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MIAMI
DOLPHINS
Pro
Sports Daily Official
Site USA
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2008
draft 2007 draft
2006 draft 2005
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2004
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2009
DRAFT PICKS
links go to
NFL.com website
|
B-
|
2009
COLLEGE DRAFT REPORT CARD
|
by
Jay Goldberg
|
|
The
Dolphins did a solid job, but I disagree with their choices at
wide receiver and they missed a golden opportunity late in the
draft. They did add one of the better college street
free agents in Orin Martin, but he plays a suddenly very deep
position on the team.
DRAFT
PICKS
Vontae
Davis is a skilled and very athletic corner. He is a bit
of a hit or miss prospect because he doesn't always play up to
his athletic ability, however, his upside is Pro Bowl
caliber. Personally, I liked A Smith a little more,
because he goes out all the time and is a turnover machine,
but I can't fault Miami for drafting Davis ahead of him.
Pat
White was a great pick in round two. He has a NFL-arm
and is a terrific athlete. He will be a tough player to
defense when he comes in the game in short spurts since he can
line up in the wildcat, the regular offense or the
shotgun. Long term he will be a very good backup for
Henne as well, and could even push him to start.
Smith
is a tall corner with good speed and quickness for a tall
corner. I look for Smith to earn the starting spot
opposite Davis, if not later this year, then definitely by
next year. Another solid pick by Miami.
I
know Miami wanted a tall receiver, but they will rue the day
that they passed on Iglesias to draft Turner. Turner
looked reliable catching the ball and getting open during
Senior Bowl practices, but he didn't show those skills
consistently during games at USC, and doesn't have the measurables
that translate into a difference-maker in the NFL. On
the other hand, Iglesias made some very good catches during
Senior Bowl practices, as well as having a drop or two, but
had a terrific game. He's a gamer who will have a solid
NFL career.
I
also disagree with the selection of Hartline, although he is
very quick, has good size and is a trough kid. However,
with under-sized but high-flying with tremendous hands
Dilliard and super-fast, also quick Johnny Knox available, I
would have definitely grabbed one of those two receivers over
Hartline.
Although
I'm not sure that Nalbone wouldn't have been available in
round six, I can't find fault with selecting him since he is
one of the few tight ends who can block, catch and has good
speed.
I
like Clemons. Initially, he will be a special teams
terror. Down the line he should be a solid
starter. Clemons is strong, fast and very athletic.
Gardner
is another workout warrior (Clemons). He has good size,
speed and athleticism. He was a good get late in the
draft, but might need a year on the practice squad before
contributing on game day.
Folsom
is a specialty pick. He will perform well on special
teams and could be valuable in the nickel. However, with
inside linebacker Beckwith surprisingly available here, I
would have grabbed him. Worst case Beckwith will be a
solid backup. Best case, and what I expect, is that
Beckwith will grow into a solid starter.
COLLEGE
STREET FREE AGENTS
Marion
is an athletic receiver who had an incredible yards per catch
total at Tulsa. However, his workout belied those
results. It will be interesting to see if he is one of
those players who has better functional football speed than
workout speed. If not, his stay in Miami could be short.
Kimble
is an instinctive runner with good vision. He lacks
breakaway speed. However, if he shows he can play on
special teams he has a chance to stick.
Martin
was Miami's best college street free agent signing.
However, with Jason Tayor and Cameron Wake added in the
offseason to go with Porter and Roth, and Anderson and Moses
also on board, Martin will have his hands full making the
team. However, he will be a priority signing to their
practice squad.
Bronson
has very reliable hands, makes the tough catch and has
acceptable speed and quickness. He also has the frame to
add bulk and strength to become a better blocker, something he
will need to do to play tight end wth the Dolphins. |
For
chart below: red indicates workout number in top range at position in
draft
ARM-HAND
relative to position, for ranges see ranking pages for 2009 draft
LAST
NAME
at Combine |
FIRST
NAME |
SCHOOL |
HGT |
WGT |
ARM-
HAND |
BENCH |
40 |
10 |
20 |
SHORT |
LONG |
3
CONE |
VERT |
BROAD |
| Davis |
Vontae |
Illinois |
5'11.1" |
203 |
S-L |
25 |
4.40 |
1.47 |
2.52 |
4.07 |
- |
6.75 |
37.5" |
10'5" |
| White |
Patrick |
West
Virginia |
6'0.2" |
197 |
L-L |
- |
4.49 |
1.60 |
2.63 |
4.42 |
- |
7.06 |
35" |
9'9" |
| Smith |
Sean |
Utah |
6'3.4" |
214 |
XL-XL |
10 |
4.47 |
1.51 |
2.59 |
4.15 |
- |
6.92 |
34" |
9'11" |
| Turner |
Patrick |
USC |
6'5.1" |
223 |
L-L |
21 |
4.59 |
1.57 |
2.68 |
4.20 |
- |
- |
34.5" |
9'0" |
| Hartline |
Brian |
Ohio
State |
6'1.5" |
195 |
M-XL |
- |
4.49 |
1.50 |
2.56 |
4.12 |
10.92 |
6.65 |
34.5" |
10'0" |
| Nalbone |
John |
Monmouth |
6'4.1" |
251 |
- |
22 |
4.63 |
1.62 |
2.69 |
4.22 |
- |
6.94 |
30" |
9'9" |
| Clemons |
Chris |
Clemson |
6'0.1" |
208 |
L-XL |
19 |
4.38 |
1.44 |
2.53 |
4.38 |
- |
7.27 |
37.5" |
10'7" |
| Gardner |
Andrew |
Georgia
Tech |
6'6.4" |
304 |
L-L |
- |
4.96 |
1.69 |
2.79 |
4.70 |
- |
7.51 |
30.5" |
8'11" |
| Folsom |
J.
D. |
Weber
State |
6'2.4" |
238 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| Marion |
Brennan |
Tulsa |
5'11.3" |
187 |
M-M |
- |
4.55 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| Kimble |
Anthony |
Stanford |
6'0.2" |
216 |
S-L |
13 |
4.54 |
1.56 |
2.62 |
4.40 |
- |
7.08 |
36" |
10'2" |
| Martin |
Orion |
Virginia
Tech |
6'2.2" |
262 |
S-M |
24 |
4.70 |
1.59 |
2.71 |
4.53 |
- |
7.21 |
32" |
9'1" |
| Bronson |
Jared |
Central
Wash |
6'3.7" |
253 |
M-M |
21 |
4.70 |
1.60 |
2.70 |
4.33 |
- |
7.15 |
33" |
9'8" |
2009 NEEDS PRIOR TO DRAFT AND FREE
AGENCY
Major need
Need
Upgrade possible
Depth/possible need
Not a need
| QB |
With Pennington for now
and Henne for later, the Fins are set at quarterback. I am
not a Beck fan (football, not music) so moving him in the
offseason to a team that like him and drafting or signing a new
#3 makes sense. |
| RB |
Brown made the Pro Bowl,
but averaged less than 50 yards rushing a game over his last 6
regular season and 1 playoff games. Add to that that Ricky
Williams is an UFA, Cobbs is a better receiver than runner and
the Dolphins lost promising practice squad player Parmalee
during the season and what many think of as a strength, is, in
my opinion, a need. |
| WR |
Ginn Jr. finally started
to pay dividends at receiver. He is best served as a #2
who needs attention, thus forcing opposing defenses to choose to
play a safety over the top of the teams' #1 wideout, or risk
Ginn Jr. getting open deep. Of course a team could double
both, but that would open up the running game. Therefore,
a true #1 receiver would transform this offense more than almost
any other offense in football. Camarillo, if he comes back
from injury okay, Bess and even London offer good depth. |
| TE |
Fasano played well in his
first year with Miami and Martin is a good receiver at tight end
who can make plays downfield. Haynos is a good blocker. |
| OL |
Carey is an UFA and the
team will need to resign or bring in a right tackle since there
is no replacement for him on their roster. At guard,
Thomas looked promising before his injury and Smiley is solid.
Satele is okay, but replaceable at center. He would be
perfect as a center/guard backup. The Fins need at least
one tackle (Carey or a starter) and possible a second to provide
better depth. A center is also a possibility. |
| DL |
This is a very underrated
unit. At end I love the potential of Langford. He
will blossom into a Pro Bowl caliber player next year.
Holliday, Starks and Merling provide good choices and depth
opposite Langford. Ferguson still gets it done at a high
level on the nose. Soliai looks the part, sometimes plays
the part, but Miami will probably bring in some competition for
him in the draft. |
| LB |
Porter's rebirth was fun
to watch, but I don't think Miami will put all their eggs in
that basket next year. In fact they signed former Penn
State DE/OLB, Wake, who had over 20 sacks in Canada last
year as a free agent. Wake was a player with great
measureables who didn't stick with the Giants as an undrafted
free agent in 2005. I liked him then and believe he could
be the surprise of Miami's offseason. Roth was fine
playing opposite Porter but will need to improve in coverage to
keep that job long term. Inside Crowder is an UFA and may
not be back, and Ayodele is steady, but replaceable as a
starter. Look for Miami to address inside linebacker in
the draft. |
| DB |
The Dolphins' secondary
was a unit I thought would be a mess at the beginnig of the
season. However, they came together and played fairly well
as the season progressed. At corner, Will Allen was reborn
and looked like he did in his younger days with the Giants.
Goodman suddenly developed into a top cover corner. late
in the year, Nathan Jones became a big play nickel, especially
on blitzes. At safety, Bell was a tackling machine and
Hill was steady and reliable. A big play free safety would
help this unit take the next step. A young corner could
also be added since Allen is aging and Jones isn't starting
material. |
| ST |
Rookie kicker Carpenter
was a nice find. Paired with punter Fields, the Dolphins
kicking game is solid. Bess is a solid punt returner, but
not a game-breaking threat. Ginn Jr hasn't developed as a
deference-making return man as envisioned when he was drafted.
Upgrades in the return game could be addressed in the offseason. |
2008
DRAFT PICKS
links go to
NFL.com website
| Rd |
Sel# |
Player |
Pos. |
Ht. |
Wt. |
School |
Jay's ranking |
Jay's draft value |
| 1 |
1 |
Jake
Long |
OT |
6'7" |
313 |
Michigan |
#1 OT |
Round 1 |
| 2 |
32 |
Phillip
Merling |
DE |
6'4.2" |
276 |
Clemson |
#5 DE |
Round 1/Round2 |
| 2 |
57 |
Chad
Henne |
QB |
6'2.7" |
230 |
Michigan |
#4 QB |
Round 2 |
| 3 |
66 |
Kendall
Langford |
DE |
6'5.4" |
287 |
Hampton |
#9 DE |
Round 2/Round 3 |
|
Player
who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher
than him.
|
Langford
is a rare big defensive end. He has good pass rush moves
and will be a solid end in a 3-4 defense. Langford
played very well in the East West Shrine All Star Game showing
he could step up in competition and be the only player who
could put consistent pressure on quarterbacks. |
|
Player
who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher
than him.
|
Parmele
is a shifty runner with good speed, tremendous athleticism,
and the ability to make people miss. He will be a good
change-of-pace back in the NFL. In a draft deep at
running back, Parmele could fall through the cracks, but he
should have a nice NFL career. |
| 6 |
195 |
Donald
Thomas |
OG |
6'3" |
303 |
Connecticut |
#6 OG |
Round 3/Round 4 |
| 6 |
204 |
Lex
Hilliard |
RB |
5'11.1" |
231 |
Montana |
|
Late Round Value |
| 7 |
245 |
Lionel
Dotson |
DT/DE |
6'3.5" |
295 |
Arizona |
|
Late Round Value |
| FA |
|
Davone Bess |
WR |
5'11.4" |
193 |
Hawaii |
|
Late Round
Value/Free Agent |
| FA |
|
Kelly Poppinga |
ILB/OLB |
6'1.5" |
240 |
BYU |
|
Late Round Value |
| FA |
|
Titus Brown |
OLB/DE |
6'2.4" |
246 |
Miss State |
|
Late Round
Value/Free Agent |
| FA |
|
Matt Spanos |
C/G/T |
6'5" |
317 |
USC |
|
Late Round
Value/Free Agent |
top
|
I
have always liked Parcell's as a talent evaluator and he had
another solid draft. My only two minor points are that
if Long doesn't become a stud left tackle, he may regret not
picking Gholston, especially since he will see him two times a
year; and in a draft deep at cornerback and wide receiver, the
Fins didn't come up with a player at either position.
However, it's hard to argue with the players they drafted and
this team had needs all over the place.
DRAFT
PICKS
I
like Long as a player, a lot. However, I'm not sure he
will develop into an elite left tackle. Will he be
solid. Yes. Will he be very good. Yes.
Will he be perennial Pro Bowl? Maybe. In any event
he will be a top drawer long time starter for Miami.
I
originally thought of Merling as a three-down end in a 4-3,
with good size for that scheme to play the run, and acceptable
pass rush skills. As a 3-4 end, he is a little light.
However, he has the frame to add bulk and could be a solid end
in that scheme down the line.
Henne
is a good fit for Miami. In my opinion, he has more
skills and a greater upside than John Beck. He is a
pocket passer who can make all the throws and only needs
experience before becoming a solid NFL starter.
Langford
may have been the top "3-4" defensive end in this
draft. He is a big-body kid who can play the run and get
penetration against the pass. Coming from Hampton, he
will need time to adjust to the speed of the NFL. In
five years the Dolphins may find that they have the next Aaron
Smith. A great get for the Fins.
Murphy
has a mean streak and quick feet. He only played guard
for one year at Utah State, and played it very well. In
retrospect, I under-evaluated Murphy. He is a good fit
for the Dolphins scheme and could wind up starting this year.
Parmele
was very underrated coming into this draft. He is a
terrific athlete who runs hard and is faster than many think,
and at 224 pounds runs well inside. With often injured,
but highly talented Ronnie Brown, and the more time off the
field recently than on the field, Parmele could be forced into
action at some point this year. If he is, he could have
an Ahmed Bradshaw-like impact.
Thomas
was one of the better developmental guard prospects in this
draft. I had him rated higher than Murphy, although with
only one full year as a starter, he is still a bit raw.
Hilliard
would have gone higher if not for injuries. He was a
halfback in college, but could be tried at fullback. He
will have a tough time sticking on the roster at halfback.
Wide receiver Jabari Arthur would have been an interesting
pick at this spot. He is a tall receiver with good
hands, excellent college production, and decent speed.
He would have had a shot to start opposite Ginn Jr.
Dotson
is a defensive tackle who will be tried at end in Miami's 3-4.
He may be headed to their practice squad for further
development.
COLLEGE
STREET FREE AGENTS
Bess
has a shot to stick around the team as a bottom of the roster
receiver or practice squad player because the team is
relatively thin at the position. Bess has good hands,
knows how to get open, but is smallish, not overly fast and
not overly quick.
Poppinga
could be a surprise in the Fins' camp. He played mainly
outside in college, but has the size, strength and quick feet
needed to play inside in a 3-4 defense. He could stick
as a backup and special teams player.
On
tape Titus Brown looks like he would be a good outside
linebacker in a 3-4 defense. He was an undersized
defensive end at Mississippi State. However, his workout
raised red flags regarding this transition. He is
certainly worth a look in camp.
Spanos'
main benefit is that he can play anywhere along the offensive
line. He could stick on the dolphins' practice squad to
be available as a backup in a pinch.
|
red
indicates workout number in top range at position in draft
(blue
college name indicates workout #'s include Pro Day numbers)
COMBINE
YES |
FIRST
NAME |
SCHOOL |
HEIGHT |
WEIGHT |
BENCH |
40 |
10 |
20 |
SHORT |
LONG |
3
CONE |
VERT |
BROAD |
| Long |
Jake |
MICHIGAN |
6'7" |
314 |
37 |
5.17 |
1.76 |
2.97 |
4.73 |
NA |
7.44 |
27.5" |
8'6" |
| Merling |
Philip |
CLEMSON |
6'4.2" |
276 |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
| Henne |
Chad |
MICHIGAN |
6'2.7" |
230 |
NA |
4.90 |
1.70 |
2.81 |
4.40 |
NA |
7.17 |
25.5" |
8'10" |
| Langford |
Kendall |
HAMPTON |
6'5.4" |
287 |
24 |
4.95 |
1.65 |
2.84 |
4.68 |
NA |
7.72 |
321" |
9'6" |
| Murphy |
Shawn |
UTAH
STATE |
6'3.7" |
320 |
29 |
5.14 |
1.74 |
2.95 |
4.44 |
NA |
7.37 |
27" |
8'4" |
| Parmele |
Jalen |
TOLEDO |
5'11.4" |
224 |
19 |
4.47 |
1.48 |
2.54 |
4.29 |
NA |
6.94 |
41.5" |
10'5" |
| Thomas |
Donald |
CONNECTICUT |
6'3" |
303 |
28 |
5.00 |
1.72 |
2.89 |
4.78 |
NA |
7.45 |
29.5" |
8'4" |
| Hilliard |
Lex |
MONTANA |
5'11.1" |
231 |
NA |
4.68 |
1.63 |
2.70 |
4.20 |
NA |
7.01 |
32" |
10'2" |
| Dotson |
Lionel |
ARIZONA |
6'3.5" |
295 |
NA |
5.39 |
1.80 |
3.04 |
4.75 |
NA |
7.62 |
25" |
8'3" |
| Bess |
Davone |
HAWAII |
5'11.4" |
193 |
12 |
4.64 |
1.54 |
2.61 |
4.27 |
NA |
6.97 |
31.5" |
9'10" |
| Poppinga |
Kelly |
BYU |
6'1.5" |
240 |
27 |
4.74 |
1.60 |
2.72 |
4.27 |
NA |
6.88 |
34" |
9'3" |
| Brown |
Titus |
MISS
ST |
6'2.4" |
246 |
19 |
4.82 |
1.66 |
2.76 |
4.41 |
NA |
7.31 |
31.5" |
9'2" |
| Spanos |
Matt |
USC |
6'5" |
317 |
20 |
5.28 |
1.76 |
3.01 |
4.92 |
NA |
7.90 |
29" |
8'9" |
2008 NEEDS
PRIOR TO DRAFT AND FREE AGENCY
MIA
Major
Need Need
Upgrade Depth
Need Not
a Need
| QB |
I
thought the Dolphins reached for Beck in the draft last year
and I'm betting Parcells will feel the same. Long term
he could be a solid backup. The Fins need a starter. |
| RB |
If
Brown comes back healthy; if Ricky Williams comes back healthy
and committed, this could be a team strength. However,
that's a lot of ifs so the Dolphins need to add a body for
insurance. Booker's role could expand next year. |
| WR |
I'm
in the minority, but I like the potential of Ted Ginn Jr.
However, after him, there isn't much. Booker could help
a veteran team as a #3 or #4, but is of no real use for Miami.
Hagan and Camarillo are bottom of the roster types.
Miami needs two or three receivers. |
| TE |
As
bad as the Dolphins' receiver situation is, they are in even
worse shape at tight end. Peele is a backup type.
The others should all be gone. |
| OL |
This
unit has some players that could survive the purge, but look
for the line to be rebuilt over the next few years.
Hadnot is an UFA. If not, he is one player who could
have found a niche in the new regime. Look for a big
left tackle, and one or two guards to be added this year or
next. |
| DL |
The
Dolphins have some players here who could hold the fort while
Parcells concentrates on other positions. with all the
needs on this team he may have no choice. Taylor will be
moved to OLB permanently. However, If the team can find
some big bodies they will and should be added. |
| LB |
A
dominator at outside linebacker has always been the top
priority for Parcells' teams. He could give Taylor and
Porter a shot while he rebuilds elsewhere first. Inside
Crowder could be a long term guy for Parcells. Another
inside linebacker will be added. Zack Thomas doesn't fit
this defense. |
| DB |
Of
all the units the Dolphins have on defense, their secondary is
the one spot where they could field an acceptable unit with
their current players. Will Allen and Goodman at corner,
and Jason Allen, Hill, Bell (if resigned) and Worrell battling
for the two safety spots is acceptable. However, an
upgrade at corner and safety wouldn't be a surprise. |
| ST |
Feely
is a solid kicker. Fields improved during his rookie
season, but look for the Fins to bring in someone to push him.
Ginn Jr and Booker are potential stars in the return game.
Denney is a steady snapper. |
top
2007
DRAFT PICKS
links go to
NFL.com website
| Rd |
Sel# |
Player |
Pos. |
Ht. |
Wt. |
School |
Jay's ranking |
Jay's Draft Value |
| 1 |
9 |
Ginn
Jr., Ted |
WR |
6-0 |
180 |
Ohio
State |
# 4 WR |
Round 1 |
| 2 |
40 |
Beck,
John |
QB |
6-2 |
216 |
Brigham
Young |
# 6 QB |
Round 3 |
| 2 |
60 |
Satele,
Samson |
C |
6-2 |
311 |
Hawaii |
# 2 C |
Round 3 |
| 3 |
71 |
Booker,
Lorenzo |
RB |
5-10 |
193 |
Florida
State |
# 7 RB |
Round 3 |
| 4 |
108 |
Soliai,
Paul |
DT |
6-4 |
334 |
Utah |
# 9 DT |
Round 3 |
| 6 |
181 |
Mauia,
Reagan |
FB |
6-0 |
296 |
Hawaii |
|
Off My Board |
| 6 |
199 |
Mormino,
Drew |
C |
6-3 |
301 |
Central
Michigan |
|
Late Round Value |
| 7 |
219 |
Smith,
Kelvin |
ILB |
6-2 |
240 |
Syracuse |
|
Late Round Value |
| 7 |
225 |
Fields,
Brandon |
P |
6-5 |
236 |
Michigan
State |
|
Late Round Value |
| 7 |
238 |
Wright,
Abraham |
DE |
6-2 |
234 |
Colorado |
|
Late Round Value |
| FA |
|
Reed, Kerry |
WR |
6-2 |
200 |
Michigan State |
|
Late Round Value |
| FA |
|
Vedder, Chris |
SS |
6-0 |
205 |
San Jose St |
# 8 SS |
Round 4 |
| FA |
|
Lofton, David |
FS |
6-4 |
212 |
Stanford |
|
Late Round Value |
| FA |
|
Pope, Geoff |
CB |
6-0 |
186 |
Howard |
|
Off My Board |
| FA |
|
Love, Marquay |
DT |
6-0 |
307 |
Houston |
|
Late Round Value |
| FA |
|
Wilson, Julius |
OT |
6-4 |
327 |
UAB |
|
Late Round Value |
| FA |
|
Bruce, Mkristo |
DE |
6-6 |
268 |
Washington St |
|
Late Round Value |
|
The
Dolphins had a decent draft. I know that may surprise some
who killed them for passing on Quinn and taking Ginn, but I
actually understand that move. They did reach in round two
a bit for both players, but got excellent value with Soliai in
round four and signed a college street free agent, Veddor, who I
like a lot.
When a team drafts a quarterback early in round one it has to be
a quarterback the team believes in 100%. If that
quarterback doesn't work out, the team is set backs years.
They don't sign any of the younger starting-caliber free agent
quarterbacks and they don't draft first round quarterbacks for
at least four or five years. So if the QB they draft
fails, the team struggles for years. Obviously the Fins'
management doesn't feel that Quinn is a sure thing. In
that case it is the right move to pass on that quarterback,
despite his draft value. It is much better to pass
on a quarterback early in round one who becomes a star, then it
is draft a quarterback early in round one who doesn't develop
into a top starter. So the Dolphins made the absolute
right decision for their franchise passing on Quinn. Now,
what about their selection of Ginn Jr.. While he was my #4
rated wide receiver, selecting him ahead of Bowe and Meachem was
the right move for the Dolphins. Ginn Jr. is more than a
very fast track star. He is a good receiver. With
his speed defenses will have to shade a safety to his side
whenever he is on the field. This will open up the field
for Chris Chambers who should benefit tremendously whenever Ginn
Jr. is on the field. Booker, Hagan, Campbell, Hakim, etc.,
the other Dolphins' receivers scare no one. So without
Ginn Jr., Chambers gets blanketed and we all saw what the result
of that was last year. So Ginn Jr. will not only be a
threat to score whenever he is on the field, but he will make
the other players on the filed with him (especially Chambers)
better players. So Miami fans, look beyond the stats for
Ginn Jr's value on offense. He may not have great numbers
but his presence alone will improve their offense. He also
gives them a tremendous weapon on special teams. Beck is
not the quarterback I would have chosen. I liked both
Stanton and Edwards better. However, if I'm right and Beck
will not develop into anything more than an average starter, a
second round pick doesn't hog cap space and doesn't preclude
signing a free agent or drafting a top quarterback soon.
It is acceptable for a second round pick at QB to be a top
backup who can keep things together if a starter goes down.
By the way, at quarterback for Miami this year, I personally
would not trade for Trent Green unless Culpepper is definitely
done. If he's not, I would go with him, or even place him
on the PUP and sign Aaron Brooks to compete with Cleo Lemon
while Culpepper heals. Satele is a very quick center who
can play guard as well and is currently more adept in the pass
game than the run game. While he has excellent potential,
run-and-shoot lineman have often had trouble adjusting to the
NFL which raises some questions. That is why I had a third
round grade on him rather than a second round grade. If I
were going to reach slightly at this spot, I would have gone for
Allen Barbre, a very athletic tackle who could develop into a
starting left tackle. Booker is a player a like. He
immediately becomes the Dolphins' primary backup and
change-of-pace back. While he is undersized he is very
strong, catches the ball well, and is a playmaker. Soliai
is a freak, and I mean that in a good way. He is a 344
pound man who ran a 5.02 forty, a 4.53 short shuttle and had a
30.5" vertical jump. He is also a good football
player. He will eventually settle in as the Dolphins'
starting nose tackle and will hold that position for a long
time. Mauia is a former defensive tackle who is currently
a 290 pound fullback. I believe he would have been
available later and Miami should have drafted cornerback David
Irons. Miami's cornerbacks are overrated. Mormini
has a chance to be a solid starter. At worst he should be
a good backup. However, with Satele already drafted at
center and Hadnot on the roster there appears to be a lot of
players with similar skills. I would have gone with tight end
Ben Patrick at this spot. He can block and catch. I
not convinced that former Packer David Martin will suddenly
develop into a highly-valued starting tight end.
Smith is a good fit for the 3-4 defense. He plays the run
well but has limited speed and quickness. He will be a
good backup for Miami. Miami needs a punter and Fields has
a very good chance to win that job. Wright has good speed
but is too small to play defensive end in a 3-4. He could
transition to outside linebacker. He will either hold one
of the last spots on Miami's roster or will spend a year on the
team's development squad learning his new position.
Miami
signed a number of college street free agents worth noting.
Reed is a receiver with a nice mix of athleticism, speed and
size. He is a candidate for Miami's development squad.
Vedder is a player I like a lot. He makes tackles,
is a smart player, and has a nose for the ball. He has a
good chance to make the team. I had a fourth round grade
him. Lofton is the son of ex-NFL great James Lofton.
He is an exceptional athlete who could win a spot as a special
teams star or end up on the Fins' development squad. Pope
could challenge Ginn Jr. to a race and might even win. He
is a corner with tremendous straight line speed but needs to
work on his cornerback skills. With the nothing-special
talent at corner on this team, if he shows progress he could be
a roster surprise. Love is a nose tackle with the
quickness to play off blocks and make tackles. Her is also
an accomplished special teams player. He blocked 6 kicks
in college. Wilson could stick as a backup tackle while
also learning to play guard. Long term he could be a
starter at guard. Worst case he should be a versatile
backup. I thought Bruce would get drafted. He was
productive in college but his workout threw up red flags.
However, not being drafted, and signing with a 3-4 team may
serve him well. His best chance to make a NFL roster may
be to add weight to his 6'6" frame and play end in a 3-4
defense. He is not overly fast, but is smart and makes
plays. If he can add the weight without losing any speed
or quickness he could be a good backup.
|
red
indicates workout number in top range at position in draft
|
COMBINE
YES
|
|
COLLEGE
|
POS |
HGHT |
WGHT |
BENCH |
40 |
10 |
20 |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3
CONE |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
BROAD
JUMP |
| GINN
JR. |
TED |
OHIO
ST |
WR/RET |
5'11.2" |
178 |
|
4.38 |
1.46 |
2.48 |
|
|
|
|
|
| Ginn
Jr. may be the fastest player in the draft. He ran a 4.38
while injured. He is a good receiver, with the skills to
get better and a great return man. He will make any team
he goes to better instantly because he can score whenever he
touches the ball and will have to be accounted for on every
play. |
|
COMBINE
YES
|
|
COLLEGE
|
POS |
HGHT |
WGHT |
BENCH |
40 |
10 |
20 |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3
CONE |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
BROAD
JUMP |
| BECK |
JOHN |
BYU |
QB |
6'2.1" |
215 |
|
4.75 |
1.62 |
2.70 |
4.17 |
|
6.82 |
29.5" |
9'3" |
| Beck
is an older prospect who has an accurate arm but not a gun.
He could do very well in a west coast offense. He is
getting a lot of attention leading up to the draft, but I'm not
convinced he will ever be more than an average starter and good
backup. |
|
COMBINE
YES
|
|
COLLEGE
|
POS |
HGHT |
WGHT |
BENCH |
40 |
10 |
20 |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3
CONE |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
BROAD
JUMP |
| SATELE |
SAMSON |
HAWAII |
OC/G |
6'2.5" |
300 |
25 |
5.26 |
1.75 |
2.96 |
4.29 |
|
7.47 |
33.5" |
8'5" |
| Satele
has exceptional quickness and is very good in pass protection.
However, playing in a run-and-shoot in college means he has
limited experience in the running game and, often, run-and-shoot
lineman don't transition well to the NFL. |
|
COMBINE
YES
|
|
COLLEGE
|
POS |
HGHT |
WGHT |
BENCH |
40 |
10 |
20 |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3
CONE |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
BROAD
JUMP |
| BOOKER |
LORENZO |
FLORIDA
ST |
RB |
5'10.3" |
191 |
26 |
4.46 |
1.46 |
2.58 |
4.37 |
|
7.04 |
35.5" |
10'1" |
| Booker
is an undersized running back but he is very strong for his size
and is a playmaker. Booker gets to his top speed in a
hurry. He is also a good receiver. He will be a good
third-down and change-of-pace back and could surprise down the
line and grow into a bigger role ala Warrick Dunn. |
|
COMBINE
YES
|
|
COLLEGE
|
POS |
HGHT |
WGHT |
BENCH |
40 |
10 |
20 |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3
CONE |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
BROAD
JUMP |
| SOLIAI |
PAUL |
UTAH |
DT/NT |
6'4" |
344 |
|
5.02 |
1.63 |
2.86 |
4.53 |
|
7.66 |
30.5" |
8'7" |
|
PLAYER
WHO COULD HAVE A BETTER NFL CAREER THAN PLAYERS SELECTED AHEAD
OF HIM in the DRAFT
|
| Are
you kidding me? A 344 pound tackle who runs a 5.02 forty
and, even more impressively, a 4.53 short shuttle.
Soliai's short shuttle time was better than running back Tony
Hunt! This is another kid with rare athletic talent.
He is a converted offensive guard who has the size and tools to
play the nose in a 3-4, and the speed and athleticism to play
tackle in a 4-3. Soliai is an underrated prospect. |
|
COMBINE
NO
|
|
COLLEGE
|
POS |
HGHT |
WGHT |
BENCH |
40 |
10 |
20 |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3
CONE |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
BROAD
JUMP |
| MAUIA |
REAGAN |
HAWAII |
RB |
5'11.7" |
296 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Mauia
is a nose tackle who will be looked at as a fullback. He
is a big man so if he makes the transition it will be like
having another lineman on the field. |
|
COMBINE
YES
|
|
COLLEGE
|
POS |
HGHT |
WGHT |
BENCH |
40 |
10 |
20 |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3
CONE |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
BROAD
JUMP |
| MORMINO |
DREW |
CENTRAL
MICHIGAN |
C |
6'3.2" |
299 |
27 |
5.20 |
1.75 |
2.98 |
4.53 |
|
7.48 |
28" |
8'9" |
| Mormino
has the desire, the skill set, and the athleticism to be a solid
starting center in the league. However he has short arms
and needs work on his technique. |
|
COMBINE
YES
|
|
COLLEGE
|
POS |
HGHT |
WGHT |
BENCH |
40 |
10 |
20 |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3
CONE |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
BROAD
JUMP |
| SMITH |
KELVIN |
SYRACUSE |
ILB |
6'2" |
240 |
26 |
4.70 |
1.58 |
2.69 |
4.42 |
|
7.19 |
33.5" |
9'4" |
| Smith
had a nice East West Shrine Game, playing the run very well.
This just continued what he did at Syracuse. Smith could
be a solid two-down linebacker in the NFL. |
|
COMBINE
YES
|
|
COLLEGE
|
POS |
HGHT |
WGHT |
BENCH |
40 |
10 |
20 |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3
CONE |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
BROAD
JUMP |
| WRIGHT |
ABRAHAM |
COLORADO |
DE/OLB |
6'2" |
242 |
24 |
4.64 |
1.61 |
2.73 |
4.42 |
|
7.12 |
32.5" |
9'3" |
| Wright
is an undersized defensive end who at best will be able to
transition to outside linebacker in a 3-4 and at worst will be a
situational pass rusher at defensive end. He is the type
of player who claims one of the last spots on a team's roster. |
|
COMBINE
NO
|
|
COLLEGE
|
POS |
HGHT |
WGHT |
BENCH |
40 |
10 |
20 |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3
CONE |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
BROAD
JUMP |
| REED |
KERRY |
MICHIGAN
ST |
WR |
6'1.6" |
200 |
|
4.49 |
|
|
4.31 |
|
6.72 |
38" |
10'5" |
| Reed
has a good combination of size and speed. He is also a
good athlete and should get a look in some team's camp. |
|
COMBINE
NO
|
|
COLLEGE
|
POS |
HGHT |
WGHT |
BENCH |
40 |
10 |
20 |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3
CONE |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
BROAD
JUMP |
| VEDDER |
CHRIS |
SAN
JOSE ST |
SS/FS |
6'0.2" |
205 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PLAYER
WHO COULD HAVE A BETTER NFL CAREER THAN PLAYERS SELECTED AHEAD
OF HIM in the DRAFT
|
| Vedder
played strong safety at San Jose State but may fit in better as
a free safety in the NFL. At the Inta Juice All Star Game
Vedder showed good ball skills, hustled all over the field,
showed speed in pursuit, and played a "heady" game. I
haven't been able to find his workout numbers which could be the
difference between Vedder being an extra defensive back, a
down-the-line starter, or a marginal pro. |
|
COMBINE
NO
|
|
COLLEGE
|
POS |
HGHT |
WGHT |
BENCH |
40 |
10 |
20 |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3
CONE |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
BROAD
JUMP |
| LOFTON |
DAVID |
SAN
JOSE ST |
FS/WR |
6'0.2" |
205 |
20 |
4.48 |
1.50 |
2.55 |
4.18 |
|
6.80 |
38.5" |
10'5" |
| Lofton,
son of ex-NFL star James Lofton is a gifted athlete. He is
currently more athlete than instinctive football player, but has
great strength and athleticism and good speed and quickness.
He is worth a shot developing on some team's development squad. |
|
COMBINE
NO
|
|
COLLEGE
|
POS |
HGHT |
WGHT |
BENCH |
40 |
10 |
20 |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3
CONE |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
BROAD
JUMP |
| POPE |
GEOFF |
HOWARD |
CB |
5'11.5" |
186 |
15 |
4.27 |
1.43 |
2.46 |
4.17 |
|
7.13 |
35" |
9'11" |
| Pope
also ran track. He has exceptional straight line speed but
needs work at cornerback. |
|
COMBINE
NO
|
|
COLLEGE
|
POS |
HGHT |
WGHT |
BENCH |
40 |
10 |
20 |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3
CONE |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
BROAD
JUMP |
| LOVE |
MARQUAY |
HOUSTON |
DT/NT |
6'0.3" |
307 |
28 |
5.10 |
1.69 |
2.70 |
4.58 |
|
7.53 |
31" |
8'7" |
| Love
has a shot to stick on a team that plays a 3-4 defense. He
is a nose tackle who made tackles as well as engaged blockers.
He is also a good special teams player having blocked 6 kicks in
his college career. |
|
COMBINE
YES
|
|
COLLEGE
|
POS |
HGHT |
WGHT |
BENCH |
40 |
10 |
20 |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3
CONE |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
BROAD
JUMP |
| WILSON |
JULIUS |
UAB |
OT/G |
6'4.3" |
327 |
17 |
5.29 |
1.83 |
3.08 |
4.97 |
|
7.79 |
30" |
8'9" |
| Wilson
can be a backup tackle or could move inside to guard where he
could eventually become a starter. |
|
COMBINE
YES
|
|
COLLEGE
|
POS |
HGHT |
WGHT |
BENCH |
40 |
10 |
20 |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3
CONE |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
BROAD
JUMP |
| BRUCE |
MKRISTO |
WASHINGTON
ST |
DE |
6'5.6" |
268 |
21 |
4.93 |
1.67 |
2.88 |
4.52 |
|
7.47 |
33" |
8'11" |
| Bruce
was very productive in college but played in a scheme that
allowed him accumulate stats. His workout numbers aren't
promising when translating his skill set to the NFL. Still
he's worth a shot late in the draft. |
top
2007
TEAM NEEDS PRIOR TO THE DRAFT and FREE AGENCY
major
need
need
depth/possible
need
not a significant need
| QB |
Culpepper
is a question mark. Lemon showed something, but is it
enough? Harrington has run out of chances. |
| RB |
Brown
is solid. Morris and Minor are UFAs. Williams is,
well, Williams. Depth is needed. |
| WR |
I'll
attribute Chambers' fall off to poor QB play and a bad coach.
Booker, Hagan and Welker are solid. |
| TE |
McMichael
can play. Depth is just okay. |
| OL |
LT
McIntosh is an UFA. Depth also needs to be addressed. |
| DL |
If
Carter leaves a 3-4 DE is needed. So is a backup NT. |
| LB |
Spragen
is ok, but can be improved upon as a starter. |
| DB |
Underrated
safeties and overrated corners. |
| ST |
Upgrade
at kicker is a must, punter a possibility. |
2006
DRAFT PICKS
Links go to write-ups at NFL.com
top
| The Dolphins did an excellent job of drafting
for value, especially grabbling DT Wright in round seven.
With no second, fifth, or sixth round picks,
and A- is an amazing grade. Allen was my top rated free
safety and safety was a major need area for Miami. In
addition to having a very fast, quick, strong, athletic,
playmaking free safety (as if that isn't enough), having Allen
as a starting free safety is like having a nickel corner on the
field at all times. when teams spilt out their running
back as a wide receiver, the Dolphins will match up with a
player with top cornerback skills. In other words, there
goes the match-up advantage the opposing team hoped to gain.
Early in the draft process Hagan was considered a first round
possibility. He then, uncharacteristically dropped passes
at the Senior Bowl, both in practice and in the game. If
Hagan skipped the Senior Bowl and went straight to the Combine
his draft status would have taken a bump up, not drop he
experienced because of one bad week. Hagan has good size,
speed, quickness and athletic ability. Even if there are
some concerns about his hands after the senior Bowl, his
production at Arizona State indicates that he catches way more
than he drops. While the Senior Bowl did bring up a red
flag, Hagan was still a great get in round three. Joe
Toledo is a former tight end who I expected to have a better
workout than he did. However he was injured his senior
year (again) and that may have resulted in the
worse-than-expected numbers. He did show great strength
and is a boom-or-bust type with enough potential that he was not
a reach in round four. Evans is a small school prospect
with good athleticism, but is a long, long way from helping a
team. He needs development and is a candiate for the
Dolphins' practice squad more than for their roster.
Wright in round seven, wow! How did my fourth rated
defensive tackle (and I was not alone in giving Wright a high
grade) fall this far. I know there are questions about his
desire, but light a fire under this guy and you could have a
first round talent. In fact, I'll predict that in 2007 the
Dolphins will have the 3-4 defense as its base defense and
Wright will be a starting defensive end in that defense by 2008
at the latest. In the meantime, he will be a rotation
player at tackle in the 4-3 this year. In round seven,
Wright represents the steal of the draft. As if getting a
second round talent in round seven wasn't enough, the Dolphins
followed up the Wright pick with Aromashodu, for whom I had a
fourth round grade. He could develop into a very good deep
threat for the Dolphins. He has good hands and excellent
speed. In college, he never had a breakout season so never
jumped up into the first day of the draft. Butt as a
second day pick, he was a receiver I would have targeted in
round four. The Dolphins got the potential game-breaker in
round seven.
The Dolphins signed three college street free
agents of note. The first was running back Gerald Riggs.
He is a back that could find a niche as a short-yardage and
goal-line runner. However, I like Kay Jay Harris an UFA
the Dolphins signed last year and who spent the year on the
Dolphins' practice squad better in that role and as a legitimate
backup to Brown. If Harris makes the Dolphins' roster as I
expect, the Riggs could take his place on the practice squad.
McNeil has great athleticism, quickness, and strength. He
needs coaching and work to develop into a skilled NFL lineman.
However, he has a chance to be a good player. Bray was a
great free agent signing. He is, plain and simple, a
football player. He is made for inside linebacker in a 3-4
defense because while he does not have good speed, he has
excellent read and react skills, and is a heady player. I
had a fourth round grade on Bray.
|
red indicates
workout number in top range at position in draft
| PLAYER |
COLLEGE |
HGT-WGHT |
FORTY
DASH |
10
DASH |
20
DASH |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3 CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
WONDER
LIC |
| Allen |
Tennessee |
6'0.7",
210 |
4.39 |
1.50 |
2.55 |
3.81 |
11.17 |
6.75 |
17 |
39.5" |
10'11" |
|
FS/CB
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Allen
is a versatile athlete who can cover and has a nose for the
ball. He is strong for his, very fast, extremely quick,
can cut on a dime, and is a top athlete. Allen could play
corner or free safety. At corner he will be solid, but at
free safety he could be dominate. In addition to being a
top safety he would be like having an extra cornerback on the
field when offensive aglinments call for him to step out in
coverage. |
| PLAYER |
COLLEGE |
HGT-WGHT |
FORTY
DASH |
10
DASH |
20
DASH |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3 CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
WONDER
LIC |
| Hagan |
Arizona
State |
6'1.6",
208 |
4.42 |
1.50 |
2.59 |
4.07 |
|
|
|
39.5" |
10'5" |
|
WR
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Hagan's value seems to be
dropping some heading into the combine. He is a nice
receiver, but that may not be enough to hear his name called in
the first two rounds. He lost ground at the Senior Bowl and
could drop significantly by draft day if he doesn't have a good
combine.
Jay
Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Hagan was inconsistent catching
the ball during the Senior Bowl Games, and during Senior Bowl
practices.
Jay
Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Hagan was an extremely
productive college receiver accumulating over 1,000 receiving
yards in each of his last three seasons in college. Hagan
also averaged over 15 yards a catch during that time with 17
touchdown receptions and a high of 83 catches his Junior year.
There was some good and some bad in Hagan's post-season.
He had a very poor week during the Senior Bowl, but then
rebounded at the Combine where he showed better than expected
speed and quickness. His superb athleticism was no
surprise. Hagan is falling too much in my opinion from
where he started because of one bad week. |
| PLAYER |
COLLEGE |
HGT-WGHT |
FORTY
DASH |
10
DASH |
20
DASH |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3 CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
WONDER
LIC |
| Toledo |
Washington |
6'5.3",
332 |
5.11 |
1.80 |
2.99 |
4.66 |
|
7.92 |
32 |
29" |
8'3" |
|
OT
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET -
Toledo is a former tight end and is a very athletic tackle.
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET
- Toledo had a good Combine.
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET
- Toledo looks more athletic on the football field than he
tests. I expected better workout numbers, but was
pleasantly surprised by his strength. All-in-all Toledo is
still an intriguing prospect. He is late to the tackle
position and was injured his senior year and that have impacted
his workout numbers. Speaking of injury, Toledo has had
trouble staying on the field. A hit or miss type with
enough upside to be selected in round four. |
| PLAYER |
COLLEGE |
HGT-WGHT |
FORTY
DASH |
10
DASH |
20
DASH |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3 CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
WONDER
LIC |
| Evans,
F |
Texas
State |
6'3.6",
305 |
5.12 |
|
|
4.65 |
|
7.71 |
18 |
34.5" |
9'1" |
|
DT - NOT AT COMBINE
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET -
Strickly a developmental project. He has good athleticism
for the position but may not get drafted. |
| PLAYER |
COLLEGE |
HGT-WGHT |
FORTY
DASH |
10
DASH |
20
DASH |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3 CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
WONDER
LIC |
| Wright |
Texas |
6'4.6",
303 |
5.12 |
1.70 |
2.94 |
4.47 |
|
7.85 |
31 |
32" |
9'2" |
|
DT
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET -
Wright is an athletic defensive tackle who can play the run and
rush the passer. He has good skills, is strong and quick.
Based on talent and potential alone Wright could sneak into the
third round. Based on a perceived lack of desire he could
fall to round three. Wright's best year was a sophomore
where he had 80 tackles and 7.5 sacks. |
| PLAYER |
COLLEGE |
HGT-WGHT |
FORTY
DASH |
10
DASH |
20
DASH |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3 CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
WONDER
LIC |
| Aromashodu |
Auburn |
6'2.1",
202 |
4.35 |
1.55 |
2.56 |
4.17 |
11.38 |
7.05 |
|
39" |
10'0" |
|
WR
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Aromashodu seemed to make a
good catch each day during Senior Bowl practices.
Jay
Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Aromashdu
was an underachieving deep threat for Auburn. He averaged
25 catches for about 500 yards and 4 TDs during his last two
years. He has good hands and excellent deep speed.
Aromashodu could be a better player in the NFL than he was in
college. |
| PLAYER |
COLLEGE |
HGT-WGHT |
FORTY
DASH |
10
DASH |
20
DASH |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3 CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
WONDER
LIC |
| Riggs |
Tennessee |
5'10.6",
229 |
4.59 |
|
|
4.25 |
|
7.15 |
17 |
36.5" |
9'7" |
|
RB
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Riggs
is an inside runner who was injured his senior year. In
his junior year he rushed for 1,100 yards. He is a one
dimensional back who doesn't have the speed to get to the
corner, or any real experience catching the ball. Riggs
could help a team as a short yardage back but is a long shot to
be a featured back. |
| PLAYER |
COLLEGE |
HGT-WGHT |
FORTY
DASH |
10
DASH |
20
DASH |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3 CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
WONDER
LIC |
| McNeil |
Mississippi
St |
6'3.2",
307 |
5.00 |
|
|
4.57 |
|
7.81 |
35 |
31.5" |
8'0" |
|
OG/C - NOT AT COMBINE
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET -
McNeil is fast, quick, strong, and a good athlete. He is
more athlete at this point than finished product, but has a lot
to learn before he can be an asset on the field. However,
he is an excellent development prospect. |
| PLAYER |
COLLEGE |
HGT-WGHT |
FORTY
DASH |
10
DASH |
20
DASH |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3 CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
WONDER
LIC |
| Bray |
Oregon
St |
6'0.3",
227 |
4.88 |
1.67 |
2.88 |
4.36 |
|
6.69 |
18 |
32" |
9'1" |
|
|
PLAYER
WHO WILL PERFORM BETTER IN NFL THAN MANY DRAFTED BEFORE
HIM
|
Bray
is a football player. However, is a bit of a
tweener. He doesn't have the speed to play in the
middle in a 4-3, and doesn't have the size you'd like to
play in the middle in a 3-4. That is why he will
fall to day two in the draft. However, whatever
team drafts him will find out that if you play him,
he'll produce. Personally, I would draft him for a
3-4 and know that his hustle and instincts will make up
for his lack of size. |
ILB
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET -
Bray showed good tackling skills, particularly in the open field
at the East West Shrine Game. |
top
2006
TEAM NEEDS
prior to free agency
| MIA |
| QB |
Frerotte did okay. However, okay
is not good enough. Rosenfels is an UFA and will,
most likely leave, so the Dolphins will, at a minimum
need a backup. However, they should find a new
starter (immediate or developmental), so Frerotte can
return (now or next year) to being a backup. |
| RB |
A deep unit with or without Ricky
Williams. In addition to Brown and Williams, the
Dolphins have Morris and Minor, both NFL caliber running
backs. |
| WR |
Chambers finally had a big year.
The talent was there, the offense wasn't. Booker
can still get it done on the other side, but an upgrade
wouldn't hurt. Welker was effective as a slot
receiver. Boston and Gilmore are UFAs. A
sleeper on the roster for next year is Gibson. |
| TE |
Another deep unit. McMichael is a
good receiver and adequate blocker. Diamond and
Holmes are better player than most people think. |
| OL |
Starting center, McKinney, and
disappointing backup tackle McDougal are UFAs and both
will be allowed to leave. Stating LT McIntosh
carries a big price tag, is not a dominate left tackle,
and will probably follow them out the door.
Starting guard Hadnot, a scrapper, will move to center.
The Fins will look for a starting left tackle, and a
player to challenge at right guard in the offseason. |
| DL |
This unit is good for the 4-3, but it
will be interesting to see if the 3-4 becomes the
dominate defense this offseason. The players, on
the line, are there for either system. If it does,
Taylor will move to OLB, and Hoilday slides outside to
end. The two other starters, Traylor and Carter
remain where they are. Two youngsters, Wright and
Roth, as well as two vets, Zognina and Bowens are good
subs. There is age in the starting lineup,
however, so some more young blood should be added. |
| LB |
The reason the Dolphins haven't gone to
the 3-4 as their base unit is that this unit is not set
up well for that alignment. Thomas is good in
space, but is not big enough when having to fight off
tackles. In a 3-4, Crowder and Seau or Pope could
play inside, but there would be no role for Zack.
Look for the Dolphins to bring in some young
outside linebackers capable of playing in a 3-4, or 4-3
(i.e. not converted defensive ends, larger current OLBs),
and an inside linebacker ideal for that scheme as well. |
| DB |
It wouldn't surprise me to see three
new starters next year. Madison will be cut for
cap purposes. He also doesn't fit well in Saban's
defense. Daniels played well as a rookie and could
the lone holdover. Nickel corner Howard also
carries a high price tag and could be cut. At
safety, Jones is the priciest of all (say renegotiate or
bye-bye) and Schulters in an UFA. Bell is the only
safety on the roster capable of stepping in as a
starter. Major changes are brewing. |
| ST |
Mare rebounded to have a good year.
Jones punting was at a Pro Bowl level. Welker is
an exciting return man. |
|
top
2005
COLLEGE DRAFT
| Miami
- links below go to NFL.com reports |
Jaybird |
Jaybird |
| Rd |
Sel# |
Player |
Pos. |
Ht. |
Wt. |
School |
Ranking |
Value Board |
| 1 |
2 |
Brown,
Ronnie |
RB |
6-0 |
233 |
Auburn |
# 1 RB |
Round 1 |
| 2 |
46 |
Roth,
Matt |
DE |
6-3 |
272 |
Iowa |
# 6 DE |
Round 1 |
| 3 |
70 |
Crowder,
Channing |
ILB |
6-2 |
247 |
Florida |
# 4 ILB |
Round 2 |
| 4 |
104 |
Daniels,
Travis |
CB |
6-2 |
194 |
Louisiana
State |
Late Round Value |
> Round 4 |
| 5 |
162 |
Alabi,
Anthony |
OT |
6-5 |
310 |
Texas
Christian |
# 13 OT |
Round 4 |
| 7 |
216 |
Vickerson,
Kevin |
DT |
6-4 |
295 |
Michigan
State |
|
> Round 4 |
| FA |
|
Harris, Kay-Jay |
RB |
6-1 |
238 |
West Virginia |
# 8 RB |
Round 3 |
| FA |
|
Holmes, Alex |
TE |
6-2 |
265 |
USC |
Late Round Value |
> Round 4 |
| FA |
|
Sesay, Victor |
TE |
6-5 |
277 |
Missouri |
Late Round Value |
> Round 4 |
| FA |
|
Davis, Josh |
WR |
6-0 |
191 |
Marshall |
Late Round Value |
> Round 4 |
| FA |
|
Bigby, Atari |
SS |
5-11 |
214 |
Central Florida |
Late Round Value |
> Round 4 |
| FA |
|
Turner, Lionel |
OLB |
6-2 |
258 |
Louisiana State |
|
> Round 4 |
| FA |
|
Berlin, Brock |
QB |
6-1 |
221 |
Miami |
|
> Round 4 |
| FA |
|
Thompson, Orrin |
DT |
6-5 |
315 |
Duke |
|
> Round 4 |
| The Dolphins had a good draft from a player
value perspective. While they got a second round pick in
the Surtain trade, they drafted a first round talent with that
pick (Roth).
The Dolphins drafted the player they needed with the second
pick in the draft. Running back Ronnie Brown will be a
star in the league. He has speed. He has
quickness. He has strength. He can run, and he can
catch. He looks like a big Marshall Faulk. In
round two, the Dolphins stole Matt Roth. Roth was the
one pass-rush specialist who had good size. He can play
end in their 4-3 (which they will initially play), or, when
they switch to a 3-4 (probably full time in 2006), Roth can
lose weight and play outside linebacker. Crowder fell to
round three because of his knees, not his talent. If
healthy, he will be one of the Dolphins' starting inside
linebackers in 2006 when they switch full time to the 3-4.
Coach Saban knows Daniels better than anyone having coached
him last year. He certainly has the measurables to be an
effective corner. However, he will have to hot the
weight room to improve his strength. Alabi is an
excellent long term project at tackle. He has the
athleticism and skills to be a solid starter down-the-line.
With questions surrounding Chester and Bowen, Vickerson will
be given a long look. He was a late bloomer in college
and could become a good rotation player.
The Dolphins signed a number of college street free agents
of note. Their best signing was Kay-Jay Harris.
Harris is a 6-1, 238 pound runner who runs under 4.5 in the
forty. He is also an excellent athlete. He needs
to stop dancing, and become more of a power back, or a back
that makes one cut and goes. I had a third round grade
on Harris, who was one of the older players in the draft
(played four years of minor league baseball). He could
be an excellent backup for Ronnie Brown. Alex Holmes and
Victor Sesay will battle for the third tight end job with
Miami. Holmes is the better player, while Sesay has the
higher upside. Both can catch the ball, but Holmes is
the better blocker, while Sesay is the bigger target
(6'5" to 6'2"). Josh Davis is the type of
player who sneaks up on you. He has adequate speed and
quickness, but runs good routes, and has good hands.
Atari Bigby should make the team, even if just for his ability
to play special teams. It will be interesting watching
the battle between Bigby and second-year player Eiland.
One should stick, the other will be cut. Lionel Turner
is coach Sabans' second former player on Miami. He could
be a practice squad candidate. His value could come in
2006 when the Fins go to the 3-4 full time. He played
outside at LSU, but lacks the speed to play there in the NFL.
He could be effective inside in the 3-4. Quarterback Brock
Berlin is worth mentioning because he is staying at home after
an up-and-down career at the University of Miami. He
will have a difficult time sticking with the Dolphins, but
should get early action in preseason games to show his wears.
Orrin Thompson gets the final mention because of the position
he plays. The Dolphins will be looking for defensive
tackles, particularly ones that can play the nose in the 3-4.
Bowens and Chester two experienced defensive tackles are
currently big question marks.
|
RED NUMBERS BELOW - among
best at position
Long shuttle numbers (where available) in blue, top performers to be
determined later
| PLAYER |
POS |
FORTY |
10
DASH |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3 CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
WONDER-
LIC |
| Brown |
RB |
4.32 |
1.50 |
4.08 |
|
7.12 |
18 |
34" |
9'9" |
23 |
Jay
Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: The best
combination of size, speed, ability, and attitude of all the
running backs in the draft. Should be a workhorse back in
the NFL. Reminds me of a bigger version of Marshall Faulk.
NFLFans.com reports: He can do
it all, has great size and speed, runs people over and can get
outside as a ballcarrier. He is also a great receiver out of the
backfield and a good blocker. He is simply the best RB in
the draft, and the most complete prospect at the position that I
have seen in years.
Colin Lindsay of GBNReport.com reports: RB
Ronnie Brown, one of two top-rated Auburn backs, made a
statement that he should be the first RB off the board on April
23rd. The 233-pound Brown sizzled over his 40-yard dash clocking
in around 4.40 in his first heat, with several sources having
him at 4.32 in his second heat. Brown was also reportedly very
good in the positional drills including the pass-receiving
drills.
InsideThe League.com reports: Auburn
RB Ronnie Brown measured in at 6-foot-0 and 233 pounds at the
NFL Combine. He recorded times of 4.40 and 4.38 in the 40-yard
dash. ESPN radio had Brown's run as fast as 4.36! |
| PLAYER |
POS |
FORTY |
10
DASH |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3 CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
WONDER-
LIC |
| Roth |
DE |
4.80 |
1.68 |
4.36 |
|
7.65 |
26 |
32" |
9'4" |
16 |
Jay
Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Has
excellent pass-rushing skills. Roth always plays hard and
has good size and speed.
Jay Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Roth
showed good pass rush skills during the Senior Bowl game.
Pat Yasinskas of the
Charlotte Observer (www.charlotte.com) reports: Iowa's
DE Matt Roth displayed strong pass rush skills during Senior
Bowl week and could have pushed his stock into the first-round.
Colin Lindsay of GBNReport.com reports: Iowa DE Matt
Roth, who just flew around opposing OTs all afternoon (Wednesday
at Senior Bowl practice), was the top player in the North
lineup; not only is Roth quick, he's got a high-energy motor
Colin Lindsay of GBNReport.com reports: Iowa
DT Matt Roth was very disruptive at Senior Bowl practice
on Tuesday, putting a lot of heat on the QB.
InsideTheLeague.com reports:
Iowa DE Matt Roth showed top athleticism, but also better
strength and power than expected on the second day of workouts
for the North team, impressing scouts at the Senior Bowl.
Zac Jackson, of ClevelandBrowns.com, reports:
Iowa DL Matt Roth showed an impressive combination of
size and speed during Monday's, Jan. 24, Senior Bowl practice in
Mobile, Alabama. |
| PLAYER |
POS |
FORTY |
10
DASH |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3 CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
WONDER-
LIC |
| Crowder |
ILB |
4.71 |
|
4.27 |
|
6.57 |
|
35.5" |
10'0" |
30 |
Jay
Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Concerns
about Crowder's knee has him dropping on draft boards.
Jay Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: One of
the best inside linebackers in the draft, and one of the few in
the last few years who could be a legitimate first round pick.
Will make tackles all over the field. |
| PLAYER |
POS |
FORTY |
10
DASH |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3 CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
WONDER-
LIC |
| Daniels |
CB/FS |
4.43 |
1.67 |
3.98 |
|
6.62 |
7 |
37" |
10'2" |
10 |
| Jay
Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Davis has
good speed, quickness, and athletic ability. He will have
to hit the weight room, however, because 7 strength-lifts just
won't get it done in the NFL. If he improves his strength
he could be an effective role player as a safety/corner hybrid. |
| PLAYER |
POS |
FORTY |
10
DASH |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3 CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
WONDER-
LIC |
| Alabi |
OT |
5.17 |
1.84 |
4.60 |
|
7.64 |
18 |
32.5" |
8'9" |
29 |
| Jay
Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Alabi is a
better athlete than player right now, however, he has excellent
athletic skills with which to work. He could be a good
player in time. |
| PLAYER |
POS |
FORTY |
10
DASH |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3 CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
WONDER-
LIC |
| Vickerson |
DT |
4.96 |
1.79 |
4.66 |
|
7.64 |
20 |
35.5" |
9'0" |
14 |
| Jay
Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Vickerson
is a tough guy with good size for a defensive tackle. He
was a late bloomer in college and, if he continues to progress,
could become a rotation player in the NFL. Vickerson is a
developmental prospect. |
| PLAYER |
POS |
FORTY |
10
DASH |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3 CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
WONDER-
LIC |
| Harris |
RB |
4.48 |
1.61 |
4.10 |
|
7.22 |
|
40" |
10'2" |
12 |
Jay
Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Harris is
faster, and quicker than I thought, and a better athlete than I
thought. If he lifts in the twenties (or improves his
strength), he could be one of the better runners in the draft
after the top three.
NFLFans.com reports: Big
man with good speed, can get outside and fly or take the ball
inside and run you over. Great vision, passion for the game.
Harris will get overlooked in a deep RB class. He is older
(4 years in the minors) than the other seniors. With a little
time, Harris could be really good
Allen
Trieu of NFLDraftShowcase.com reports: Harris'
has some wear and tear already which could scare some teams off
as his running style will also wear down on him. But when he is
healthy, Harris is an outstanding physical presence and has
great athletic
ability for a back so big. He should be a 3rd or 4th Rounder.
Jay Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Harris
looked good at times, and pedestrian at times during the Senior
Bowl game. He showed a burst, but not the strength I
expected.
Carlos "Big C" Holmes of www.daytondailynews.com
reports: Kay-Jay Harris
continued to make his presence felt in more ways than one (at
Senior Bowl practice) when he steam-rolled Virginia Tech DB
Corey Fuller, who was attempting to tackle the bruising back.
When Fuller managed to scrape himself up from the field, he had
the look on his face of "did anybody get the number of that
bus?" Harris has fared well, but the questions surrounding
him are about his durability and the fact that he is 26 years
old.
Pat Kirwan of NFL.com reports: Kay-Jay
Harris was very physical in the contact drills and flashed a
Jamal Lewis-type style (Senior Bowl practice).
Colin Lindsay of GBNReport.com reports: West
Virginia RB Kay-Jay Harris, a 230-plus pounder has shown
surprising quickness this week.
Zac Jackson, of ClevelandBrowns.com, reports: West
Virginia RB Kay-Jay Harris had several good runs during Senior
Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 25. |
| PLAYER |
POS |
FORTY |
10
DASH |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3 CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
WONDER-
LIC |
| Holmes |
TE |
|
|
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
28 |
| Jay
Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Holmes
showed excellent hands during the Senior Bowl game. He
could be a useful NFL player as a blocking tight end who catches
the occasional short pass for a touchdown or first down. |
| PLAYER |
POS |
FORTY |
10
DASH |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3 CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
WONDER-
LIC |
| Sesay |
TE |
4.88 |
|
4.33 |
11.98 |
7.46 |
20 |
28.5" |
9'0" |
|
| Jay
Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Sesay is a
good receiving tight end, he is a big target and has reliable
hands. However, for a 6'5", 277 pound man, he is an
ineffective blocker. |
| PLAYER |
POS |
FORTY |
10
DASH |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3 CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
WONDER-
LIC |
| Davis |
WR |
4.51 |
1.61 |
4.24 |
|
7.20 |
|
37.5" |
9'10" |
17 |
| Jay
Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Davis runs
good routes and has good hands. He doesn't have top speed
or quickness, but could be a good third receiver who can get
open and catch the ball. |
| PLAYER |
POS |
FORTY |
10
DASH |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3 CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
WONDER-
LIC |
| Bigby |
SS |
4.53 |
|
4.11 |
11.35 |
7.00 |
19 |
35" |
9'4" |
23 |
| Jay
Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Bigby has
decent speed and strength, and excellent quickness. He
could catch on as a special teams standout. Down-the-line
he could be a good backup safety. |
| PLAYER |
POS |
FORTY |
10
DASH |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3 CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
WONDER-
LIC |
| Turner |
OLB |
4.91 |
|
4.66 |
|
7.40 |
|
31.5" |
9'5" |
|
| Jay
Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Turner
is a big-time hitter, and a good leader. He is, however,
lacking in athletic ability, and may have to move inside in a
3-4 defense to find a role in the NFL. |
| PLAYER |
POS |
FORTY |
10
DASH |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3 CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
WONDER-
LIC |
| Berlin |
QB |
4.94 |
|
4.45 |
|
7.51 |
|
30" |
9'1" |
13 |
Jay
Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Berlin
wasn't on the field that much during the Senior Bowl game and
did nothing of note - good or bad. He is a long shot to
make a roster next year, but some team could keep him on their
developmental squad.
Colin Lindsay of GBNReport.com reports: Brock
Berlin of Miami had to put his whole body behind the throw to
get his passes downfield. |
| PLAYER |
POS |
FORTY |
10
DASH |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3 CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
WONDER-
LIC |
| Thompson |
DT |
|
|
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
| Jay
Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Thompson is
a strong man who was the anchor of Duke's defensive line.
He is more of a run-stuffer than a pass-rusher. He will
need to find the right situation in order to have a chance to
stick. |
2005
TEAM NEEDS PRIOR TO FREE AGENCY AND THE DRAFT
Jay Goldberg of
90FootballLinks.NET reports:
major
need
need
position
possible
need, depth needed
no real need
Key UFA: Rosenfels QB, Minor RB, Perry LS, Knight S, Robinson DT
Key RFA: Greenwood LB (3rd),
NOTE - RFA COMPENSATION AT MINIMUM TENDER
QB:
Feely has a chance to
be a good NFL starter. I said a chance, not a good chance.
Fiedler will, most likely, be cut. Rosenfels has shown
some skill, but will have to be better than a second day pick to
be brought back to be the third QB. A veteran to play
behind (and maybe, eventually ahead) of Felly is needed.
RB:
RB:
Gordon, Morris, et all
won't be the answer at starting running back for the Fins.
They are capable backups. Look for the Dolphins to draft a
starting running back this April.
WR: Chambers is close to all pro. Booker is a fine
compliment. Boston is a wildcard. With Gilmore, Newsome
and others on hand, the Dolphins do not have a need at
this position.
TE: McMichael and Lee are a solid one, two. Perry is a
capable three and good long snapper, but is an UFA.
OL:
OL:
A terrible unit.
Hopefully Carey can get in in his second year, and james will
bounce back. If not, there should be (but won't be) five
new starters.
DL:
DL:
Taylor is one of the
best. D. Bowens was capable on the other side but is best
suited as a number three. T. Bowens is good, but the
mileage is showing. Everyone else is so-so.
LB:Thomas
is still top-notch, but Pope is a good young linebacker who may
be given a chance to start if the price tag on Thomas is too
high. Moore is a young player who was a high draft choice
but hasn't lived up to expectations. Greenwood is an RFA
who is one of those steady, unspectacular backers who are
important on good defenses, but invisible on suspect defenses.
Seau will have to rework his contract to stay.
DB:
DB:
If Surtain leaves, the
Dolphins have Poole and Howard on hand. Madison is still
productive, but clearly the number two corner behind Surtain.
Knight will probably not be resigned so the Dolphins will have
two new starting safeties. One could be Bell who has
looked good in limited action. The Dolphins need to draft
a safety and a corner.
ST:
ST:
Mare carries a big
salary and is no longer in the top echelon of kickers. He
could be a salary cap casualty. Turk is a steady old pro
at punter. Welker added fun and talent to their return
game.
|
top
2004
COLLEGE DRAFT
| While some questioned the Dolphins giving up a
fourth round pick to ensure they got Vernon Carey, I did not.
The Dolphins needed Andrews or Carey at that spot no matter
what, or their draft would have been a disaster. Their
offensive line was their major weakness coming into the draft,
and that's not a good thing when your main weapon is Ricky
Williams, you plan on starting an inexperienced quarterback (Feeley),
and you need to win NOW.. . and they got their man, Mr.
Carey. Poole was available in round four because of a
drunk driving incident prior to the draft. He had an
early round two grade from me. While on the surface
Poole looks like a luxury because of the presence of Surtain,
Madison and free agent signee Howard; Poole will play
dividends in a year or two when the Dolphins are forced to let
Madison go because they can't afford too much salary cap being
tied up in cornerbacks. Bua is this years'
non-linebacker being moved to outside linebacker. Last
year it was Jenkins, and he looks to have panned out.
Personally, I'd leave Bua at strong safety and hope he can
eventually turn into an intimidator from that spot. An
intimidator is something the Dolphins' defense desperately
needs. Bua as a linebacker, though, is too light to be
an intimidator, and is a wasted pick. Hadnot was worth a
sixth round pick. He could develop into a quality
backup. The Dolphins got two steals in the seventh
round. I had fourth round grades for both Pape and Pope.
In fact, Pape could be the major-surprise, quality starter
from this draft in a couple of years. Pope is good
enough to win a roster spot, and for the Dolphins' sake, good
enough for them to keep Bua at safety. The Dolphins
signed some quality college street free agents. However,
many of the players I like best are at positions where it may
be tough for them to make the team. One player that will
have a difficult time, but who I predict will stick, is
running back Fred Russell. With Travis Minor and Leonard
Henry ahead of him as backups to Ricky Williams, it may
appear that there is no room for Russell. However, he
could emerge as a specialist. He has good speed, is
strong and is a better playmaker than either Minor or Henry.
With Minor one year away from being an unrestricted free
agent, look for the Dolphins to keep Russell so next year he
is the third back behind Williams and Henry. While
Russell has a chance, running back Renaldo Works is a quality
free agent who may see the "no room at the inn" sign
on the Dolphins' roster. Another interesting free agent
is tight end Ben Moa. He is a perfect candidate for the
Dolphins' developmental squad. Kevin Millhouse is the
final free agent I will mention here. I like this kid a
lot. He has size and speed and is a very good athlete.
Here is another quality player that, I predict, will force his
way onto the roster. To do it, he will have to beat out
Korey Banks and Alphonso Roundtree, two players who looked
good last year in camp. |
PLAYER/
TEAM NEWS PRIOR TO DRAFT
| PLAYER |
POS |
HGT-WGHT |
FORTY |
10
DASH |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
3
CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
| Carey |
G/T |
6-4
3/8, 335 |
5.33 |
- |
5.00 |
8.10 |
30 |
- |
7-5 |
Carey
Miami
#2 ranked OL by
Jaybird
|
Len Pasquarelli
of ESPN.com reports: He probably won't
get his wish, but Miami (Fla.) offensive lineman Vernon Carey
still would like a chance to play at tackle, before being moved
inside to guard, where it seems most teams project him. "In
the end, it's not going to matter, because I feel I'll succeed
at either position," said Carey, who certainly looks more
the part of a guard from a physical standpoint. "But let's
be honest, huh, tackle is the glamour position."
Brian DeLucia of SportingNews.com
reports: Vernon Carey will give a team a boost in the
run game at right guard. He's very explosive in the lower body
and has tremendous natural strength that always him to get
movement in-line. He moves well laterally for his size in pass
protection, but needs a lot of refinements with his techniques.
His conditioning must also improve significantly to eliminate
the soft areas of his frame. There's a lot of boom or bust
potential here. That's dangerous ground for a guard in the first
round. |
| PLAYER |
POS |
HGT-WGHT |
FORTY |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3
CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
| Poole |
CB |
5-10
1/8, 193 |
4.50 |
4.03 |
12.02
- ill |
6.60 |
16 |
33½" |
10-0 |
Poole
USC
#5 ranked CB by Jaybird
|
Len
Pasquarelli of ESPN.com reports: The three
fastest-rising draft prospects, according to one AFC personnel
chief: wide receiver Mark Clayton of LSU and two Southern Cal
players, cornerback Will Poole and defensive end Kenechi Udeze.
NFLFans.com reports:
Poole is a physical cover corner with great
athleticism, and a solid tackler who has a nose for the ball. He
played his senior season at USC after spending his freshman
season at Boston College, and the prior two years at Ventura
Junior College.
Gil Brandt of NFL.com
reports: Poole worked out, but he has
been sick for about a week. It would be unfair to post his
times. |
| PLAYER |
POS |
HGT-WGHT |
FORTY |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3
CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
| Bua |
OLB |
5.11.4,
210 |
4.67 |
- |
11.16 |
6.70 |
15 |
36" |
9-9 |
Bua
Arkansas
Jaybird: below 4th round
|
NFLFans.com
reports: Linebacker turned safety, Bua still plays
with a linebacker mentality, is “Football smart” and has a
knack for being near the ball. Constantly compared to the Rams
Adam Archuleta. |
| PLAYER |
POS |
HGT-WGHT |
FORTY |
10
DASH |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
3
CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
| Hadnot |
C |
6-1¾,
320 |
5.22 |
- |
4.64 |
- |
28 |
25" |
- |
Hadnot
Houston
Jaybird: below 4th round
|
NFLFans.com
reports: Rex has good intangibles and will probably
develop into a good but not great center in the NFL. He will
join a large class of OCs in this years drafts that will likely
make rosters but will probably become backups at both center and
guard positions. That is not to say that he may surprise
everyone and achieve a higher level of success if he gets into a
system that can benefit from his strengths and minimize his
weaknesses. |
| PLAYER |
POS |
HGT-WGHT |
FORTY |
10
DASH |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
3
CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
| Pape |
T |
6-6,
324 |
5.22 |
1.83 |
4.60 |
8.01 |
29 |
26½" |
8-3 |
Pape
Michigan
#8 ranked OT by Jaybird
|
NFLFans.com
reports: Needs to get into a good nutritional program
and into a NFL weight room to develop additional body mass and
increase over-all strength, especially lower body and legs. Like
many college guys coming in they did not have the resources to
do so while attending school and playing under the rules of the
NCAA. Pape is a pro-typical OL in the mold of previous
Michigan OL Jon Jansen & Jeff Backus. Tough, mean, and plays
with the black and blue passion of a blue-collar offensive
lineman. He is a little slow in recognition of blitz schemes and
will need to refine a few techniques but do not be fooled, this
guy could probably start at OT in the NFL his first year.
However, it might be to his benefit to be in a situation where
he can develop his strength and techniques before being thrown
into the fire. Has tremendous upside and potential. |
| PLAYER |
POS |
HGT-WGHT |
FORTY |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3
CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
| D
Pope |
O |
5-11
1/8, 233 |
4.60 |
4.55 |
- |
7.53 |
22 |
33" |
8-11 |
D Pope
Alabama
#11 ranked OLB by Jaybird
|
NFLFans.com
reports: Nothing wrong with his tools, skills, or
attitude. He just needs to answer his durability questions with
the team physicians and prove that he can either play at the
undersized LB he currently is, or develop his limited frame to
play bigger and more powerful; or possibly convert to strong
safety. |
| PLAYER |
HGT-WGHT |
FORTY |
10
DASH |
20
DASH |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
3
CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
| Russell |
5-7,
195 |
4.47 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
21 |
- |
- |
Russell
Iowa
Jaybird: below 4th round
|
Pete
Fiutak / CollegeFootballNews.com posted at foxsports.com
reports: Projected: 4th to 6th round. Good or bad
move to come out early? The ghosts of Sedrick Shaw and Tavian
Banks live on. Russell has speed and quickness, but there's
nothing all that special about the diminutive Hawkeye to make
him a featured NFL back. He'll have to be seen as a third down
back or a change of pace to get drafted on the first day.
Vic Ketchman, of
jaguars.com reports: Iowa's
Fred Russell, 5-7, 195, is an Amos Zereoue look-alike. Russell
is short and powerful, plays hard and is shifty in the open
field. He's a true change-of-pace runner, but he'll have to
improve his hands before he can return dividends in the passing
game. He's a third-round candidate. |
| PLAYER |
HGT-WGHT |
FORTY |
10
DASH |
20
DASH |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
3
CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
| Works |
5-11¾,
216 |
4.52 |
- |
- |
4.07 |
6.90 |
20 |
36" |
10-0 |
Works
Oklahoma
Jaybird: below 4th round
|
NFLFans.com
reports: Renaldo Works was stuck in the backup role
to Quinten Griffen for most of his career and then in his senior
year was forced to share carries with Kejuan Jones, so his
inexperience will hurt him in the draft. He would be good as a
change of pace back, short yardage, as a pass receiver out of
the backfield, or on special teams. |
| PLAYER |
HGT-WGHT |
FORTY |
10
DASH |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3
CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
| Moa |
6-1,252 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Moa
Utah
Jaybird: below 4th round
|
Eric
Edholm of ProFootballWeekly.com reports:
Under the radar -TE Ben Moa, Utah — One of eight semifinalists
this year for the John Mackey Award, given to the nation's top
tight end, Moa has tons of baggage in his background, including
a troubled childhood and a gunshot wound that nearly killed him
in 2000. Yet those around him say he has reformed. His skill is
unquestioned, and he could fit a role at 6-1 and 252 pounds
similar to what Jim Kleinsasser does for the Vikings. Moa was a
“flex” tight end in college who also lined up at the Y-WR
spot at times and ran the ball effectively as a tailback. He
even threw a game-winning pass for a two-point conversion to
finish off a 45-43 triple-overtime win over Air Force. |
| PLAYER |
POS |
HGT-WGHT |
FORTY |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3
CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
| Millhouse |
CB |
6-0
7/8, 208 |
4.36 |
- |
- |
- |
21 |
40" |
9-8 |
Millhouse
Hawaii
Jaybird: below 4th round
|
Gil
Brandt of NFL,com reports: Millhouse ran outdoors on
a rubber track for times of 4.36 and 4.46. He added 21 reps, a
40-inch vertical, and a 9-8 long jump. He really looked good.
Eric Edholm of
ProFootballWeekly.com reports: Under the radar - CB
Kevin Millhouse, Hawaii — Millhouse got off to a great start
this offseason by debunking the notion that he had average
speed. He ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at his pro day, and at 6-0 and
200, that will get you some notice. His stock has improved from
that of a priority free agent to a player who's likely to be
drafted somewhere in the sixth or seventh — possibly late
fifth — round. He was the only 6-foot cornerback in this year’s
draft to run a sub-4.4 40. |
| PLAYER |
POS |
HGT-WGHT |
FORTY |
SHORT
SHUTTLE |
LONG
SHUTTLE |
3
CONE |
BENCH |
VERTICAL
JUMP |
LONG
JUMP |
| Williams |
FS |
5-11
3/8, 204 |
4.60 |
- |
- |
- |
21 |
36½" |
- |
Q
Williams
Wake Forest
Jaybird: below 4th round
|
NFLFans.com
reports: FS Williams has the size and desire
scouts love, very raw though and will need to really impress at
the NFL Scouting combine. |
top
2003
COLLEGE DRAFT
|
C-
|
2003
COLLEGE DRAFT REPORT CARD
|
|
| No argument with the selection of Moore, an
underrated prospect in round two, but I would have found it
difficult to pass on OT Wayne Hunter. Also, Dolph-fans,
how interesting would Miami's receiving corps be with Tyrone
Calico opposite Chris Chambers long term? Wade Smith
fills a need at tackle but may not have the upside of the
aforementioned Hunter. Whitley will provide depth, but I
think Holland, who was available at this spot, has a higher
upside. Lee, a good blocker, could develop into a good
compliment to starter Randy McMichael. Tolver should
stick as a possession receiver. Jenkins is a good
athlete who will be tried at linebacker. Provost is
definitely worth a sixth round shot. He could develop.
Bell is coming off an injury. While he played corner,
Bell could be a very good developmental player as a free
safety. He is a hitter and has a nose for the ball.
Williams is a big man who can play the run but lacks
collapse-the-pocket and pass-rushing skills. Perhaps the
most interesting player to end up on the Dolphins came after
the draft. They signed quarterback Josh Blankenship as
an undrafted free agent. After the top six quarterbacks
(and maybe Seneca Wallace), Blankenship is the player, I
personally, would have selected first, as a quarterback to
develop for the future. |
| Moore |
WORKOUT
NUMBERS
Great Blue North (GBNReport.com) reports that LB Eddie Moore,
6' 1/2", 231, ran a 4.65 in the forty and a
37"vertical leap. Additionally he had a 7.12 3 cone
drill, a 9'10" broad jump and bench pressed 225 pounds 16
times. |
| Tolliver |
The Great Blue North (gbnreport.com)
reports San Diego State's WR J.R. Tollver could not run
under 4.7 for the 40 at the combine. |
| Provost |
Matt
Gambill of AllProScouting.com reports Tim
Provost-OT-San Jose State did 21 reps, weighed 301-pounds had
a 28.5" vertical, and a 8'7" Long jump |
| D
Williams |
WORKOUT
NUMBERS
Matt Gambill of
AllProScouting.com reports Davern
Williams-DT-Transfer from Auburn pro day numbers: 6030, 309,
37" vertical, 33 reps, 5.25 forty |
top
2002
COLLEGE DRAFT
|
GRADE : C
When you factor in
RB Williams and OLB Greenwood, this draft grade becomes much
higher. McKinney was good value in the tyhird round at a
position of need for the Dolphins. McMichael could win
the starting TE job and has the skills to succeed in a Norv
Turner offense. Lowe is more of an athlete than a solid
corner but will help on special teams and could be a useful
player in dime packages. Simmons will have to display
good return skills to stick because the Dolphins are deep at
WR.
Links
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