Dolphins host QBs David Garrard, Alex Smith

As the Miami Dolphins' pursuit of a quarterback continues, the two newest names added to the list include a guy that played in the NFC Championship a few months ago and someone that spent the entire 2011 season out of the league entirely.

Former San Francisco 49ers' quarterback Alex Smith is reportedly visiting the Dolphins on Sunday, while long-time Jacksonville Jaguars' signal-caller David Garrard is slated to arrive in Miami on Monday.

The Dolphins were officially ruled out in the Peyton Manning race earlier this week (and reports indicate they were never really in it), while former Packers' backup Matt Flynn visited the team Saturday. Flynn, who has also met with the Seattle Seahawks, has been linked to the Dolphins since the hiring of former Packers' offensive coordinator Joe Philbin as head coach.

Taken by the 49ers with the first-overall pick in 2005 (one pick ahead of Ronnie Brown), Smith's career got off to a rocky start and he was merely average between 2009-10 before having his career resurrected by new head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Although Smith can hardly be given the most credit for the 49ers' run to the NFC Championship Game (which included an "upset" over the high-powered Saints), his season numbers (17 touchdowns, five interceptions, 3,144 yards and a 90.7 passer rating) are nothing to sneer at.

The 49ers had been interested in retaining smith on a three-year, $24 million contract, but Manning's availability has put those plans on hold and it might be burning bridges with Smith in the process. Smith has the same representation as Manning and it's obvious that Smith's agent is working for Manning right now rather than Smith.

Understandably, Smith is seeking new representation and might be willing to move on from the 49ers rather than be their "backup plan" if they fail to land Manning. In that event, Miami could be a nice landing spot and potentially an even better addition than the unproven Flynn would be.

As for Garrard, he was obviously a solid quarterback at times for the Jaguars in years past, but it remains to be seen if the 33-year-old who was injured all of last year possesses the talent to be a better stopgap than Matt Moore or anyone else the Dolphins could find.

It's actually interesting that Garrard and the Dolphins are meeting now, because he worked out for the team last October and got into a mini battle of words with the team in the media, saying he just didn't feel like signing with the 0-4 Dolphins and there were reports he was unhappy the team wouldn't guarantee his salary. In reality, he needed further surgery on a herniated disc and never signed with anyone.

Unlike Smith or Flynn, Garrard would not be a lock to start for the Dolphins and might be a potential veteran backup instead. He simply doesn't have the youth or upside to be the team's long-term starter and the Dolphins would certainly not put their search for a franchise quarterback on pause.

In the end, I don't know who the Dolphins' starter will be in 2011, but I'm growing increasingly certain the long-term, franchise guy won't be found this offseason. Moore and Garrard would be clear stopgaps, while Smith and Flynn might be solid starters but have questionable upside as well. I'm not sold on Flynn and I would expect any contract of his with the Dolphins to have an "out" within the first two years if he doesn't pan out.

If the Dolphins don't see Ryan Tannehill as a talent worth the No. 8 overall pick, it's quite possible the team will not add it's "quarterback of the future" and the team might have to wait until 2013 at the earliest to explore a new crop of candidates.


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Dolphins add free agents Artis Hicks, Jamaal Westerman

As the high-profile free agents scatter across the NFL landscape, the Miami Dolphins continue to add to their roster's depth with the additions of offensive lineman Artis Hicks and linebacker/defensive end Jamaal Westerman.

A 10-year NFL veteran, Hicks has 71 career starts under his belt during stints with the Eagles, Vikings, Redskins and Browns. He will receive a one-year, $2 million contract from the Dolphins with an additional $500,000 available via incentives.

Westerman joins the Dolphins after three seasons with the New York Jets, having signed with the team as an undrafted free agent out of Rutgers in 2009. He was non-tendered as a restricted free agent before the 2012 offseason began.

The two signings give the Dolphins 60 players on the active roster, meaning their still have 20 spots to work with heading into training camp.


Artis Hicks

A Jackson, Tenn. native, Hicks attended the University of Memphis before going undrafted in 2002 and signing with the Philadelphia Eagles. He spent four seasons with his first pro team, starting 31 games including 27 over his final two seasons.

In 2006, Hicks was traded to the Minnesota Vikings where he reunited with head coach Brad Childress, who was his offensive coordinator in Philadelphia. After starting 14 games in his first season in Minnesota, he opened just 13 contests over the next three seasons before becoming a free agent.

Hicks spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins, starting 10 of 15 games at right guard. Released just before the 2011 season, Hicks landed in Cleveland and opened three games at right tackle.


Jamaal Westerman

A two-time All-Big East selection at Rutgers, Westerman finished his collegiate career with 141 tackles, 45 tackles for a loss, and sack total of 26 that ranked him third all-time in school history. He was undrafted in 2009 and signed a free agent contract with the New York Jets.

Westerman appeared in 14 games as a rookie, notching a sack in his NFL debut against the Texans while finishing the seasons with 10 tackles. He totaled seven tackles in just six games in 2010, seeing only 32 defensive snaps all season.

In what is his best season to date, Westerman played 411 defensive snaps in 2011 and set career highs with 3.5 sacks and nine pressures. He missed just one tackle all season and graded out positively in two of his three starts on the season.

A restricted free agent in the 2012 offseason, Westerman was non-tendered by the Jets and underwent surgery to repair a torn groin in early February. He arrives with a few ties to the Dolphins' organization, having played with Jason Taylor in 2010 and current Dolphins' defensive end Jonathan Freeny (a 2011 undrafted free agent) for two seasons at Rutgers.


Analysis

The Hicks signing is a curious one, and one that concerns me a bit given how much money the Dolphins are spending on him for the 2011 season. Hicks is going to make at least $2 million this season if he makes the team, but in reality he is not a starting talent and shouldn't even be viewed as a short-term option in that capacity.

The 33-year-old has started games at every offensive line position except center, but he hasn't fared well at guard or tackle in recent years. He'd hardly be an upgrade over Marc Colombo, which is why I hope the team doesn't view him as the fix there. At this point in his career, there'd be no reason to start him over Nate Garner or Lydon Murtha.

In short, Hicks is a guy that can play most every position but can't play any of them well. And if that's the case, why are we paying $2 million for backup and spot starter when there are cheaper, comparable alternatives to be had?

As for Westerman, he likely comes cheap and is a quality special-teamer. He's coming off his best pro season when he did flash a bit on the defensive side of the ball, but he's far from a lock to be a consistent contributor in that area.

As the Dolphins' roster currently stands, Westerman would be competing to start at right defensive end fellow special-teamer with Jason Trusnik. (Actually, they'd probably start Jared Odrick there right now due to lack of options.) However, one would expect the Dolphins to explore better options for a quality starter opposite Cameron Wake in the team's new 4-3 scheme, potentially with the No. 8 overall pick in April's draft.

As always, check out the updated projected depth chart reflecting these transactions here.


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Dolphins add cornerback Richard Marshall, re-sign Paul Soliai

The Miami Dolphins remain in wait-and-see mode in the Peyton Manning derby, but they did add two key pieces to the defense Wednesday with the re-signing of nose tackle Paul Soliai and the addition of free agent cornerback Richard Marshall.

Soliai returns on a two-year, $12 million contract with a third-year option after playing under the franchise tag in 2011 and earning just under $12.5 million last season. According to Ben Volin, Soliai's cap hit in 2012 will be just over $4 million.

Meanwhile, Marshall received a three-year, $16 million contract with $6 million in guaranteed money. He reportedly gave his former team—the Arizona Cardinals—a chance to match the offer, but they apparently declined.

The Dolphins, who have also re-signed exclusive-rights free agents Jeron Mastrud and Austin Spitler as well as restricted free agents Phillip Merling and Lydon Murtha, now have 57 players on the 80-man offseason roster.


Richard Marshall

Before entering the 2006 NFL Draft following his junior season, Marshall started 28 of 37 games at Fresno State and was a two-time All-WAC selection. He finished his collegiate career with nine interceptions and became the 11th player in NCAA Division I history to total more than 300 interception return yards.

Selected by the Panthers in the second round, Marshall started 14 of 32 games over his first two seasons and recorded three interceptions in each of those years. He was relegated to a reserve role in 2008, starting none of the 16 games in which he played and recording just one interception.

Marshall started all 32 games for the Panthers from 2009-10 and set a career-high with four interceptions in 2009. However, Marshall graded out poorly in 2010 by allowing passes thrown his way to be caught 75.3 percent of the time—fourth-worst in the NFL among qualifying cornerbacks.

As a free agent in 2011, Marshall signed a one-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals and started nine of 16 games opposite rookie first-rounder Patrick Peterson. On the season, Marshall totaled three interceptions to lead the team and tied a career-high with 11 pass deflections. He also significantly improved his catch-against rate to 51.9 percent and was anointed the defense's MVP by coordinator Ray Horton.


Analysis

Addressing the Soliai re-signing first, I have to say that I'm very shocked that he's back in Miami after all the talk of a scheme change, and I'm surprised he wasn't able to get more money and years on the open market.While Soliai can absolutely play in a 4-3 scheme, his rare size is more valuable as a 3-4 nose tackle so I expected a pure 3-4 team to break the bank for him.

The Dolphins did well to get Soliai for a very manageable amount of money and it makes the defense tackle spot (in the 4-3) extremely deep with Randy Starks and Jared Odrick still under contract. I've also been told that free agent Kendall Langford's market is pretty soft and that he could be back in Miami on the cheap. (Langford is, however, visiting the Bengals today.)

The Marshall addition might not address one of the more obvious needs like quarterback, right tackle, or pass rusher, but it's a nice depth and insurance signing. He's coming off a strong year and gives the Dolphins a legitimate third cornerback in a league that's as pass-happy as ever.

There is some talk that Marshall worked at safety some in 2011 with the Cardinals, and that's obviously an area need with the slow development of Chris Clemons and Reshad Jones. However, Marshall is not a great tackler and corner remains a need as well.

Sean Smith is entering the final year of his rookie contract and has been inconsistent to say the least. He had a strong 2010 campaign (minus the dropped interceptions) but struggled as a rookie as well as in 2011. If his contract demands are too high, he could be on the block this offseason or allowed to walk in 2013, at which time Marshall would be the perfect guy to start opposite Vontae Davis at corner.

The reality is that Marshall could beat out Smith for the starting job in 2011, and at the very least provides an adequate third corner. The signing is a good one for the Dolphins as it beefs up the secondary a bit more, which is always good considering the Dolphins' lack of pass rush or long-term safeties in place.

As always, check out the updated projected depth chart reflecting these transactions here.


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My 2012 Offseason Plan

The offseason is officially underway, and already my prepared offseason plan has undergone numerous changes thanks to a wave of free-agent signings around the league and a major, surprising move by the Miami Dolphins.

What follows is my 2012 offseason plan, which picks up right now with the trading of wide receiver Brandon Marshall to the Chicago Bears, as well as the re-signing of restricted free agents Phillip Merling and Lydon Murtha.

Feel free to share your own thoughts about the Dolphins' offseason and comment below!


Initial roster count: 53
Offseason roster limit: 80
Open roster spots: 27


Re-sign...

• DT Ryan Baker (UFA) — Baker has been on and off the team for a few years now since being signed as an undrafted rookie in 2009, playing sparsely on defense. He was non-tendered as an RFA but could be brought back at a lower salary to compete again in 2012.
  
• FB Lex Hilliard (UFA) — Hilliard didn't show much of anything in three seasons as a tailback and was moved to a fullback/short-yardage back role in 2012. He was non-tendered like Baker, but could return on the cheap.
  
• DT Kendall Langford (UFA) — Along with nose tackle Paul Soliai, Langford is one of the Dolphins' priority free agents. Reports Tuesday have the Dolphins showing a renewed interest in re-signing him, which would be great for the Dolphins' interior defensive line as he could continue to team with Randy Starks and Jared Odrick against the run.
  
• TE Jeron Mastrud (ERFA) — Mastrud has shown next to nothing as a backup tight end, but he's worth bringing back to compete as there's no depth behind him.
• LB Marvin Mitchell (UFA) — Though he's not a real starting talent, Mitchell held his own as a fill-in linebacker and is useful on special teams. He's worth bringing back if the money is reasonable.
• LB Austin Spitler (ERFA) — I don't think Spitler has much upside on defense, but he's proved to be a solid special-teamer and should be allowed to compete for a roster spot in camp.
• New count: 59 players

Don't re-sign...

• DE Ikaika Alama-Francis — IAF showed promise with a switch to outside linebacker a few years ago, but nothing ever materialized. He could be brought back to provide depth at end in the switch to the 4-3, but I don't really see the point.
• CB Will Allen — Allen was an obvious cut after the preseason last year (to me at least) and was brought back due to some injuries and struggles. He's a nice veteran presence but doesn't have much in the tank at this point.
• OG Vernon Carey — The move inside limited Carey's exposure as a liability, but he was still sub-par. Carey plays older than he is and continues to lose athleticism, so I'd say it's time to move on.
• OT Marc Colombo — There are really no words to describe how bad of an offensive tackle Colombo was in 2011, but he was easily one of the worst in the league. I can't imagine any NFL team signing him at this point and he's obviously not a solution for the Dolphins.
• QB Chad Henne — I've supported Henne as much as anyone and I still believe in his potential to start, but a split is best for both parties here. Henne will go somewhere and be a quality backup that could end up starting down the line, but it won't be in Miami.
• QB J. P. Losman — Losman was signed as a veteran backup after injuries to Henne and Sage Rosenfels, but he doesn't have any upside. He'll have trouble being signed before the 2012 season begins.
• RB Steve Slaton — Reports have the Dolphins interested in re-signing Slaton, but I don't see the point. Two teams have now failed to give him the ball in the past few years and I'd look for cheaper options as a No. 3 back.
• NT Paul Soliai — Soliai has been a huge asset for the Dolphins over the past two years, but he's a goner. The switch to the 4-3 alleviates the need for a monster nose tackle and there will be other teams willing to pay him serious money.
• OLB Jason Taylor — The long-time Dolphin and future Hall of Famer has decided to call it quits, so the team will need to look elsewhere for some long-term pass rush help.

Extend the contracts of...

• OT Jake Long — The first overall pick in 2008, Long is entering his final season coming off the worst year of his career, as he was never 100% healthy. Although he remains one of the elite left tackles in the game, it's a bit risky to extend him because of durability concerns, but it's probably worth biting the bullet and reducing his cap number in 2012.
• DE Cameron Wake — Signed to a four-year, $4.9 million contract out of the CFL in 2009, Wake has been vastly underpaid for a few years. His pressure numbers in 2011 were among the best in the league and the 30-year-old deserves on big pay day.

 Waive or release...

• OT Will Barker — Barker has done little to get on the field since being plucked off Tampa Bay's practice squad in 2011. There's little upside here and it's time to clear room for new blood.
  
• SS Yeremiah Bell — A fan favorite among many, the reality is that Bell is horrific in coverage and can no longer run well enough to start even as an in-the-box safety because he's a liability elsewhere. The Dolphins could save a bunch of money by releasing him and it seems like an obvious choice.
• DT Tony McDaniel — McDaniel has been a solid rotational lineman over the past few years, but he's coming off a down year and is due $3 million in 2012. I'd much rather put that money toward keeping Langford among the big three.
•  New count: 56 players

 Sign free agents...

• TE John Carlson (Seahawks) — Carlson is attracting quite a bit of attention in free agency despite missing last season, but I hope the Dolphins get in on the action. He's still young with upside and would make a great No. 2 tight end or even potentially replace Anthony Fasano down the line.
• QB Peyton Manning (Colts) — Obviously the Dolphins appear to be a long shot for Peyton at this point, but I'm hoping they can make it happen. He'd be an incredible stopgap that would allow the Dolphins to contend while they look for a long-term quarterback over the next few years.
• CB/FS Richard Marshall (Cardinals) — Marshall hasn't been all that great for the Panthers and Cardinals since being taken in the second round, but he still has upside. Marshall tweeted Tuesday that he's visiting the Dolphins and would provide great depth and insurance for Sean Smith, who is a free agent next year.
• DE Frostee Rucker (Bengals) — Rucker isn't starter material, but is a solid backup defensive end that new defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle should know well from his time in Cincinnati.
• OT Eric Winston (Texans) — One of the best right tackles in the game, Winston was a cap casualty by the Texans and visited the Dolphins on Tuesday. Offensive coordinator Mike Sherman has experience with him from their time in Houston and his brother is a regional scout for Dolphins. The former Hurricanes standout would be an excellent addition that would give the team a ridiculous pair of tackles.
• New count: 61 players

Draft...

• 1st round: DE Nick Perry (USC) — One of the Dolphins' biggest needs heading into the offseason is a pass rusher, and the market's best names will all come with significant price tags. Perry has been rising up draft boards with strong workouts and would be a much cheaper alternative. He could bookend Wake and finally give the team the second rusher they've been lacking for a few years now.
• 2nd round: SS Harrison Smith (Notre Dame) — With Yeremiah Bell cut in my plan, a new strong safety is needed. Smith is the best in his class at the position and could be a starter as a rookie and for years to come.
• 3rd round: OG Brandon Washington (Miami-FL) — The Dolphins' right guard spot is still unsettled despite John Jerry's promising performance late in 2011. Local prospect Washington is a worthy developmental candidate inside.
• 3rd round (from Chicago): WR Marvin McNutt (Iowa) — The need for receiver depth was created when Marshall was traded and the free agent market has dried up quickly. New wide receivers coach Ken O'Keefe spent the past few years running Iowa's offense and should be familiar with McNutt's abilities.
• 4th round: LB Audie Cole (NC State) — The switch to the 3-4 likely puts both of the Dolphins' starting inside linebackers outside, so a long-term middle linebacker would be a good addition. Cole has significant upside as a hard-hitter with the athleticism to drop back in coverage.
• 5th round: OT Andrew Datko (Florida State) — Datko is a much better prospect than this round would indicate, but his stock has taken a hit with a lingering shoulder injury. He'd be great insurance behind Long and Winston.
• 6th round (from New Orleans): WR Jeff Fuller (Texas A&M) — An inconsistent senior season coupled with some lingering injuries has damaged Fuller's stock, but he's a prospect with some upside that former Aggies' head coach and new Dolphins' offensive coordinator Mike Sherman knows well.
• 7th round: DE Donte Paige-Moss (North Carolina) — A former top prep prospect that saw his collegiate career marred by maturity issues, Paige-Moss is worth a gamble in the draft's final round solely based on physical tools.
• New count:  69 players

Sign undrafted free agents...

• QB Aaron Corp (Richmond) — A former USC Trojan, Corp put together a strong senior season at FCS Richmond and has the physical tools to develop into an NFL backup. He'd be a worthy challenger for Pat Devlin's roster spot as the Dolphins' No. 3 quarterback, likely on the practice squad.
• RB Jewel Hampton (Southern Illinois) — Hampton is coming off a 17-touchdown performance as a junior in 2011 and is an intriguing developmental prospect. He's had two significant knee injuries thus far, but he has upside and originally played under for Dolphins' receivers coach and former Hawkeyes' coordinator Ken O'Keefe at Iowa.
• WR Aldarius Johnson (Miami-FL) — A former top-10 prep receiver prospect, Johnson was suspended for his entire senior season for a violation of team rules and never quite produced at the college level. If he can get his head on straight, he has the physical tools to potentially develop.
• TE Garrett Celek (Michigan State) — The brother of Eagles' tight end Brent Celek, Garrett Celek only caught 14 passes in college but is a solid athlete and good blocker with a history on the offensive line in high school. He's worth bringing to camp due to his NFL pedigree.
• OT Jeff Adams (Columbia) — A three-time All-Ivy League selection at left tackle, Adams looks the part and is an intriguing developmental lineman that could become a useful backup down the line.
• OG Adam Gettis (Iowa) — Gettis is fairly undersized at 280 pounds, but he's a solid technician and a little room to grow. He might be worth bringing in as a camp body considering Joe Philbin's ties to the Iowa program.
• DE Jamie Blatnick (Oklahoma State) — Blatnick finished his collegiate career with 16 sacks and a first-team All-Big 12 selection. He lacks physical tools to be a stud pass rusher, but he could be a good backup on the strong side.
• MLB Garrick Williams (Texas A&M) — Another member of Mike Sherman's Aggies team, Williams racked up 260 tackles at the college level and could be a quality special-teamer.
• OLB Nathan Stupar (Penn State) — The brother of a former Bills tight end, Stupar comes from Linebacker U where he was an ace special-teams player and totaled 80 tackles as a senior. He'd fill that same role in Miami.
• OLB Eltoro Freeman (Auburn) — I had the pleasure of watching Freeman play at Auburn, and I can say he is a pretty good athlete that never really lived up to his potential. An on-and-off starter in college, Freeman might be undersized as a linebacker but oversized for safety, though he's worth a look on special teams.
• FS Trent Hunter (Texas A&M) — A fairly borderline NFL prospect, Hunter arrives with familiarity due to Mike Sherman's ties to the Aggies and would serve as a camp body and special-teamer.
• New count: 80 players

Wrap-up

There aren't many huge changes to the offense here, as the backfield remains the same and Marshall's only replacement is a third-round rookie. I did add a capable No. 2 tight end which is something that's been lacking for a while now, and landing right tackle Eric Winston would be absolutely huge.

On defense, Langford, Odrick and Starks continue to man the Dolphins' run defense and first-round end Nick Perry would finally give the Dolphins a young pass rusher. Depth on the outside is a bit of a concern, but Rucker would provide some experience on the bench and hopefully they'd hit on one of the rookies.

Linebacker is two-thirds set with Dansby and Burnett, but one spot remains open and that's ideally the middle spot as both of the veterans project outside in the 4-3 scheme. Cole would be a huge pickup and would solidify the unit for the immediate future.

In the secondary, replacing Bell with Harrison Smith and adding Marshall would finally solidify the backend of the secondary. Marshall would also provide insurance with Sean Smith's inconsistent start to his career.

All in all, there aren't many huge splashes here and an immediate No. 1 receiver to replace Marshall isn't added. But the reality is quarterback is a key and signing Manning would solve all the teams problems for the immediate future while making them instant contenders.


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2012 NFL Mock Draft 2.0

 NFL free agency will officially be underway this afternoon, so I thought it'd be a good time to update my first-round mock draft once more before team needs change drastically as needs are filled by veteran players.

This is also the first mock draft since the Rams dealt the No. 2 pick to the Redskins for a tremendous haul, giving Washington a clear chance at what will likely be Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III (assuming the Colts take Andrew Luck, as expected.)

You can view my previous mock draft (from Jan. 15) here, and be sure to stay tuned for future NFL draft coverage as well as Dolphins free agency updates!


1. Indianapolis Colts — QB Andrew Luck, Stanford

This pick has been assumed for months, and with Peyton Manning officially on the market it's as sure as ever. Luck is the safest quarterback prospect in the draft and is a natural choice for the rebuilding Colts.


2. Washington Redskins (from St. Louis) — QB Robert Griffin III, Baylor

The Heisman Trophy winner's stock has been on the rise since the college football season ended and it created a natural bidding war for this pick with Cleveland lurking at No. 4. The Redskins won out by giving up three first-round picks and a second-round pick, but they'll certainly get an impressive prospect that could be a franchise quarterback.


3. Minnesota Vikings — OT Matt Kalil, USC

With Luck and Griffin going 1-2, that frees up Kalil for the Vikings. He's a major upgrade over Charlie Johnson at tackle and should do well to protect Christian Ponder.


4. Cleveland Browns — QB Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M

This might seem a bit of a reach, but the Browns will miss out on Griffin and don't seem interested in Matt Flynn, so a move has to be made. Tannehill is a much better prospect than Colt McCoy ever was and should develop into a strong pro.


5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — CB Morris Claiborne, LSU

Ronde Barber can no longer run and is hardly effective in coverage, while likely-psychotic Aqib Talib can't seem to go a season without getting into some kind of trouble. Claiborne would be a great pick that could solidify the Bucs' secondary for years to come.


6. St. Louis Rams (from Washington) — WR Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State

Trading down to No. 6 could cost the Rams a chance at Claiborne, but at least they'll be able to grab a nice weapon for Sam Bradford on offense. Blackmon is a stud receiver that plays bigger than his size and has all the makings of a No. 1 threat.


7. Jacksonville Jaguars — DE Quinton Coples, North Carolina

The Jaguars keep swinging and missing in the pass rusher department and might lose the emerging Jeremy Mincey to free agency, so it's time to go back to the well once more. Coples has some concerns about him, but his talent and physical tools are undeniable.


8. Miami Dolphins — DE Nick Perry, USC

This is a little higher than many have Perry going, but he's had as strong an offseason as anyone and appears to be a worthy prospect to bookend Cameron Wake at defensive end in the Dolphins' new 4-3 scheme.


9. Carolina Panthers — DT Devon Still, Penn State

The Panthers used a jumbled mess at defensive tackle last year, so it's time they brought in some big-time talent. Still is a sound prospect that should be able to start and produce from Day 1.


10. Buffalo Bills — DE Melvin Ingram, South Carolina

The Bills are shifting back to the 4-3 scheme and are still in desperate need of some pass rush help. Ingram lacks ideal size, but he's got a great motor and has ridiculous athleticism for his size.


11. Kansas City Chiefs — NT Dontari Poe, Memphis

Kelly Gregg failed as a short-term fix for the Chiefs last season, so it's time they found a real solution at the position. Poe had an incredible Combine and certainly boosted his stock, so he's a logical choice for the Chiefs here.


12. Seattle Seahawks — OG David DeCastro, Stanford

The Seahawks have used a handful of draft picks on the offensive line in recent years, but holes remain. DeCastro is about as safe as it gets and could be an All-Pro guard very quickly, so he'd be a nice pickup here.


13. Arizona Cardinals — OT Riley Reiff, Iowa

Former first-round bust Levi Brown is now officially a former Arizona Cardinal, which means the team will need to focus its efforts on fixing its pass protection issues. Reiff isn't an elite left tackle prospect, but he's solid and could start on either side for a long time.


14. Dallas Cowboys — OG Cordy Glenn, Georgia

Dallas might need to end up replacing Doug Free and has some issues inside. Glenn has incredible athleticism for his size and projects at both tackle or guard, so the fast-rising Georgia prospect should be high on the Cowboys' wish list.


15. Philadelphia Eagles — LB Luke Kuechly, Boston College

The Eagles' lack of talent at linebacker killed them this year, but the instinctive and talent Kuechly would go a long way in shoring up the unit. He's a safe prospect in the same way Patrick Willis was a few years back and would be an instant producer in Philly.


16. New York Jets — LB Courtney Upshaw, Alabama

The Jets could use an upgraded pass rush, and they might be hoping to land the next LaMarr Woodley with the talented by slightly height-deficient Upshaw here.


17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland) — RB Trent Richardson, Alabama

Many have Richardson much higher than this, but I firmly believe that most running backs simply aren't worth top-10 picks in this day and age. Richardon is of course a talented back, however, and would be a huge upgrade over plodding free agent Cedric Benson.


18. San Diego Chargers — OT Jonathan Martin, Stanford

The Chargers' offensive line has been decimated by injuries in recent years and they need to shore it up through the draft. Local prospect Martin is a legitimate first-round tackle that could contribute as a rookie.


19. Chicago Bears — CB Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama

Most of the Bears' cornerbacks are free agents and Charles Tillman is solid but lacking athleticism. Kirkpatrick's stock took a hit with an offseason marijuana incident, but he's a talent player and a nice value here.


20. Tennessee Titans — CB Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina

Gilmore's stock has been on the rise since his 4.4 forty at the Combine, and he'd be a nice addition to the Titans' secondary if they lose Cortland Finnegan to free agency, as most expect.


21. Cincinnati Bengals — S Mark Barron, Alabama

Reggie Nelson is a free agent and Chris Crocker just doesn't cut it as a starter, so adding a quality young safety like Barron would be a nice move for the Bengals here.


22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta) — WR Michael Floyd, Notre Dame

The Browns struck out in the RG3 sweepstakes, but they'll surround their quarterback (whoever it ends up being) with some more toys. Floyd is a well-round receiver prospect with the upside of a No. 1.


23. Detroit Lions — OT Mike Adams, Ohio State

The Lions have settled for Jeff Backus at left tackle for far too long and they didn't really hit on Gosder Cherilus, so it's time they go back to the draft for a potential long-term left tackle.


24. Pittsburgh Steelers — LB Dont'a Hightower, Alabama

The Steelers could use some youth at linebacker where James Farrior and Larry Foote have been holding down the fort. Hightower is a great 3-4 prospect and could be fantastic teamed with Lawrence Timmons inside.


25. Denver Broncos — DT Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State

Cox has been rising up the draft boards and may end up going much higher than this, but for now he's an obvious pick here. The Cowboys missed with the Ty Warren acquisition and have little talent at the position, so Cox would be a huge addition.


26. Houston Texans — WR Kendall Wright, Baylor

Houston honestly doesn't have many holes now that their defense has been turned around, but a true No. 2 receiver to team with Andre Johnson would be a nice luxury. In-state prospect Wright would be a perfect fit and brings legitimate 4.4 speed (despite his Combine time) to the NFL.


27. New England Patriots (from New Orleans) — DE Whitney Mercilus, Illinois

The Patriots got along just fine with Mark Anderson and Andre Carter in 2011, but some more youth and talent is needed in the pass rush department. Mercilus is a fantastic prospect that could go much higher, so he'd be an excellent value here.


28. Green Bay Packers — LB Vinny Curry, Marshall

Many see Curry as a second- or third-round prospect, but I love his motor and potential either as a 4-3 end or 3-4 linebacker. The Packers have no talent opposite Clay Matthews III and Curry could change that quickly.


29. Baltimore Ravens — C Peter Konz, Wisconsin

Matt Birk might be returning for another season, but he'll eventually need replacing and Konz is the best center prospect in the draft. He'd be a great understudy to Birk in the meantime.


30. San Francisco 49ers —WR Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech

They might have signed Randy Moss on Monday, but that's not a long-term solution. Like Demaryius Thomas before him, Hill comes from the Georgia Tech triple option but is shooting up draft board with his workout numbers. He could develop into a legitimate No. 1 receiver if Michael Crabtree continues to underachieve.


31. New England Patriots — CB Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama

Jenkins certainly has a checkered past, but he's a better talent than this draft spot and Bill Belichick has hit on former Florida Gators with character concerns in the past like Aaron Hernandez and Brandon Spikes. If the Patriots can get Jenkins to keep his head on straight, he could be a huge addition to a weak secondary.


32. New York Giants — TE Coby Fleener, Stanford

The Giants lost two tight ends to torn ACLs in the Super Bowl, so it's suddenly a position of need. Fleener is a great athlete and could be a tremendous target for Eli Manning as a rookie.


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2012 Free Agency Top Fives: Running Back

Over the next month leading up to the free-agent signing period on March 13, I'll be taking a look at the best players slated for free agency this offseason.

In this entry, I'll examine the top running backs expected to hit the open market next month, as well as some other notable names at the position.


1. Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens

A second-round pick by the Ravens in 2008, Rice totaled only 454 yards on the ground as a rookie  before erupting as one of the NFL's elite running backs. Since the 2009 season began, he has totaled three straight 1,200-yard seasons (including two 1,300+ seasons) and 29 offensive touchdowns, wit ha career-high 12 rushing touchdowns this past season. A 5-foot-8 bowling ball, Rice would be the best running back on the market but may very well get the franchise tag from the Ravens. 


2. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears 

Selected 11 picks ahead of Rice in the 2008 NFL Draft, Forte racked up 1,238 yards and eight scores as a rookie but was held under four yards per carry during his first two seasons. Since then, however, he's proved to be among the league's better backs, totaling 1,069 yards on a 4.5 average in 2010. Despite playing in just 12 games in 2011 due to a knee injury, Forte racked up 997 yards on a career-high 4.9 average, while nearing career highs with 52 receptions and 490 yards. The do-it-all back has earned a healthy raise from the Bears or someone else.


3. Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks 

The 12th overall pick in 2007, Lynch was largely a disappointment in Buffalo despite opening his career with two 1,000-yard seasons. He was shipped to the Seahawks early in the 2010 season and averaged just 3.5 yards a carry in his first season at his new home. However, Lynch is now entering the market coming off his best season yet, having rushed for a career-high 1,204 yards on a 4.2 average. Lynch, who has engineered quite possibly both of the most memorable runs over the past two seasons, is not going to blow anyone away with his speed but is the definition of a workhorse.


4. Michael Bush, Oakland Raiders 

Although he's been in the league five seasons, Bush is just now entering free agency because his rookie year was spent on the PUP list from a broken leg suffered in college. Working as a backup to Darren McFadden for pretty much all of his career, Bush has seen plenty of action thanks to McFadden's durability issues and the league's current two-back nature. Bush set career-highs with 977 yards and seven touchdowns in 2011, making him a guy that could go from backup-to-starter in free agency like Michael Turner did a few years back.


5. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, New England Patriots 

An undrafted rookie out of Ole Miss in 2008, Green-Ellis has served as a feature back in the Patriots' multi-headed backfield over the past two years. His numbers dipped a bit in 2011, going from a 1,008-yard, 13 touchdown performance the previous season to just 667 yards and nine touchdowns on 3.7 yards per carry this year. Some of that was due to the Patriots' line injuries, and some of it was due to Green-Ellis' lack of star power. He has the ability to be a productive back and he doesn't have a fumble in 510 pro carries, but he's also not going to light the world on fire.


Beyond the Top Five

• Cedric Benson, Cincinnati Bengals  — A former first-round pick of the Bears, Benson struggled in Chicago and briefly looked to be turning things around in Cincinnati, but his numbers are deceiving. He has three straight 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, but hasn't cracked four yards per carry since 2009 and has no burst to speak of. Teams looking for a starter should go younger and cheaper.
• Ronnie Brown, Philadelphia Eagles — Picked up in free agency last offseason, the former No. 2 overall pick was not needed in Philly thanks to LeSean McCoy's career year. However, I still believe Brown has starting ability and could produce if given the opportunity. The question is how many more opportunities he'll get, because teams just don't go for backs in the wrong side of 30.
• Kevin Faulk, New England Patriots — A long-time third-down back of the perennial contenders, Faulk was inactive for the Patriots' Super Bowl loss to the Giants earlier this month and has just 38 touches over the past two years. It's likely the 35-year-old is headed for retirement.
• Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers — After a career year in 2009 that saw him total 1,253 yards and 11 touchdowns, Grant was limited to just one game in 2010 and was hardly a factor in the Packers' pass-happy offense in 2011, ranking second on the team with 559 yards. There was never anything all that special about Grant, and my guess is his starting days are about over.
• Tim Hightower, Washington Redskins — A sexy fantasy pick before the season thanks to Mike Shanahan's apparent infatuation, Hightower was uninspiring in five games with the Redskins before tearing his ACL. The fumble machine is purely a backup candidate at this point.
• Peyton Hillis, Cleveland Browns — One of the feel-good stories of 2010 and the subsequent Madden NFL cover boy, Hillis overplayed his hand in 2011 trying to get a big contract, holding himself out of games, losing respect from teammates and killing his value in the process. A one-trick pony that was never going to be a long-term NFL starter, Hillis will have to prove himself all over again in 2012.
• Thomas Jones, Kansas City Chiefs — Jones really turned his career around after busting in Arizona as a first-round pick in 2000, but his productive has waned since 2009 and he can no longer handle an NFL workload. He's a good presence for the younger backs, but that's about the extent of his contributions.
• Steve Slaton, Miami Dolphins — It seems like forever ago Slaton rushed for over 1,000 yards as a rookie with the Texans in 2008, but he's now fallen out of favor with two franchises and has had trouble just getting on the field. There's talent in there somewhere, but it'll take a miracle for us to see it again.
• Kevin Smith, Detroit Lions — Originally a third-rounder by the Lions in 2008, Smith was out of football in 2011 until rededicating himself and earning a roster spot back in Detroit thanks to some impressive workouts. Although a few minor injuries hampered him, Smith's efforts translated to the field as he rushed for 356 yards and four touchdowns (4.9 average) in just seven games. He's still only 25 and could be a bargain starter if he stays motivated, although durability remains a concern.
• Mike Tolbert, San Diego Chargers — A bowling ball at 5-foot-9 and 243 pounds, Tolbert has grown to be a fantasy annoyance with 19 rushing touchdowns over the past two seasons. He's got value as a goal-line back, but he's not a feature back talent.
• LaDainian Tomlinson, New York Jets — Arguably the best back of his generation and a shoo-in Hall of Famer, Tomlinson mustered just 280 yards on 75 carriers with the Jets in 2011. He could probably still be productive in a good offense if given the chance, but it seems likely the five-time Pro Bowler will simply call it quits.
• Cadillac Williams, St. Louis Rams — A former first-round pick, Williams has endured numerous knee injuries in his career and totaled just 361 yards as a backup in St. Louis in 2011. Turning 30 this offseason, he might get a few more chances but will never be handed the keys to the offense or asked to carry the load.

Discuss this article in the comments below or on the forum here!

2012 Free Agency Top Fives: Wide Receiver

Over the next month leading up to the free-agent signing period on March 13, I'll be taking a look at the best players slated for free agency this offseason.

In this entry, I'll examine the top wide receivers expected to hit the open market next month, as well as some other notable names at the position.


1. Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers

A second-round pick out of Northern Colorado in 2005, the freakishly-sized Jackson (6-5, 230) has established himself as one of the best deep threats in the game. Excluding the 2010 season that limited him to five games due to a holdout, Jackson has posted three 1,000-yard seasons in the last four years and has an impressive 17.5 career average. Jackson recently turned 29 and should be a legitimate No. 1 receiver for at least the length of his next significant contract.


2. Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs

The 23rd overall pick out of LSU in 2007, Bowe was briefly a training camp holdout as a rookie. That didn't stop him from coming up just short of a 1,000-yard season, and he's been productive ever since with a career year in 2010 that saw him total 72 receptions, 1,162 yards and 15 touchdowns. His touchdown total dipped significantly in 2011 thanks to the Chiefs' quarterback struggles, but that's certainly not a reflection on Bowe. An impressive physical specimen with great hands, Bowe profiles as a No. 1 receiver on many teams.


3. Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts

A long-time feature of the Colts' offense, Wayne has spent the last 11 seasons as one of the most consistently productive receivers in the NFL and currently sits at 15th in receptions, 22nd in receiving yards and 30th in receiving touchdowns on the all-time leaderboards. Turning 34 this coming season, Wayne held up well despite the Colts' struggles in 2011 and can still be a productive part of an offense as a No. 1 or No. 2 receiver. It's possible he could land wherever Peyton Manning does as a package deal.


4. Wes Welker, New England Patriots

Anyone who knows me knows how I feel about Welker. He's not going to stretch the field and the nature of his position and the team he plays for inflate his numbers, but he's not truly among the elite receivers in the NFL. That being said, Welker mans the slot better than anyone in the league and has honed his craft well. A prototypical slot receiver that runs good routes and can catch the ball, Welker has four 1,000-yard seasons in the last five years and has topped 120 receptions in a season twice in his career. He's not going to be Larry Fitzgerald or Andre Johnson, but he can absolutely handle the slot and the Patriots might franchise him to keep him off the market.


5. Marques Colston, New Orleans Saints

A seventh-round pick out of the now-defunct Hofstra program, Colston topped 1,000 yards as a rookie in 2006 and hasn't looked back, surpassing that market every season but one when he was limited to 11 games in 2008. His knees are bit concerning, but the 6-foot-4, 225-pound Colston is about as reliable as it gets and is a solid No. 1 receiver.


Beyond the Top Five

• Donnie Avery, Tennessee Titans — A burner, Avery strung together two solid seasons in St. Louis before tearing his ACL in 2010 and failing to make the team in 2011. He totaled just three catches with the Titans in 2011, but he has deep threat potential and could still turn things around as a low-risk signing.
• Deion Branch, New England Patriots — A former Super Bowl MVP in his first stint with the Patriots, Branch is one of those guys that's better in New England that he is away from there. He's a fairly solid veteran with plenty of experience to offer, but he's done lighting it up as a starter.
• Plaxico Burress, New York Jets — Once one of the better red-zone threats in the game, Burress was a bit shaky in 2011 after two years of incarceration. He'll probably move on from the Jets and could find a bit more success in the right scheme.
• Jericho Cotchery, Pittsburgh Steelers — Cotchery was greeted to a soft market in 2011 and managed only 16 receptions on the receiver-deep Steelers, but I've always liked his talent. He may not get too many chances to be a starter turning 30 this spring, but he's a nice backup to have and has the talent to fill in if called upon.
• Harry Douglas, Atlanta Falcons — A third-round pick in 2008, Douglas has never surpassed 500 receiving yards or scored multiple touchdowns in a season. He's a pure slot receiver and can do well in that role, but he's never going to be a playmaker.
• Pierre Garcon, Indianapolis Colts — Admittedly someone that was close to my top five, the Mount Union product showed nice ability as a deep threat in 2009 and set career highs in receptions (70) and receiving yards (947) despite the Colts' quarterback woes in 2011. I question his upside as a true No. 1 receiver, but he's certainly got talent.
• Anthony Gonzalez, Indianapolis Colts — A former first-round pick out of Ohio State in 2007, injuries have limited Gonzales to just 11 games and five receptions over the past three seasons. He seems unlikely to ever reach his potential but could be a low-risk signing.
• DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles — Jackson has the talent to be in the top five here, but I'm keeping it out because of other reasons. One of the best deep threats in the league, Jackson is immature on the field and extremely irresponsible with money off of it, choosing to pout and slack off rather than motivate himself because he wants (and needs) a new contract. His talent along makes him a worthy venture, but I'd be wary of giving him a lot of money.
• Steve Johnson, Buffalo Bills — Johnson has had some notorious drops in his career, but the former seventh-round pick has certainly exceeded expectations with two straight 1,000-yard seasons and 17 scores during that span. Like Garcon, I question his upside as a No. 1 receiver, but he's certainly been an overachiever to this point.
• Mario Manningham, New York Giants — Manningham is entering the market on a huge wave after making possibly the greatest catch in Super Bowl history earlier this month, but his overall value is not as great as that would indicate. As the undrafted Victor Cruz has put up serious numbers in the Giants' offense, Manningham has just one season of over 900 yards and totaled just 523 yards and four touchdowns in 2011. The former first-rounder has starting ability, but he's not a clear-cut starter.
• Robert Meachem, New Orleans Saints — After failing to appear in a single game as a rookie in 2007, the former first-rounder from Tennessee established himself as a solid deep threat in the Saints' high-powered offense with 15 touchdowns and a 16.1 receiving average over the past four seasons. He still hasn't entirely lived up to his draft status, however, and might never be a true No. 1 receiver.
• Roscoe Parrish, Buffalo Bills — Parrish followed up a career-high 400-yard performance in 2010 with just one catch this past season, but he's never been much of a receiver. He does offer value as a punt returner, however, and should be able to find a home in that role.
• Laurent Robinson, Dallas Cowboys — After disappointing seasons with the Falcons and Rams, Robinson failed to make the Chargers' roster in 2011 and was signed and released by the Cowboys before being re-added a second time. After that, he broke out with 858 yards and 11 touchdowns in 14 games. His knack for finding the end zone should leave him with plenty of suitors.
• Eddie Royal, Denver Broncos — After posting an impressive 91/980/5 stat line as a rookie in 2008, Royal's production has taken a hit with the Broncos' quarterback struggles and he was never a favorite target of Tim Tebow in 2011, managing just 19 receptions. A good punt returner, has the talent of a No. 2 or No. 3 receiver and could thrive on the right team.
• Jerome Simpson, Cincinnati Bengals — A second-round pick in 2008, Simpson was largely a disappointment until catching 50 passes for 725 yards and four touchdowns this season. However, he's had issues with marijuana off the field and could be in line for a suspension, and his overall upside and reliability is highly questionable. The man known for his flip into the end zone might have a hard time finding a featured role in 2012.
• Steve Smith, Philadelphia Eagles — A 1,000-yard receiver with the Giants two years ago, Smith managed just 11 catches with the Eagles in 2011 and has struggled with knee issues. If healthy he could be a solid receiver, but it's fair to wonder he was inflated by Eli Manning's gun-slinging ways in New York.
• Eric Weems, Atlanta Falcons — Weems has never caught more than 11 passes in a season (which he did in 2011), but he has two career touchdown returns and a 25.6 kickoff return average. He's in the upper half in the league in that department and should continue to work there.
• Roy Williams, Chicago Bears — After a strong start to his career in Dallas, Williams busted in Dallas and Chicago and continues to be a mediocre receiver with little ability to separate or make plays. At age 30, his starting days might be nearing an end.

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2012 Free Agency Top Fives: Tight End

Over the next month leading up to the free-agent signing period on March 13, I'll be taking a look at the best players slated for free agency this offseason.

In this entry, I'll examine the top tight ends expected to hit the open market next month, as well as some other notable names at the position.


1. Fred Davis, Washington Redskins

A second-round pick back in 2008, Davis took advantage of Chris Cooley's degenerative healh and experienced a breakout season in 2011, racking up 796 yards on 59 catches in just 12 games. The biggest issue with Davis is maturity, as he was suspended four games this past season for a failed drug test and could be another flunk away from a year-long suspension. Although he's not much of a blocker, Davis is a dynamic receiving threat in fitting with today's trend at the position and he could help any offense.


2. Joel Dreessen, Houston Texans

Some would say he's not even the best tight end on team, but Dreessen is a vastly underrated and very complete tight end. Over the past two seasons, Dreessen has totaled 64 receptions, 871 yards and 10 touchdowns while grading out as one of the best run-blocking tight ends in the game. He's not going to light toe world on fire with size or speed, but the Anthony Fasano-type can do it all and could contribute to a lot of offenses as a No. 2 tight end or starter fill-in.


3. Jeremy Shockey, Carolina Panthers

The 14th overall pick in 2002, Shockey has managed to have a very steady career marred only by a bit of trouble staying healthy. He's never played 16 games in a single season in a decade of pro football, but the 31-year-old is still capable of stretching the field after posting his best yards-per-catch mark since 2005. Shockey is a little risky as your only capable tight end, but he can still contribute as part of a duo and shouldn't be too expensive at this point.


4. Martellus Bennett, Dallas Cowboys

Overshadowed by Jason Witten in Dallas, the 2008 second-rounder never surpassed 283 receiving yards in a season (which he did as a rookie) and doesn't have a single touchdown reception in the past three years. Interestingly, the impressive athlete has become one of the best blocking tight ends in the game, ranking No. 3 in that department in 2010 and at the very top this past season. Bennett's biggest problem has always been maturity and self-motivation, but if he can get his head on straight and commit to the craft, he absolutely has starting ability.


5. Kellen Davis, Chicago Bears

Admittedly, Davis only cracks the top five because the Packers re-signed Jermichael Finley this week. That being said, the 26-year-old is a solid blocker with good size (6-7, 267) and became quite a red-zone threat in 2011 with five touchdowns in only 31 total targets on the season. If given the chance, Davis could prove to be a solid NFL starter, but at the very least is a capable No. 2 man.

Beyond the Top Five

• Anthony Becht, Kansas City Chiefs — A first-round pick by the Jets back in 2000, Becht has bounced around the league since and hasn't surpassed 100 yards receiving in a season in five years. The 34-year-old has no athleticism left and isn't even a great blocker anymore, so his career is probably over.
• John Carlson, Seattle Seahawks — After two impressive seasons to begin his career, Carlson set career lows across the board in 2010 and missed the entire 2011 season with a shoulder injury. Still just 27, Carlson has starting upside if he can stay healthy and focused. He's a low-risk, high-reward guy.
• Scott Chandler, Buffalo Bills — A fourth-round pick in 2007, Chandler bounced around between the Cowboys (twice), Cowboys, and Giants before finally landing in Buffalo in 2010. Entering 2011 with just one career reception, Chandler totaled 38 receptions, 389 yards and six touchdowns. Despite his "breakout," Chandler disappears a lot of the time and isn't much of a blocker. I don't see him with long-term starting potential.
• Daniel Fells, Denver Broncos — In his first season as a full-time starter, Fells managed just 19 receptions, 256 yards and three scores while struggling as a blocker. He doesn't profile as more than a backup and there's little upside at 28.
• Reggie Kelly, Atlanta Falcons — Kelly returned to Atlanta in 2011 after eight seasons with the Bengals. Now 35, Kelly caught just one pass in 16 games this season, but did grade out positively as a blocker. That's about all he offers and he's not going to be that appealing on the market.
• Donald Lee, Cincinnati Bengals — Once a fairly productive starter with the Packers, Lee failed to make the Eagles' roster out of camp and wound up playing in nine games for the Bengals in 2011, totaling 11 catches for 115 yards. Soon turning 32, I suspect Lee will have a difficult time prolonging his career more than a couple years.
• Randy McMichael, San Diego Chargers — Working as the backup to Antonio Gates for the past two seasons, McMichael has racked up 50 catches for 492 yards and two touchdowns. He had starting potential back in his earlier years, but McMichael is no more than a backup as a soon-to-be 33-year-old.
• Justin Peelle, San Francisco 49ers — A 10-year NFL veteran, Peelle record his lowest catch total (one) in 2011 while failing to grade out well as a blocker. He's nothing more than a backup at 32 and doesn't offer much as a fill-in.
• Leonard Pope, Kansas City Chiefs — A third-round pick of the Cardinals back in 2006, Pope has been a major disappointment despite his appealing 6-foot-8 size. Although he posted career highs in receptions (24) and receiving yards (247) with the Chiefs in 2011, he graded out as PFF's 110th tight end (out of 111) and clearly doesn't have what it takes to be an NFL starter.
• Bo Scaife, Cincinnati Bengals — After a handful of solid seasons in Tennessee, the former sixth-round pick spent his first season with the Bengals in IR with a shoulder injury. He's always had starting potential, but his opportunities might be waning at 31.
• Visanthe Shiancoe, Minnesota Vikings — Once a backup with the Giants, Shiancoe was at his best a few years ago with 18 touchdowns and two 596-yard seasons between 2008 and 2009. His production has taken a hit since and he's not much of a blocker, so he's really nothing more than a short-term starting option at this point.
• Alex Smith, Cleveland Browns — Smith entered the league as a promising tight end with the Bucs in 2005, but he's since fizzles in stints with the Patriots, Eagles and Browns. He's not much of a blocker and not all that appealing a backup either.
• Jacob Tamme, Indianapolis Colts — Tamme did a nice job filling in for Dallas Clark in 2010 with 67 catches for 631 yards and four touchdowns, but he's clearly not the same guy without Peyton Manning throwing to him. Most teams aren't going to view him as a starter.

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Dolphins win coin toss, land 8th pick in 2012 NFL Draft

After an 0-7 start to the 2011 season, the Dolphins capped off the year with a 6-3 record in the last nine games, sufficiently ruining any chance of a top-five pick. Fortunately, a bit of luck has improved their draft standing slightly.

Entrenched in a tie with the Carolina Panthers for the eighth pick in April's NFL Draft, the Dolphins won a coin toss early Friday morning at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, meaning they will pick eighth and the Panthers ninth in the draft's first round.

The order will alternate by round throughout the draft, meaning the Dolphins will pick before Carolina in rounds one, three, five and seven, and the Panthers will pick ahead of Miami in rounds two, four and six. (The Saints have the Dolphins' sixth-round pick in a swap for running back Reggie Bush, while the Bears have Carolina's third-round pick in the Greg Olsen trade.)

The coin flip was a result of tiebreaker procedures after the Dolphins and Panthers both ended up with identical records (7-9) and strengths of schedule (.504). Because the two teams are in different conferences, divisional and conference records are not used as tiebreakers.

While the Dolphins' earning the eighth pick is certainly a positive, it won't necessarily affect who they are able to pick in the first round. The Dolphins and Panthers do have some overlapping needs (defensive end, offensive line) but the Panthers could also target cornerback, wide receiver and defensive tackle, while Miami would be more likely to focus on quarterback (or a trade down) if they don't take a pass rusher or offensive tackle.

Where this small victory does come into play a bit more is in trading the pick, as the Dolphins now have slightly better ammo with which to move up or down in the draft. Many of us are holding out hope for a blockbuster deal to land Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III at the Rams' No. 2 pick, but that remains an extreme long shot and a trade down is much more realistic.

The 2012 NFL Draft begins the night of Thursday, April 26, but the Dolphins' draft needs will become much clearer after the free agent signing period, which will open March 13 at 4 p.m. ET.


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2012 Free Agency Top Fives: Center

Over the next month leading up to the free-agent signing period on March 13, I'll be taking a look at the best players slated for free agency this offseason.

In this entry, I'll examine the top centers expected to hit the open market next month, as well as some other notable names at the position.


1. Chris Myers, Houston Texans

A sixth-round pick by the Broncos in 2005, Myers was plucked away by the Texans as a restricted free agent in 2008. Since then, he's started all 64 regular season games and been the anchor of the best run-blocking offensive line in recent history, paving way for undrafted running back Arian Foster to rank among the NFL's elite. Myers has gotten consistently better from year to year and is playing better than ever as arguably the best center in the game, which Nick Mangold being the only competition. The Texans will attempt to retain him, but any team would have to have him.


2. Scott Wells, Green Bay Packers

Originally a seventh-round guard in 2004, Wells found a home at center in 2006 and has started 98 games over the past six seasons. He's developed a strong chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, holding up well in pass protection while also being an efficient run blocker for a backfield that has constantly lacked much talent. The 31-year-old doesn't stand out on physical tools, but he could start for a lot of teams.


3. Todd McClure, Atlanta Falcons

Selected by the Falcons in the seventh round all the way back in 1999, McClure has been a mainstay on Atlanta's offensive line for more than a decade. He has 179 starts and 182 regular season games under his belt and is still playing at a high level at 35. He should have three or four more good seasons left as a starter, whether it's in Atlanta or elsewhere.


4. Jeff Saturday, Indianapolis Colts

Easily one of the best undrafted offensive linemen to ever play the game, Saturday entered the league with the Ravens in 1998 before joining the Colts and working his way into the starting lineup a year later. A five-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro, Saturday has opened 188 of 197 career games played as Peyton Manning's partner in crime for the entire last decade. He'll be 36 next season and might not want to play in a lot of places, but he can still produce at a high level and will find starting opportunities if he wants them.


5. Matt Birk, Baltimore Ravens

A sixth-rounder out of Harvard in 1998, Birk was a six-time Pro Bowler in an 11-year stint with the Vikings before coming over to the Ravens as a free agent in 2009. Although he's nearing 36 years of age, Birk is still a top-10 center in the league and one of the best technicians around. He's started 171 career regular season games and will have more ahead of him if he doesn't opt for retirement.


Beyond the Top Five

• Dan Connolly, New England Patriots — Perhaps best known for his 71-yard kickoff return in 2010, Connolly has started 28 games over the past three seasons but hasn't graded out particularly well. He's best suited for a versatile backup as a center and guard.
• Andre Gurode, Baltimore Ravens — A five-time Pro Bowler with the Cowboys, Gurode started only five games in 2011 while playing guard and center. He's best suited for the snapper position and is a capable starter, but the soon-to-be 34-year-old isn't entering the market on a high note.
• Nick Hardwick, San Diego Chargers — A third-rounder in 2004, Hardwick has started all 32 games over the past two seasons and was a Pro Bowler in 2006. Still just 30 years old, Hardwick has the talent to be a top-10 starting center.
• Dan Koppen, New England Patriots — The Patriots' long-time starting center, Koppen spent most of the 2011 season on IR with a broken ankle suffered in the season opener. A two-time Super Bowl champion and 2007 Pro Bowler, the 32-year-old can still start in this league and be productive if he's healthy.
• Will Montgomery, Washington Redskins — After five seasons working primarily as a backup with the Panthers, Jets and Redskins, Montgomery started all 16 games during the 2011 season, with 13 coming at center and the other three at left guard. He graded out fairly well this past season, but is probably better suited for a backup role at all three interior positions.
• Manny Ramirez, Denver Broncos — A mauling fourth-rounder out of Texas Tech in 2007, Ramirez busted with the Lions and played in just two games with the Broncos in 2011. At 29, it doesn't seem like he's going to be a legitimate starting option.
• Brett Romberg, Atlanta Falcons — A nine-year veteran since being undrafted out of Miami in 2003, Romberg has had stints with the Jaguars (2003-06), Rams (2006-08) and Falcons (2009, 2011), but has only started 18 career games (all with the Rams). He's undersized and will be 33 next season, so he's extremely unlikely to break out now.
• Samson Satele, Oakland Raiders — The Dolphins' second-round pick in 2007, Satele has had an up-and-down career and has struggled with the bigger nose tackles in the NFL. That being said, he's coming off a pretty solid year and already had 74 NFL starts under his belt at age 27. He should be able to maintain a starting job in the NFL for quite some time.
• Casey Wiegmann, Kansas City Chiefs — There have been times where it looked like Wiegmann's career was pretty much done, but the undersized 38-year-old keeps hanging around and is still a pretty good blocker. Wiegmann has missed just one start in the last decade and could probably keep going as long as he wants to play.
• Tony Wragge, San Francisco 49ers — A long-time veteran with only 15 starts entering the 2011 season, Wragge opened eight of 15 contests in his first season with the Rams in 2011 and graded out very poorly. The 32-year-old just isn't a starting talent.

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