The Patriots went to the Super Bowl in 2025, but they aren’t even the favorites to win the AFC East in 2026. Many feel the Patriots simply benefited by playing an easy schedule and will be exposed in 2026 with a more difficult schedule. The Buffalo Bills will once again be the favorites. The Bills immediately grabbed up Dolphins cast off DE/OLB Bradley Chubb. That was the most significant move the Bills. They also signed CB Dee Alford to a 3 year contract but Chubb should make the most impact on the Bills defense. Their draft class was headed by EDGE rusher TJ Parker from Clemson in RD 2. As long as Josh Allen is the QB, the Bills rightfully belong as the favorites to win the division. I’d say Allen is probably asked to do too much, but no other QB in this division is capable of putting his team on his back and getting them a victory. The two picks in the draft on the offensive side were OT Jude Bowry from Boston College, in RD 4 along with WR Skyler Bell from Connecticut, also in RD 4. The Bills added WR DJ Moore from the Bears, and he will join former Chargers WR Joshua Palmer and probably their most important receiver last season, slot WR Khalil Shakir. RB James Cook like De’Von Achane, just got paid, and besides Josh Allen, is the Bills next best offensive weapon. We’ll see how much of an impact WR DJ Moore makes. Moore has 4 1000 yards + seasons for the Chicago Bears but the 28 year old WR only had 50 receptions last season for 682 yards. The Bills desperately need a big play WR, we’ll see if Moore is up to the task.
The Patriots after getting to the Super Bowl have been entrenched in the Mike Vrabel/Diana Russini scandal. There has been basically no football talk regarding the Patriots, fair or not. I thought that a lot of the criticism the Patriots got during last season was uncalled for. You don’t pick your schedule, you simply play the schedule you’re given. In that regard, the Patriots did their job and then some. The Patriots won 14 games, so spare me the easy schedule argument. The Patriots from Sept 28th to December 1st rattled off 10 consecutive wins. They lost 1 game the following week to the Bills in a close fought loss 35-31, and then went on to win another 6 straight, including playoff wins against the Chargers, Texans and Broncos, the Broncos game on the road at Mile High in Denver. The first 2 picks in the draft for the Patriots were in the trenches with OT Caleb Lomu from Utah RD 1 (Pick #28), and then EDGE rusher Gabe Jackas from Illinois in RD 2. The Patriots picked up WR Romeo Doubs (Packers) in free agency, along with oft injured OL Alijah Vera-Tucker from the NY Jets. The Patriots also signed former Dolphins TE Julian Hill to a 3 year deal. Doubs will play the slot along with good looking young WR Kayshon Boutte and former Dolphins WR Mack Hollins on the outside. The schedule will be more difficult, but I wouldn’t count out the Patriots so quickly.
The NY Jets had a ton of draft capital going into 26 after trading away 2 players for a kings ransom. The Jets traded meh CB Sauce Gardner for 2 1st RD Draft picks, one in 2026 and one in 2027, along with WR Adonai Mitchell from the Indianapolis Colts. They also traded DT Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 2nd RD pick and a 2027 1st RD pick. So next year, the Jets have 3 first round picks in a very important QB Draft. Dolphins fans should be hoping Malik Willis is the deal so we don’t have to draft a QB in RD 1. I suppose an alternative hope would be we’re awful and own the 1st pick and then collect a bounty of picks for another NFL team to move to #1 to get the Qb of their choice. The Jets selected EDGE rusher David Bailey from Texas Tech with the 2nd pick in RD 1 in the NFL Draft, along with TE Kenyon Sadiq from Oregon at pick #16 RD 1, and then the final of the trio of 1st RD picks was WR Omar Cooper from Indiana. They also nabbed a fine CB prospect in D’Angelo Ponds in RD 2 (Pick #50). In free agency, the Jets bolstered the defense bringing in former GB Packers EDGE rusher Kingsley Enagbare along with Benglas EDGE rusher Joseph Ossai. The Jets also signed veteran LB DeMario Davis from New Orleans. The Jets, like the Bills and Dolphins re-signed their RB Breece Hall. Hall has been oft injured and somewhat underwhelming, but the Jets feel Hall is worth the gamble. They also gave former Dolphins S Minkah Fitzpatrick an extension and to fill the gap at QB for a season, they picked up free agent QB Geno Smith to reunite himself with the adoring NY fans. Tee hee.
So where do the Dolphins fit in all of this? It appears as if the Dolphins universally are expected to fail this season. Dead last according to Vegas, but I feel like the Dolphins could be a surprise this season. As for winning the division, I wouldn’t put money on that, but as I’ve said here before, I don’t see any reason why this team can’t win as many games as we did last season or more. We’re going to be an extremely young team. On the surface, I feel more optimistic about the O-line despite the Austin Jackson news, and also despite the De’Von Achane apparent injury. There’s plenty of time between now and the beginning of the season so no reason to panic. If anything, the answer as to who might replace Austin Jackson if he should actually miss time as he has missed so much the last 2 seasons (20 games) to be exact, should be revealed. My first thought was 1st RD pick OT Kadyn Proctor, but he may just remain at LG where he’s projected to start, and perhaps OT Charlie Heck or former Chargers OL Jamaree Salyer take over at RT. My preference would be Proctor, I’d rather have a pair of excellent bookend tackles that can move people off the ball, rather just one side of the ball if he were to play LG. The bigger question of course resides with QB Malik Willis. In my mind, I can’t possibly imagine him being worse than QB Tua Tagovailoa was for us last season, and I’m not kidding.
Let me make something very clear. I don’t want QB Malik Willis to be a running QB. I want him to be a QB who can run. That’s two different things entirely. I want him to be a passer, look to move the ball through the air when he drops back to pass, not to constantly look for a running lane. On the other hand, if running room is there and it’s abundant, GO FOR IT! Pass first, run second. To have a QB with some athletic ability to me will be a pleasure after being saddled with Tua for the last seasons. Malik Willis has not been tested, he’s only started 1 game last season, and 6 in his career, 3 of them coming the last 2 seasons. Obviously, HC Jeff Hafley likes Willis and he watched him run the scout team for his defense all of the last 2 seasons. You can make an argument that Willis has a 2 year window to show he’s an upper echelon starting caliber QB, but you can also make the argument that he’s a placeholder, and that we will draft our franchise QB in 2027. We signed RB De’Von Achane to a big contract and he will be used a ton. I doubt Hafley will lean on Willis too heavily, we’ll try to be a run heavy team and control the game with our rushing offense and our defense. We drafted TE Will Kacmarek in RD 3 for a reason, he’s the most physical blocking TE in the 2026 Draft. TE Greg Dulcich is more of a receiving TE, so bet heavy that we’ll be seeing lots of 2 TE sets with Kacmarek involved in the run blocking game.
The defense will be as huge a question as the offense is. We’ll need bigger contributions from 2nd year defensive linemen Kenneth Grant, Jordan Phillips and Zeek Biggers. We brought in a lot of EDGE guys like Trey Moore (6’1 243), and Max Llewellyn (6’5 258) and then UDFA EDGE rusher Mason Reiger (6’4 258). We kind of waited a long time to address the pass rushing inadequacies of this team, considering Bradly Chubb, who is now a Buffalo Bill led the team with 8.5 sacks, with DT Zach Sieler next with 5.5 sacks, followed by 4 from Chop Robinson. A repeat of those type of sack numbers will leave this defense in a lot of trouble. It seems as if Hafley has intentions of using guys in multiple positions and bring some pass rush from “nickel LB” and safety spots. Despite that, we’re going to some of these rookies to bite early, and really hope that year 3 is the time that Chop Robinson starts laying some wood on NFL QB’s. We did bring in some exciting players for the defense that I can’t wait to see, LB Jacob Rodrigues, S/LB Kyle Louis, obviously CB Chris Johnson, who will no doubt be starting. It’s tough to put high expectations on a very young roster guided by a first time NFL Head Coach in Jeff Hafley, and a brand new GM in Jon-Eric Sullivan. Regardless, I’m optimistic that we can be an exciting, tough team to watch.
GO DOLPHINS!!!
Finsmob Unleashed 
agreed, more questions than answers in AFC East
I don’t see any reason why this team can’t win as many games as we did last season or more.
Well not to piss in your Cheerios, but let me help you here….
I didn’t know that about Jackson.
2020 (Rookie Season): Placed on injured reserve with a foot injury, forcing him to miss multiple games.
2021: Dealt with various minor ailments but managed to play in 16 games, though ankle and foot issues lingered.
2022: Suffered a severe ankle injury in Week 1, ultimately forcing him to miss 15 games and ending his season on injured reserve.
2023: Managed to play a full, healthy season for Miami, dealing with only brief oblique tightness in late November.
2024: Suffered a torn meniscus that required surgery, causing him to miss the final eight games of the season.
2025: Aggravated a toe injury in the Week 1 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, forcing him to miss over two months on injured reserve before returning in late November.
Same toe again and again. Toes do not heal very well and tend to linger.
Nice AFCE breakdown! I agree with your AFCE assessment. I don’t agree moving Proctor to RT if Jackson gets injured.
I think we have a good chance of finishing last in the AFCE but not saying that would be with a 2-15 record either. I could see 6 wins and still be last in the ACFE.
I will be happy with as many wins as possible but will also be happy with a top 3 pick if that makes any sense.
I will root for them to win every week, but will be happy with a loss as long as we don’t F up and win worthless games to ruin our draft position later in the season.
I am hoping for a franchise QB. Willis is not it. Bet me.
AND with the Jets needing a QB also, and them having THREE first round picks next year, I don’t want them trading up over us to take the better QB. Therefor we need to have a worse record than everyone to guarantee they don’t jump us.
Let them take and waste Jeremiah Smith’s career with a back up level QB.
BBMike – I’m surprised you don’t want Proctor at RT. Nothing wrong with having a nice T-G situation with Paul and Proctor, but I’d rather have two big tackles that both move players off the ball on both sides. Plus, not really sure what Heck or Salyer can give you at tackle, it’s easier to cover up G than it is tackle. Maybe DJ Campbell could take over LG better than Heck or Salyer could do at RT
I am just looking down the road thinking keep Proctor at LG and draft a good OT next year to play RT. There will be some good ones to take top of second round.
the problem with that thinking BBM is in general rookies suck playing OT, and the few that don’t generally are drafted high in the draft. Do we really want to take another OT in next yrs 1st? If the plan is yes, then taking Proctor this year was a huge mistake
we’ve got too many units, that need top end talent, to be drafting another OT early in 2027
So what’s the deal with Achane? A lingering shoulder injury is no small thing for a damn RB. It’s bad enough that it didn’t heal up over the offseason? Seriously? If it didn’t heal up over months…how the hell is it not going to be a problem every week once he starts playing?
We don’t really know at this point. It is all speculation as the team is not required to report on it and the player isn’t required to talk to the press yet. Also, OTA’s are voluntary so while he has been showing up to some, there is no mandate that says he has to. Could just be an overabundance of caution.
Randy – I doubt Achane’s injury is significant. I do think they’re just being cautious since they gave him the big contract. I’m sure they looked at him real good before they paid him. It’s not Chris Grier anymore. lol
MikeE,
These guys haven’t convinced me they aren’t Grier 2.0 yet. I’ll buy in when I see it…maybe. I’ve been traumatized! Lol
LOL Randy – Easy to understand, the trauma is REAL!
I’m at least as high on the potential of this team as you are Mike, however, with the tough schedule and the abundance of youth, I don’t see us winning many games, not more than 4 or 5
the future looks bright, for one, because we haven’t seen many of them play yet, so they haven’t failed us yet
on the other hand, if this tough schedule doesn’t actually turn out to be so tough, like many times in the past, all bets are off for only winning a few games
what we have on our side is new regime, where everyone will be putting in max effort, including the 1 yr contract castoffs we signed, that will be playing to extend their careers. Competition will be fierce at many positions, not always a good thing, because in this instance it means we don’t have bonfire starters, but none the less the effort will be there
We really have no idea one way or the other, the odds however say less than 6 wins
as a fan the excitement will be there, with no expectations, just hope the team grows as the season goes on
Rockphin
says:
May 22, 2026 at 3:15 pm
… 2025: Aggravated a toe injury in the Week 1 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, forcing him to miss over two months on injured reserve before returning in late November.
Same toe again and again. Toes do not heal very well and tend to linger.
—————
Friday Night Jams!
This one is dedicated to Austin Jackson… “Toe-to-heel, side-to-side… WHERE’D YOU GET THAT TOE FROM!!!”
😆
I hope Austin Jackson is listening!
While I’m on Parliament, who sampled this song here?
And here’s your ‘Jeopardy!’ clue…
This song still chills me to my core… it’s a masterpiece, IMO. Also, Pink Floyd was one of the first groups out there to fully utilize synthesizers, if ya didn’t already know…
Big time and their catalog should be experienced by all. They’re one of the best bands to ever do it for me.
Happy music!
Orchestral music from Castlevania IV… deep and very moving, IMO…
Paint It Black – But It’s a 1950s Smooth Jazz Cover
My guys Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, producing JANET, as always…
Mike, Wembenyaba is to shot blocking (altered shots) as pressures are to QBs 🤣
What up peoples.. Today I became a Grandpa
CONGRATS, Phindog!!!
Thanks Man !!
Phindog,
This one goes out to YOU, Brother!
There will be SO MUCH you can tell your grandchild!
Ha .. And there’s so much I won’t 😆
Just got word that Rob Base passed away today. RIP, Rob Base
huge congrats to Phin dog Annette and Billy jr … and I guess Billy he’s better half …
Thanks Toba
RIP Rob Base
Congrats on the new grandpup Doggy!
Thanks Mike E !!
Congrats Doggy!!!
Only 1 in the litter? That’s unusual. lol
Louis will see some work covering the slot I suppose during camp, against big and small receivers, don’t think we’ll have to worry about Marshall playing too much slot CB. Johnson also can play slot CB, should only be relegated there based on in game matchups
Not sure who else we have for slot CB, not too worried about it. If we play against Tyreek would expect Johnson to follow him, if that doesn’t work we’ll have to double him
point being our CB room will be lots of guys lined up in different spots, almost platoonish
Safety will be the same, if Hafley gets the back end playing well it will going a long ways to how good this D can be (some day)
we drafted a lot of versatile, maybe even positionless, football players
get the best 11 on the field for the given situation and let em loose
gone are the days of Wanny’s vanilla D
Brooks turns 29 at the end of Oct, thought he was older than that. We’re going to have to pay him, and he deserves it
too many already seem to think he has 1 foot out the door, with the Rodriguez drafting. We’re done purging, the 2027 cap looks good, keep your best players
That’s how I feel as well, Steve. Jordyn Brooks is my 2nd favorite player on our current team, next to MY GUY Achane.
Don’t know what the future holds in store for Brooks in Miami, but I sure hope we keep him for a good, long time.
Quite honestly, we haven’t had a ‘backer like Brooks since the days of Zach Thomas. Brooks is a keeper, in my book.
I’m totally on board with paying Brooks. He’s an excellent LB and stop with approaching 30 like it’s the end. That’s not true. He was the best player on defense for us last year and he’s in his prime.
^^^
It’s kind of funny to me that the Dolphins are viewed as being void of talent. Where? We have nobody that can play?
2019 we had very little talent, Achane, Sieler, Brooks, Brewer, Malik and Paul
plus the last 2 rookie classes, its an abundance of talent, with little experience behind those mentioned
talent isn’t the issue, experience is. We’ll be fine in no time, be patient
Not sure who else we have for slot CB, not too worried about it. If we play against Tyreek would expect Johnson to follow him, if that doesn’t work we’ll have to double him
———
Johnson wouldn’t “follow” a WR like Tyreek. In the video, Ryder showed how he struggles against quick twitch type WR’s.
That said, I don’t know who will take on that duty. NB/slot will probably be handled by committee.
Of the 91 players currently on the roster, 19 of them are DB’s. Hopefully there is one in the mix who will do well there.
we have a lot of flexible players, hopefully they can actually do something above avg and aren’t just jack of all traders
Rock is a guy who challenges Malik Willis as a journeyman backup QB. As of now that’s what he’s been. Why do you think Sully and Hafley were all in to bring him here? Because they thought he was no more than a journeyman backup QB?
Right off the bat Malik gives us a better chance in bad weather games because he’s not all about timing in the passing game that doesn’t work in frigid temps. He will run and help us move the chains.
Willis and Ewers are the key to having a successful season. We have talent across the board. QB play is the difference between 6 and 10 wins.
QB play goes out the windows somewhat, if we can’t stop anyone
I think we’re going to be good on defense. I don’t know yet on offense.
Shula is no longer the competition committee leader, we aren’t going to be bailed out on a regular basis, from playing in cold weather games. Our organization made the decision to stay in the AFC East. We can’t use the victim response to why so many cold weather games, just have to suck it up and get dirty in the trenches
Steve – The idea is to have a team that can play in any weather. Sully has told us that many times, it’s not just fluff. We have to be able to travel to any climate and be the better team, and he’s well aware of that.
@KyleCrabbs
·
READ:
From atozsports.com
So according to Kyle Crabbs, it looks as though Jordyn Brooks will cost us around $20M per season if we wish to sign him long-term.
we just drafted 2 LBs, the writing is on the wall, its also the GB way, next man up
the better organizations don’t pay, they take the trade compensation
I don’t disagree with you at all, Steve… you speak the truth. However, what IF the new regime views Jordyn Brooks as a generational LB and/or core talent to retain, just like Achane?
After all, he is coming off an All-Pro season.
We’re all going to find out very shortly, after the post-June 1st $$$ comes back to us after parting ways with Bradley Chubb.
‘Twill be interesting to see what happens…
Don’t need an official head count, just want to get an idea how many want to attend the Stanger Fest this year. Count everyone in your party please. Thanks
One. It’s the loneliest number.
Two can be as bad as one
Three is company.
Four score and seven years ago
2 at most and 50/50 on actual attendance…
Mike we’re at 8 right now but it could change. Whoever is with me we’ll take care of our tickets. That’s a lot and Jon was so cool doing it all those years for us.
Thanks Stanger much love brother hope to see you when we’re down there.
Isn’t the idea to acquire talented players? You don’t want a team filled with green young guys. You need leadership and production.
steveccnv says: May 24, 2026 at 2:57 pm
we just drafted 2 LBs, the writing is on the wall, its also the GB way, next man up
——–
When it comes to Brooks, resign the man!
Next man up? Brooks, Dodson, Gay and Woodard are all free agents next year at ILB among other free agents at OLB. We will only have Thumbstache and Kyle Louis under contract at ILB in 2027 as it stands right now.
With Achane’s contract hitting Spotrac that puts our 2027 cap space at around 132.2m. That is with projecting the 2027 cap to be 323m. That’s a 21.8m jump from this year and very possible as this year it jumped 22m to 301.2m. This also does not include any cap we carry over.
Our top 5 free agents next year are Jordyn Brooks, Austin Jackson, Aaron Brewer, Greg Dulcich and Tyrell Dodson.
I know I have mentioned him being a trade candidate and he could be, but I’d rather keep him and Brewer.
Spotract also says Brewer’s 2027 market value is only 12.5m per year, resign him also.
You can resign them both and still easily have over 100m in cap space next year. Do it!
NOT trying to be a prick(!), but there is a difference between re-signing and resigning.
I’d rather re-sign Jordyn Brooks, as opposed to resigning him! 😉
Rockphin has corrected me on such things in the past, and I’m most appreciative when it’s constructive criticism… such is the case here!
LOL, Thanks M!
Toba – 50/50? What’s up with that? You use up all 80 of your vacation days already?
We missed our usual Florio’s date last year, you wanna make it two?
mine are still intact ..😎… Dar’s new company makes her us 1 of three weeks as an Xmas shutdown… and yeah I do miss florios calzones 🤪
also waiting on another medical test , that may or may not have follow ups .. time will tell
Ok Toba – hope you guys can make it, hope we can too!
BBM,
Yeah, man! No problem! Rockphin taught me the difference between “in lieu” vs “in light”. I was using the terms very improperly on the blog.
Paying the lesson forward… and Rockphin rocks!
Patrick Paul is one of the coolest dudes. We’re not playing for draft picks next year. I can’t wait to blow that we suck mantra to pieces. 🙂
TBH, even the mock draftster in me doesn’t want them to play for draft picks/position. Just win!
which game is the fest Mike?
Looks like 9 people voted, and every one of them was for October 11th against the Bengals
We got a little used to seeing Tua playing consistently, then when he didn’t his flaws started to get attention
With Malik he’s shown in his starts, that he can do dynamic things, my only concern is can he play consistently week to week. He’s got to do the basics at a high rate
I think he can, we just need to see it
As for our O, by mid-season, if he is consistent it could easily surpass 2025
Thank you to all who have served, and to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. God bless you all!
^^^
Happy Birthday to Miami Dolphins QB Malik Willis!
May God bless our fallen… 😢
Just to recap the Fest attendance list, we have Son (8), Phelon (1) (Maybe), Toba (2) (Maybe), Mike E (2). Wondering about others who have made previous Fests like Piggy, Krishna, Herd, Rock, Doggies, Ken and Stanger too. I know Stanger can’t sit up high, but I’m willing to sit lower, sure a few others would too. Let me know about all of you . . .
I doubt I am able to go so for now count me out
i believe so, but not sure of number….also trying to recruit BIL, to serve up food at tailgate for Stanger Fest….it would be an honor if possible!
good write up Mike E
I actually think the top 2 teams had underwhelming offseasons
the patriots didn’t really get any better and I think the harder schedule and off
filed issues will catch up to them
the Bills seem to be unwilling to make a really aggressive move on offense
dj moore is a solid Wr but he seems like he’s on the tail end of his career
also the Bills had real trouble stopping the run last season
not sure that gets any better this season
Chubb should help
It never ceases to amaze me how so many people online (and you KNOW they’re under the age of, say 35) are wishing our veterans a Happy Memorial Day… SMH.
Don’t want to call anybody out by name, but one of the prominent Phins YouTube guys made this mistake. C’mon, people!
Our education system isn’t under-funded… it’s become dumbed-down by stupid ma’fuckaz in charge. It’s time to fix this matter.
Yeah, I had someone wish me a Happy Memorial Day and thank me for my service today. They mean well.
RIP Manny Fernandez
75 one of the greats and one of my favorites
Krishna, that would be awesome if he was willing to do the tailgate.
Armed Services Day – active military
Veterans Day – for those who served and came home
Memorial Day – for those who didn’t come home
Mike E.
says:
May 25, 2026 at 4:16 pm
Just to recap the Fest attendance list, we have Son (8), Phelon (1) (Maybe), Toba (2) (Maybe), Mike E (2). Wondering about others who have made previous Fests like Piggy, Krishna, Herd, Rock, Doggies, Ken and Stanger too. I know Stanger can’t sit up high, but I’m willing to sit lower, sure a few others would too. Let me know about all of you . . .
I’m in for what ever day you guys pick. I was locked out of my wordpress account all weekend.
Yesterday I had some guy a Starbucks salute me and wish me a happy Memorial day. I politely said thank you, told him I never served and let him know that Memorial Day was for those who didn’t make it home.
Too many people don’t know what anything means these days. And I’m talking about simple shit!
Either 3 or 5 for me at the moment. One is a Bengals fan. 🙄
my greatest hope for this team currently is that the 2nd year players take big steps.
https://dolphinstalk.com/2026/05/miami-dolphins-2nd-year-players-make-leap-nfl/
Grant will be fine, as long as he gets stronger in the upper body, which so many commented last year
Phillips, even if he doesn’t get much should last a while
Biggers has some things to work on, and has over-achieved so far, I expect he’ll be good for his rookie contract, then?
Marshall and Trader are serviceable, Trader seems to have flipped the switch. Don’t think Marshall is any more than a depth piece, that could get playing time, because we have no one behind Johnson
Ollie is a GB type back, I expect we’ll see better things from him, especially if that left side shows the beef
Jonah’s issue was confidence, he played with happy type feet last year, like he couldn’t get his mind to tell his body how to overcome the switch to the left. If he can overcome that he can be worth his draft slot
Ewers may never get the chance, he’s fine as our 2nd this yr, because of the team’s low expectations. Doubt he lasts too long as a Fin, he’s not there guy and isn’t really a franchise type QB
all in all it was a good draft class and I expect a lot of quality play, unlikely to see any probowlers from the group. Not every class needs PBers to be good, this should be know for its overall depth with a couple important players
3 for me, but they want club seating and I’ll be sitting with them, if there’s a Dave and Busters I’ll attend by myself, and 3 for the tailgate
the difference between Grier and Sully already seems to be clear. Grier looks for rare homeruns and depth, while Sully looks to build a quality team
you could say, but, but, Sully had more draft capital, which would be true, but he created it himself and Grier had more pieces to use to get draft picks, he just thought he should be trying to win an SB with the core he had
Grier is obviously delusional 🤪
Grier had some loaded drafts, he drafted some very good players. He didn’t know how to build a good team.
Tim, name a “loaded draft” the Grier had.
Ryder posted a video the other day about the difference between the 2019 tear down and the 2026 tear down and I have to agree with him. The 2026 team is in a much better place to start with than the 2019 team. That offensive line in ’19 was BAD.
Unless you are using “load” like my sister does when the grand baby’s diaper is “loaded”
mike e i will be there. 1 maybe 2 tickets. or just get 2. thanks
RIP, Manny Fernandez.
BBM,
I agree with Ryder. I thought Washington had a good season. I didn’t do a deep dive or anything, but I just felt he was a plus player in the games I saw. He’s a nice mismatch guy. Quick but still plays fairly physical. I hope they give him some reps to see if he can take a step.
he needs downfield receptions, if that’s from the slot or outside, just get him the ball across the line, not behind
have I mentioned MM was an idiot for doing what he did to Malik last year
I’ve got about an articles worth on my vision of the draftI generally use the its a good pick (after I’ve had a chance to see highlights), if I can see the vision of how he can be used
a draftee has 3 major things, that determines his future
2 out of 3 means the player should have a decent career, but the player himself can’t have something awful in his game. 3 out of 3, the player should be a Pro Bowler, if he puts forth the effort
I’m on the road, so next time I get a chance I’ll give my breakdown of how each of the draftees chances are and what they need to do to succeed
sorry fellow Dolphans the jets are loaded and with avg play from Geno they could be a 8 win team 🤣🤣🤣
https://nflspinzone.com/nfl-power-rankings-ranking-every-afc-east-team-as-offseason-continues-01ksj5z0qaaf/2
jets gut their roster as did we and they’re setup to make the playoffs while we’re set to draft first, got it
their pick of Sadiq is something the Raiders would do
Per Hafley, Achane had offseason shoulder surgery and is working his way back from that.
I have heard that Hafley really likes the size (6’1, 243) and speed (4.46) combo that ILB Willie Gay Jr brings. If he keeps showing out in OTA’s and is picking up Hafley’s system well, they could make a decision sooner than later on Brooks.
I would like to keep him, but if they are not close on a deal we might need to make a move while he’s hot.
Bleacher Report is saying he’s worth a 2027 2nd and a 2028 4th. They mention the Bengals as a trade partner. I mentioned that a while back that the top 2 contenders who need help at ILB are the Rams and Bengals.
A trade would still leave us with the defensive QB in Dodson then Thumbstache, Gay, Louis and Woodard. Not to mention Trey Moore who lined up everywhere from Edge to OLB to ILB.
I’m in with whatever’s good for the team. It’s never about 1 player, so while I like Brooks, we know Rodriguez is a big part of the future, and Dodson can play as well, and as you pointed out, Gay too.
Willie Gay in only 131 snaps on defense had 20 total tackles, 3 TFL, 2 sacks and 2 passes defensed. That 131 snaps was only 12% of team total defensive snaps.
I guess yesterday’s and today’s OTA practices were closed to the press as there have been no reports from those other than Achane, Jackson and Duck aren’t participating and continue to rehab from their “procedures” along with rookie WR Bell.
I don’t think I would trade away Brookes at this point. The return (a probable 2nd round pick in NEXT YEAR’s draft and maybe a 4th the following year) works out to a value of a 3rd and a 5th.
He is still in his 20’s and is at the top of his game. I think he will still be performing at a high level next season and the season after so for me it’s better to keep him.
So it’s confirmed. Achane had shoulder surgery this off-season. That is why he is not participating in OTA’s.
The Miami Dolphins’ second OTA of the spring again featured a strong performance by the defense, which certainly isn’t uncommon at this time of year.
It also was noticeable for the absence of center Aaron Brewer because he’s one of the team’s best players and he’s also looking for a contract extension. This is where we need to mention all of the offseason program is voluntary except for the mandatory minicamp next week and there also could be several reasons he wasn’t spotted, but this still is a situation that should be monitored.
— After coming up with three interceptions in the first open OTA last week, the defense had one pick in this one with rookie free agent safety Louis Moore stepping in front of a receiver to pick off Cam Miller with a clear path to the end zone.
— Because he’s the most important player on the roster, we’ll start again with quarterback Malik Willis and let’s just say it was not a great performance in terms by the free agent acquisitions. Willis was off target with several throws when he was going downfield.
— Of the four quarterbacks, this time it was Quinn Ewers who was most impressive throwing the ball.
— It also wasn’t a great day for rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas, who failed to come up with a contested catch over the middle and later another one that was low to the ground.
— Several defensive backs made plays on the ball, among them JuJu Brents breaking up a pass intended for A.J. Henning, and Ethan Bonner stripping the ball away from tight end Greg Dulcich after a short reception.
— Tight end Will Kacmarek came to the Dolphins as a third-round pick because of his blocking ability, but he showed some great receiving talent on a pass that may or may not have been a completion. Kacmarek caught a pass over his head while trying to feet in bounds and then falling to the ground. The defensive players all signaled he was out of bounds and it was tough to tell from where the media was sitting, but regardless it was a big-time catch you wouldn’t see from somebody without good hands.
— On the flip side, Jaylen Wright let a simple pass from Willis as he was crossing the middle go right through his hands, as he continues to show inconsistency as a pass catcher.
— Rookie tight end Seydou Traore got himself open deep, but safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. was able to knock the ball away when Willis underthrew him.
— Malik Washington again looked like the most solid wide receiver option, his highlight coming when he went up to catch a pass. Washington also got open deep by beating safety Zayne Anderson, but Willis overshot him.
— Chop Robinson got a couple of pressures in the first 11-on-11 session, though let’s again remember the circumstances.
— One thing that was very apparent is the DBs were focused on trying to punch the ball out after any catch. It was way more noticeable than anything we saw the past few years.
— Willis’ best throw was a rope to Dulcich over the middle with a nice contested catch to beat Jordyn Brooks and his tight coverage.
— Brooks, it needs to be repeated also is looking for a contract extension.
— New running back Carlos Washington Jr. showed some really good hands when he came up with an errant pass from Cam Miller that was low and behind him.
— The prettiest pass of the day belonged to Ewers, who floated a ball over linebacker Jacob Rodriguez and into the arms of tight end Ben Sims.
— While we can’t discuss where players lined up, we can report that Hafley said before practice that rookie first-round pick Chris Johnson would line up on the outside at cornerback and in the slot.
Rookie receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. showcased nice speed on a punt return. However, he dropped a kickoff return and got scolded by the special teams coordinator Chris Tabor…..
Tutu Atwell also dropped a punt.
Rookie receiver Donavan McCulley with a nice 20 yard reception over the middle of the field from Ewers, which is having a good day. That was his third impressive day…..
David Ojabo recorded a would-be sack during the final 11-on-11 period, easily beating Carter Warren, and Willie Gay Jr sacked Cam Miller, one of the three backup quarterbacks.
Willis with an overthrow to Jalen Tolbert on a pass that Chop Robinson would have drawn holding penalty on Kion Smith. On the very next play Robinson beat Smith for a sack on Willis. Josh Uche also produced a sack on Willis while working against Patrick Paul.
Ewers throwing the ball well. Willis, not so much.
**Putting on kool-aid hat**
It’s early BBM. He has plenty of time… It’s only practice…
um…
Man I’m not good at this shit. Tim! please throw some positive light on this. LOL
lol
Could be great for us while it sucks for him. Texas didn’t do him any favors when it came to his draft position by moving him all over the place his senior year.
https://phinphanatic.com/miami-dolphins-can-finally-restore-order-for-their-most-underrated-draft-pick-01ksjd3556h8
He could turn out to be another steal
Hafley answers the question we’ve been arguing about for years. LOL
Would you rather have two third-down sacks or six third-down pressures? Like one or the other?
Jeff Hafley: Depends. What did the pressures cause and what are the sacks cause? Did the pressure cause an interception? Because then I’d rather have the pressure than the sack depending on when it happened. Did the pressure force the quarterback to throw the ball away and now they’re punting? Same with the sack, did the pressure lead to a big play and didn’t mean anything? So it just depends on what happened on the play.
Stellar answer… and I concur.
@PatMcAfeeShow
“The NCAA denied Brendan Sorsby’s request for reinstatement.. Texas Tech will appeal the decision which is part of this process”
————–
I’m hearing that the result of the appeals process for Sorsby likely won’t come before the Supplemental Draft in mid-July. Thus, he’s highly likely to enter the Supplemental Draft so as not to possibly be locked out of football for a year.
Also hearing rumors that he could potentially cost a 2nd-rounder in the ’27 NFL Draft with several teams looking to draft him.
Yes… we’ve been linked to him by insiders like Albert Breer.
Thoughts?
@PatMcAfeeShow
“Brendan Sorsby does have a robust market in the NFL.. He’s one of the top five quarterback prospects as of right now” ~
@PeteThamel
Mike E — just got an e-mail that seat draft is tmrw. Our guy Tim is calling in the morning. Do you want me to reserve a block like normal? Remember this is when we reserve seats but don’t have to pay yet. Happy to guarantee but would prefer someone else put up a card when it is time to pay.
If I am going to do it need a number and keep in mind we can pare down when final pay is due. How about 20?
And am I right is the Bengals Oct 11? Poll only says “October 1…”
Hey Stanger! I thought Son was taking care of his own seats, but I could be wrong. I would definitely be willing not to sit in the nosebleeds, so if you have a preference where you will be sitting, let me know, we may just join you unless the prices are outrageous. Not sure at all how many people want to sit all the way up, maybe I’ll just ask everyone and we’ll find out!
I missed that Son said he’d get his own tickets. That changes everything. We don’t have enough for the minimum group buy. So I’ll just let it slide when he calls tmrw. But getting tix shouldn’t be tough this season, and probably on the cheap side as well.
Here is some backstory regarding the Sorsby situation, 2 weeks ago from Albert Breer on ‘The Rich Eisen Show’. Here is where he linked us Phins to Sorsby, even after we brought in Malik Willis…
Son,
This one’s for you: Larry Little honoring Manny Fernandez
2026 Stanger Fest!!!
How many people prefer to sit in similar seats like we have for all the previous Fests, and how many prefer to get better tickets. Please reply here so we can get a count. Thanks!
If I go to the game, gonna be in the 100s or 200s. Did the lux box like Phish once. View is not as good as from field level, but the whole inside concession area has AC.
Any idea what those tickets may go for?
Varies by game, but lets say $150-$250. But that’s from before, guessing will be deals this year like when we first started foing the Fest.
I like better tickets, but will sit wherever.
I’m good with the better tickets.
i’m good with whatever everyone likes.
Wow, Chris Bell is playing already? That’s a huge surprise, right?
https://x.com/PlainCrispy/status/2059309720226120142?s=20
MikeE, watch again. I don’t think that was Chris Bell and maybe an old clip. Watch the QB throws with his left hand. Willis throws righty. I think that was an old Tua to Tyreek clip.
Looks like #10 catching it. Bell will be wearing #18. Hard to tell the actual # though.
M13, tough call on Sorsby. He’s talented but needs to work on some things. You could bid a 2nd but Jets, Cards and Browns are all ahead of the Dolphins in the pecking order.
Rock and I talked briefly about it. Rock wouldn’t give up more than our 3rd.
I guess it depends on how they feel about him.
Count me in Rockphin’s camp: I wouldn’t give up anything more than our 3rd as well… probably more like a 4th rounder what with his betting habits.
I’d like somebody without that kind of baggage.
I like the QB, can’t stand the person who gambles. Very dangerous.
Very seldom (if ever!) have I seen an athlete with a gambling problem ever amount to any kind of success on the gridiron/court/field, etc. Just sayin’… especially at 22 years old! SMH
That’s where I was leaning, a 3rd. Jets have 3 first round picks next year. They probably could afford giving up their high 2nd.
Then allow the stej to draft the gambler… that’s what they do best, gambling on draft prospects. 😉
BbMike – that sucks, I got excited that it was Bell. 😒
Worry, do not. The ring of Bell is closer, not farther. Hmhmhmhm!!! 😉
🤣
😆
Same
BBMike, M – As it turns out, that was Tua to Hill, the OP who put it up was later making fun of Tua haters who were saying look how much better Malik Willis is and blah blah blah. Weak stunt IMO. Tua really does suck, and that was a silly thing to do in the first place
Malik isn’t going to come into OTAs and wow the pants off of anyone, that’s not who he is at this point, he’s not a polished pocket passer, maybe some day
right now he’s a gamer looking to get his feet wet, his worth is leaving and outside the pocket. When the lights turn on so will he
Yeah, that was weak. Maybe someone should send him a video of Malik escaping the pocket and making a play vs Tua curling up in the fetal position.
Yeah! All five times he’s done it!
To be fair, in Green Bay he took off 44 times and passed the ball 89 times. That is WAY TOO MUCH running by the QB IMO.
he can run all he wants, just don’t take the hits. He’s tougher than Tua, weenies QB since Pat one hit White
you can get hit from the pocket too, just running isn’t always bad, you generally have more control from running on the amount of force to be hit with
THROW THE BALL
Yeah, if the gambling addict enters the supplemental draft I would put a sealed 3rd round bid in for him, expecting to not get him. He has YUGE character issues. Giant red flags. I just don’t trust addicts to stop being addicts.
So it looks like there may not be a group package because of lack of people to take a section? For me, its a once a year thing. If I have to spend a couple of hundred I’m ok with that. Of course I may get kicked out of the expensive seats as they all like to sit in their expensive seats….
LOL
Right on! PREACH! TEACH!!
“I need the staff to develop leaders, and I have to develop leaders,” Head Coach Jeff Hafley said. “Because I’ve been in too many places where a coach comes in and says we don’t have any leaders around here. I think that’s a bunch of BS, right? You can develop leaders; you can teach leadership. I can teach leadership to the staff. The staff can teach leadership to the players. We have to do that. I think that’s key for this team to grow.”
Kool-aid, come get your serving of Kool-aide heeeeaarya!
Defensive lineman Jordan Phillips has been one of the biggest standouts this spring. Contact is limited during OTAs, so extrapolating too much on physicality can be dubious. But it’s clear by his movement and his stature that Phillips has put in the work this offseason. His timing off the snap, his get-off and power with his hands – the club, the hump move and the rip – were all working Wednesday.
And the veteran in Phillips’ room has certainly taken notice.
“I think one of the first things he got in trouble for was squatting too much,” Sieler said with a chuckle. “He’s worked his tail off this offseason. To see his growth from last year to this year has been incredible. His confidence on the field, his knowledge and you can tell the game is starting to click for him more and more. You can see that at the end of last season and how well he played the run and all that stuff, so to keep working with him, ‘KG’ (Kenneth Grant), Zeek (Biggers), all those guys, has been awesome.”
Omar was saying this morning that Biggers is no longer the biggest DT. He doesn’t know what the guy weighs now, but said compared to last year when he was the heaviest looking of the Dlinemen to now where he looks slim compared to last season. He said the guy looks 6’6″ 280 instead of 6’6″ 340. He said it shows in his movement and power too.
I thought Biggers came in around 320. That would still be a significant drop though.
Yeah, I was paraphrasing Omar. I think he was 321 at the combine.
I think you can technically teach someone some leadership skills, but I’m not sure you can just teach or coach guys into being leaders. I think there are different sorts of leaders. There are rah rah hype guys who inspire. Supportive guys who build confidence. Quiet, lead by example guys who raise the level of play. Coach-like guys who provide stability on the field and structure…and more.
Just build a system that demands accountability from everyone.
Yup, Hafley agrees;
Jeff Hafley: Yeah, then it’s going to come from the coaches where we don’t have those veterans, but there are some veterans that I think we have some really good leaders. I don’t want to go through names right now and leave anybody out, but we have some key guys that have played that are leaders. Then we have some second-year guys that you can see are more comfortable and they’re starting to lead in their way. I think that’s really important for everybody to understand that there’s so many different ways to lead. Like I said, it could be pulling a guy aside, it could be how you talk to a guy in your room, it could be behind closed doors bringing a guy along with you, it could be on the weekend bringing a group of the young guys out and doing something or inviting them over to a house for dinner, which we’ve had a lot of guys do. Then there are rooms – I can’t look you in the eye and tell you there’s an older leader in every room that’s been there before and done it because we’re young and that’s just the reality of who we are. I said to the coaches today, there are some instances where I need the staff to step up and lead, and then I need the staff to develop leaders, and I have to develop leaders. Because I’ve been in too many places where a coach comes in and says we don’t have any leaders around here. I think that’s a bunch of BS, right? You can develop leaders; you can teach leadership. I can teach leadership to the staff. The staff can teach leadership to the players. We have to do that. I think that’s key for this team to grow. But to say you need X amount of guys in each room, right now we have who we have, so what can we do about it to make it better? That’s why I said to you, right now the biggest thing I’m doing is I’m really observing and watching everything. I’m watching every guy, I’m watching every clip of film and then in the team room, I’m trying to show them what’s good, what’s not good enough, what can be better and which won’t be tolerated. The beautiful part right now is the guys have bought in and they’re following. It’s so much fun to coach these guys right now because they’re giving everything that they have and everything that we ask to do. It’s fun to come to work every day, so we’ll keep working through that.
I was going to say the same thing about Biggers. I figured he must’ve been using those new fat pills. 320 sounds better.
I don’t think Biggers was ever 340.
I see 321 pounds at the Combine.
Now is he Biggers… or Smallers?
Wow… I see at one point in college, Zeek Biggers weighed 363 pounds.
https://ramblinwreck.com/inside-the-chart-measuring-up/
AS I SAID ALREADY I was paraphrasing Omar, who was using hyperbole.
The point was that he is looking much slimmer and athletic.
I have VERY high hopes for all of DTs Kenneth Grant, Jordan Phillips, and Zeek Biggers.
STILL… I would have taken Walter Nolen over Kenneth Grant ALL DAY, EVERY DAY. JMO
Seriously… how much did Kenneth Grant eat off of Mason Graham beside him? I said it prior to the ’25 Draft, and it looks as though Grant was the beneficiary… not the other way around.
Who wants to bet where Sorsby goes in the supplemental draft?
BBM, I waved, when I went by😜 staying tonight about 40 miles out
M13,
Nolen has to prove he can get and stay healthy. His rookie season was close to a bust, as he missed most of it. I’m not sold that he’ll hold up yet. He’s got the athleticism. Is he more than a penetrating 3 tech?
I love Graham. He looks like a wrestler playing football. Engage with your quickness and then use your leverage and hands to make plays. I still think he’s a little limited in space. He’s got the toughness to play closer to 0, but I don’t prefer him there.
Grant is a different sort of player. He can legitimately play 0-5 on the LOS. Nolen and Graham are more of 3 tech guys. Grant was drafted, in part, for his potential. I really hope he, Phillips and Biggers take a meaningful step this year.
I ain’t fretting about not having Nolen. Lol
I didn’t like Nolen coming, maybe I was expecting more explosiveness, or something he wasn’t
Grant has some special on tape and some not so
Phillips kind of makes up for whatever shortcomings Grant has
Bigger is an overachiever
I was unsure about all of them except Graham. I liked what I saw from all of them. Year 1 is too early to tell on any of them. We did see improvement from all of them as the season went on.
Who is Graham?
Mason Graham – Kenneth Grant’s former team mate in college.