One thing I failed to mention in any of my six videos from today was the release of four players by the Dolphins in recent weeks. The Dolphins parted ways with quarterback Matt Baker and nose tackle Steve Fifita on April 29, while defensive end Derreck Robinson and linebacker Abraham Wright were let go on May 5.
I'm not sure these transactions are really video-worthy (though that hasn't stopped me before!) so I'm just going to provide a little analysis on each one in good ol' text form. 56k users rejoice!
Matt Baker
Baker was the fourth and final quarterback on the roster after Casey Bramlet was let go and Chad Henne was picked up on Day 1 of the draft. Because the other three - Beck, McCown and Henne - are essentially all locks to make the team, there was really no point in keeping the guy around. On a side note, he was later picked up by the Buffalo Bills, where he'll compete for the No. 3 job with former Dolphin Gibran Hamdan and undrafted free agent Luke Drone.
Steve Fifita
Easily the most surprising of these four cuts, given our lack of depth at nose tackle and the fact that he out-played 2007 fourth-rounder Paul Soliai, who remains with the team, last season. Hopefully, this is a vote of confidence for Soliai and our undrafted rookies (Kory Robertson and Anthony Toribio). Fifita was later picked up by the Patriots (surprise, surprise) and he could have a shot at securing a backup nose tackle job behind Vince Wilfork.
Derreck Robinson
A prototypical 3-4 end, but one from the previous regime in a now very crowed position. After we took three defensive ends on the draft, there was simply no way Robinson was going to make the club even if he did fit the scheme. It wouldn't be surprising if he landed in Baltimore, another 3-4 team that also features Cam Cameron as it's offensive coordinator.
Abraham Wright
Wright is another guy that fit the scheme, but he too had quite a few guys ahead of him on the depth chart. Our seventh-round pick from 2007 was a prototypical 3-4 outside linebacker, but he struggled with injuries as a rookie and wasn't going to beat out the likes of Reggie Torbor, Junior Glymph and Quentin Moses.
Welcome to the Miami Dolphins Spotlight. My goal is to provide insight and analysis on Miami Dolphins-related matters, whether they be games, signings, draft picks or other happenings. The form of the content may vary, from written articles to video reports. Feedback is welcome so feel free to comment on my posts or email me. Enjoy!
Main / Videos / Files / Labels / RSS / YouTube / Links / About / AIM / E-Mail
Archives
Friday, May 9, 2008
Dolphins release Matt Baker, Steve Fifita, Derreck Robinson and Abraham Wright
2008 Draft Analysis: Part IV
This is the second four videos covering the Dolphins' 2008 NFL Draft selections, with this one discussing the selections of Connecticut guard Donald Thomas, Montana running back Lex Hilliard and Arizona defensive end Lionel Dotson. Be sure to check out the rest of the draft analysis videos as well as the rest of my videos from the day!
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!
2008 Draft Analysis: Part II
This is the second four videos covering the Dolphins' 2008 NFL Draft selections, with this one discussing the selections of Michigan quarterback Chad Henne and Hampton defensive end Kendall Langford. Be sure to check out the rest of the draft analysis videos as well as the rest of my videos from the day!
2008 Draft Analysis: Part I
This is the first of four videos covering the Dolphins' 2008 NFL Draft selections, with this one discussing the selections of Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long and Clemson defensive end Phillip Merling. Be sure to check out the rest of the draft analysis videos as well as the rest of my videos from the day!
The first of six new videos today!
Well I've finally gotten caught up and I have six new videos covering trades, draft picks and undrafted free agents involving the Dolphins in recent weeks. This is the first video, so it's where you should start if you reaaaaally want to get the full effect of the six-video run. It is on the acquisition of tight end Anthony Fasano and linebacker Akin Ayodele from the Dallas Cowboys.
Friday, April 25, 2008
2008 Round One Mock Draft
With the 2008 NFL Draft tomorrow, I thought it was time to post my Round 1 mock draft. I've also added Miami's No. 32 pick here, just because the first round usually has 32 picks and I figured what the hell. Here's the mock, with explanations of each pick.
1. Miami Dolphins - Jake Long, offensive tackle, Michigan
Call me crazy, but I just have a feeling this is going to happen. I know it's a long shot. (Hey, that's a pun!)
In all seriousness, while Long was not my first choice (Gholston was), it's definitely a good pick and will go a long way in solidifying the offensive line. It allows the team to move Vernon Carey back to right tackle, for which he is far better suited.
2. St. Louis Rams - Chris Long, defensive end, Virginia
I think Jake Long would have been the pick here had he not gone No. 1, and now it's really a toss-up between Dorsey and Chris Long. I say they go with Long, as they might be wary to take another defensive tackle after so many failures at that position before.
3. Atlanta Falcons - Matt Ryan, quarterback, Boston College
Ryan had a long drought here for me - I had him a long time ago, and didn't again until today. It seems like Dorsey is the most likely pick, but I have a feeling they go with Ryan. In my opinion, it's the right move; the sooner they move on from Vick the better.
4. Oakland Raiders - Darren McFadden, running back, Arkansas
Gholston or Dorsey will be tempting here and they'd be my top two choices if I were Oakland, but in the end I don't think the speed-loving Al Davis can pass up on McFadden. Possibly the best player in the draft, McFadden is definitely worthy of the pick and would provide a huge boost to Oakland's running game.
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Branden Albert, Guard, Virginia
Few prospects have had their stock rise as rapidly as Albert in the past few months. He's gone from the best guard prospect and late first-round pick to a legit left tackle prospect and a top 5 pick. The Chiefs desperately need offensive line help and Albert would go a long way in improving that. You also have to imagine they could field a ton of offers if Dorsey is still available here.
6. New York Jets - Vernon Gholston, defensive end, Ohio State
As much as I like Gholston, I don't think he's the ideal pick for the Jets simply because they have a lot of money already invested in the outside linebacker position. Nevertheless, Gholston is the best 3-4 OLB in the draft and will excel in that role, plus the Jets will do anything to keep him away from the Patriots.
7. New England Patriots - Leodis McKelvin, cornerback, Troy
The Patriots will desperately try to trade out of this spot and I expect it to happen. But since I'm not projecting trades and I have Gholston off the board, I think McKelvin would be the pick. The corner spot is a little thin for them, especially after losing Asante Samuel in free agency. They could also take the best available 3-4 OLB in Derrick Harvey, but a trade out seems most likely.
8. Baltimore Ravens - Glenn Dorsey, defensive tackle, Louisiana State
To be honest, I think of Dorsey began to fall someone would trade up ahead of Baltimore and he'd be off the board. But since I'm not projecting trade and I have guys like Ryan and McKelvin gone, I think they could just take the best player available in Dorsey. He could definitely play end in the 3-4 and would create an insanely good front with Haloti Ngata and Kelly Gregg. The Ravens could also go with a 3-4 rusher in Harvey or take an offensive tackle to eventually replace Ogden.
9. Cincinnati Bengals - Sedrick Ellis, defensive tackle, Southern California
The Bengals' interior defensive line is pretty bare and Ellis would be a great pick for them here. Derrick Harvey could also be an option, as could a linebacker, offensive tackle or receiver, but Ellis is the best player available and also fills a need.
10. New Orleans Saints - Keith Rivers, linebacker, Southern California
I personally think corner is the bigger need given the additions of Vilma and Morgan, but McKelvin's going higher in my mock and I don't think any of the other guys at the position are worth the No. 10 pick. If they can't trade up for Dorsey or Ellis and McKelvin is gone, Rivers would be a sensible pick and would definitely add talent to a position that has been pretty lackluster in recent years.
11. Buffalo Bills - Devin Thomas, wide receiver, Michigan State
The Bills could definitely use another receiver to pair with Lee Evans, and all indications are the team is smitten with Thomas. He's a little raw and inexperienced, but has good physical attributes and upside and would be a good complement to Evans. A corner would also make sense here.
12. Denver Broncos - Ryan Clady, offensive tackle, Boise State
The Broncos could go a few directions with this pick including running back, wide receiver, linebacker and back. With Matt Lepsis retiring, the Broncos are pretty thin at offensive tackle and I say they go with Clady here. Obviously, guys like Chris Williams and Jeff Otah would be in consideration here too so really it's a toss-up.
13. Carolina Panthers - Derrick Harvey, defensive end, Florida
If Derrick Harvey falls to No. 13, you can bet the Panthers will pounce on him here. With Mike Rucker retiring and Julius Peppers coming off a 2.5-sack season, it's time to add some young talent to the position. And offensive tackle or power back would also make sense here.
14. Chicago Bears - Jeff Otah, offensive tackle, Pittsburgh
The Bears' offensive line is aging and on the decline, and a mauler like Otah would be the perfect addition to the group. The Bears obviously need a quarterback but there isn't really one worth it here, so offensive tackle will do.
15. Detroit Lions - Jerod Mayo, linebacker, Tennessee
The Lions have plenty of bodies at linebacker, but outside of Ernie Sims there isn't much young talent. Mayo would be a great addition to their linebackers corps and could eventually make it one of the league's better ones. Running back is also a strong possibility and you have to figure he'll consider Stewart or Mendenhall if either is available.
16. Arizona Cardinals - Rashard Mendenhall, running back, Illinois
The Edgerrin James signing has not worked out as hoped and James has never acted like he plans on having a long career anyway. The Cardinals could use a good young back to take over within a year or two and Mendenhall fits the bill. With Antrel Rolle moving to safety (stupid), the Cardinals are pretty thin at corner so Mike Jenkins or DRC could be possibilities here as well.
17. Kansas City Chiefs - Phillip Merling, defensive end, Clemson
With offensive line having already been addressed, the Chiefs use one of the picks they got for defensive end Jared Allen to work toward replacing Allen. Tamba Hali is a good player and teaming him with Merling would allow the Chiefs to move Turk McBride inside with Tank Tyler and have a young and solid defensive line throughout. The falling Keith Rivers could also be appealing here, and the receiving corps after Dwayne Bowe is pretty bare as well.
18. Houston Texans - Jonathan Stewart, running back, Oregon
The Texans have a lot of bodies at the running back position, but not much talent. Stewart would give them a legitimate No. 1 back. They could also take someone like Rivers if he fell, and a defensive back like DRC remains a strong possibility as well.
19. Philadelphia Eagles - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, cornerback, Tennessee State
The Eagles already addressed cornerback in free agency by signing Asante Samuel, but with Lito Sheppard likely gone by the weekend a good young prospect would be a wise move. A wide receiver is also a strong possibility here, and you can't rule out an offensive tackle like Chris Williams either.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Chris Williams, offensive tackle, Vanderbilt
The Buccaneers failed with the Kenyatta Walker pick, so now it's time to try it again. Williams would be a strong left tackle addition to a pretty thing group that includes Anthony Davis, Luke Petitgout, Donald Penn, Jeremy Trueblood and some you probably haven't heard of. The cornerback position could be an option but keep in mind they very well might land Lito Sheppard on draft day. A young receiver would also make a lot of sense here too considering their best receiver (Galloway) is 75.
21. Washington Redskins - Mike Jenkins, cornerback, South Florida
A lot of people have Calais Campbell here and that would make sense, but I just can't see a team using this high a pick on him after the poor workouts he's had. With Carlos Rogers' season in doubt, Shawn Springs past his prime and Fred Smoot being, well, not that good, adding a corner like Jenkins would be a wise move. He could contribute to the return game as well.
22. Dallas Cowboys - Aqib Talib, cornerback, Kansas
After losing Jacques Reeves and Nathan Jones in free agency, the Cowboys could use some depth at corner and Talib would be a good addition here. Running back also remains an option but I have them addressing it a little later.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers - Gosder Cherilus, offensive tackle, Boston College
Branden Albert once looked like a strong possibility for Pittsburgh here, but those days are long gone. I think the Steelers will still go offensive line though and with Max Starks' long-term future with the team uncertain, they take Cherilus to work at the right tackle spot. They'd also probably consider Jonathan Stewart if he were to fall to this point.
24. Tennessee Titans - Limas Sweed, wide receiver, Texas
The Titans are lacking a true No. 1 receiver, and who better than an extremely talented player and former Vince Young teammate in Sweed to try and fill that void? Sweed has great size and hands and while Vince Young is close to beyond hope in the opinion of this writer, a former college teammate couldn't hurt. A defensive end to replace Antwan Odom would also make sense here.
25. Seattle Seahawks - Dustin Keller, tight end, Purdue
Having added T.J. Duckett and Julius Jones in free agency, running back is no longer as glaring a need and the Seahawks have other options with this pick. The Seahawks lack a real receiving threat at tight end and Keller is the only one even worthy of consideration in Round 1. A dark horse for this pick in my opinion would be Miami safety Kenny Phillips.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars - Kentwan Balmer, defensive tackle, North Carolina
Defensive line is a priority for the Jaguars inside and out, so it's a good bet they address it in some form here. I'm going Balmer to help fill the Marcus Stroud void, though a pass rusher like Lawrence Jackson or Quentin Groves is certainly possible too.
27. San Diego Chargers - Brandon Flowers, cornerback, Virginia Tech
One of the few needs for San Diego is cornerback after the loss of Drayton Florence in free agency, so I'm expecting them to address that need here in Flowers. A team as talented as San Diego can also make picks based on talent, so there are plenty of other directions they could go here too. Even a running back is a possibility with Michael Turner now in Atlanta.
28. Dallas Cowboys - Felix Jones, running back, Arkansas
If Darren McFadden doesn't fall for enough to entice Jerry Jones to trade up and grab him, Jones will settle for Arkansas' other back in Felix Jones. Julius Jones is gone and Marion Barber III appears to be a long shot to stay beyond 2008, so Felix Jones would be a great addition. Coming from Jerry Jones' alma mater doesn't hurt the situation.
29. San Francisco 49ers - DeSean Jackson, wide receiver, California
Jackson is a little on the small side, but he's a comparable athlete to Ted Ginn, Jr. and would add a potentially great deep threat to San Francisco's unimpressive receiving corps. They could also look at other receivers like Malcolm Kelly or James Hardy, or a pass rusher like Quentin Groves to team with Manny Lawson.
30. Green Bay Packers - Antoine Cason, cornerback, Arizona
The Packers' starting corners are both over 30 now, so it's time to add some talented youth to the position. I think Brandon Flowers is the pick if he falls this far, but since I have him going earlier I think Cason is the next logical choice.
31. New York Giants - Tyrell Johnson, safety, Arkansas State
With Gibril Wilson off to Oakland and Sammy Knight projected to start, safety is a big need and word is Johnson will be the first off the board. If he goes before the Giants then Kenny Phillips would probably be next in line. A linebacker like Dan Connor is really the only other justifiable direction to go in my eyes.
32. Miami Dolphins - Quentin Groves, defensive end, Auburn
Even if Jason Taylor plays for the Dolphins in 2008 (which I doubt), he's not going to be around much longer. In addition, Joey Porter was a free agent bust in 2007 and I think Parcells & Co. will want to find some young pass-rushing outside linebackers for the 3-4. Groves is a perfect fit for that role and would be a great pick for Miami at the beginning of Round 2.
Dolphins release eight players
The Dolphins have trimmed off some of the very bottom players from the roster to clear some space for the upcoming drafted and undrafted rookies. Eight players in all were let go, with seven being waived and one failing a physical. For more info and analysis on these moves, check out the following video, and also check out the updated projected depth chart below. Enjoy!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
DB Will Billingsley signed; regular season schedule released
The Dolphins finally got me, signing someone so obscure even I had never heard of him. The team added safety Will Billingsley on Monday. Billingsley was undrafted in 2007 and had yet to sign with anyone until we picked him up two days ago.
Also, the team's regular season schedule has been released. To find out more about Billingsley and hear some of my comments on the schedule, check out the following video. Enjoy!
Links:
Friday, April 4, 2008
Miami's options at No. 1
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Dolphins' draft positions set; team receives two compensatory selections
The Dolphins received two compensatory picks of the 32 allocated to NFL teams today - a sixth-round pick and a seventh-round pick. The picks are the results of Miami's actions in 2007 free agency based on the players lost and gained. Meanwhile, the entire seven-round draft order has been released and the Dolphins draft positions are set. They are as follow, with round first and overall pick in parentheses:
1 (1)
2 (32)
2 (57)
3 (64)
4 (100)
6 (195)
6 (204)
7 (208)
7 (245)
The second pick in each of the last two rounds is the compensatory selection.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Safety Chris Crocker signed
Analysis Video: Wide receiver Tab Perry signed
On March 16, the Dolphins signed wide receiver Tab Perry. Watch the following video for more info and analysis. Enjoy!
Analysis Video: Cornerback Nathan Jones signed
On March 14, the Dolphins signed cornerback Nathan Jones. Watch the following video for more info and analysis. Enjoy!
Analysis Video: Kicker Dave Rayner signed
On March 12, the Dolphins signed placekicker Dave Rayner. Watch the following video for more info and analysis. Enjoy!
Analysis Video: Safety Keith Davis signed
On March 11, the Dolphins added yet another former Cowboy in safety Keith Davis. Watch the following video for more info and analysis. Enjoy!
Analysis Video: Safety Yeremiah Bell re-signed
As promised, here is the first of six videos of mine catching back up on all the Miami transactions I've missed thus far. This first one is on the re-signing of strong safety Yeremiah Bell, which happened in early March. (Don't know how I missed this one!) Enjoy!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Updated depth chart and new jersey numbers
The Dolphins signed two more players today - safety Keith Davis and placekicker Dave Rayner. While I won't get to an analysis video of them until tomorrow, I've updated my projected depth chart to included them. It is now completely up-to-date. It can be viewed here.
Also, the Dolphins' official site has updated the team's roster and has added jersey numbers for all of the team's free agent additions. Here is a list of all the new/changed numbers:
#2 - Brandon Fields (changes from #4 to accommodate Josh McCown)
#4 - Josh McCown (takes Brandon Fields' old number)
#16 - Dave Rayner (most recently worn by practice squad wide receiver Marvin Allen)
#11 - Chandler Williams (changed from #18 to accommodate Ernest Wilford)
#18 - Ernest Wilford (takes Chandler Williams' old number)
#28 - Keith Davis (most recently worn by running back Jes se Chatman)
#56 - Charlie Anderson (most recently worn by linebacker Derrick Pope)
#59 - Reggie Torbor (most recently worn by linebacker Donnie Spragan)
#65 - Justin Smiley (most recently worn by offensive tackle Julius Wilson, who has switched to #78)
#84 - Ernest Wilford (most recently worn by wide receiver Chris Chambers)
#85 - David Kircus (most recently worn by tight end Jason Rader)
#89 - Sean Ryan (most recently worn by tight end Tim Massaquoi)
#94 - Randy Starks (most recently worn by defensive tackle Keith Traylor)
#95 - Jason Ferguson (most recently worn by defensive lineman Chase Page)
Phins Spotlight returns from spring break with a bang!
Sorry for the lack of content of late - I was on spring break and kind of busy with some stuff. When I last published, I was still lacking analysis on a handful of free agent signings from the Dolphins' early spending spree. But fear not my dear readers, because I've caught up and have four new analysis videos on all the players I hadn't done. So here there are, and enjoy!
Josh McCown
Boomer Grigsby
Randy Starks
Reggie Torbor
Saturday, March 1, 2008
One-line analysis and update on team's free agents
Since it's going to take a few hours to get some videos done and uploaded, I've decided to provide a little one-sentence analysis on each of Miami's additions. I should have at least three videos up tonight.
- OG Justin Smiley (49ers) - Great addition of a talented young blocker that fills a huge need on the offensive line.
- TE Sean Ryan (Jets) - Solid blocker to compete for a backup job.
- LB Reggie Torbor (Giants) - Good third linebacker that can start if necessary.
- DT Jason Ferguson (Cowboys) - Not a long-term fix, but came at a good price and fills an immediate need.
- DE Randy Starks (Titans) - talented, young player that should fit well at end in the 3-4.
- WR Ernest Wilford (Jaguars) - Underrated player that adds experience, reliability and provides a good complement to Ginn.
- QB Josh McCown (Raiders) - Sufficient short-term fix at quarterback until a long-term guy emerges or is found.
- LB Charlie Anderson (Texans) - Excellent special teams guy that will provide depth at inside linebacker.
Unrestricted Free Agents
- SS Yeremiah Bell
- RB Jesse Chatman
- OG Rex Hadnot
- CB Michael Lehan (re-signed)
- QB Cleo Lemon (Jaguars)
- OG Chris Liwienski
- OG Gene Mruczkowski
- LB Derrick Pope
- OT Mike Rosenthal
- FS Lance Schulters
- LB Donnie Spragan
- SS Travares Tillman
Restricted Free Agents
- RB Samkon Gado (not tendered)
- OL Cory Lekkerkerker (not tendered)
- WR Greg Camarillo (tendered)
- RB Patrick Cobbs (tendered)
- OG Ike Ndukwe (tendered)
- DL Chase Page (not tendered)