Weekend Roundup: Talking cornerbacks, the draft & more
by Matty I on Jan 11, 2010 12:15 AM EST
in 2012 Miami Dolphins News
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PrintThe first football Sunday without a Dolphins game is always rough. If you're like me, you thought back a few times to "what might have been" had the Dolphins had just a few breaks go their way. But it is what it is and we can only look to the future now.
Wildcard Weekend was not as entertaining as I had hoped. But I do think next weekend's games are very intriguing. Regardless, there were still some interesting Dolphin-related nuggets this weekend.
SEAN SMITH AND VONTAE DAVIS: SOME NUMBERS
I said last week that I planned on doing a post about the two rookie cornerbacks to show that Sean Smith wasn't the disappointment that some Dolphin fans seem to think he was. Well ESPN's Tim Graham beat me to it. Using numbers provided by Stats Inc, Graham points out that Sean Smith was actually the more effective cornerback in 2009 - regardless of the lack of interceptions.
Smith was targeted 73 times in 2009, allowing only 35 receptions. That burn percentage of 47.9% ranked 16th in the entire NFL. Meanwhile, fellow rookie Vontae Davis ranked 61st in the league, allowing 46 catches on 76 targets (60.5%). But Vontae got more attention, both from Dolphin fans and nationally from the media, thanks to his team-leading four interceptions - including two while covering Randy Moss. But Vontae while Vontae made more big plays than Sean, he also got burnt more.
Davis is also credited for surrendering six touchdowns while Smith gave up only four. And it's also very interesting to note that Davis saw more pass attempts thrown his way than Smith did despite playing about 200 fewer snaps. And it's not like Smith was never around the ball. He led the team with 12 pass deflections. With his athleticism and hands, he'll make those big plays. Just give him time.
Needless to say, I remain very optimistic about both of these young corners. But those who have discussed moving Smith to safety just need to relax, in my opinion. Right now, it's Smith who is the better cover corner - not Davis. And with a full offseason in Miami's offseason program, he'll add the necessary strength needed to take his game to the next level.
WHERE WILL DOLPHINS GO WITH FIRST ROUND PICK?
If you haven't noticed, I've updated the front-page poll with a new question. I'm now asking you what position you think the Dolphins will address in the first round of April's draft. Personally, I think defense should be the top priority right now. And if this weekend's games proved anything, it's that a great running game and great defensive play can still win in this league - even if the media wants you to think that the only way to win nowadays is through the air.
With that said, it seems like some of the "draft experts" - if there is such a thing - also think that defense is where the Dolphins should look in round one - particularly inside linebacker.
SI.com's Tony Pauline thinks the Dolphins need to hope Rolando McClain falls to them. And I agree 100% with what Pauline says:
"If he does, I'm sure they jump all over on him."
Another guy from Alabama that some fans seem to want is the 360+ pound nose tackle Terrence Cody. But like some have said, I don't think Cody is a guy I want to see in a Dolphins' uniform. His conditioning is questionable. He got blocked by one blocker way too often at the college level despite his massive size. And longtime draft analyst Frank Coyle of DraftInsiders.com sums up Cody very well:
"He's a guy you can fall in love with if you watch a few plays. But if you watch 60 plays, there's some red flags. His weight is scary."
Then there's the wide receiver position. To me right now, there's only one receiver worthy of being drafted 12th overall and that is Dez Bryant. Pauline says of Bryant:
"If Dez Bryant is there at No. 12, it could be enticing for them. Physically he might be better than (2009 rookie) Michael Crabtree. But he has character concerns, like Crabtree did. Put that aside and you saw what Crabtree did once he got on the field."
Right now, I just can't see spending such a high draft pick on a guy like Bryant if a guy like McClain is there. This team needs defensive help far more than they need a receiver, in my opinion. But we'll see what happens between now and April before making any definitive declarations.
DOLPHINS STAFF TO COACH SENIOR BOWL
Incase you missed it, it was announced over the weekend that Tony Sparano and the Dolphins' coaching staff will coach the South squad in the Senior Bowl to be played January 30 at 4 pm eastern. This means we all will be able to watch Miami's staff in action on NFL Network - as they air most of the Senior Bowl practices during the week leading up to the game.
This will give Sparano and company a chance to get long looks at some of the top players in the draft - including Terrence Cody and Tim Tebow.
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Will the Sr Bowl be the epitome of WildSparano?
Tebow at his calling?
(this is a pathetic ‘first’) back to the ckc…
goo goo goojoob
The Smith / Davis Stats Confirm What I Saw Against NO and NE
And that is if Smith was covering a WR, the QB went elsewhere with the ball. Smith was hardly targeted in those games while Davis seemed to get picked on. I have said it in past comments, Smith is a STUD!
Davis still has a lot of work to do to be a quality CB, IMO. Davis being Ranked 61st is not good when there are only 64 starting CB’s in the league. If anyone needs to think about moving to safety it is Davis. He is bigger, tackles better, and can make plays on the ball. Next year’s starting DB’s: Smith and Allen at CB’s, Bell as SS and Davis at FS? That sounds pretty good to me.
Do not move our DBs around please.
Have we learned nothing at all from Jason Allen?
Driver of the Make David Lee OC Bandwagon
Repentant Former Driver of the Trade-Ronnie-Brown Bandwagon.
I agree to a point
I think that you should put your best players on the field and figure out a way to use them best. I am not sold that Davis is a CB in the NFL. I don’t think he is quick enough (doesn’t cut well) or fast enough (doesn’t make up ground when beat) to play against quality WR’s. His physical talents might be better utilized at FS. I can see him being a dominant cover guy against TE’s, slot receivers, and RB’s in the middle of the field.
You keep saying this
He is faster than Smith he ran a faster forty no one ever runs away from him, unless he misses a tackle. With the exception of the Houston game Vontae was usually covering every team’s number 1 receiver, hence more targets more touchdowns. He also makes tackles , Jacoby Jones comes to mind when Sean Smith just kind of fell into him (in a Deion Sanders sort of way) and he ran for a touchdown. Ok he gave up two more touchdowns than Smith but he also got his team the ball 4 more times than Smith. Matty is determined to tell everybody Smith is better because he was so high on him in the draft. Smith is going to be great in this league, but it sounds as if you guys are trying to discredit Vontae to make Smith look better. At this stage in their careers there is nothing that shows me Smith is the better of the two!!!
I am just telling you guys what I have seen in the two games that I went to.
Those are my observations. And I think the stats Matty posted above verify those observations. All I can tell you is that both Smith and Davis lined up over Welker and Moss against NE. They both lined up over Colston and Meachum against NO. Davis had considerably more passes thrown in his direction than Smith did.
My observations on Davis are that once a WR gets off the LOS, he doesn’t have the quickness to maintain contact with the WR off a break in the route. Then when trailing a WR, he doesn’t have the make up speed to close the distance. He might have the advantage in a straight line run, but maybe like Ginn, he has a hard time changing directions and getting up to speed.
Again, these are my observations watching him live, in coverage.
I guess....
Never having watched them live this year I suppose you are privy to more of what goes on off camera than myself. I just think Vontae’s stats and game changing plays are at least comparable to Smith’s if not better. Let’s also not forget that Vontae comes in and sticks his nose in a lot more run plays and screens than Smitty. I guess for now we will agree to disagree. As I said before though it is almost like you guys are putting down Vontae to make your argument. If Smith is the better corner I don’t see the gap being as big as you would make it seem that’s all.
Yeremiah, Gibril, Akin
What’s this? It’s a list. A very short list. Those are the three Dolphins that had more solo tackles than Vontae. I’m just saying there is a lot more to playing cornerback than just Burn Percentage fellas.
do you have the stats
as to how many of those are on completions to his receivers verses run plays?
No
But if you can find out for me I would appreciate it. You guys are pretty funny, I’d be willing to bet that Yeremiah and Gibril’s were on guys that were first contacted by your boy Smith though.
I suppose
Being #1 in team int’s and #4 in solo tackles #6 in total tackles and #1 in defensive TD’s aren’t as good of numbers as Smith’s I apologize.
lol chil out
i was jk, im not gonna get into the argument over whether vontae or sean is better… quite frankly, im just glad that at the end of the day the both dtrap on the pads and are wearing a phins jersey…
How can he do that
When he can’t make up ground once he is beat???
I watched them live,
and Vontae is the man. ct1361 may have tailgated a bit too hard at his games.
Driver of the Make David Lee OC Bandwagon
Repentant Former Driver of the Trade-Ronnie-Brown Bandwagon.
First of all, I don't drink at games
I like to remember the game that I spent so much money to attend since I live in the Chicago area. After the game, at a bar by the hotel, most definately. But prior to the game and in the stadium for the game, I am a sprite guy.
Here is a part of the article Matty references:
Sean Smith was the Miami Dolphins’ best in terms of burn percentage. He ranked 16th, allowing 35 receptions on 73 targets for a 47.9 percentage.
His rookie partner, Vontae Davis, was 61st — worst among all AFC East cornerbacks who faced at least 50 passes. He gave up 46 catches on 76 tries. That’s a 60.5 percent success rate for the offense.
What part about worst in the AFC East makes you think that “Vontae is the man?” This article confirms what I saw. QB’s chose to throw at him more. Why? Because he wasn’t as good as Smith. He allowed a 60.5% completion rate. The last I checked, that is a lot worse than the 47.9% that was completed against Smith.
like I stated earlier
Davis lined up all season at RIGHT CORNER same place the #1WR lines up. Of course he seen more action he was playing the other teams best option most of the time.
Darrell Reevis has more tackles than Smith and Davis. Smith is soft get over it.
People always diss Crowder who gets alot of tackles and nothing else yall say he never makes big plays. Vontae makes big plays and tackles and it aint good enough.
There are going to be Vontae guys and Smith guys, Glad to have both. Im just a Davis guy and a Miami guy 1st.
Ted Ginn supporter
2 things...
First of all the fact that Davis was lined up against the number one receiver was all because the opposing offenses put their number one receiver to that side. That should be enough to tell you which corner had a better season. The second thing is they were both rookies. They both played like rookies at times. Overall though, they both proved they are going to be very tough in years to come. I really feel like we came out of that draft with 2 lock-down corners. Next year we need to put Sean Smith on the taller receivers because he matches up better physically, and Davis on the smaller quicker receivers because he matches up better there.
by Jason Scott_90 on Jan 11, 2010 6:05 PM EST up reply actions
Crowder Makes A Lot of Tackles? Your Kidding Right?
Go to this post by markus_13:
http://www.thephinsider.com/2010/1/2/1164280/2009-dolphins-linebackers-are-they
Crowder has no where near the tackles that the guys listed in this post! At the time he was lucky to have 1/3 to 1/2 the tackles. Hell at the time of the post Adoyele had almost 50% more tackles than Crowder.
Yeremiah Bell and Gibril Wilson are the leading tacklers?
They not only led the team in total tackles but they also led the team in solo tackles. That tells me that people were getting past our front seven far too often. You can blame a little bit of that on the NT since Ferguson was out most of the season, but some of it has to go to our linebackers(inside more than outside). A 3-4 defense is built on a good NT, but it is also based on having 2 middle linebackers that can fly to the ball once the NT takes on that double team. Channing Crowder has never been instinctive as a linebacker. As good as he has been at making tackles, he makes them too far down the field to be any good. We need a middle linebacker that is going to take on a block when he gets blocked and beat it, then make the tackle at or behind the line of scrimmage. Can anyone say that they felt like we were going to make a goal line stop—ever? I can almost see Gibril getting beat now and then knowing that he had to be so worried about stopping people all season long(not really). That said I like the idea of keeping Gibril as a SS since that is what he does well and trying to get someone else to fill the FS role.
by Jason Scott_90 on Jan 11, 2010 9:16 PM EST up reply actions
Two things
First this was a great debate and I really liked to hear everyone’s opinion. Second is there really a right or wrong answer hopefully they both continue to improve and are Dolphins for a long time to come. Thanks for the good banter ct1361.
Intriguing thought
Watching Arizona play yesterday, they need a cornerback to play across from Rodgers-Cromartie. We got a guy who seems to be the odd man out: Will Allen. We need a #1 receiver. Just thinking aloud. Allen for Boldin?
Haha loved how you threw us a bone there at the end with the Tebow comment.
Well done haha. Im impressed with those Smith numbers. What I saw on the field was completely different. Good for him
Both Smith and Davis are Studs
The problem is the DL and LB’s. No corner can cover for six seconds with a quality QB. We need pressure put on the QB out of our base defense and once that’s done you’ll see a 300% improvement the their play.
and they had no safety help.
For every woman masturbating right now, there is a guy masturbating while imagining that woman masturbate.
2009 NY Phin PhansFantasy League Champion
2009 Best Regular Season Record in NYPPL.
by Patssuck456 on Jan 11, 2010 11:10 AM EST up reply actions
1st pick
If you take the time to analyze this past season it was definitely the defense or lack thereof that lost us most of those games. Yes, the fins still need a big play WR that can get “chunk” yards but the offense did score points and definitely did enough to get them into the post season. What this season glaringly pointed out was the multiple deficiencies they had on the defensive side of the ball. In order of importance I would say they need a fast, athletic inside LB and the ideal candidate would be Bama’s McClain. If he’s there at number 12 the fins have to jump on him. Next would be a ball-hawking free safety. If you’re starting free safety has no interceptions for the entire year that is a HUGE problem and let’s not forget that the Raiders cut Wilson for a reason. He rode the coat tails of a dominant pass rush with the Giants. If Ferguson can’t come back then NT would need addressing though I think that need could be filled through free agency i.e. Woolfork, Hampton, or Pickett. I don’t think you could go wrong with any of those guys. Lastly a youthful, athletic OLB would help the backend cuz if you’re not getting pressure from the edge in a 3-4 defense then it won’t matter how good our corners are. Address those needs and the fins are at least 3 wins better next year.
we gotta get a big fast lb
If we get mclain ill run in the streets naked, hes big fast and got sick instincts
Can't wait untill Sean Smith puts Randy Moss on his ass lol, Co-Vice President of the official Matty I fan club.
by jojo phin fan on Jan 11, 2010 3:21 AM EST via mobile reply actions
... what a parade... you three!
Adjutant General, Matty Fan Club
64 "Phinsider Fued" Points..!!
"You know, I believe we have two lives. The life we learn with and the life we live with after that. " - Glenn Close in The Natural
Yeah, what a disturbing parade!
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
by texascowpunk on Jan 11, 2010 9:41 PM EST up reply actions
Hey Matty......
Did you notice how many times the Jets ran the Wildcat???
I don’t know about you but that pissed me off how there entire team and coaching staff said they don’t have to win with “a gimmick play”, but they certainly did enjoy it against the Bengals
Dez Bryant
Didn’t he miss more than half the season last year? Granted it was something I think was stupid, but needless to say he has not played football for quite some time. I understand the situation is different, but I can not help to think about Mike Williams from USC drafter by the Lions. Dez could be different, working out more keeping in shape (not football shape) and can be very productive. But is he worth the ????
The Patriots Suck
Yes he's definitely worth it. He has all the tools to be an ELITE reciever.
Yes, he’s missed about 3 months of football because of that stupid suspension that he should never recieved. But, he has been staying in shape and he will be participating in the combine. So yea, he’s as good if not better than Michael Crabtree (Only faster) and look how Crabtree did when he finally started playing this year (He did excellent in case you were wondering).
by JP 23 on Jan 11, 2010 3:02 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Well if you say so it makes it so clear
No matter how good Bryant is, I still think the Fins will go a different direction in April. But Parcells and co won’t reach on a player, and if McClain is not there at 12, Bryant may be the Best Player Available. This is how I see the Fins drafting in 2010. Best Player Available except for OL, QB, and CB.
The Patriots Suck
Sean and Vontae stats misleading
90% of the season Smith lined up on the left side while Vontae on the right. Ok now where does the number one reciever line up? The right side. Where do QBs look to throw the ball? The #1.
I love our tandem, but to say Smith is the better cb is premature and unfair.
Ted Ginn supporter
by okokokaay on Jan 11, 2010 10:42 AM EST via mobile reply actions
The number one receiver lines up...
The number one receiver lines up on the side of the weakest CB. Think about it. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out what every single other team knew. Sean Smith started from the start of the season. If you have any questions why check this preseason pick out…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tG1t_m3Acws
They knew every single time they threw the ball in Sean Smith’s direction they take a chance. The Patriots knew they matched up better with Randy Moss on the shorter Vontae Davis where Moss’ size was the only thing that won that matchup a few times. They also knew that if they matched up Wes Welker on Sean Smith, Smith would have a problem dropping his hips and making those cuts that a shorter cornerback could make with no problem. They need to learn both left and right corner(yes it makes a difference in technique apparently) this offseason and then they can line Smith on the bigger receivers like a Moss or Owens, and line up Davis on Welker or Steve Smith.
by Jason Scott_90 on Jan 11, 2010 9:28 PM EST up reply actions
A great bit of what teams are constantly trying to do is mismatch...
If they can make you cover their number one receiver or a really talented slot receiver with a middle linebacker, they have an easy first down. That is what makes a really talented TE so deadly. Usually they are too fast for a linebacker to cover and too physical for a safety or cornerback to cover. It is also why RBs out of the backfield are so successful.
by Jason Scott_90 on Jan 11, 2010 9:32 PM EST up reply actions
So how is it Reevis stays on the number one
You made my point exactly, if Smith was so scary to opposing WR’s why didnt he follow #1.
Ted Ginn supporter
Why the comparison obsession?
Is it simply who to play on a team’s number one? That depends on that #1’s abilities and the def scheme for that down/series/game doesn’t it?
I think we got good value on both of ‘em and think they’ll be fairly mixed & matched all next season.
(provided our def coord has a brain)
goo goo goojoob
hopefully our next DC will be able to dial up a blitzing scheme that works.
The only wisdom is the knowledge that you don't know.
There are only four things that are certain in life: Taxes, Death, The bad guys always win, and Nice guys finish last.
I am happy w/ Davis & Smith
I feel they will develop into top players at their respective positions. I do feel we need to concentrate on defense with our top pick (McCalin would be awesome) but I also feel obtaining a top receiver shoud be very high on our list (I prefer this is done throuh free agency).
We need a nose tacle as well + Porter & Taylor are showing their age.
Ronnie’s health worries me as well.
So we deifinatley have some holes to plug.
what about berry?
what about eric berry…do you think they would trade up to get him…cause you know we need a safety or two?
by Nathaniel Bishop on Jan 11, 2010 12:08 PM EST reply actions
Now this probably won't happen but
I really want O.J. Atogwe from the Rams. He’s 28 or 29 yrs old, and is not an athlete, but makes up for it by being a football player. Wilson is an athlete (he has very good metrics but has no knowledge of how to play FS or tackle). A football player is someone who knows the inner workings of the game but not always is a freakish athlete (see Camarillo for an example of a football player). Atogwe is the latter not the former. To get him we would need to trade a guy and give up a late draft pick because he is probrably the best DB they have but they are rebuilding big time so they might be willing to trade him.
The only wisdom is the knowledge that you don't know.
There are only four things that are certain in life: Taxes, Death, The bad guys always win, and Nice guys finish last.
i'd shit myself if that happened
Berry is my favorite player in the draft. But to move up from #12 into the top 3 or 4 is pricey
As a Bama and Dolphin fan
I would love to get McClain. At 6’4" 258 lbs. he is not only one of the best LB’s in college fb, he is also an extremely smart player when it comes to directing the defense. He has been described as another coach on the field and it has shown (this season especially). After looking at the draft order, I am guessing the biggest competition will be from the Broncos at 11, maybe the Raiders (but Davis will probably pick some obscure player). Here’s hoping for a late bday present.
LOL I love it when Al picks a guy and even the guys on ESPN are like who the hell is that?
Al Davis may be crazy as all get out but he is entertaining!
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
by texascowpunk on Jan 11, 2010 12:35 PM EST up reply actions
INT Stats are misleading...
Nnamdi Asomugha had one pick this year. I don’t think he’s a bad CB. There was a reason Vontae didn’t get the starting duties over Will Allen. The book on Davis was that he’s an unfinished product. No doubt starting those games this year will help him next year. I’m not concerned about our CBs.
As for the draft, I really think we have to think long and hard about solidifying the middle of the D. We need the replacement for Zach. Crowder is decent, but isn’t the dominant guy. He’d be a great complimentary LB. The run D really suffered after Crowder got hurt against Houston, so it’s obvious that we’re thin in the LB corps.
While receiver is the glaring position of need on offense, there are too many holes in the middle of the D to ignore during the draft. A stud LB and a better FS are absolutely critical to our success. It’s not like we couldn’t score points this year, but it’s tough when your D doesn’t get off the field and allows those quick-strike scores to the opponent. I mean, with a HALF-ASS secondary, our 45 minutes of possession should have been enough to beat the Colts, period.
We also need younger players throughout the defense
Will Allen, Yeremiah Bell, Jason Ferguson (if he returns), Jason Taylor (when he returns), and Joey Porter are all big name defensive guys who are over 30. The defense needs to get younger and faster, especially through the middle of the field, if the Phins are to get any better at defending the physical slot receivers and tight ends that routinely dominated them last season.
Chris Coghlan is NLRoY (that's a +1 for me!)
Miami Dolphins are headed back to the Playoffs (fail...)
Wants to see Mardy Gilyard in a Dolphins uniform next season, make it happen Parcells!
CB is young if you look at the starters though and Culver can step in for Bell when he retires
(hopefully not anytime soon) and IDK if Porter is returning (we have wake). So that leaves Ferg and JT, we need to get a SOLB in the draft for JT to mentor and we can get a NT in the later rounds or FA (maybe).
The only wisdom is the knowledge that you don't know.
There are only four things that are certain in life: Taxes, Death, The bad guys always win, and Nice guys finish last.
Draft
For the Fins, it’s simple. If McClain is there, they’ll take him. If McClain is gone and Dez Bryant is there, they’ll take him. If they’re both gone, the Fins will go NT with either Dan Williams or Terrence Cody (although he’s a bit of a reach himself but atleast he fills our biggest need on defense) or Safety with Taylor Mays.
by JP 23 on Jan 11, 2010 12:45 PM EST via mobile reply actions
That would be my guess as well. Only other option is if McClain and Bryant are both gone, I could easily see them trading down.
Ya, that's also a possibility if they believe Dan Williams/Terrence Cody or Taylor Mays will still be around where they trade down.
I wouldn’t mind picking up a 2nd rounder and trade down if both McClain and Bryant are gone.
by JP 23 on Jan 11, 2010 3:09 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
soo
has everyone given up on brandon spikes?
Spikes has a tendency to run himself out of plays
Which tends to hurt his draft value at #12 overall.
Chris Coghlan is NLRoY (that's a +1 for me!)
Miami Dolphins are headed back to the Playoffs (fail...)
Wants to see Mardy Gilyard in a Dolphins uniform next season, make it happen Parcells!
but can you not see parcells trading down to like 17
and picking up a second round pick as well?
Ya, if McClain and Bryant are off the board at 12, I think Parcells would definitely want to move down and add a pick or two.
But, if he wants to move down and pick up a 2nd rounder, he’d have to move out of the top 20. 17th pick, you might be able to add a 3rd though.
by JP 23 on Jan 11, 2010 3:38 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
It all depends on how much a guy wants someone left on the board.
I have seen teams fleaced so many times trading up for a guy that for whatever reason they decided that they had to have at all cost.
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
by texascowpunk on Jan 11, 2010 6:09 PM EST up reply actions
Not that we've given up on him. He's just not a top 20 pick. I don't think he ever was.
McClain is the best 3-4 ILB available. Spikes is the best 4-3 ILB available. The Fins run a 3-4 defense so we’d obviously prefer Rolando McClain. I don’t think Spikes is fast enough to play the middle in a 3-4 system. Remember, in a 3-4, you have the two outside linebackers rushing leaving just 2 LB’s (the inside linebackers) sitting back. Those two LB’s need to be fast enough to play in coverage and stop the run on the outside. Spikes is not particularly great at covering TE’s (Especially really athletic ones) and he may not be fast enough to get to the outside. Spikes is seemingly a Channing Crowder clone (only a better rap-up tackler and minus the big mouth) and do you really want two Channing Crowder’s on one team?
by JP 23 on Jan 11, 2010 3:27 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
not so sure about Bryant
He has that “penis-head” agent who held out Crabtree. I don’t think this regime wants that kind of headache.
Also, don’t discount an OLB like Sergio Kindle at #12.
did you just say penis-head?
and Kindle, IMO, played himself out of the first round for 3-4 teams at least in the NC game. He couldn’t get off a block to save his life. He’s gonna come in with the same concerns as Wake as far as playing the run, and since we need a SOLB, that would be a bigtime reach.
Phinsider HOF C/O 2009
Winner of Four 2008/2009 Matty Awards
LN21 and MHTD - Goin Commando
Driving the "Draft CJ Spiller" Bandwagon
by Little Nicky 21 on Jan 12, 2010 3:06 PM EST up reply actions
Sergio Kindle is not worth a 1st round pick.
He’s a 2nd-3rd round pick.
by JP 23 on Jan 12, 2010 8:59 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Biggest marginal improvement
The quickest way to improve the most is to focus on the areas where we either gave up points or couldn’t score them.
On offense, that is clearly wide receiver, but on defense, I would argue that it is at free safety, both on, (let’s face it, mainly G Wilson) being out of position on deep ball coverage, and on poor tackling. Inside linebacker is close, but long completions hurt us more than the running game (and I wonder how completions our CB’s took the blame for were really caused by lack of safety help).
Of course, you have to draft on ability too, and it would be a mistake to take a 2nd or 3rd round-level safety over a 1st round LB or WR.
pass defense
We were dead last in the the league!!! This must be the top priority.
Will allen for Boldin?? OH how I wish.
by tdecker on Jan 11, 2010 1:21 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Get some more pressure on the QB and that secondary improves instantly.
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
by texascowpunk on Jan 11, 2010 6:10 PM EST up reply actions
true.
pass rush leads to INTs
great coverage turns into sacks
The only wisdom is the knowledge that you don't know.
There are only four things that are certain in life: Taxes, Death, The bad guys always win, and Nice guys finish last.
Better pass rushers also turn in to sacks.
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
by texascowpunk on Jan 11, 2010 9:42 PM EST up reply actions
Defense
I would go defense with LB and wait tell the second or maybe thrid round for a WR, like Alexander out of Mizzou yes he had knee injuries which is why he is going to fall to a late 2nd or early 3rd pick, one of the best WR in the country had more big plays than any other in the country and will be a steal in the second or thrid round, he will be the big play WR we need and won’t have to pay a big price for him
IF...
… McClain isn’t available and the team doesn’t go for C.J. Spiller, some mocks have the Dolphins selecting NT Dan Williams of Tennessee.
I believe he’s a better prospect than Cody at the position…
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I have seen both the dates of March 1st and the 5th.
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by texascowpunk on Jan 11, 2010 6:14 PM EST up reply actions
Ok, I looked it up. The league year begins March 1st with free agency starting March 5th.
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
by texascowpunk on Jan 11, 2010 6:18 PM EST up reply actions
... way to cover!
lol
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64 "Phinsider Fued" Points..!!
"You know, I believe we have two lives. The life we learn with and the life we live with after that. " - Glenn Close in The Natural
I figured it was better than an educated guess!
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
by texascowpunk on Jan 11, 2010 7:12 PM EST up reply actions
i said end of february
so i was like less than a week off lol
Your close. The combine is going on at the end of Feb.
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
by texascowpunk on Jan 11, 2010 8:38 PM EST up reply actions
well close counts
in horeshoes and hand grenades why not in ballparking when free agency starts? lol
Fair enough!
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
by texascowpunk on Jan 12, 2010 3:58 AM EST up reply actions
i said end of febuary
so i was like less than a week off lol
i think
it is somewhere around the end of february but dont quote me on that…
Sean and Vontae are going to be...alright next year.
They won’t be great, untill they learn the game a little more. They’re going to be a great duo here, within the next 2 years. But, if they learn alot over the offseason, watch out QB’s.
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Man, don't worry about it.
Everyone is so high on Dez Bryant, but I don’t think he’s gonna be as good as everyone seems to think he is. Just a hunch though, plus it usually takes 3 years on average for a WR to get going anyways. There is no guarantee that Bryant is going to be an immediate impact player, so I would rather use our 1st rounder on someone who we can benefit from more immediately.
I would say if McClain is gone, I think that the Phins will go with either CJ Spiller or Dan Williams. I know that RB isn’t exactly a pressing need for us, but Spiller is such a talent, I don’t know that we can pass on him unless McClain is still on the board. I don’t think that we even consider a WR until at least the 2nd round, and personally I’m hoping we go with Arrelious Benn.
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Maybe to but the following year the draft will be FULL of top WR's. Just hang in there brother.
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
by texascowpunk on Jan 11, 2010 6:20 PM EST up reply actions
If McClain is there, the Dolphins better be all over him.
If not, and Bryant is there, it might be a decent pick, but in that case, I would rather reach for an iffy Cody than Dez. Cody could develop into the NT we need…Bryant may be great…but he may not.
But, it all depends on FA….
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Let's give the cb's the objective look though...
they play in a division featuring Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Terrell Owens (at least in ‘09), and Braylon Edwards. That’s a pretty darn skilled set of receivers to go up against 8x/year (total).
It is as matty said though, Davis is more of a gambler so it shows in his big plays as well as the times he’s been toasted. Smith isn’t as flashy or aggressive but he gets it done also. The other angle is the pass rush – despite having 48 sacks I still didn’t see that we had consistent pressure game in, game out – more like a few games with a bunch of sacks but then others where we were nowhere near the opposing QB.
For the #12 pick, I think it is first of all, a great value spot to be. Close enough to top tier talent but not so high that you are taking a huge financial risk. I like the McClain selection if he’s there. Bryant would be interesting if he’s available – i mean if he’s really as talented as Crabtree then he gets a serious look imo.
idk if anyones already mentioned this
but davis is almost always matched up against the other team’s best receiver. and with the receivers we played this year like nat mentioned ^, davis percentage isnt too surprising.
both cornerbacks to me look like studs.
at #12 if mcclain is there and we get him… and then sign wilfork…. mother effin SUPERBOWL bitches!!!!!!!!!!!
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by Davone_Is_BessT on Jan 11, 2010 6:28 PM EST reply actions
Well, not to be a downer...
…I was looking up stats for the Patriots players and came across some bad news for the Dolphins.
If you don’t want to go, or if it doesn’t work, here’s a summary.
Out of CBs who saw 60% or more of the team’s defensive snaps, Sean Smith had the 3rd worst opposing QB rating. QBs throwing to Smith averaged 116.1 passer rating. Vontae Davis had the 6th worse, with 104.9 passer rating against. Players rounding out the top 10 are on teams like Washington, Seattle, St. Louis, and Tampa Bay. That’s not to say they’re bad, but there’s a LOT of improvement needed by those two.
(In extreme comparison, Darelle Revis holds opposing QBs to 32.3 Passer Rating)
Offensive Coordinator > Guard > Tackle > DE > OLB > RB > WR > CB
They are rookies and made some mistakes. Im not worried long term.
"I hope you know a lot more than you believe in"-Gram Parsons
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
by texascowpunk on Jan 11, 2010 7:05 PM EST up reply actions
QB rating is a weird stat anyway....
When you use the QB rating to judge a CB, it gets even more weird…. I know that there were times when our rookies got fooled by a seasoned veteran QB or WR, or both, but for the most part they were a threat every time a QB threw their way. I think we improve the FS help we eliminate some of the big plays. Oddly enough, I think if we can stop calling on our safeties to come up and make tackles and let them worry about not getting beat deep, I think they will play much better(yes even Gibril Wilson). Also, we have great pass rushing OLBs but because the offense knows who is coming every play it doesn’t give them a chance. If we had 2 middle linebackers that could pass rush when called on, and fly to the ball we can do a lot to improve pass coverage in general. Also, I can almost see this playing out much differently if we keep Gibril and the rest of the secondary in place and go after some real talent at NT, ILB, and OLB. Can anyone say anything bad about our pass coverage in the first half of the Saints game? What made our pass defense so good the first half is we were putting pressure on the QB. Couple that with 2 lock-down corners and 2 physical hard hitting safeties. I like what that jack@$$ Jests coach does and brings pressure from every position. I can remember Gibril did a great job on a safety blitz once when they did that. That sounds really promising.
by Jason Scott_90 on Jan 11, 2010 9:53 PM EST up reply actions
lol it's a catch-22
We really don’t know what went into the CB numbers. Were teams throwing away from Smith because he was good, or to Vontae because his guy was open? Was Vontae matched up with the number 1 because he’s more physical, or was the offense trying to get their guy away from Smith? The stats are still misleading, because the “why” isn’t there. All I can tell you is that both of them looked extremely promising this season, Smith with his coverage ability, and Vontae with his ball skills and physicallity. They both bring different skills to the table, and that allows us to get the best possible match up for each team’s WR corps.
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by Little Nicky 21 on Jan 12, 2010 3:11 PM EST reply actions
heavy LBer class
Pat Angerer 6-1" 233lbs from Iowa. Looks good for a 5th or 6th rounder
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