Steve McKinney analysis video

It took a little longer than it should have because, well, I forgot. But here's my analysis video on the Steve McKinney signing. It's definitely worth watching, as the McKinney signing does have some implications beyond his immediate impact. Enjoy!

Dolphins to sign veteran OL Steve McKinney

As I and I'm sure many others predicted with the release of Drew Mormino, the Dolphins are expected to add a veteran guard to the mix by tomorrow. The Houston Chronicle reports that former Texans lineman Steve McKinney - older brother of former Dolphin Seth McKinney - is expected to be signed by the Dolphins tomorrow. I'll have more info and analysis on this move if and when it becomes official, but just wanted to get the word out there already.

Dolphins waive C/G Drew Mormino

As it turns out, No. 1 overall pick Jake Long won't have to do any negotiating for No. 77.

In a somewhat surprising move, lineman Drew Mormino was waived/failed physical today. Mormino was drafted by the Dolphins in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft out of Central Michigan. He spent all of his rookie season on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.

I say this is somewhat surprising because despite the fact he spent all of last season on injured reserve, the Dolphins are very thin at the interior offensive line spots and Mormino's versatility at center and guard seemed like a plus. In fact, I'd gone so far as to say this offseason that I thought Mormino was definitely going to be in the mix for the open spot, if not the favorite. While it's always a possibility that Mormino could be brought back when healthy, it seems unlikely given his injury, draft placement and the front office's lack of allegiance to him as a player from the former regime.

Mormino's absence now leaves the Dolphins with even less depth at center and guard. Undrafted free agent Mike Byrne (Delaware) is currently the only other listed center on the roster after starter Samson Satele. At guard beyond guaranteed starter Justin Smiley, you have rookies Shawn Murphy and Donald Thomas in addition to Trey Darilek and Ike Ndukwe. I'm unsure if any of these players have experience at center, but I've yet to see anything to indicate it.

Any way you look at it, Miami is lacking depth at the guard position - especially in experience. While Murphy maybe develop into a solid starter one day, it's unknown whether he'll be able to start from Day 1. The lack of experience and the release of Mormino raise the question of whether Miami is going to consider bringing in a cheap veteran to either start or provide depth just for the 2008 season. It's definitely not something I'd be opposed to, as we already have one rookie on the offensive line in Jake Long and a temporary veteran fix might be the best thing for the immediate future. It is definitely something to keep an eye on as training camp creeps closer.

2008 Draft Analysis: Part III

This is the second four videos covering the Dolphins' 2008 NFL Draft selections, with this one discussing the selections of Utah State guard Shawn Murphy and Toledo running back Jalen Parmele. I also talk about the trading of running back Lorenzo Booker to the Philadelphia Eagles. Be sure to check out the rest of the draft analysis videos as well as the rest of my videos from the day!

ERFAs Camarillo, Cobbs and Ndukwe re-signed

The Dolphins re-signed all their remaining exclusive-rights free agents today as wide receiver Greg Camarillo, running back Patrick Cobbs and guard Ike Ndukwe signed their one-year tenders.

Exclusive-rights free agents are players with fewer than three accrued NFL seasons whose contracts had expired. As ERFAs, the three had no negotiating rights with other teams and could only re-sign with the Dolphins or not play football in 2008.

Background & Analysis

Camarillo was claimed off waivers from the Chargers prior to the season opener in 2007. He appeared in 15 games for the Dolphins, catching eight passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns. He also made three special teams tackles.

Despite his heroics in Miami's only win of the season, Camarillo will face stiff competition to make the team. Assuming Miami keeps five receivers, Ernest Wilford, Ted Ginn, Jr. and Derek Hagan are all locks or close to it. Miami could also draft a receiver in the first three rounds which one take up another spot, while players like Tab Perry and David Kircus are more talented receivers than Camarillo. He will likely be in competition with Perry, Kircus, Kerry Reed, Chandler Williams and a couple drafted and undrafted rookies for the last receiver spot. His special teams abilities will help his chances.

Cobbs has nearly all of the past two seasons with the Dolphins after going undrafted in 2006. He is a sub-par rusher and a solid special teams player, and would likely begin the season as fourth on the depth chart at running back if camp opened today. A few more bodies will likely come through cheap free agents or undrafted rookies, and Cobbs will have to earn his spot on the roster with all-around good play. Slowed rehabilitation for Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams would help Cobbs' chances, but he's still going to have his hands full.

Ike Ndukwe was signed by the Dolphins off Baltimore's practice squad in late December after cornerback Andre' Goodman was placed on injured reserve. He was inactive for the season finale against Cincinnati. The 25-year-old Ndukwe has also spent time with the New Orleans Saints Washington Redskins and has bounced between the active roster and practice squad throughout his career. His only regular season game experience came in 2006 with Baltimore. He is also the older brother of Bengals safety Chinedum Ndukwe.

Ndukwe (6-4, 338) is the kind of big-bodied offensive lineman that Parcells loves. He also has a few years of learning experience and is a solid run blocker. Miami is currently lacking a starting left guard, but Ndukwe likely won't get much of a chance at the role. He is, one of only three guards on the roster after Justin Smiley and should have a good chance to compete for a reserve role with Trey Darilek and Drew Mormino, but Miami is likely to add more competition before camp.

2008 Offseason Preview: Centers & Guards

Well I'm back on track with my first offensive line video of the day! This one is on the center (briefly) and guard positions as the Dolphins head toward free agency. Also, be sure to catch the offensive tackles video in the post above!