Dolphins Offensive Mock Depth Chart

by Matty I on Apr 9, 2008 12:05 AM EDT in 2012 Miami Dolphins News

I recently received an e-mail from one of our regular readers/community members, OnTheGo, with an idea for a post. He believes that a good way to try and predict what the Dolphins might do on draft day is by taking a good look at the current roster. He suggested doing a mock depth chart. So, being a man of the people, I've decided to take action on his suggestion. And I look for you guys to do the same in the "comments" below.

Today we'll look at the offense and tomorrow we'll focus on the defense.

Now, a few notes about this depth chart. First, it isn't 100% complete in the sense that it does not list everyone currently on the roster. Second, you will see some players listed twice. That's not a mistake. Rather, it's probably because that particular player could play more than one position. Look for this, especially, when talking about the lineman.

QUARTERBACK
Depth Chart: John Beck, Josh McCown, Casey Bramlet, Matt Baker

As you can see, I've listed Beck ahead of McCown. I'm sure you all know my feelings here and I do think John will win the starting job. But as of right now, which is what this depth chart is supposed to represent, I have John ahead of Josh simply because he's more familiar with many of the players. As for the other two, I don't think either one will make the roster come September.

RUNNING BACK
Depth Chart: Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams, Lorenzo Booker, Patrick Cobbs

This is, by far, the one position that is set, barring health concerns. If Ronnie and Ricky are healthy, than this will be the strongest position on the team in 2008. Like everybody, I'm also very excited to see how this new regime uses LoBook. Tony Sparano has already said he's the kind of player that has to get his touches, and I couldn't agree more.

WIDE RECEIVER
Depth Chart: Ted Ginn, Ernest Wilford, Derek Hagan, Tab Perry, Greg Camarillo, David Kircus, Kerry Reed, Chandler Williams

Right now, I think it's safe to assume that Ginn and Wilford will be the starting wide receivers, especially considering how well each compliments the other. Ginn is that speedy threat and Wilford is the big, physical receiver. The interesting battle that is brewing and that will be very fun to watch once camp opens is the battle for the 3rd receiver spot. Hagan probably has the inside track because of his familiarity with the players and his upside. If Hagan could shake his case of the "dropsies," then he'd make a very good #3 wide receiver. However, 2 years into the league and there seems to be no progress towards becoming a reliable target. Perry, if he can stay healthy, has good speed and is a player to keep an eye on.

I also think the battle to make the roster as the 4th and 5th receivers will be fun to watch. Camarillo seems to have too much potential to just cut him loose, meaning he'll be battling guys like Perry (if he looses out to Hagan), Kircus (who is a wild card), and Kerry Reed (who showed flashes in camp last year) to make the roster. And look for things to get further confusing when Miami either drafts a wide receiver or signs some undrafted free agent receivers.

TIGHT END
Depth Chart: David Martin, Sean Ryan, Justin Peelle, Aaron Halterman

This is clearly a need position in the eyes of us fans. However, I'm not sure the Dolphins see it the same way. I just get a feeling that Tony Sparano and company kind of like Martin and think he's at least serviceable for another year. Meanwhile, you'll notice that I have Baker ahead of Peelle. Baker, from everything I've read and heard, is a very good blocking tight end, which is why I've bumped Peelle down to #3 even though he played well last year. Peelle is a "Cam Cam player" and I'm not sold on the idea that this regime will keep him around.

Due to the length, you'll need to click "Read More" to see the rest.

LEFT TACKLE
Depth Chart: Vernon Carey

Yup, that's right. That's all we got. So if you think this team is only going to take just 1 tackle in this draft, you're crazy. The hole behind Carey will likely be filled by draft picks, undrafted free agents, and June 1st cuts.

LEFT GUARD
Depth Chart: Drew Mormino, Trey Darilek, Ikechuku Ndukwe

Sparano has come out and said that Mormino will have a chance to win the the starting left guard position in camp. He missed last year with a torn labrum, but was also a little undersized. He's had almost a whole year to get bigger and stronger and did show flashes during last year's training camp. Darilek and Ndukwe, I'd imagine, would (at best) be battling for one spot.

RIGHT GUARD
Depth Chart: Justin Smiley, Trey Darilek, Ikechuku Ndukwe

Smiley was brought in here to start at right guard and will do just that. He's a high upside player who I think we'll all really enjoy seeing in Miami for many years. Behind him are the same two guards, Darilek and Ndukwe, who will battle it out. Look for a decent number of guards to be brought in to compete.

RIGHT TACKLE
Depth Chart: Julius Wilson

This there's a need here? Wilson has good size, at 6'4, 327, but is very raw. Look for him to be a backup in 2008. And you can bet that the Dolphins will spend a first day draft pick on a tackle, whether it's Jake Long or one of the 2nd round projections, to start from day one in 2008.

CENTER
Depth Chart: Samson Satele, Drew Mormino

Satele is a future pro bowler and will be this team's center, hopefully, for the next 10+ years. He did seem to fatigue late in the season, but that's expected for a rookie lineman who has started since day one. Look for Satele to improve and become one of the game's top centers in 2008 and beyond. Mormino, with center experience, is currently his primary backup, though I'd be shocked if some competition wasn't brought in.

THOUGHTS
So what, if anything, did we learn here? Basically what we already know: that offensive line is a major priority. This team only has 7 lineman currently on the roster, when the typical team has 11-14 entering training camp. Does this mean Jake Long is the pick at #1? Not necessarily. Bit if he isn't (and I'm beginning to hope he is), then I'd be shocked if the Dolphins didn't spend their first 2nd round pick on a tackle.

Thoughts on any of this below...

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Comments

Depth Chart

Nice work but you left out the full-backs.

by phinman17 on Apr 9, 2008 12:55 AM EDT reply actions

lol

yes i did.

damnit, this is the last time I write something while watching the Cardinals game!

Fullback is actually an interesting battle, too. I like what Reagan Mauia brings and I think he could be a very good blocking fullback. Boomer Grigsby, though, is a special teams star. He's a beast. So if he can't beat out Mauia, then I'd expect both to make the team. However, this might not bode well for Mauia. Perhaps, in the eyes of the coaching staff, he'll have to REALLY outplay Boomer to earn a spot on the roster.

by Matty I on Apr 9, 2008 1:03 AM EDT up reply actions

I dont blame you

Fullbacks are really arent as used as much as they used to be

by Patssuck456 on Apr 9, 2008 8:00 AM EDT up reply actions

Yup, that's what I just thought...

by davehowardcustom on Apr 9, 2008 8:24 AM EDT up reply actions

I think it bodes well for a Jake Long selection

Not only the current depth chart, but the lack of activity in the OT free agent market kind of spells out Jake Long to me. If we weren't looking to fill the OT need at the top of the draft, I think we may have been a little more proactive in filling the need in the free agent market. Just my opinion though..

I do think we'll get a late round QB, like who you had in your mock, O'Connell, with a 6th. I also think WR will be filled later in the draft because we have at least a top 3-4. Whoever we grab at that position will compete for the 4/5 spot. I don't know about the TE spot, I would like to see them take a receiving threat in the middle rounds.

Great article can't wait to see the D

http://canemutiny.blogspot.com A fans view of Miami Hurricanes Football and Basketball

by Little Nicky 21 on Apr 9, 2008 1:53 AM EDT reply actions

The pick is going to be Jake Long.

Jake Long will be the #1 pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Period. End of Story.

I'm honestly surprised that more people don't agree with me. It's obviously a HUGE need for us, for Christ's sakes, we only have ONE true tackle signed to the team at all. Wilson was an undrafted free agent, which means that 32 teams collectively decided 255 times that there was somebody better to pick. Sure, some undrafted free agents have gone on to do well in the league, but Wilson is barely good enough to be considered a backup right now.

Quite frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if 2 of our top 3 picks were BOTH offensive lineman. I don't think they will be, but it wouldn't surprise me, either.

Some people try to find things in this game that don't exist but football is only two things - blocking and tackling. ~Vince Lombardi

by ratenxs on Apr 9, 2008 4:00 AM EDT reply actions

Huh?

39% of the people who voted in the pole picked jake Long as the pick. You picking Jake Long is not some sort of revelation.

The pick very well may be Jake Long, but here has been my problem with that all along: You are basically drafting a RT. Even if Jake Long CAN play LT, you end up moving Carey to RT. And Carey had a very good year at LT this year. That position is just not an area of need. RT...yes, but not LT. Also, when Carey becomes a free agent, he will be asking for LT money since he has proved he can play that position in the NFL. If the Phins don't pony up LT money for him, another team will.

I love the way Jake Long plays the game and would love to have him on our team, but LT is not a need and you don't draft a RT that high. And even if he is the LT, you've essentially filled the RT position by drafting him. To me, it makes more sense to draft a player at position of need with that first pick, considering at least one of those top players fills a position of need, and then fill the RT position with one of the 2nd round picks.

by dab415217 on Apr 9, 2008 8:15 AM EDT up reply actions

It's not an IF my friend

Jake Long is a LT. It's not a matter of IF he can play there. Carey is more comfortable and more effective on the right side. Long won the Big 10 OL of the Year 2 seasons ago, beating out some guy named Joe Thomas who turned out to be pretty damn good in the NFL so far. Last season, he gave up 1 sack. That was against probably the best pass rusher in this draft class in Gholston. But if you watch the tape of the sack, Mallett (the QB) hits his last step of his drop, pats the ball, hesitates, and then tries to scramble when everything breaks down, and Gholston gets to him. Not exactly beating JLong like a drum on that one. And he didn't get to the QB for the rest of the game.

In the bowl game, Long shut down arguably the second best pass rusher in this class in Derrick Harvey. There's no question about it he can play LT.

http://canemutiny.blogspot.com A fans view of Miami Hurricanes Football and Basketball

by Little Nicky 21 on Apr 9, 2008 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions

Agreed, Agreed.

I just don't understand all the "He's a right tackle" talk lately. And his physical measurables are great, too. he's not a tub-o-Lard, like some linemen are. He's a 6' 7", 313 lb. brick wall. That bodes very well for his longevity in the NFL. He's not likely to be one of those guys who is injured, on IR or always fighting a bad back or bumb knees & outta the league in 4 years.

by davehowardcustom on Apr 9, 2008 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions

Because a LT typically has to deal with...

...speed rushers from that side with a RH QB. Jake Long is basically a brute. His agility measurables were considerably less than Joe Thomas. Where do you think the talk of "He projects well at LT in NFL" for the other prospects comes from? Its because of wingspan (which Long has) and agility (mainly footwork). When they show jake Long highlights, what do you typically see? you see a guy that is physically manhandling most of his opponents. Who are the guys that gave him trouble the most? Speed rushers, ala Vernon Gholston.

Listen, if we did not already have Vernon Carey, who was playing at a pretty high level at LT, I'd jump all over Jake Long as the pick. obviously, we have a need at OT, specifically at RT IMO. No need to fill that position until the 2nd round.

by dab415217 on Apr 9, 2008 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions

And every LT has trouble with speed..

Which is why Dwight Freeney, all 6-1 of him, is the highest paid defensive end in football. Because his speed gives EVERY LT in the league problems. The elite ones can neutralize him for most of the game, but he can't be shut down. If Jake Long's only flaw is that he doesn't have good enough footwork to deal with speed, then a) how did he dominate Derrick Harvey in the bowl game, b) why didn't Gholston have 3 or 4 sacks against him like he did against other tackles throughout the year, and c) wouldn't his footwork be fixed by our excellent OL coaching on this new staff?

Footwork can be fixed, and Long appears to be very coachable, so why anybody would be worried that people will blow by him all game is beyond me. Everybody knows that in football, speed kills, and the fact that he neutralized every speedy rusher he played outside of a couple plays against an elite pass rusher, shows me that he has plenty of talent to be a great LT.

As for Carey, I still think he will be at his best on the right side. He's not an elite left tackle, but he can be an elite RT. Jake has all the tools and the attitude to become an elite LT. He HAS to be the pick there's no question in my mind.

http://canemutiny.blogspot.com A fans view of Miami Hurricanes Football and Basketball

by Little Nicky 21 on Apr 9, 2008 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't even know where to start.

Due you understand nuances in performance, or is it just extremes? Do you understand that I am not saying he can't play LT in NFL, but that quite a few scouts have said they have concerns whether he can be an elite LT. By the way, aren't those scouts saying the same thing about Jake Long that ou are saying about Vernon Carey? And is this not what I have been saying all along? That we already have THAT type of player already on the roster manning the LT position.

~If Jake Long's only flaw is that he doesn't have good enough footwork to deal with speed, then a) how did he dominate Derrick Harvey in the bowl game~

It was one game. Sacks are not the only measurable for a pass rusher. In fact, man coaches will tell you that sacks are not as important as pressure. Pressure doesn't always end up in a sack.

~why didn't Gholston have 3 or 4 sacks against him like he did against other tackles throughout the year,~

And here we go with the extreme statements I was referring to. Uh, maybe because Long is a pretty good player? That's quite obvious. That's not what I am discussing though. With your logic, Gholston should have had 30 sacks this year. "If Gholston got 3 sacks versus player A why didn't he get 3 sacks versus player B too?" That is flawed logic.

~wouldn't his footwork be fixed by our excellent OL coaching on this new staff?~

Agility can't be manufactured. It can be improved....somewhat. Can Jake Long's agility be improved? Who the heck knows. I'm sure he has worked on it. He's smart enough to know what he's going to be going up against on the next level. NO ONE KNOWS IF HE HAS THE FOTWORK TO BE AN ELITE LT AT THE NFL LEVEL. That's why the questions are out there. I don't know that, you don't know that. It remains to be seen.

~As for Carey,... He's not an elite left tackle, but he can be an elite RT.~

Please quantify this statement. I can quantify that he CAN be an elite LT in this league. Last year he ranked #4 in the league for highest yds per rush over LT. Joe Thomas was #3 for the same stat. Carey only gave up 3 sacks all year. Joe Thomas gave up 4.25. Vernon Carey had zero holding penalties called against him all year. Joe Thomas had 1 holding penalty. Joe Thomas went to the Pro Bowl, as an alternate I know, but he still went.

Now you tell me, after seeing those numbers, did Vernon Carey not play at an elite level at LT last year? Clearly he did.

Left tackle is not a position of need for the Miami Dolphins, IMO. Vernon Carey has been very underrated at LT. The numbers clearly show he played at an elite level last year.

by dab415217 on Apr 9, 2008 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Then you, sir, should be an NFL scout.

Because the NFL scouts that say that there is a question about whether he will be a topflight LT obviously don't know what they are talking about, according to you.

I can not stress this enough...LOOK AT THE 2003 OUTLAND TROPHY WINNER AND 2ND PLAYER DRAFTED IN 2004 AND SEE WHERE HE IS PLAYING RIGHT NOW. Then talk to me about a can't miss LT. Better yet, how many of the LT drafted in the top 10 picks over the last 5 years are playing at a high level? One that jumps out at me, and that is Joe Thomas. And why is that? Because of his agility.

Like I said, I like Jake Long, and he very well may be the Dolphins pick...I just don't think its a position of need at #1.

by dab415217 on Apr 9, 2008 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions

Well if you listen to him...

he seems to already fancy himself an NFL scout. Remember, he's sold on John Beck after 4 games :)

by Natalya on Apr 9, 2008 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Gholston beat Long with his first step.

The only way to avoid a sack on that play was for the QB to throw the ball early.

by dab415217 on Apr 9, 2008 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions

Every year...

Gholston had a sack against Long. Mind you, Michigan plays Ohio State once a year.

And the thing is, Long may have faced an end with Gholston's speed once a year, but in the NFL, it will be numerous times a year.

by Natalya on Apr 9, 2008 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Jake Long

Only gave up 2 sacks in his entire college career. Only one of them was Vernon Gholston.

It was not every year. It was once.

Some people try to find things in this game that don't exist but football is only two things - blocking and tackling. ~Vince Lombardi

by ratenxs on Apr 9, 2008 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Good one Dab!

It would be anything but a shock if we draft jake long - the polls here certainly suggest we more or less expect it.

However is good depth at the OT position so it gives the team the option of passing on OT in the first round and filling it in the 2nd round. Then in the later rounds you bring in more guys for depth and development - ala Morimo last year.

by Natalya on Apr 9, 2008 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions

Jake Long would be a great pick for the O-Line.

No doubt about that. If it was just about that, I'd have zero reservations about drafting him at #1. I love the way the guy plays. He's a mauler. He physically beats opponents down. if you love wathcing football you just have to love a guy that plays like that. Yet, my reservations as stated a few time here, is just that LT is not an area of need. There are LT's that went to the Pro Bowl that gave up more sacks than and had a lower rushing avg when running over LT, than Carey did. Carey is 26 yrs old and is going to get even better. I'm worried that by drafting Jake Long and installing him as the LT will ultimately end up with us losing Carey to another team when he becomes a free agent.

Blah blah blah. Its all what I have been saying for awhile now. :) No need to rehash it.

If I had to place a bet right now, my money is on Jake Long being the pick. Do I think its the best pick for us...no. But I'm just another guy throwin' in my 2 cents. I can't wait for the draft t finally see who we get.

by dab415217 on Apr 9, 2008 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions

By the way, I am still going with....

...Ryan>Jake Long>Gholston>Chris Long (in that order) as my personal favorites for the Dolphins to draft. I've remained consistent on that for well over a month now. I don't see that changing barring something starnge happening in the next 17 days.

by dab415217 on Apr 9, 2008 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions

What I don't understand...

...is why you wouldn't want to maximize both positions. Even if Carey is as good as you say he is (note that I'm not disagreeing with you there), then why settle for a player that's not quite as good on the other side? On a scale of 1-10, if Long and Carey are both 10s, and in that case good enough to play LT, then why not have two 10s anchoring the outside of your line? Why would you settle for, say, a 7, just to keep Carey at LT?

Both Carey and Long could play either RT or LT, there's no doubt in my mind of that. However, Carey would likely be the one to end up at RT since he's right handed, and Long is left handed, it just makes more sense that way. Does that mean that Long is necessarily better then Carey? No. But it does mean that we would have one hell of a good offensive line. I'd be willing to pay them both LT money for that.

Some people try to find things in this game that don't exist but football is only two things - blocking and tackling. ~Vince Lombardi

by ratenxs on Apr 9, 2008 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions

If the Dolphins are willing to pay...

...Carey to keep him around, I'm fine with that. However, the general consensus in the NFL is that RT's don't get paid that kind of money. A line with both Carey and Long as the bookends does seem to have potential to be a great line. We'll see.

by dab415217 on Apr 9, 2008 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Jake Long or nothing

Lets give Beck,ronnie,and Ginn the offensive line they deserve. Can you imagine how much better Beck could have been with Long protecting him.Also, ronnie could have rushed for over 1500yds behind that big Mojo.

by ecks on Apr 9, 2008 9:38 AM EDT reply actions

Jake Long

I agree with you guys. I think it's too risky not to take Jake Long #1. If we wait to draft an OT with pick #32, the other top OT prospects may be gone. And even though there is quality depth at OT, Jake is still the #1 OT by a good margin. Since OT is also our top need we should take Jake.

by kcorona4 on Apr 9, 2008 11:16 AM EDT reply actions

QBs

Has anybody here seen Bramlet in camp? He is the best QB there right now. He has the size, arm, brains, speed etc. If anybody cares to watch to get your football fix before the draft get a copy of the World Bowl 2007, Bramlet was the MVP and showed during the year and the championship game he can manage the game and play at the professional level. I know what you guys are gonna say, but NFL Europe is pretty close to the NFL excepting speed. Bramlet gives them the best chance to win right now, even over a high draft pick QB coming into a new system.

by bubba on Apr 9, 2008 11:30 AM EDT reply actions

Yeah I'm right there with you...

forget this John Beck talk and Matt Ryan speculation.

I know that despite their pandering for Ryan or Beck, that Left, dab, Neo, etc, all know deep down that Casey is the answer.

Bramblet is the guy....

by Natalya on Apr 9, 2008 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Hey! I'm not pandering to anyone!

I just honestly think that Beck give us the best chance to win!

;)

by LeftCoastFinFan on Apr 9, 2008 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Don't EVER use that phrase on here again!!!

"best chance to win".... BAH!!

by LeftCoastFinFan on Apr 9, 2008 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions

With that logic...

...why don't we just go get Kerry Joseph from the CFL, or Matt D'Orazio from the AFL? They can "manage" the game at the "professional" level, too.

Look, there's "professional" football, then there's the NFL. The guys that played in the NFL Europe, or that now play in the CFL or AFL may be paid to play football, which technically makes them professionals, but they're playing in those leagues for a reason.

The highest paid player in the CFL makes $500,000 a year. The highest paid player in the AFL makes $200,000 a year. The minimum pay for any player in the NFL is $285,000 for rookies, and it goes up to $360,000 in your 2nd year. By year 4, you've surpassed the highest paid player in the CFL. It doesn't matter if you're a 6th string special team pine-rider, in your 4th year you're making more then the highest paid CFL player or two of the highest paid AFL players combined.

With that kind of difference in pay, ANY player from the CFL or AFL who was given even a chance to play in the NFL would be silly not to take it. Yet, they usually aren't given a chance. There's a reason for that.

Names like Theismann and Moon come to mind, but success at one level does not automatically correlate to success in the NFL. As a player in his 5th season he's scheduled to make $595,000 this year. He's had his chance in the NFL with the Bengals, Redskins, and Falcons, and he was cut by all of them.

He might be practice squad material, nothing more.

Some people try to find things in this game that don't exist but football is only two things - blocking and tackling. ~Vince Lombardi

by ratenxs on Apr 9, 2008 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions

QB's

Wow, whats with all the money stuff anyway. I thought I was talking about making it in the NFL, I think Bramlet is better than Beck and McCowan, so you think differently. You don't have to muddy the waters talking about money. Money is not a real concern for the owners, is Payton really worth 1.1 million a week on paper? If you didn't know they get paid by the week during the season including the off week, from what I heard his contract is around 19 mil a year.

Yea Moon, Theisman, Kitna, Werner come to mind, not bad company to keep.

And as for your quote, when does a QB block and tackle anyway?

by bubba on Apr 11, 2008 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions

wouldn't it be really funny if

bramlet ends up being our franchise QB?

And you mean Warner.

Just for the sake of argument, how can you have an opinion on whether he is better than Beck, when you have only seen Beck play those few games without a supporting cast? I think you need to see Beck play behind an Oline, with a running game, and with decent coaching/play calling before you can decide whether someone is better. Brady would have had a problem stepping into the situation we had last year. :)

by LeftCoastFinFan on Apr 11, 2008 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions

Casey Bramlet

I agree Casey is the real deal. I hope he gets a chance to show what he is capable of. He has a good arm and presence in the pocket. And he is not afraid to take a hit (ex. preseason with the falcons, when he took off running up the middle and got nailed by 3 guys, and he just popped up like it was nothing).

by WyoWray on Apr 16, 2008 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions

TE

Who's Baker?

by Gliddog on Apr 9, 2008 2:33 PM EDT reply actions

Dab, I think you are spot on.

I like Jake, but there is definitely a number of scouts projecting him as a RT. Also, people keep repeating this worn out "Carey is more comfortable on the right", or "Vernon's natural position is at RT" mantra. I think that is crap.

You guys need to quit repeating things as fact that are, in reality, just convenient opinions. Could there be a better LT out there based on his play last year? sure. But not by much. I am posting a diary to show the comparison based on performance by LTs last year.

by LeftCoastFinFan on Apr 9, 2008 5:25 PM EDT reply actions