Finsmob Unleashed

Jordan Howard – 6’0 224

Ryan Fitzpatrick – 6’2 228

Kalen Ballage – 6’2 231

Myles Gaskin – 5’10 200

Patrick Laird – 6’0 205

De’Lance Turner – 5’11 214

Samaje Perine – 5’11 240

That’s a big stable of running backs in more ways than one, and of course I’m joking about the guy 2nd on the depth chart. Leaving out said QB, these are mostly bigger backs with the exceptions of Gaskin and Laird, all above 220 lbs. The reality is some of the guys on this depth chart won’t be here once the season begins if they even get that far. I think Gaskin and Laird could be keepers and Ballage may get another shot after a very disappointing season where he had ample opportunity to make some hay, starting in 6 games but just couldn’t get anything positive going, either rushing or receiving. I had hoped we had David Johnson lite, but even on the receiving side Ballage was a major letdown.

Jordan Howard signed a 2 year deal and he’s the type of back that wears down a defense. He will be valuable to close out a game in the 4th QTR by keeping drives going and punishing defenses, aptly named “The Bulldozer”. I have to believe that we will be active in the draft to find another quality back and there are a few that should be available beginning with our third first round pick (#26). D’andre Swift, Jonathan Taylor, J.K. Dobbins, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire round out the top 5. I will be surprised if none of these guys end up in a Dolphins uniform.

So free agency began in earnest for the Miami Dolphins and our name consistently flashed on the screen from the start. We made a lot of noise, gave out a few big contracts, but in general filled out a lot of holes and most definitely upped the talent level here and acquired some heady players as well. Kyle Van Noy in particular is a guy who has tortured us twice a year in a Patriots uniform serves to make us better and weaken the Patriots in one swift cut. On a down note, the Patriots will recoup yet another valuable compensatory pick, but if Van Noy can bring that production and locker room presence to some younger guys it will be worth it in spades.

I know you all know who we’ve acquired, probably better than I do, but I like to see it in print, it makes me feel happy. Here are all of our recent acquisitions and the contracts.

CB Byron Jones – 5YR/$82.5M

LB Kyle Van Noy – 4YR/$51M

DE/LB Shaq Lawson – 3YR/$30M

OG Ereck Flowers – 3YR/$30M

DE Emmanuel Ogbah – 2YR/$15M

RB Jordan Howard – 2YR/$10M

S Clayton Fejedelem – 3YR/$8.55M

C Ted Karras – 1YR/$4M

LB Kamu Grugier-Hill – 1YR/$3M

S Adrian Colbert – 1YR/$1.775M

We also signed former Patriots LB Elandon Roberts but the terms of the contract are not yet final. Fejedelem, Clobert and Roberts are all special teams guys and the new guys (Fejedelem and Roberts) lay the wood. All in all, I think we have shored up certain areas but there are still a few glaring holes such as OT, QB, RB, C (for competition this season and beyond). Another good DT/DE could also elevate our defense and safety is still an issue despite the Fejedelem and Colbert signings. The good thing is our approach in free agency has afforded us some flexibility going into the draft where we have excellent draft capital to make the most of our picks. I’m really looking forward to it.

Author’s Note: I hope all of you stay safe and healthy in these trying times with the outbreak of COVID-19. Be careful, help people when you can, and be a good neighbor and human being. Keep your family healthy and safe the best you can. Thankfully, participation here is safe (from COVID-19 anyway) so keep on bloggin!

GO DOLPHINS!!

#staythecourse