Dolphins cut three players, claim three off waivers

Everyone knew the Dolphins' roster wasn't finalized even after Saturday's cut down to 53, and that was confirmed the following day when the Dolphins made three transactions involving six players. The team waived wide receiver Anthony Armstrong, offensive lineman Trey Darilek and linebacker Rob Ninkovich while claiming three players off waivers - wide receiver Brandon London (Giants) and offensive lineman Andy Alleman (Saints) and Nate Garner (Jets).

The Odd Men Out

• Armstrong was signed during training camp as a member of arena league's Dallas Desperados. He impressed the staff with his deep-play ability in camp and finished the preseason with six catches for 61 yards. He was the sixth and final receiver on the roster before his release.
  
• Darilek, who attended training camp with the Cowboys in 2007 before heading to the CFL, opened camp as the starting right guard, worked some at tackle and played the final two preseason games at center.
• Ninkovich spent last season with the Dolphins after being claimed off waivers from the Saints. He was productive this preseason at outside linebacker, recording eight tackles and two sacks.
  

The Newcomers

• Undrafted out of UMass in 2007, wide receiver Brandon London spent his first season on the Giants' practice squad and received a Super Bowl ring when the Giants beat the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. In the 2008 preseason, London finished third on the team in receptions (7) and fourth in yards (86). He will wear No. 17 in Miami, which was most recently worn by undrafted receiver John Dunlap in camp.
• Alleman began his college career as a defensive end at Pitt before transferring to Akron and making the switch to the offensive line. He was selected in the third round by the Saints in 2007 but was inactive for 15 games his rookie season. (He dressed but did not play in the other.) Alleman will wear No. 57 in Miami, most recently worn by linebacker Titus Brown in camp.
  
• The lone drafted player among Miami's claims, offensive tackle Nate Garner was selected by the Jets in the seventh round this year out of Arkansas. He will wear No. 75 in Miami, which was most recently worn by undrafted guard Matt Spanos in camp.

Analysis

The most surprising cut of the three is Darilek. Not because Darilek was a good player, but because his versatility across the line had been so valued in camp. He worked plenty at guard and tackle and was most recently the second-team center behind Samson Satele. While Alleman, who will now backup Satele, easily has more upside that Darilek, I would have expected Ike Ndukwe to go before Darilek.

The release of Ninkovich is also somewhat of a surprise, albeit a minor one. Ninkovich did have a good camp and preseason, but he was nothing more than the third-string strong side linebacker and the team was sorely lacking offensive line depth. I do not believe Ninkovich is eligible for the practice squad, but I could be mistaken.

I had initially predicted Armstrong to be cut on Saturday, but it seems I was a day late. At his size (5-11, 175) there are durability concerns but he's got potential as a deep threat. He'll likely land on the practice squad.

I'm not going to claim to be an expert on the three players Miami claimed, because I am not. That being said, London does seem like a good pickup. He possesses good size at 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, and it sounds as if he made a strong case to beat out perennial disappointment Sinorice Moss in New York. (Perhaps Moss' draft status saved him.) I don't expect London to contribute any time soon, as he's more of a project than anything. Neither he nor Greg Camarillo is secure on the roster.

I will admit it is curious that Alleman, a third-round pick last year, was unable to even get on the field his rookie season. (Hey, neither could their first-rounder, Robert Meahem.) That being said, we know he's a solid prospect as a former third-rounder and the fact that nearly a quarter of the teams in the NFL (including the Jets and Patriots) put in claims for him bodes well for us too. The 6-foot-4, 310-pound Alleman will back up Satele at center and could develop into a reliable backup along the interior line.

I'm not saying it's the case, but realistically it's possible the claiming of Nate Garner from the Jets could be simply reconnaissance. Maybe the team does like the 6-foot-7, 310-pound Garner as a backup tackle and maybe they'll keep him, but there's no denying there is an advantage to bringing in a recently-released Jets player a week before we play them in the season opener. The Jets and Patriots do this kind of thing all the time trying to gain an edge on one another. Only time will tell how the Dolphins really view Garner, but don't be shocked if his tenure here following Week 1 is short. For now, he'll back up Vernon Carey at right tackle.

Undrafted rookie OL Pedro Sosa signed

Comfortably under today's new 75-man roster limit, the Dolphins added rookie offensive lineman Pedro Sosa on Monday. Sosa had initially worked out for the Dolphins in July but was not signed. He will wear No. 78.

Background

Sosa was a three-year starter at Rutgers at the left tackle position. He was named a second-team All-Big East selection as both a junior and a senior. A knee injury hampered his senior season and prevented him from participating in the NFL Scouting Combine. Originally projected as a mid-round selection, the injury caused Sosa to go undrafted in the 2008 NFL Draft. He initially worked out for the Dolphins in July but was not signed.

Analysis

This is a good, low-risk move by the Dolphins. Sosa is a legitimate NFL prospect and provides good competition for Miami's lacking offensive line depth. He has good quickness and athleticism, which make up for being slightly smaller (6-3, 310) than the ideal. He played tackle at Rutgers but probably projects more at guard at the next level. That being said, his experience at tackle does make help his versatility in the NFL.

One would initially assume such a late arrival would significantly hurt Sosa's chances of making the squad. That being said, Miami is sorely lacking both talent and experience in offensive line depth and none of their current backups (except Trey Darilek) are locks to make the team.

Sosa initially worked at right guard, and if he remains there he will provide direct competition for fellow undrafted rookie Matt Spanos (USC). Spanos has been working with the second-team at right guard lately, but he is a strong candidate to be replaced on the roster once final cuts are made and the Dolphins claim players from other teams.

I'm going to predict that Sosa makes the team ahead of Spanos, though if he does not he'd be a viable candidate for the practice squad. If Sosa proves he is healthy, he is a much better prospect than Spanos and should be able to jump him on the depth chart.

Veteran offensive lineman Steve McKinney released

In a somewhat surprising move, the Dolphins have parted ways with veteran offensive lineman Steve McKinney. The team signed had signed the 32-year-old McKinney in May.

I call the move somewhat surprising because McKinney was signed to provide some veteran depth in the interior line and potentially compete for the open starting guard spot. That being said, the move is not entirely surprising because rookie Donald Thomas has seemingly locked up that starting gig and McKinney is still recovering from the torn ACL that caused him to miss last season in Houston.

It's hard to determine whether or not this is more the result of McKinney's health or the team's confidence in it's younger backups. With the five starters apparently set, there are seven players competing for four (or possibly five, but I doubt it) backup spots.

Trey Darilek is the closest thing to a lock in my view because of his experience and versatility. He can literally play anywhere along the line, which is an extremely valuable thing because it saves teams a roster spot (or two) to use elsewhere. He also has experience with the staff from his time in Dallas during the 2007 preseason.

Rookie Shawn Murphy is close to a lock simply by being a fourth-round selection. That being said, he hasn't really shown much in camp and it's not out of the question that he could be cut. Even some third-rounders have been cut in recent years, including a current Dolphin in Quentin Moses.

I believe Cam Cameron holdover Ike Ndukwe makes the team because of his ability to play guard and tackle and the team's complete lack of other tackles on the roster. Ndukwe is a big-bodied prospect who has bounced around the league for a few years.

If we assume those three make the squad, you have undrafted rookies Mike Byrne (Delaware), Matt Spanos (Southern Cal) and Daren Heerspink (Portland State) likely competing for one final spot on the roster. I believe Byrne is the best shot of that group, as I've seen him play the most in the preseason and I know he's had plenty of time with the second team. He also has some versatility under his belt, with college experience at tackle and plenty of offseason and camp experience at the interior line spots.

However, it's important to remember that even if a guy like Byrne or Heerspink initially survives the final cuts, they are by no means safe in the long run. The ninth and likely final offensive lineman to make the roster will be a strong candidate to be cut in the event another player is claimed off waivers from another team. In fact, I'd be very surprised if we see no changes at the bottom spots of the line between final cuts and the regular season opener.

Dolphins sign G Riley, waive T Wilson

The Dolphins made another pair of roster moves today, adding free agent guard Rueben Riley while waiving second-year offensive tackle Julius Wilson.

A college teammate of Dolphins rookies Jake Long and Chad Henne at Michigan, the 23-year-old Riley was signed by the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He failed to make the cut following the preseason, but was added to the team's practice squad. Re-signed this offseason, Riley waived by the team on July 23.

Wilson, 24, was signed by the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent out of UAB last year. He spent the entire season on the practice squad before being re-signed this offseason. He was expected to compete for a backup tackle job in camp.

While there's no apparent talent loss with this move, the curious thing about it is that it leaves the Dolphins with only three listed tackles on the roster (Long, Vernon Carey, Daren Heerspink). I emphasize listed because obviously there are other players on the team with tackle experience, such as Trey Darilek. In fact after a little investigation, it appears Riley (6-4, 305) played right tackle his senior season at Michigan. With the undrafted Heerspink headlining the backup offensive tackles, one has to assume there are other guys on the roster that will get looks there as well.

All in all, this seems like a solid (though not hugely significant) signing. Riley has plenty of experience at a college powerhouse (37 games, 27 starts from 2003-2006) and clearly has some versatility as well. With plenty of bodies at guard, it will definitely take some of that versatility for him, or anyone, to secure a roster spot. He should not be considered likely to make the team at this point.

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.

Most Intriguing Training Camp Battles, No. 10: Backup OTs

He are a few facts about one of the Miami Dolphins' players:

• He did not play in the NFL last season
• He has not appeared in a regular season game since 2005
• He has played in 18 total regular season games
• He has never started a regular season NFL game

Who am I describing? That would be Miami offensive lineman Trey Darilek. The somewhat scary reality is that, despite all those facts I just presented, Darilek is Miami's most experienced backup offensive tackle. That could be a problem.

Let's forget the backups for a moment. Even the starting offensive tackles are causes for some concern. Jake Long appears destined to start at quite possibly the second-hardest position in the whole game, and first overall pick or no he's still a rookie. Meanwhile, Vernon Carey is coming off a very poor season at left tackle and moving back to the right side.

Then you have the backups, if they are even worthy of being called that. After Darilek, you have a second-year undrafted player in Julius Wilson (UAB) and two undrafted rookies in Dan Gore (Boise State) and Daren Heerspink (Portland State).

And that's it.

Miami is clearly lacking experience at the backup tackle position and it will be interesting to see which, if any, of these players emerge as worthy of a roster spot. Excluding Darilek, it's entirely possible that none are worthy of such a spot right now. That is why some outside help could be brought in.

Miami could and should bring in some veteran help at some point during camp or the preseason. To be honest, I was very surprised to see the Dolphins not go after former Cowboy and Jet Jason Fabini, who re-signed with the Redskins. A few of the players still on the market I would consider are: Anthony Clement, Nat Dorsey, Wayne Gandy, Stockar McDougle (again), Fred Miller, Stephen Peterman and Kevin Sampson.

While most of these players are not quality starters, some (Gandy, Miller) have quite a bit of experience and could easily jump into the lineup because of injuries. Meanwhile, Peterman was drafted by the Cowboys under Parcells in 2004. While not the sexiest of names, all have at least some experience and have proved they are at least capable of playing in the NFL. This is more than can currently be said for current Miami's backup tackle options, which is why the Dolphins need to add someone to the mix.

The position(s): Backup offensive tackle
Number of spots: Possible one, likely two
The contenders: Trey Darilek, Julius Wilson, Dan Gore, Daren Heerspink
Predicted winner(s): Darilek and a veteran yet to be added
Reason: Darilek seems like a keeper given the lack of competition, his experience, his versatility across the line and his history with the Cowboys ('07 training camp). As for the other spot, I simply don't trust the undrafted guys to be ready to back up Long and Carey at the moment and unless one really came out of nowhere it'd be wise to add more experience, so that is what I think Miami will do.

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.

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: Offensive Tackles

Here's my second offensive line video of the day, this one on the offensive tackles. Be sure to check out my video on the centers and guards in the entry below. The next video in the series, on the tight end position, will be Thursday. Enjoy!

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 sign three players; coaching staff nearly complete

The have signed three players for 2008 - quarterback Matt Baker, offensive lineman Trey Darilek and linebacker Junior Glymph. For background information and analysis on these three newest Dolphins, plus news on the nearly-finished coaching staff, watch the following video.