Dolphins doing homework on "post 1st round" players

by Matty I on Apr 9, 2008 1:58 PM EDT in 2012 Miami Dolphins News

We've spent a lot of time talking about what the Dolphins should/might do with the first overall pick in the draft. However, like many of you, I also feel that the key to this draft will be those middle rounds where valuable starters are found (rounds 2-5). Well Barry Jackson has some info for us on who the Dolphins will be bringing into Davie in the coming days:

The Dolphins, who are making linebacker a priority, are bringing in Auburn's Quentin Groves, a potential second-rounder with 26 career sacks, and UNLV's Beau Bell, a potential third-rounder. (FYI: Miami requested more tape of Georgia's Marcus Howard and has closely studied several potential second-round linebackers, including Oklahoma's Curtis Lofton, USC end/linebacker Lawrence Jackson, Purdue's Cliff Avril and Tennessee's Jerod Mayo, although none of those five was booked for visits.)

The Dolphins scheduled at least two left tackles for visits, Nebraska's Carl Nicks (highly skilled, but character issues) and Virginia Tech's Duane Brown (a converted tight end who impressed at the combine).

Besides Michigan QB Chad Henne, among others on the Dolphins' radar as a possibility to open Round 2 (if he's there) is Boston College offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus, who met with top Dolphins officials on the day they worked out Ryan in Boston. Cherilus projects as a quality right tackle, but struggled somewhat at left tackle as a senior.

And those are just some of the names that Jackson throws our way. I'd suggest checking out the full article to get all the names that he supplies us with.

A couple thoughts on this and then I'll open the floor to you guys. First, we know it was reported last week that the Dolphins' draft board, in terms of the first overall pick, is complete. And I think that all these "other" players heading to Davie in the coming days would be just further evidence that Miami's board for #1 is indeed complete.

Secondly, it's very interesting that the Dolphins seem to be making linebacker a priority. A lot of people feel that this team has other, more important needs than the linebacker spot. However, I'm on board here with the thinking that linebacker is important. This team needs to improve their run defense and, even though they have by bringing in guys like Jason Ferguson and Randy Starks, more can certainly be done. Some Dolphin fans, though, place a high emphasis on cornerback as a top need. And while I would love to see a talented corner brought in here, I left a corner off of my ideal mock draft because I think the Giants showed you don't need great corners to win in this league. Rather, you need to stop the run and rush the passer. So I'm not surprised that the front 7 is getting a ton of attention this offseason. And I won't be surprised to see the Dolphins address the front 7 early and often on draft weekend.

And lastly, don't read too much into the names that Jackson throws at us. What I mean is don't assume that the Dolphins will take Jake Long first overall just because they happen to be bringing in a lot of front 7 players. Also, don't assume this means that Jason Taylor will be traded (though I'm still thinking it will happen). Just take it for what it's worth - a team doing their homework.

Oh, and I did notice one of my favorite prospects in this class, Beau Bell, on that list. God I'd love to have him in Miami next to Channing on the inside of the 3-4!!

Anyways, thoughts below...

Tweet Comment 10 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Parcells...

Will take at least 127 linebackers over the next 4 years!

On a serious note, I think we should take a corner somewhere in round 2. I'd love to get Cason or Tracey Poter.

Matt

by Matt27 on Apr 9, 2008 2:10 PM EDT reply actions

Does this mean that C. Long

is not a certain #1 pick as we thought?

Miami's interest in Groves shows that Chris Long at No. 1 is not a certainty as both are considered linebacker/defensive ends in the 3-4 set.

-Armando Salguero

LBs in 1st, 2nd, AND/OR 3rd rounds? Thats alot of LBs.

Really?

Interestingly, I see no mention (even though I haven't read the entire article) of any secondary help coming in......

You Savvy?

by Neo on Apr 9, 2008 2:11 PM EDT reply actions

Chris Long was never...

...as certain for me as some. The new regime will find a way to trade down.

by misterx on Apr 9, 2008 2:38 PM EDT reply actions

It's not going to happen.

Unless we take a serious hit in value, we will not be trading down, it's just not going to happen.

I also agree with Matty on Beau Bell. Hey Matty, see if you can get a video of Bell for this Saturday. I couldn't find anything on YouTube, but you've found ways to get them up before :)

To be honest, linebacker wasn't even on my mind for this draft, I figured we'd be ok, but hey, In Parcells We Trust.

That being said, if we don't pick up at least one CB in this very deep class, I will be sorely disappointed. But honestly, there should be decent CB talent well into the 4th round, and maybe even the 5th round, so I'm not that worried.

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 3:00 PM EDT reply actions

Trade down!

I can see us taking a hit on value.....just to save money and add players!

Too young to remember 72...not old enough to forget about ever other year since!

by JGray on Apr 9, 2008 3:29 PM EDT reply actions

You, sir, have a rational mind

with a clarity of thought that is unusual in this neighborhood.

;)

by LeftCoastFinFan on Apr 9, 2008 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions

The draft is obviously

much more than just the 1st round, but there's a reason why I think the first round is even more important this year.

That of course, is money, more specifically, guaranteed money.

Consider Brady Quinn going at 22 last year to Cleveland. He got himself a pretty good deal which netted him about $7.5M guaranteed over 5 years. If he flops you just lose the $7.5M over the 5 years - which isn't a lot.

Now in our situation, the #1 pick is going to get 4- 5x that much guaranteed in all likelihood. So instead of just $7.5M over 5 years, it is more like $7M peryear, which is a huge amount to sink into an unproven player.

Compare that to say, Big Ben's recent deal. You read the numbers and think 8 years, $102M, $36M guaranteed. This is for a pro-bowl QB with a super bowl ring in his prime.

I think because of the huge amount of money, the dolphins have to get it right in the first round.

by Natalya on Apr 9, 2008 3:51 PM EDT reply actions

Which brings us back to Chris Long...

He is the only guy that you can say is a "sure thing".

Ryan? Hit or miss, like so many other drafted QBs.

J. Long? I am sure he will be successful, but if it is at RT, then he will be highly overpaid.

Gholston? Could be a beast or a bust. He has the ability, but how many guys have we seen get paid and lose interest?

This is the one thing that Chris Long has going for him... he is the "safe" pick.

by LeftCoastFinFan on Apr 9, 2008 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions

I like bringing in more right tackles

Gosder Cherilus and Duane Brown are good prospects to look at. Duane Brown would be somewhat of a project but it would be nice to pick him up in the mid rounds to be groomed for the future since Vernon Carey is going to be a free agent next year and will likely demand a lot of money. Taking Duane Brown would be good even if we grab Jake Long with the #1.

by mikey2380 on Apr 9, 2008 4:48 PM EDT reply actions