Finsmob Unleashed

I know everyone, including myself, has their own idea as to what the Miami Dolphins should do in the 2023 NFL Draft. Armed with only 4 picks, none in RD 1, as the Miami Dolphins were punished for owner Steve Ross’ “tampering”, having discussions with QB Tom Brady and HC Sean Payton, while both were employed by other NFL teams. I think stuff like this happens all the time, but if somehow it comes out, then you have to pay for your indiscretions. This draft will not be a huge impact draft for our team, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find a couple of players who can make an impact this season and beyond.

I’ve been a fan of this team since the late 60’s, but I was a kid then and didn’t really comprehend the game. I’m still learning, and the game continues to evolve, mostly to enhance player safety and and to infuse as much offense as possible to recruit new viewers who don’t necessarily identify with the rules and strategy of gameplay, but love a high scoring affair. I recently read with much dismay that the “Roughing the QB” penalty that was up for potentially being a challengeable and reviewable penalty is now off the table, so the referees will continue to make a mockery and protect NFL QB’s at all costs, while NFL defenders are forced to play “patty cake” around opposing QB’s. Maybe they should just make a sack a two hand touch of the QB, so defenders won’t have to worry about actually tackling these 6′ – 6’5 200 – 250lb athletes and the 2 hand touch will keep the defenders from bringing them down. I think of the punishment QB’s used to endure, they were allowed to get hit at least 2 seconds after releasing the football with full force, and they were tackled as violently as any running back would be when they were in possession of the football.

This kind of brings me to my next thought. The NFL wants offense, that’s clear. As previously mentioned, I’ve been a fan since the late 60’s, and this could be one of the deepest rosters we’ve had here in Miami in it’s history. Our defense is very deep, and I feel our biggest holes or issues are on the offensive side of the ball. To me, TE and OL are still our biggest concerns. With TE’s Durham Smythe, Eric Saubert and Tanner Conner, we’re lacking a TE who is a true dual threat athlete, one that can win as an in-line blocking TE, and also be a reliable target in the passing game. Saubert is a an extra blocker at best, never having more than 15 receptions in any season. Smythe had a season high 34 catches in ’21 and fell to 15 last season. I get it, the offense runs through Tyreek Hill and Waddle, but if teams put extra personnel on those guys, someone else needs to step up. My first choice would be Georgia TE Darnell Washington. Of course, most importantly, he has to still be on the board in order for this to happen. Washington is a big bodied, shredded physical specimen who will block well in-line and also downfield. He has the speed to get downfield to help open holes for receivers and running backs. I also think his 6’7 frame will allow help him become a good receiving TE at some point. If Darnell Washington is there at #51, I hope we getter’ done!

At the moment, we have two very questionable spots on our offensive line. It seems as if our coaches are going to give LG Liam Eichenberg and RT Austin Jackson every chance to show they can start. I don’t like the idea of drafting a tackle, so i think our efforts would be better off concentrating on an interior offensive lineman, one that can play OG or C. Robert Hunt is one of our best linemen, and he has the frame, strength and athleticism to play outside at RT. There are a couple of interior guys who who might be able to help us. C/OG John Michael Schmitz and OG Steve Avila. Schmitz can play either center or G. Last season we brought in Connor Williams from the Cowboys and all he did was play EVERY-SINGLE-SNAP. He struggled with high snaps during the season, was our best C in quite some time. Schmitz could take over the C job and move Williams to OG, which could facilitate the move of Hunt to RT. Steve Avila is a big athlete who moves very well, and has the balance, power and athleticism to win and plays with some nasty. That could give that right side some serious nasty with Avila and Hunt. Nothing the Dolphins have said or done indicates that Hunt is moving to RT other than the fact we have only Austin Jackson currently our RT, and he’s started ZERO games there, and only played in 2 total games last season. Jackson is backed up by OT Geron Christian and OT Kion Smith. Not especially far fetched to think Hunt might move to RT, but we have to talent in place on the interior to allow that to happen.

Next year would probably be a better time to look for an OT if necessary, as we’ll finally have a first round pick and a 2nd, although we’ll be picking at 32. That’s the sacrifice you have to make when you win the Super Bowl, and that’s one I’m willing to make!

GO DOLPHINS!!!