Most Intriguing Training Camp Battles, No. 2: Starting LG

First overall pick Jake Long has the potential to be a franchise left tackle. Former first-rounder Vernon Carey is now at his more natural right tackle. 2007 second-rounder Samson Satele is coming off a tremendous rookie campaign. Free-agent pickup Justin Smiley upgrades the right guard spot over the departed Rex Hadnot. Miami's young offensive line is certainly coming together quite nicely. Only problem is there's still one piece missing.

With the departure of Chris Liwienski (the definition of addition by subtraction) the Dolphins have an opening at the starting left guard spot. As with the tackle depth, there isn't much of a veteran presence here. In fact, there was essentially no experience there until the Dolphins added Steve McKinney in May. Tackle Trey Darilek, who played in in 18 games for the Eagles from 2004-2005 but none since, can also play guard.

Beyond that, you have two drafted rookies in fourth-rounder Shawn Murphy and sixth-rounder Donald Thomas plus 2007 holdover Ike Ndukwe. Dale Murphy's kid is a strong, solid run blocker who should develop into a solid starter, while Thomas is experienced and raw but has some upside. Ndukwe also possesses the bulk (6-4, 330) at guard that Parcells loves. That being said, none are likely ready to start from Day 1.

If he's healthy, McKinney is my pick (and my hope) to start at left guard initially. He's got tons of experience at the position, having started the majority of his 143 games with the Colts and Texans there. An added bonus is that in the event of an injury to Satele, McKinney could slide over to center and you could plug in Murphy at guard. Unfortunately, McKinney is recovering from a torn ACL that kept him out of most of last season. He was reportedly "75 to 80 percent" healed in May, which is cause for optimism as camp opens tomorrow.

Unlike at some positions, the Dolphins have both the veteran experience for the present and the youth for the future at guard. With Miami's offensive line already 80 percent, they aren't far off from having one of the best young lines in football.

The position(s): Starting left guard

Number of spots: One

The contenders: Steve McKinney, Shawn Murphy, Donald Thomas, Trey Darilek, Ike Ndukwe

Predicted winner(s): McKinney

Reason: With a rookie left tackle and an overall young offensive line, Miami could use a veteran presence and McKinney is the only current in-house player that fits the bill. While only a temporary fix, McKinney is a proven player that should turn in a solid performance if healthy. Meanwhile, Shawn Murphy can be groomed to start by 2009 or even late this season, while Thomas can continue to be developed as well.

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 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 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!

Dolphins hire Maser as OL coach

The Miami Dolphins made their first assistant coach hiring under Tony Sparano and second of the offseason today, naming Mike Maser offensive line coach. Maser had previously served in the same capacity for the Carolina Panthers from 2003 to 2006, and worked with Sparano when the two were assistants for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2002.

Maser replaced Hudson Houck, who recently re-joined the Dallas Cowboys after serving a Miami's offensive line coach from 2005 to 2007.

Background

Born in 1947 in Clayton, New York, the 61-year-old Maser has over 35 years of college and pro coaching experience. He was a guard for the University of Buffalo from 1966 to 1968 and then held various assistant titles for multiple high schools and colleges, including Buffalo, Marshall and Maine, through 1980.

From 1981 to 1993, Maser served as offensive line coach for Boston College. The Eagles went to six bowl games during Maser's time with the team and produced the school's only Heisman Trophy winner to date in Doug Flutie (1984).

In 1995, Maser moved to the NFL coaching ranks as offensive line coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He held the title through the 2002 season, during which time linemen Tony Boselli and Leon Searcy earned a combined seven Pro Bowl selections. The team also had three all-rookie selections in center Michael Cheever (1996), guard Brad Meester (2000) and tackle Maurice Williams (2001). The Jaguars also topped 2,000 yards rushing in four of Maser's last five seasons with the team.

With the Panthers from 2003 to 2006, the team produced three of the five-highest rushing totals and three of the four-lowest sack totals in team history. Under Maser's tutelage in 2004, guard Mike Wahle become the first offensive lineman selected to the Pro Bowl in franchise history.

Analysis

While Maser has an impressive résumé, so did Hudson Houck when he arrived in Miami. The team's run blocking improved greatly under Houck and this progress was most evident in 2007, however the pass protection has continued to be abysmal. Since most of Maser's accolades revolve around the run, it's hard to know what to expect.

In Houck's defense, a lot of Miami's problems on the offensive line may have just been the result of a lack of talent. Vernon Carey is clearly not meant to be a left tackle, while Chris Liwienski and L.J. Shelton shouldn't be starting for anyone. Rookie center Samson Satele was the lone bright spot for the unit in 2007, and while free agent Rex Hadnot's had his ups and downs it would be wise to retain him. Yet even with Satele and Hadnot, there's still a long way to go for this group.