RD picks. In addition, we should get a 3rd RD compensatory pick for Christian Wilkins and maybe a 5th RD compensatory pick or better for Robert Hunt. The other issue on the docket is QB. We have yet to give QB Tua Tagovailoa the huge contract that is supposed to be happening. If we don’t get that done, then we’re either paying him after the season, or looking for a new QB. A lot of dominoes have to fall, but right now, we need to start building those trenches, and do it wisely, through the draft.
Finsmob Unleashed 
Thanks MikeE!
and I could see us going OL or DT at #21 only. We need to.
BBM; Response for you below you’re 7:21 entry.
HOPE all is well with you & your family.
fuck the Bills
Yes, always and forever!
I could see them trying to trade up in the 1st with all their draft capital if a WR like Brian Thomas, Jr. is there in the late teens to around where we pick.
“On Thursday, the Miami Dolphins hosted USC DB Calen Bullock on a 30 visit, which, considering the current state of their roster, is smart.
As of Bullock’s visit, the Dolphins had just two true safeties on their roster: Jordan Poyer and Jevon Holland. Those are their projected 2024 starters.”
—————————–
This is what I have been talking about. Our 3rd safety is converted CB Campbell. Then we have no safeties under contract next year and Holland says he wants to get paid.
We would have to take Bullock at #55. Then which position is odd man out in the first 2 picks OL or DL?
Can only know the answer while on the clock
yep
I agree the Bills are still dangerous, until proven otherwise
The cheats lived for years on comp picks, I like that approach for guys you can’t afford to pay, Wilkins and Hunt, that you can live without, who are replaceable, not so much for Waddle, Holland and Phillips
Until proven Bills are still the target
Holy cow I think I just felt a very minor earthquake in RI. Reports apparently coming in from NYC and other points in the northeast as well on Twitter…kind of unusual around here. Any other ne folks feel anything?
Former FSU and FAU tackle Chaz Neal — 6-9, 315 — will take part in the Dolphins’ local predraft workout Friday
Another name for Dolphins local predraft workout Friday: Quarterback Micah Leon, who finished his college career as a walk-on at Florida after time at N.C. State and UConn.
Two names for Dolphins’ local predraft workout: Former UCF and FSU linebacker Tatum Bethune (339 career tackles) and Florida Atlantic receiver Je’Quan Burton, who had nine touchdowns over the last three seasons.
Do we have an unfair advantage over teams from other states with the in-state visits?
or does the NFL try to make it fair?
Seems a team like the Titans couldn’t possibly have as much talent on the local visits
I believe they either have to be from that state or played college in that state. So, yeah, we should have an advantage. I mean look at the Pats.
my first earthquake
weeeeeeeeeee
Mike or Tim
did you feel it
I didn’t even feel it
I definitely felt it in RI (posted above at 10:32am). It was pretty minor here but definitely noticeable, but I guess I was under the right circumstances – sitting and working in a quiet environment at that moment over a wood floor with basement below – so the floor joists were probably amplifying it a bit.
I was on the nyc subway – the worst place to be
but I didn’t notice a thing
@AdamSchefter
Bills signed veteran OT La’El Collins to a 1-year deal, per his agent Peter Schaffer.
@NFL_DovKleiman
The #Texans have agreed to wipe out the remaining years of Stefon Diggs contract, making him a free agent next year, per @AdamSchefter
Very interesting move.
looks like they’re already tired of Diggs and are trying to get rid of him 😂🤣🤣
Goes to show that day 3 picks are just as important as day 1 and 2. Eagles starting LT was drafted in the 7th round in 2018.
————————————-
@AdamSchefter
This just in: Eagles and LT Jordan Mailata reached agreement on a three-year, $66 million extension that includes $48 million guaranteed and a $20 million signing bonus, per sources.
I felt it up in Albany pretty good. The whole house was shaking! It was 4.8 out of NJ
I didn’t feel it here but I was on a teams meeting with folks that are in NJ and DC. They all felt it.
My son was woken up by the earthquake at Hofstra University in LI. I didn’t feel it here in Connecticut
Now that I think of it I do recall a little rattle of dishes in the cabinet. That was the extent of my earthquake experience
I didn’t feel a thing over here in PA… wish I had, just get a minor feel of the experience.
Looks as though I was on the boundary of where the quake could be felt in PA.
sheesh
i didn’t realize so many areas were affected
I just got a notice/alert on my phone to expect aftershocks
what should I do?
Westcoasters, can you give us Atlantic folk some guidance. Should I put my head between my trotters.
I think I’m just going to go home and 🍺…lol
I love to see teammates spending time together in the offseason
anyone know anything about this guy
I hear he is good but, at his size, more of a 4-3 DE. I don’t know
He could be a 6th round target as he was brought in for a private visit as one of the 30 non-Florida players.
Erick All is the SLEEPER TE to Know in the 2024 NFL Draft (youtube.com)
I was in Freehold NJ, didn’t feel a thing, we may have been driving. My son said our house shook for about 10 seconds
ive still never felt an earthquake even though they are fairly common out here. We had one last year and I saw our hanging lights at work were swaying, but I didn’t feel it.
Probably had too many fermented bananas
🍌🍹🍌
The funny thing is I was working in one room in the house and felt it and my girlfriend was working in another room in the same house and she didn’t feel it – probably because she was on a conference call and her setup is a little different in that room. When it happened I immediately texted her ‘what the hell was that??’ and she responded with ‘what are you talking about?’ lol
It’s weird how that happens. My wife always feels them and I never do. I’m about as sensitive as a rock.
bailbondmike
says:
April 5, 2024 at 11:24 am (Edit)
Goes to show that day 3 picks are just as important as day 1 and 2. Eagles starting LT was drafted in the 7th round in 2018.
————————————-
@AdamSchefter
This just in: Eagles and LT Jordan Mailata reached agreement on a three-year, $66 million extension that includes $48 million guaranteed and a $20 million signing bonus, per sources.
*************************************
Good linemen are gonna get paid. At least the Eagles realize that if you have a good player, you keep him! Unlike Grier and Co. who seem to be happy enough to go one year at a time.
When Trump was President, there were no earthquakes in NJ. WTF Biden? 🤣
I had this odd theory pass through my mind. What if the teammates the Miami coaches felt like the teammates of Wilkins were getting somewhat tired of his antics? like inviting himself on on the offense TDs. Like why not make his own splash plays and celebrate those.
He’s very intense. Maybe even the coaches felt it was wearing a bit thin.
And maybe the coaches thought, wow we haven’t won a PO game with him or stopped the best offenses with him … can he really be that good?
but probably it was just the money and how his agents refused all Grier’s offers and advised him to hold out for a huge payday.
Maybe. I know he and Zach Sieler were tight, they pushed each other and thrived on the competition together. He was a team leader, but those guys like to get paid too. Madubuike did, Wilkins did too, just not by the right team.
Naples,
I shared this theory not so long ago, that perhaps Steve Ross himself, along with Dan Marino, may have thought it was WAY over the top when Wilkins was jumping up and ‘chest bumping’ THEM in the locker room after a victory.
To me, that WAS way over the top. I mean, he could have seriously hurt either old man Ross or Dan.
M – I don’t get that at all. Listen, Omar is no maven or a better expert than any of us, but he feels this team needs more “dogs” as he calls them. As he says, Wilkins was a “dog”. You need high energy, high octane guys that get after it. Wilkins was definitely that. Tyreek is a “dog”, Ramsey is a “dog”, Holland is a “dog” too. I hope whoever we get to replace Wilkins on that D-line has the fire he had.
Former Titans and Texans defensive tackle Teair Tart is signing with the Dolphins according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/teair-tart-signing-with-dolphins
Confirmed…you know the way it’s confirmed when you heard it from your brother’s sister’s cousin’s former roommate….
who dated a guy who watches ESPN
lol
If OBJ to MIA is true, at least that makes it less likely we’re drafting a WR at #21. I’ll take that. Hope his salary isn’t crazy tho.
Good grief NO!!! Except for us drafting Kam Kinchens in the 3rd after a trade down…
Smoke and lava will be pouring out of my ears if that draft happens!
SAME HERE!!! LOL
OMG, NO!
Mike E.
says:
April 5, 2024 at 3:22 pm
M – I don’t get that at all. Listen, Omar is no maven or a better expert than any of us, but he feels this team needs more “dogs” as he calls them…
———-
As I stated, it was but a “theory”. We may never know the truth why we seemingly never even TRIED to retain Wilkins, but it’s now water under the bridge, bud.
And quite correct about Omar not being a maven.
I know it’s water under the bridge, I just hate when we chop down guys that gave their all here. I mean that guy never took a day off, just working every game. You would think we’d want to keep a player like that, and of course we’re not privy to how much he wanted before the ’23 season when negotiations went down, or how much we offered. either way, I still call it a fail on our part, because ultimately, we lost a very good player for a very disproportionate amount of compensation. I also don’t give this organization the benefit of the doubt because I think they’re building this team wrong.
I hear ya, pal… I really do. I wanted Wilkins back as much as anyone. Now, we must find a way to fill those BIG shoes.
If we are to draft J’Tavion Sanders in the 2nd round, I’m going to have to invest in a new TV… just sayin’…
Draft guru: “Yeah, but Sanders is a bigger-bodied TE who can contest for the ball at its high point!”
M13: “He can’t block, fool.”
Draft guru: “That doesn’t matter! He can bring a LOT to the TE position as a seam-threat!”
M13: “So did Mike Gesicki… who couldn’t block.”
Draft guru: “You don’t know what you’re talking about!”
M13: “Fuck off. Change your station.”
Draft guru: “Do you kiss your mom with that kind of mouth?”
M13: “I kissed your mother last night with that kind of mouth.”
M – you know this guy on twitter?
ThatDolphinsRealtor
@ThatFinsRealtor
·
Looks like we grabbed a Nose
So I guess DT in the draft really isn’t a target Seiler Tart Harris Gallimore Hand Jones
*****************************************
This same guy thinks Tua walks on water and has no flaws, but our D-line is set. I could scream because stupid shit like that makes me so angry. Talk about know-it-all’s, this guy’s right up there!
I’ve honestly never heard of this guy, Mike E.
Besides, Shock G (Humpty Hump) would NEVER wear that kind of nose! LOL
So the dude clearly doesn’t know what he’s talking about when it comes to ‘noses’. 😉
is that a banana on the blog or are you just happy to see me !
M – Is Draft Guru Alex Trebek? lol
YUP!!! 😆
There are a multitude of ways to KILL this Draft (only 20 days away!!!), no ONE WAY. All I hope for is that the O-Line and D-Line get addressed with our first two selections.
And WITHOUT settling for second fiddle players as Chad Reuter did above after a trade down.
Tart isn’t even as good as half the ones we signed already.
I think they are looking for guys who can take up blockers, hold their position and stop the run. Our pass rush will have to come from OLB’s and safety blitz, I guess.
I am really leaning towards them going OL and safety with our first 2 picks.
I can roll with that… O-Line and Safety with our first two picks. It wouldn’t be my preference, but if we select the right guys, yes… I can roll with that.
Say it’s Barton and Nubin or Kinchens? WINNING!
That would be nice! Then draft DT’s Boyd or Murphy in the 5th.
Counting Tart, they have now signed 7 DT’s in free agency with a total of 9 that will be on the roster.
It sucks going into the draft that I and many others still feel DT is a need. SHM
They have a bunch of bodies. That doesn’t equal talent, with the exception of Sieler. Any Dolphins fan that feels we’re set on the D-line better STFU when we’re giving up 30 PPG
I know.
I just don’t see where the pass rush is going to come from.
We will be striking up the ole sacks vs pressures argument because pressures are all we are going to see mostly. People keep saying Phillips may be ready. Whatever, once he is physically ready, then he will have to overcome the mental part.
M13, surprisingly with no safeties being projected to the first round (Nubin maybe), this is still a nice draft for safeties. If Nubin doesn’t go in the 1st, I can think of 5-6 safeties who would be good picks in the 2nd round.
BBMike – I’m sure we’re hoping we get lots of pass rush from our OLB’s, but no rush from the inside usually means QB’s are comfortable stepping up in the pocket to throw
In the second half of the season, before the injuries ravaged us, we really started getting sacks, not just pressures
Because you complained so much about it…. 🤣
If only it were that easy! 😳
M13, this is the safety they brought in on a “30” visit. Calen Bullock from USC. In 3 years at USC he had 148 tackles, 96 solo, 9 INT’s (5 in 2022) with 2 for a pick six and 16 PD’s.
2022
Calen Bullock 🔥 Top Safety in College Football ᴴᴰ (youtube.com)
2023 – he added about 8 more pounds to his weight from 2022
Calen Bullock 🔥 Top Safety in College Football ᴴᴰ (youtube.com)
Here is another one of the in-state players they worked out today:
@AaronWilson_NFL
Florida International @FIUFootball inside linebacker Donovan Manuel (6-1, 235), among nation’s leaders in tackles and first in forced fumbles, worked out privately today for #Dolphins with extra work for him at their local prospect day, per a league source
I did not feel the earthquake. It’s strange how many people did and didn’t feel it in the same areas.
From what I read about Teair Tart he’s considered a good run defender and a decent pass rusher for a guy his size.
That seems to be a common trait with all these DT’s they have brought in. Run stuffers.
it’s wild to see all the Interior DL we have signed
I think that gives us flexibility during the draft – but I don’t think it means DL is off the table
we really should be able to get a solid OL and a solid DL in the first two rounds
maybe we even go OL in both rounds
or maybe there’s a pass rusher we can pass up
or maybe we do draft a safety in the first two rounds
I think adding all those DL just gives us flexibility
but there are two many good DL in the draft not to be looking at them
PICK: 27 RND: 1 (MIA)
Graham BARTON
OT Duke
PICK: 55 RND: 2 (MIA)
Kiran AMEGADJIE
OT Yale
PICK: 90 RND: 3 (MIA)
Calen BULLOCK
S USC
PICK: 91 RND: 3 (MIA)
Leonard TAYLOR III
DL Miami (FL)
PICK: 126 RND: 4 (MIA)
Luke MCCAFFREY
WR Rice
PICK: 158 RND: 5 (MIA)
Kitan OLADAPO
S Oregon State
PICK: 184 RND: 6 (MIA)
Joe MILTON III
QB Tennessee
PICK: 198 RND: 6 (MIA)
Tip REIMAN
TE Illinois
PICK: 202 RND: 6 (MIA)
Nehemiah PRITCHETT
CB Auburn
PICK: 241 RND: 7 (MIA)
Donovan JENNINGS
I was just going to try a draft with no trade downs where o take OL with first two picks
but they kept offering good trade downs…lol
That is a nice one.
In LA earthquakes under 5.5 are mostly considered weak, they don’t do much damage, once they get over 6.0 they’re more serious, then over 7.0 is the real destruction
I’ve felt plenty over the years, one in the late 80s or early 90s killed 1 person at Cal State LA, when a parking garage collapsed, I was on the freeway driving about a mile from CSULA, when it hit, thought I had a flat tire
One year we had about 5 consecutive months with one, all early morning, while sleeping, felt them all
Never was in a bad position though, where shit was falling off the shelves, or the house had damage
Felt a couple others in Vegas
That’s all in the past now being in FL
Building codes are different in California than on the east coast in respect to ability to withstand an earthquake
I hope we don’t need stars on the DL
Clearly, it appears the Dolphins are going to use more of a platoon at the position. Anthony Weaver saw firsthand in Baltimore that you don’t need a star on the defensive interior to be successful. You need to develop them. The Ravens’ interior was very good but they were not comprised of first-round draft picks entirely.
https://phinphanatic.com/posts/dolphins-news-new-dt-addition-teair-tart-should-change-miami-s-draft-approach-01htqsvbm0xn
Clearly, our defense won’t be that good if we don’t add an impact D-lineman. 2 sacks in 3 seasons looks like he needs a lot more development
I think the idea is that you generate the pass rush mostly from the edges
Breakdown on Tart below.
Maybe I was wrong about Tart. He may be the best FA DT they have signed.
Tart is pretty good. He is a solid DT. He is not Wilkins but he can play
Piggy – Justin Madubuike had 13 sacks in Weaver’s defense last season. Was he not supposed to? Wouldn’t we want to try and duplicate that?
I think so
I am all in on DL early but I can see the argument for not having superstars
Madubuike (please don’t make me spell his name again) is a former 3rd round pick (2020) and before last season his highest season total was 5
we already have Zack Seiler who has 19 sacks since 2020 to
Madubuike’s 21.5 over that same span
that said, personally I think a player like Newton, who is a very good pas rushing end, might really make our defense come together
I prefer that model
but I get the argument – what if we took an edge guy early so and relied on platooning DL
we would be constantly bringing edge pressure when Chubb and Phillips are ready to go
Weaver can build the defense the way he wants as far
as I am concerned – I think there is an argument for platooning solid DL that are not superstars to go along with elite edge pressure
You need someone to command a double team in the middle, I’d rather that guy be a low paid player
I’d like to say we don’t need/don’t need a sack man at DE, have no clue though, need to see Weaver’s D first
2+ years ago Wilkins wasn’t getting sacks why, because the D wasn’t designed for him to get lots of sacks, last year it was and he and Seiler got plenty
As long as we don’t get hit again with the injury bug we’ll win the division, the OL/DL FA replacements won’t be the reason we succeed or fail this year, it will be on Tua and the rest of the skilled players
Hope we have 2 dynamic returners on every KO return this year – Hill, Achane, Waddle
I also like that our new DL is named after pastry
🥮 sack posts should be there for us next season
LOL
or hookers?
It was a great play by an elite DL that probably won the SB for KC. These “what ifs” can be played incessantly. Great players make great plays that change outcomes. That’s why they’re great or elite. You can run defenses a 1000 different ways, but talent still usually wins in big moments. I’m interested to see how Weaver does things, but this defense definitely took a step backwards in terms of talent. We’ll see if that talent can make plays when it’s needed.
Steve – I don’t believe that Christian Wilkins job description changed when Fangio came here. I think he improved his pass rush moves and got more sacks this season. Like I said to Piggy, Madubuike had 13 sacks in Weaver’s D last season, so why wouldn’t we want to have that success here? Pierce was the NT in BAL, I think Benito Jones and Tart will be sharing time there, or maybe Tart will play some RDE too. I still can’t imagine us not drafting a 3-4 DT/DE to do what Madubuike did? Is it possible that they’re satisfied with what they have on the D-line, of course it is, but I’d be surprised if that’s the case.
Mike, remember Weaver wasn’t the DC In Baltimore he was the DL coach. So we don’t totally know what our defense will look like but maybe we’re going to use a DL rotation. Maybe he had a lot to do with coaching up those Ravens DL. Maybe it’s a good thing that we have a DC who’s specialty is DL being that we’re retooling our DL.
That said I don’t think any of that means DL won’t be a target in the draft.
So we now have some big interior DL in Tart, Jones and Pili that seem to be destined for NT and we have a bunch of other guys to play DE lead by Sieler. The run defense inside seems to be in good shape but Phillips and Chubb on the Edge along with Barrett is the key to the pass rush. I expect us to use LBs Brooks, Long and Walker as blitzers as well as DBs at times.
Regardless of what anyone thinks of Grier, he has said we’re always going to take the best player on our board. That’s the way it should be. Need competition can be dealt with in FA and in later rounds. I’ve said for many years you don’t pass on a better talent for need. See Levi Brown over Adrian Peterson. You don’t do that.
See Ted Ginn Jr and his family over Patrick Willis as well.
Exactly!
Did a little homework on newly acquired DT Teair Tart. The most % of snaps he’s ever taken in a season is 47%. Yes, he’s a rotational DT/NT. 2.5 career sacks over 47 career games played (started 36) with 11 QB knockdowns and 6 career QB hurries.
Over the last two seasons, he’s been a better pass-rusher than run-stopper, per his PFF grades.
We’re most certainly not done upgrading our D-Line after adding Tart, IMO.
His highlights that Ryder broke down are very good in my eyes, but those were the highlights.
Per PFF, Tart was the #85 overall graded DI in the NFL last season at 54.0. Run-Defense grade: 49.0. Pass-rush grade: 65.2.
I’ve NEVER liked the signing of Aaron Brewer (he sucks), but after hearing this from Baldy, I like it even LESS. We may want to re-sign Connor Williams if we don’t take an IOL by R2P55…
Worth a listen…
There are rumors coming out of Dallas that Micah Parsons’ act is getting old for Cowboys’ brass…
https://twitter.com/1053thefan/status/1776299756106506449
Mike E.
says:
April 6, 2024 at 3:30 pm
Steve – I don’t believe that Christian Wilkins job description changed when Fangio came here.
You should look it up, because you’re wrong
Flores’ D used a lot of blitzing or Amoeba D, that alone changes the number of opportunities for DL sacks
Why did Wilkins’ tackles go down? Different role
Nothing official here from me, just a mere thought… and this thought goes with the idea of re-signing Connor Williams at Center…
21.
Johnny Newton DT Illinois
59.
Kamren Kinchens S Miami (FL)
95.
Kiran Amegadjie OT Yale
198.
Edefuan Ulofoshio LB Washington
241.
Will Reichard K Alabama
Like Piggy, I kept getting good trade down offers.
49.
Cooper BeebeOG Kansas State
55.
Braden FiskeDT Florida State
80.
Calen Bullock S USC
97.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr.LB Clemson
116.
Jaylen WrightRB Tennessee
149.
Javon FosterOT Missouri
158.
Zak ZinterOG Michigan
184.
Deantre PrinceCB Ole Miss
198.
Dallin HolkerTE Colorado State
212.
Nathan ThomasOT Louisiana
241.
Javontae Jean-BaptisteEDGE Notre Dame
Newton is probably going to end up being an above average DT who’ll get you around 35 tackles and 5 sacks….maybe. He’s quick, but he’s gonna struggle against NFL guards if he can’t win with his quickness. He’s not like Aaron Donald who can get small and split gaps and slip past blocks but is also strong as a bull. Newton engages….too much…and then uses his quickness to disengage from the block and make a move. Sorry, but that isn’t going to work at the next level. If you watch, he gets beat a lot initially and then works off it. He does have some upper body strength, but he doesn’t really use power moves much. He’s great sideline to sideline but I’m not really needing that in my DT a lot. Newton is also not gonna get much bigger and may struggle to maintain weight and size over a season too. Not a big concern but still. I think I’d rather have JPJ. We need a center. The new guy ain’t it.
Depends how he’s used and what scheme he’s in
No one is Donald, Newton would get higher sacks playing 3-4 DE
BBM,
I like Jeremiah Trotter Jr. He’s a little small, but he’s got the smarts to possibly have a long NFL career. I liked his dad. He was a baller, so I’m rooting for the kid.
Steve – You’re simplifying the situation to saying we had a different DC, and therefore CW had a different role. Maybe the scheme was different but when do you not want your DE to get to the QB? Justin Madubuike had the same DC in Baltimore in ’22 as he did in ’23, he had 5.5 sacks in ’22, 13.5 sacks in ’23. Look it up, you’re wrong.
Let’s face it, CW was playing in his walk year, heard all the nonsense that he’s not a complete DL because of his sack numbers and he made sure he got them. Believe what you want, I can’t stop you, but that’s what it was.
One DE in NE, playing the same D we played, after all these years had 10+ sacks
Why? Because that’s how the scheme is designed
Wilkins always had it in him to get sacks, the scheme wasn’t designed to help him, it actually hindered his sacks
This isn’t something I pulled out of my ass, it’s been widely discussed over the years
I believe belicheat used this type of system to make it plug and play, superstars not needed, how many cheats player did nothing once they left NE
Me thinks Mike is just playing antagonist, he’s trying to make conversation here😝
Wilkins is a very good player but he’s never been a game changer. He’s not a franchise player. But he got paid as one. Good for him.
For those opposed to signing OBJ
We need players that will step up, when the competition gets tougher, not just guys that thrive when things are going favorably
Wilkins wilted once the comp get tougher, Hunt played at a steady pace, Tua…
OBJ is now another year removed from his injury, and he does have the dog in him, has stepped up his game at the biggest moments
We need someone to do what Allen had in Diggs and Mahomes with Kelce, Jonnu is a nice addition, but I’m not sure he has the dog in him, he didn’t in NE
Hill and Waddle have it, but seem to be sized out at times, OBJ could be that bridge between Hill/Waddle and Jonnu, that completes our O and allows us to compete with the best
you people with “ so and so wasn’t a game changer” how do you fucking know they were there they changed the game! When they weren’t there, the game was obviously different. Now this applies more to Tua than it does to Christian Wilkins because Christian Wilkins was a fucking Iron Man were those 10 sacks all garbage time sacks that meant nothing? We’re all of those tackles (the most a defensive tackle in the history of the NFL) worthless and meaningless? Get the fuck over yourselves.
Steve,
What universe are you living in? Is it fun in that alternate reality? Wilkins didn’t do a lot his last game, but he caused a fumble, which he recovered, and had a sack in the must win last game against the Bills. Those are game changing plays. Tua and the offense lost that game, not Wilkins and the D.
Where is this Odel that has a dog in him? He hasn’t had a 1000 yd season since his first year in Cleveland in 2019. He’s had two ACL injuries. He’s at best a really good 3. Which part of that is the dog?
Is it the 22 yards when they barely lost to the Chiefs? The 12 yards against Houston? The less than 600 yards in 16 games last year? The 3 years in Cleveland where they only went to the playoffs when he got injured early? The Giants years where they had one playoff appearance? Remember him going on a Miami party vacation right before they got stomped in that playoff game? Which part of that is the dog?
^
I’ve posted Wilkins’ big game stats, if I remember correctly he had 1 sack, the one you mentioned week 18 vs Buffalo that’s it against good teams
OBJ was a dog in the SB 2 yrs ago, looked good when I saw him last year at key times
We don’t need him to be a stat compiler, just make the plays when called upon at key times0
But he wasn’t a dog. He had 2 catches for 52 yards and a TD. That’s backup WR numbers outside of the TD. He was only targeted 3 times which was the fewest targets by a Rams player in the game. You can’t say that Wilkins stopping a TD against the Bills in the biggest game of the year isn’t important while saying a backup WR who barely produces is a dog that feeds off good teams. It’s ridiculous. Beckham has never been the kind of gamechanger he was drafted to be.
Randy, 100% on Trotter. I think he would be a good replacement at ILB with Long and Tindall in the last year of their contracts and the other dude they just signed on a 1yr rental. We just don’t have the capital to get him without trading down.
Also, he wants to wear #54 in honor of his dad. Not sure how that would work in Miami.
Randy, I also don’t think we will see a huge trade down like I did. Maybe a few spots and possibly not at all. I think they have an OL target they want with their 1st pick. Still can’t help thinking that with the fact they have a vet OG on standby if they don’t get their guy.
I also think with the 7 DL free agents they have signed, OL and Safety are the top 2 targets. To hell with BPA, I think that is the direction.
I am thinking a slight trade down or not at all and they take either OL Barton, Fantanu or JPJ.
This draft is stacked with top OL talent all through the 1st round and top half of 2nd round. For them not to take one with the 1st pick would almost be neglect.
If you watch Wilkins’ snaps vs the Bills, he gets doubled on about 50% of snaps. Same with Seiler. It is no wonder either had good or great games vs the Bills. The Bills did a great job blocking our DL. Our edge players were the ones who didn’t make enough plays in their one on one battles.
The Bills game plan appeared to be to neutralize Wilkins/Seiler and pick up their stunts. The Bills OL did a very good job of it.
The D alignment vs the Bills most of the time looked like a 2-4-5. Bills were keeping 6 in to block most of the time.
Your 2 stud DT’s play 80% of the snaps getting doubled 50% of the time, how do you expect them to produce. It is on the edge rushers and the DC, IMO.
There are many things to love about Wilkins and some things to not like about Wilkins. Is he top 5? Maybe not. Is he top 10? I would say yes. He is getting paid top 5 now? Yes, but in 2 years, it will be top 10 and worth it.
Let’s just sit back and see what he does playing less snaps next to Crosby and then Judge.
21: R1 P21 OT Troy Fautanu – Washington
55: R2 P23 OT Kiran Amegadjie – Yale
158: R5 P23 QB Jordan Travis – Florida State
184: R6 P8 DL Gabe Hall – Baylor
198: R6 P22 TE Dallin Holker – Colorado State
241: R7 P21 S LaMiles Brooks – Georgia Tech
Nice Piggy! I like the Jordan Travis pick at that spot. He could surprise people in the future. Also Holker. Think I would take a safety at 55 though, even if considered a little reach on someone like Bullock.
I’m kind of in the mindset of two OL early lately
Wilkins is definitely top 10, maybe top 5, very close for sure. He didn’t get paid top 5 money anyway, he got top 10 for 2024. Next year, it will be even higher to sign a FA DT like Wilkins. In any case, besides the sack numbers, Wilkins compares very favorably to Madubuike, who everyone thinks is so much better than Wilkins. Madubuike played 22 less games (1 season less) than Wilkins but Wilkins has more than double the amount of total tackles and triple the amount of solo tackles. Madubuike also has 1 forced fumble and 0 recoveries, while Wilkins has 4 forced fumbles and 6 fumble recoveries. QB hits, Wilkins only has 1 more than Madubuike, but Madubuike also had one amazing season last year with 33 QB hits while not having double digit QB hits the rest of his career. I think you could easily say Wilkins has been much more of a consistent performer than Madubuike over their careers.
Game changer works both ways. Tua is the furthest thing at the QB position of a game changer. If the team is playing good, he can play good, but if the team is playing poorly, you can bet the farm he’s going right down with the team. He’s the epitome of not being a game changer. He doesn’t elevate the team when things are going poorly.
Watching UFL football this weekend. It is fun to see live football again
One other thought. Everyone is saying we won’t be drafting a DT early. Yes, we have 9 D-linemen on the roster but we only have one 1st RD pick, and one 2nd RD pick. Do the math. We’re almost certainly using one of those on the O-line which leaves only 1 pick for an impact DT. You need depth, and that’s what almost of these guys are. Doesn’t mean we don’t need to draft a top DT now, especially after letting one walk.
Doing a mock draft right now, on slow speed. Man, it’s a long wait between 55 and 184! 😳
LOL! I always hit the top speed. Especially on my dinosaur at home.
Sign Jake Bates as our next kicker. Michigan Panthers kicker. 64 yard FG last week. Just kicked a 62 yard FG
I saw that, good call!
Ken, signing Bates and releasing Sanders would do this:
POST-6/1 RELEASE
2024 Dead Cap: $731,500
2025 Dead Cap: $1,394,500
2024 Cap Savings: $3,775,000
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It would clear a nice chunk of cap this year, not a whole lot of dead cap.
Even with the 1.4(ish) mil cap hit in 2025, it would still clear 3,362,000 of 2025 cap. Then clear 4,356,500 in 2026 where we pushed a bunch of dead money to on other restructures.
Hmmmmm…
Win/win
21.
Byron Murphy IIDT Texas
55.
Cooper BeebeOG Kansas State
158.
Jaylen WrightRB Tennessee
184.
Dominique HamptonS Washington
198.
Jordan MageeLB Temple
241.
Xavier WeaverWR Colorado
This is my first draft in ’24
I got you by about 300 mock drafts. LOL
This is a good one! I’d take it.
LOL @ 300!
Ho hum just a 53 yarder for Bates
Chip shot. lol
Lamm’s contract hit. Our cap per Spotrac is now 4,197,965. We still have Tart’s contract to hit yet. Top 51 cut off is still at about 1 mil.
Lamm got 2,575,000 with 1.6 guaranteed. Not bad. Actual cap hit for top 51 is 1,590,000.
With about 2 mil needed for our top 2 draft picks that leaves about 2.2(ish) mil for Tart’s contract (minus 995,000 for the next player knocked out of the top 51).
We won’t see OBJ or another WR signed until after 6/1.
Mostert’s extension also has not hit yet and was supposed to clear just a little but not much cap in 2024.
I really like DT Myles Murphy on day 3.
PFN keeps giving those trade downs that are hard to pass up. Especially when you counter and get a little more.
32. Graham BartonOC Duke
55. Patrick PaulOT Houston
64. Braden FiskeDT Florida State
95. Jaden HicksS Washington State
131. Jarrian JonesCB Florida State
158. Aaron CaseyLB Indiana
184. Isaac GuerendoRB Louisville
198. Dallin HolkerTE Colorado State
241. Javontae Jean-BaptisteEDGE Notre Dame
This is a great draft.
me likey
Not necessarily accurate, but definitely an idea of what it might take to keep Holland, especially if he has a bounce-back season this year
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Kyle Dugger and that is where the Dolphins should start their talks with Jevon Holland.
Jevon Holland is in the final year of his rookie contract. The Dolphins do not have a 5th-year option on him due to him being a 2nd-round pick. Miami’s only options are to extend him or tag him. Of course, they could also let him walk.
In New England, the Patriots have given Kyle Dugger an extension. Dugger’s deal is for four years and tops out at a potential $66 million with $32 million guaranteed.
I think Wilkins is a good DT, but he’s not special. However, he was OUR best player up front. I’ve given up trying to decide what sort of money is “insane” for any player anymore because it’s ALL insane! We all pick and choose when we decide it’s too much.
I just hope we have an organization that is run smartly. I don’t like to hear that they are “going for it” because I think that’s a terrible way to run a team. It’s shortsighted, hamstrings your future and doesn’t usually work anyway. I’m not sure I’m convinced they are, but if they are you better do better than just getting into the playoffs like almost half the league does every year.
better do better than just getting into the playoffs like almost half the league does every year.
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Excellent point! In each conference, 7 teams make it and 9 don’t. If you don’t make the playoffs, your team is average or worse.
I’m sure some of you here have been on longer, but this came up today on my notifications
Happy Anniversary with WordPress.com!
You registered on WordPress.com 14 years ago.
Thanks for flying with us. Keep up the good blogging.
Wow, we’ve been up each other’s asses for that long. Some of us longer. lol
Crazy, right! Yeah, we’ve lost a bunch over those years, but I’m happy with the core of folks who still come here.
https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/nfl-interior-defensive-lineman-rankings-aaron-donald-chris-jones-atop-elite-dts-in-top-10
Mike, this is a fun place to escape from everyday life and discuss our favorite team. Thanks for all you do. FinsUp!
^^
Thanks pal! I know I’ve been grumpy lately, hopefully the team does something that snaps me out of it. 😜
We all want that. 🙂
Rutrow:
University of Texas defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat was arrested in Austin on Sunday according to local NBC affiliate KXAN.
According to the article, “Records show Sweat, 22, was arrested by the Austin Police Department and booked into Travis County Jail at 2:12 p.m. Sunday. Driving while intoxicated is a Class B misdemeanor.”
Hmmm, Dolphins have an interest. A possible day 3 prospect.
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@uSTADIUM
Louisville RB Isaac Guerendo is one of the best athletes in the 2024 NFL Draft (ran a 4.33 at the combine). He had a top-30 visit with the #Texans and coming up with the #Dolphins and #Chargers. He’ll also visit the #Colts at their local Pro Day next week.
You’ve been on this guy, right?
Yeah, he is one of my fav day 3 picks. I like him more than Wright from TN but Wright probably goes earlier.
BBM; It would be nice get a real bargain on day 3. Such as an O-Lineman or D-Lineman. This draft is loaded with quality linemen on BOTH sides of the ball (where we needs lots of help).
THAT’s where our focus needs to be.
AT 5:16 PM Randy says “I just hope we have an organization that is run smartly.” Let me answer that with 2 words; “We Don’t.”
Since Steve Ross became the owner of the Dolphins, They’ve had a LOSING OVERALL RECORD. The Dolphins have NOT COME CLOSE to winning a playoff game this century. And, by the way, the dolphins are in this current predicament because upper management has NO FUCKING IDEA about building a team from the ground up.
THAT is not an opinion, it’s a fact.
Plain and simple, the Doplhins need new ownership. They’ve proven time & again they can’t produce a championship in the NFL. PERIOD.
UDFA ALERT!
WR Cole Burgess from DIII National Champs Cortland State. He’s 6′ 200 pounds and at his pro day he ran a 4.44 forty, 41.5 vertical, 11’5 broad and put up 21 reps on the bench.
NICE!!!
Adding him to my UDFA list as well. Well done, BB Mike!
Does everyone have their eclipse glasses ready? 😎
We are kind of out of he way and it is supposed to be 100% cloudy here all day anyway.
I’ve got a pair of Steve Ross’s sunglasses. He wears them when evaluating college football talent.
————–Hope all is well with you.
olddolphan
says:
April 7, 2024 at 7:26 pm
BBM; It would be nice get a real bargain on day 3. Such as an O-Lineman or D-Lineman. This draft is loaded with quality linemen on BOTH sides of the ball (where we needs lots of help).
THAT’s where our focus needs to be.
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OD, I agree. Those 2 and a safety. I have only taken a RB when I trade down and gain extra picks or at pick 241.
M13, did you ever check out that safety the Dolphins brought in on a private visit, Calen Bullock?