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Quick Hits: Merling at OLB?

Just wanted to post a couple of things that took place today:

MERLING GETS TASTE OF OLB
This comes from the Dolphins' official website:

Roth has been working at outside linebacker for the last two weeks and started their against the Jaguars last week, while rookie defensive end Philip Merling got a little taste of what it's like to drop into pass coverage this afternoon early in the afternoon practice.

Now I wouldn't read too much into this...yet.  Sure, Bill Parcells did convert DeMarcus from a college DE to an OLB in Dallas.  But Ware is far more athletic than Merling.  In fact, when I posed this question to two separate people who cover Clemson football for a living, they both told me that Merling is not athletic enough to play outside linebacker in the NFL.  So I'll trust them.

But what this does tell me, though, is that the coaches could be a little bit worried about their current depth at outside linebacker.  Joey Porter can't seem to shake these nagging injuries (though he did practice today) and Charlie Anderson continues to sit out of practice with a hamstring injury.  Perhaps if the Dolphins knew what they know now - about how quickly Kendall Langford would be ready to make an impact at DE - they may have decided to take Quentin Groves over Merling at pick #32 back in April.  But as always, hindsight is 20/20.

DOLPHINS TO HORN:  NO THANKS...RIGHT NOW
The Dolphins finally got back to Joe Horn's agent today.  And they reportedly told him they are not interested in Horn's services...for right now:

The Dolphins have not ruled Horn out for down the road should one of their current crop of pass-catchers go down with an injury. But the team clearly isn't viewing Horn as a guy to carry on the roster ahead of the group of guys they currently have.

This confirms pretty much what you've been reading here that the Dolphins are starting to feel better about their young crop of receivers as those players have gotten more familiar with the offense and the quarterbacks and the speed of the game.

This is basically what many of us thought.  Right now, it doesn't make sense for the Dolphins to bring aboard a 36 year old receiver who has clearly lost a step or two.  Not to mention he likes to run his mouth a little bit too much.

And I'll admit that I'm personally excited to see some of these young receivers.  For some reason, I have a feeling growing in my gut that Ted Ginn is on the verge of becoming a very good receiver.  Maybe it won't be this year - though improvement is certain - but I just can't help but get excited over what he might become.

I'm also anxious to see what Davone Bess and Greg Camarillo could potentially turn into.  Remember, I called it all along that Bess would be on this 53-man roster.  And I get the feeling he's going to really open up some eyes this year.

So no, Joe Horn wouldn't have made any sense for this team and I'm glad the Dolphins realized this as well - though I bet if Horn was a "Parcells guy," he'd be on a plane to Miami by now.

Don't forget to get involved in our community projections.  We're currently doing Yeremiah Bell and Will Allen.

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lol matty

you keep braggin bout that davone bess prediction…

Ice Ice Baby

by finsxfactor on Aug 20, 2008 9:04 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

There you have it!!

If a team want a DE thay need to send a good OLB ; )
Merling is good, but at this time is not serviciable, he will be on the market or maybe Porter. Atleast we know that we are a little more deep in the DE department.
THK GOD Horn is not coming, i was trying to swallow that pill but it was to big. Now we can see our WR grow. Ginn will dominate and in the fantasies, he will be an steal in the 6 or 7 rd ; )

I will see the Dolphins win a SUPER BOWL before i die(21 years and counting)

by Aleta on Aug 20, 2008 10:29 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Vonnie Holliday

Has numbered days (a couple of years) left in the league. Merling is a must stay fixture for depth.

www.thephinisher.com

by The Phinisher on Aug 21, 2008 12:17 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

o yea gotta give my opinion

merling is growing as a DE and just keep him there…dont throw too much at him or else it’ll stunt his growth as a de

Ice Ice Baby

by finsxfactor on Aug 20, 2008 11:06 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

What about a trade of

Wilford & Merling for Boldin LOL or you still want roy williams ; )

I will see the Dolphins win a SUPER BOWL before i die(21 years and counting)

by Aleta on Aug 20, 2008 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

roy williams only

not trading merling lol

Ice Ice Baby

by finsxfactor on Aug 20, 2008 11:20 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Merling DE / OLB

Remember, too, Parcels & his staff are using a 3-4. The OLB in a 3-4 does not require the athleticism that a OLB in a 4-3 requires.

I believe Parcels is having all his DE players gain some exposure to OLB duty… IMO, it will make the DE players even better.

by NumberOneFan on Aug 21, 2008 12:09 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Not To Toot My Horn

Like I always do, but I have mentioned time and again that they might try Merling at the OLB spot. His long frame and arms at least make him better out there than Roth.

This position is definitely our Achilles Heel. If we can’t get this figured out we will lose a lot of games in the second half. Mark my words.

If JT was here it would be a whole other deal right now.

www.thephinisher.com

by The Phinisher on Aug 21, 2008 12:15 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Setting The Record

Though I called the potential conversion of Merling I will also fully admit to saying that of the whole draft it was his pick that left me a little cold.

Curtis Lofton man-crush and all.

www.thephinisher.com

by The Phinisher on Aug 21, 2008 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

The man-crush

lol one of the highlights of the draft threads, everybodys secret man-crush. Don’t worry though, I think everybody’s man-crush ended up on a different team, except for Bess. (Matty’s not the only one that thought he had skills) I was surprised by the Merling pick, but between him, Langford, and Starks, we should be set on the DL for years to come. All three are under 25, and huge. I would definitely expect the OLB position to be a top priority next offseason.

http://miamiheattimes.blogspot.com/ A blog dedicated to the 2006 NBA Champs, The Miami Heat

by Little Nicky 21 on Aug 22, 2008 1:46 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think it gives

us options on game day. Belicheat is great at this, changing the look as the ball is snapped. If merling can play standing up we will be very unpredictable when the ball is snapped. I like it……we will need every trick in the book about midway into the season due to our lack of talent. (superstar) on defensive. I figure by that time opposing offenses will have success attacking our weakness.

by jvw on Aug 21, 2008 1:41 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

We have no depth to speak of

BUT by midseason our starters will be a solid unit and “superstars” are made by supporting casts anyway.

by buttonmashersrhilarious on Aug 21, 2008 6:44 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Horn would never be a "Parcells guy"

He’s got a bigger mouth than TO and he has 1/3rd of the talent

Why so serious?

by Patssuck456 on Aug 23, 2008 7:26 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

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