Fan's Pulse: Rolando McClain or Dez Bryant for the Dolphins?
by Matty I on Feb 18, 2010 12:15 AM EST
in 2012 Miami Dolphins News
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PrintThere are obviously going to a lot of debates between now and April's NFL Draft. Fans and the front office alike will have a number of discussions breaking down the various potential draft scenarios.
On Wednesday, ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. spoke with the media on a national conference call and he touched on one of the potential internal debates that the Dolphins will likely have over the next couple of months - receiver or linebacker in round one?
The Dolphins have obvious needs at both positions and Kiper thinks that while Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain would be the likely pick if he's on the board, Oklahoma State receiver Dez Bryant could certainly be in the discussion if he's also available.
Kiper says about McClain:
"He’s a heck of a player. Worthy of being that high a choice. He’s always been regarded as an elite player - he has a lot of fire and intensity, sets the tone, has a Ray Lewis-type enthusiasm for the game. This is an inside linebacker who looks like an outside linebacker."
But then Mel talks about how Bryant - if he's still available - could cause the Dolphins to re-think things, saying the Dolphins "need wide receiver help, so it’ll be a heck of a discussion if he’s still on the board."
But Mel thinks that when push comes to shove Bill Parcells will have the final decision and it'll be too hard for him to pass on the stud linebacker from Alabama:
"You look at Parcells when he was with the Giants and at other places, he loves linebackers that have that type of ability, especially guys with his kind of size too, with LT and Carl Banks and those type of guys. This is an inside linebacker that looks like an outside linebacker."
So that brings me to my question for you all: if both Bryant and McClain are still on the board when the Dolphins are on the clock in April, which player would you like to see the Dolphins draft? And assume the Dolphins do not add a linebacker like Karlos Dansby or a receiver like Anquan Boldin prior to the draft. Which talented college player would you most want to see in Miami?
If you ask me, I'm starting to lean more towards Bryant. Why? I think Dez is an elite talent and the Dolphins have been searching for an elite receiver for years now. He'd give Chad Henne that go-to play-maker on the outside and take this offense to the next level. I also think that there are a couple of other mid-round inside linebackers available who could come in and provide the necessary upgrade to Miami's defense.
With that said, I reserve the right to change my opinion at any time - as my feelings seem to change day to day this time of the year.
But this post is about you. Which player would you prefer the Dolphins take if it came down to McClain and Bryant? Cast your vote and then tell us why below.
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if its one or the other i would want bryant
I think we can get some lb help in the 2nd-4th rounds (sharpton, washington, micah johnson, weatherspoon )that bryant would be too good a talent to pass up
Head Dude (I think) of the draft Jimmy Graham bandwagon, Co-Vice President of the official Matty I fan club. No more stupid mock drafts please!
by jojo phin fan on Feb 18, 2010 12:22 AM EST via mobile reply actions
I agree...
Stud wide receivers are hard to land through trade and free agency…although, looking at Ginn, it’s sometimes hard to land them in the draft too. But I’d still take Bryant first.
Uh,
Sharpton=Overated, too small for Parcells, not explosive enough.
Washington=Good choice but will probly be gone before our 3rd round pick.
Micah Johnson=Currently, a gamble that could have the best payoff ever (if his knee holds up).
Weatherspoon=Wont survive the second round.
According to your plan, we draft Dez @ 12 then take… ?? We have one more pick before the top tier talent at ILB and NT vanish. You can now pick 1 player to fill 1 need. Ferguson might not be back and Soliai isn’t the answer at NT. Crowder is as one-dimensional as they come and every other ILB on the team isn’t worth mentioning as a starter.
Maybe you can grab a good NT in the 2nd and get Micah in the 3rd but at best you now have a WR that hasn’t played in a year as your #1, a NT that may be the answer (depending on whose available), and an ILB whose knee might just blow out in the pre-season as your starting ILB.
You now have spent 3 picks and have addressed the only position on our team with as much depth as RB, the NT of the future (hopefully) and thrown all your chips behind Micah Johnson surgically repaired knee to stabilize your defensive interior.
While you may have selected 3 huge draft booms, you’ve also potentially thrown everything behind 2 huge busts.
The simple truth is that the position with the least depth in this draft is NT. If we can’t stabilize the interior LBs, we better solidify the front with a stud NT and doing so (as it currently stands) would mean reaching (with #12) or probly picking too late (#43). If you can’t get the closest thing to a surefire ILB at #12, you have to trade down for a better pick. There are around 7 WRs that can be a #1 for us in this draft (and many other quality WRs that can maybe do the job) so buring #12 on Dez just cuz he’s there will not be the best strategy. Either way, I’m trusting the trifecta.
NY Jets = NFL's Chicago Cubs
There's a fine line between hopeful and desperate. Just look @ Jets fans.
by TheFinReaper on Feb 18, 2010 8:55 AM EST up reply actions
you are the biggest pessimist ever.
you have no idea what we would do with our other picks if we went with dez bryant first. its not like we have to draft johnson and a NT with those picks. i think bryant is the best talent in the draft and will love to come play for us when we draft him.
by Dolphinsrule0505 on Feb 18, 2010 6:54 PM EST up reply actions
I am a bit of a pessimist, but I call myself a realist
I don’t see the glass half empty. I simply drink it and get a re-fill.
I simply don’t see Dez living up to the hype and potential for us to the point where we increase our avg points per game by more than 2 pts. A stud ILB that can cover TEs would reduce our defense’s points allowed per game avg by more than that so I see the position as more important and McClain is supposed to be about as sure a thing @ ILB as there is.
All things considered, I would rather we trade down and get more picks, sign Karlos Dansby, trade Crowder, tender ($927K) Fasano (maybe we’ll get lucky and someone takes him, it would give us a second rounder), and pick up a stud NT (Cam Thomas being the best likely shot) but if the Trifecta says Dez will make the difference I will believe them.
Lastly, the best talent in this draft is Eric Berry. Mark my words.
NY Jets = NFL's Chicago Cubs
There's a fine line between hopeful and desperate. Just look @ Jets fans.
by TheFinReaper on Feb 19, 2010 9:51 AM EST up reply actions
McClain!!!!!
Has anyone takin into account that Dez did not play football last year!! Also EVERYONE says it takes about 3 years for a reciever to become comfortable in the NFL, in MHO that is already 2 strikes, and granted he may have been unjustly suspended, but still the NCAA found it necessary to make an example out of this kid for a reason… 3 Strikes!
BP feels that WR is a position that runs DEEEP which is why he’s picked a WR 1st, one time in all his years in NFL….
DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS.. and any linebacker that plays with the level of intensity that Ray Lewis plays with, is good enough for me…. nuff said.
two receivers in the first round
Parcells has drafted two receivers in the first round…Mark Ingram with the NY Giants and Terry Glenn with the Patriots (unless you don’t count Glenn, because Parcells didn’t want Glenn and was vetoed by Kraft which eventually led to Parcells leaving New England)
Defense wins championships?
that may have been true a few years ago but look at who was in the superbowl. the 2 best offenses in the league. it didnt seem to take randy moss 3 years to develop and crabtree looked pretty good for holding out for half the year. dez bryant is where we need to go. after we get karlos dansby of course.
by Dolphinsrule0505 on Feb 18, 2010 6:50 PM EST up reply actions
The Colts had the #5 Defense in the AFC
and beat 3 of the four teams in front of them. BTW, the Saints offense didn’t win the game by themselves did they? A certain INT was the play of the game (along with an insanely gutsy onside kick).
The Saints were only there because their defense shut down Arizona and ball-hawked the crap out of Minnesota. What they lacked in stout defense they made up for in turnovers (+11) for the regular season.
No one is saying that offense isn’t important, but look how effective it was for Cincy, Arizona, Green Bay, Dallas, New England, and San Diego. Of the playoff teams, only the Bengals scored fewer points than the Jets and they were 40 minutes from the super bowl (thank you Lord for their loss).
The Saints averaged 31.9 pts/game while the Colts averaged 26 pts/game. Final score of SB44: Saints 31, Colts 17. Saints were 0.9 pts off while the Colts were 9 pts off. That right there is about as good a case as you can make for Defense wins championships, but I can go one better. Take Sharpton’s pick 6 out of the game and you are looking at 24-17 Saints lead with the Colts 2 yards from tying the game and sending it into overtime (if they didn’t score on the prior drive several plays later which would have changed this landscape). To quote a movie, “No lead is safe if you can’t play defense.”
Offense is important and scores the points, but DEFENSE wins championships. It will always be this way because even in the Pass-happy NFL, the offensive slugfests will still come down to who’s defense makes the key stop. If our defense stops Clark from having a field day, shuts down Shockey and the Saints, actually covers Titans’ receivers, (I’m looking at you Gerbil) and shows up against Houston we are talking about going 11-5 against the toughest schedule in the NFL. And that isn’t taking into account the losses to SD, Pitt, and Buffalo (which stupid turnovers lost for us). Clean up the turnovers, and play some defense and we are talking about winning 7 of our 9 losses. I’ll take 14-2 any year, but we would be talking about against the toughest schedule in the NFL and after suffering a slew of injuries.
NY Jets = NFL's Chicago Cubs
There's a fine line between hopeful and desperate. Just look @ Jets fans.
by TheFinReaper on Feb 19, 2010 10:13 AM EST up reply actions
Flip a Coin lol
They are both very talented in areas that we need help but at the current moment I think I would have to go with McClain simply because our D is that bad haha plus we have more talent in the WR area than we currently do at the ILB spot
To be honest if we get either of these players it would be perfect as I think they would both have a great impact on our team for years to come.
i agree on Flip a coin but not with McClain but with
Spiller and Bryant ha
Chillin in the Henne ERA!!!!
"I'm not afraid to hit an old man in Public" The Hangover
Driver of the Golden Tate Limosine!!!
Who will win Terrance Cody or Rex Ryan?
"Blast" Stewie from Family Guy
by DPL3 Rollin on Feb 18, 2010 12:25 AM EST up reply actions
whats your beef with McClain?
you seem to always tear the guy apart or is it that way becuase you are an offesive type of guy haha
i have nothing against him
Just think we can get equal talent later on
Head Dude (I think) of the draft Jimmy Graham bandwagon, Co-Vice President of the official Matty I fan club. No more stupid mock drafts please!
by jojo phin fan on Feb 18, 2010 12:27 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Benn reminds me of Ginn
The Post W'Rec'ker
by Choose your screen name: on Feb 18, 2010 12:33 AM EST up reply actions
and it isn't just the two 'n's
The Post W'Rec'ker
by Choose your screen name: on Feb 18, 2010 12:33 AM EST up reply actions
Hahaha
no doubt but I guess my point is that some people think that there is better talent at the ILB spot later on who would be sim to McClain and I am pointing out the same can be said about any position.
I haven’t once heard that Johnson is on the same level as McClain by one “expert” yet that seems to be the theme over and over again on this site. I’m just pointing our that this is just opinion and many can say the same about the talent at the other positions.
ok your right that hes a beast
and i would love if we would take him bec i know he will be a great player. oh screw it i dont care which one we take maybe we should go for mclain bec next years wideout class is so deep
Head Dude (I think) of the draft Jimmy Graham bandwagon, Co-Vice President of the official Matty I fan club. No more stupid mock drafts please!
by jojo phin fan on Feb 18, 2010 12:42 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
the two 'n's...
are the only two things those guys have in common. Have you ever seen Arrelious Benn???? Dude is a monster!!!
what i meant was
That picking between bryant and mclain i would pick bryant bec this draft is loaded at the lb position. that being said i want neither of them and will settle for spiller at 12
Head Dude (I think) of the draft Jimmy Graham bandwagon, Co-Vice President of the official Matty I fan club. No more stupid mock drafts please!
by jojo phin fan on Feb 18, 2010 12:35 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Spiller ..
I think there is just as much talent for a RB in this draft as there is at ILB .. If not more
dont think anyone will be as explosive ah him
And i think in his career mclain has 1 forced fumble (think) hes not a playmaker
Head Dude (I think) of the draft Jimmy Graham bandwagon, Co-Vice President of the official Matty I fan club. No more stupid mock drafts please!
by jojo phin fan on Feb 18, 2010 12:45 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
dont think anyone will be as explosive ah him
And i think in his career mclain has 1 forced fumble (think) hes not a playmaker And remember that he didnt have to deal with blockers bec he had Cody on his team
Head Dude (I think) of the draft Jimmy Graham bandwagon, Co-Vice President of the official Matty I fan club. No more stupid mock drafts please!
by jojo phin fan on Feb 18, 2010 12:45 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Spiller would be a luxury ..
I’m not sure of McClains stats but he seemed to be making plays in the backfield in the games I watched.
I’m not disagreeing with Spillers talents either but we have to many RB’s to be discussing this as a posibility, espcially with the problems on the D. If not i would still much rather see someone like Dez being taken.
Agreed
The thing most people here are glossing over is that we currently have 5 RBs on this team (including Kory Sheets) and 4 of them have some experience on Sundays. If Sheets pans out, we will already have a replacement for RB or RW after this year and Hilliard (love the guys heart) is still a question mark as well.
We, however, have got NOBODY at ILB! We have one guy that does his best work behind the WQAM microphone and is worse against the pass than everybody on this team EXCEPT for his fellow ILBs who aren’t even worth mentioning (harsh I know but go back and watch the first 3 games of this past year). We’ll have RW and RB this season and can worry about their replacements later.
We currently have 6 WRs (The jury is still out on Turner and Grice-Mullen might surprise you) but none are true #1 threats that scare a secondary. Nonetheless, Ginn has proven he can catch long flies where the safety is slow to cover (hard to blink and drop the ball when no one can catch you), Hartline, Bess, and Camarillo are complementary guys that can make a big conversion play when needed and can make the occasional big grab. The draft is stocked with guys to fill the need of a #1 and Boldin might even be an option. The biggest passing need is a TE with some hands. Draft that and pretty soon FSs won’t be playing center field roamer and that will open up Ginn and Hartline. We MUST GET A STARTING ILB be it by draft, Dansby, Foote, or CFL. If we don’t we will not get to 9 wins next year let alone the playoffs.
No to Spiller, No to Bryant, YES to a starting stud ILB.
NY Jets = NFL's Chicago Cubs
There's a fine line between hopeful and desperate. Just look @ Jets fans.
by TheFinReaper on Feb 18, 2010 9:18 AM EST up reply actions
If you see McClain up close you'll see
that he isn’t as good as people make out for him to be. He’s a smart and heck of a player i terms of attitude but his tackles are weak, he is slow in traffic, and he rarely makes an impacting play, i would rather get Bryant for he has all the makings to be a #1 reciever. Get a LBer in the later rounds as the Trifecta is perfect at finding late gems.
Chillin in the Henne ERA!!!!
"I'm not afraid to hit an old man in Public" The Hangover
Driver of the Golden Tate Limosine!!!
Who will win Terrance Cody or Rex Ryan?
"Blast" Stewie from Family Guy
well said my young friend lol
I want spiller to
Head Dude (I think) of the draft Jimmy Graham bandwagon, Co-Vice President of the official Matty I fan club. No more stupid mock drafts please!
by jojo phin fan on Feb 18, 2010 12:26 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
JOJO your signature says Jimmy Graham bandwagon... not Spiller bandwagon
We already have very nice Rb’s, we just have average to good WR and average ILB.
I dont know what games you were watching
…but McClain is the real deal. If you were to say B Spikes then I would understand. Spikes is the guy that I feel is overhyped as his tackles were weak and his play was inconsistent this year. Im sorry but McClain is a stud.
by picklescapone on Feb 18, 2010 12:32 AM EST up reply actions
he is a stud but so are the 5 or 6 other lbs
That are going to fall since this draft is so deep at that position, i like mclain i really do but i think we can get a very good lb in the 2nd round while getting a stud wr. remember this is picking bet bryant and mclain, i want neither
Head Dude (I think) of the draft Jimmy Graham bandwagon, Co-Vice President of the official Matty I fan club. No more stupid mock drafts please!
by jojo phin fan on Feb 18, 2010 12:38 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
B SPikes is overrated as well but its mostly just Florida fans
as for McClain r u serious this guy is another Crowder just smarter and faster. He’s a read and react player and not a play maker like Weatherspoon or Washington. If you go to “REAL” draft reports they will tell you the same thing and im not talking about WalterFootball.com
Chillin in the Henne ERA!!!!
"I'm not afraid to hit an old man in Public" The Hangover
Driver of the Golden Tate Limosine!!!
Who will win Terrance Cody or Rex Ryan?
"Blast" Stewie from Family Guy
by DPL3 Rollin on Feb 18, 2010 12:41 AM EST up reply actions
???
who’s stuff are you reading? all I have read is that he is talented enough to be a Top 5 pick and you are acting like he shouldn’t be taken in the 1st round
how good is he in coverage
We know washington and weatherspoon can cover bec they shut down mcluster in the senior bowl and Theyre much faster players
Head Dude (I think) of the draft Jimmy Graham bandwagon, Co-Vice President of the official Matty I fan club. No more stupid mock drafts please!
by jojo phin fan on Feb 18, 2010 12:47 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
dude you just brainwashed dude Believe me MClain is not as good as advertised.
Chillin in the Henne ERA!!!!
"I'm not afraid to hit an old man in Public" The Hangover
Driver of the Golden Tate Limosine!!!
Who will win Terrance Cody or Rex Ryan?
"Blast" Stewie from Family Guy
I don't know about you guys, but what about Grahm.
He looked like a beast during the senior bowl and was all over the place. I know the talent he was playing against wasn’t NFL caliber, but he showed alot of intensity and played really well.
by D0lphins4Life on Feb 18, 2010 10:48 AM EST up reply actions
Easily my choice for Best Overall OLB
Yes, even ahead of Kindle. I would love to see us trade down and get Graham, but I think he will go before Weatherspoon and we would probly have to settle for him if we trade down.
NY Jets = NFL's Chicago Cubs
There's a fine line between hopeful and desperate. Just look @ Jets fans.
by TheFinReaper on Feb 19, 2010 10:38 AM EST up reply actions
AMEN BROTHER
i think McClaine is sooooo overhyped
he is bad in open field tackling, he lacks speed, he is stiff in the hips and doesnt cover well
can someone say AKON AYODELE – 10 years ????
keep in mind he played behind the most dominat NT (Cody) which is huge for a ILB so he didnt have to fight trough blocks too much – with Cody in front i would expect crazy nbrs from him.
If we go ILB there is only 1, SEAN WHEATERSPOON, he reminds me of Demeco Ryans
fast, sideline to sideline, can cower (did you see the senor bowl he ran with a WR), good attitude and motor, good tackler etc
i rather go NT or OLB in the 1st and pick up Brandon Spikes in the 2nd, who is a pretty similar player like McClaine…i dont think McClaine is an elite talent, a 12th pick is supposed to be a superstar
welcome to the club
If we get dansby that frees up everything
Head Dude (I think) of the draft Jimmy Graham bandwagon, Co-Vice President of the official Matty I fan club. No more stupid mock drafts please!
by jojo phin fan on Feb 18, 2010 12:28 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Dansby ..
is considered on the smaller size for ILB’s although his ability to cover and make plays is amazing but this type of stuff matters as this is the same GM who in Dallas went with Spencer over Woodley because Spencers arms were longer lol
Is it a mistake now though?
I think they probably feel they made the right move with the way Spencer has turned it on as of late. While Woodley is a beast sometimes there heads are too big to see through that.
Overall it has probably helped out Woodley that he plays for the Steelers aswell which I’m sure that is what Ireland tells himself before he goes to bed at night haha
I would rather have Dez.
As everyone keeps saying… this is a “deep” draft. To me it seems like we will have plenty of opportunities to pick up defensive talent.
I have also been hearing that next year’s receivers are supposed to be better and that we should pick up one then.
If we do wait for next year’s group, would we even be in a decent position to pick a receiver that has the potential to become dominant?
If we have the opportunity. I want Dez at #12.
The Post W'Rec'ker
by Choose your screen name: on Feb 18, 2010 12:32 AM EST reply actions
So if next year is deep in WR then we pick another great talent next year
And we set the WR just like the CB position to young studs with a young QB to groom with.
The best WR in the draft
Is a guy who didn’t even play his Junior season?
no thank you
The Best ILB in the draft is said to be a Ray lewis type player?
Give me por favor
Leader of the Draft Toby Gerhart in the 3rd or 4th round bandwagon
I voted Mclain,
but I don’t want either really.
"michael, I did nothing,...... I did absolutely nothing,.... and it was everything I thought it could be" -Peter Gibbons-
Unofficial "Avatar Creator"
former Goof Trooper
BandWaken Got me this Matty BLB AWARD 2010
neither do i and i got into a fight about a guy i dont even want to pick
Pick iupati lmao
Head Dude (I think) of the draft Jimmy Graham bandwagon, Co-Vice President of the official Matty I fan club. No more stupid mock drafts please!
by jojo phin fan on Feb 18, 2010 12:49 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
he has a mancrush on morgan
would he be a strong side guy though?
Head Dude (I think) of the draft Jimmy Graham bandwagon, Co-Vice President of the official Matty I fan club. No more stupid mock drafts please!
by jojo phin fan on Feb 18, 2010 12:50 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Of we are going to a 43
he aint a OLB. Our line would look like. Morgan Starks Soliali WAKE
The only wisdom is the knowledge that you don't know.
On the Draft Hernandez in 2nd Bandwagon.
by PotM on Feb 18, 2010 3:23 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I am there,
I really like Morgan, I wonder if he’ll be there though.
"michael, I did nothing,...... I did absolutely nothing,.... and it was everything I thought it could be" -Peter Gibbons-
Unofficial "Avatar Creator"
former Goof Trooper
BandWaken Got me this Matty BLB AWARD 2010
by uncle finster on Feb 18, 2010 1:45 AM EST up reply actions
Dexter Morgan??
Yeah, we all understand the mancrush…he’s sexy and a cold-blooded killer!
When a linebacker like mcclain is available you cannot let him go
this guy is going to be the next patrick willis and will be with the dolphins for years. he is much more of a sure thing and something the dolphins definitely need. even if the phins sign danby id still take mcclain. i say never draft in the 1st round for need because these guys should be playing for the next 10-12 years on your team. in 10-12 years every position eventually becomes a need, with the exception of qb and lt.
official creator of the "D-train" Demaryius Thomas draft bandwagon
sign ronnie to a long term deal
the lousaka monster should be a pro bowler
"We liked a couple of those receivers up there, but we didn't feel there was a guy that was going to come in and make more of a contribution than a linebacker." — Dave Wannstedt, on why he chose Eddie Moore over Anquan Boldin in the 2003 draft
by ronnie brown for president on Feb 18, 2010 12:56 AM EST reply actions
dude your so wrong, he will not be the next Patrick Willis you guys are so blind ill tell you one more time
MCCLAIN IS NOT AS GOOD AS ADVERTISED!!!! they do this every year to a couple of players.
Chillin in the Henne ERA!!!!
"I'm not afraid to hit an old man in Public" The Hangover
Driver of the Golden Tate Limosine!!!
Who will win Terrance Cody or Rex Ryan?
"Blast" Stewie from Family Guy
i picked bryant.
i would not be upset with mcclain. i, just hoping we will pick up dansby and micah johnson from UK.
draft micah johnson
Trade down
If McClain and Bryant were there at #12 it would be easy to get extra picks.Deep draft would be fun to have as many picks as we can in the first 5rds
depends on fa
if the phins can sign dansby as a fa, then i wouldn’t mind taking bryant with the first pick, but then they would have to get a kindle or spikes in the 2nd round, we need to address our lbs big time…just dont ayodele doin anything, wake is pure pass rush, need someone who can do both…kindle is sideline to sideline
It should be a no-brainer
when you consider that we are more thrn 1 draft(even a perfect draft wouldnt do the complete job) away is kidding themselves thus which position offers the most playmakers next draft easy WR position thus McClain is the choice
3 new 2010 starting LBers via 2010 draft
Confidence breeds success, self-doubt breeds failure
by Blaze453 on Feb 18, 2010 1:23 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
You make a great point
I know it’s hard not to think we can’t be real contenders next year but it’s true we shouldn’t be expecting to fix all our needs with just one draft. Getting McClain or another defensive player would be the best option for where we are right now
ideally neither of them
If I could choose any player, I would probably go for Spiller on grounds of raw talent, or failing that Eric Berry. Since I have to choose between Bryant and McClain, I would take McClain. To me, Bryant is a bust waiting to happen, and I think we need to build a really good defense first. I don’t want to watch Ayodele miss more tackles next season.
I took McClain
There have been to many can’t miss WR’s in past drafts that have wound up being busts. Plus we need Defense ! Even if we got McClain with the 12th pick i would want them to get a weatherspoon or Kindle or even Spikes if one of them were available in the second rd . We need LBS !!
there is a distinct possibility that neither one of these guys are there at 12........
my mind says mcclain but my heart says bryant………i picked bryant in the poll
the heart is a treacherous thing………….so i would have to go with mcclain………
Just one mans opinion...
by MagicDolphin on Feb 18, 2010 2:39 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
I had to rec you
You seem more honest than anyone about the state of confusion we all feel when facing the draft.
I'd say Mcclain
If he’s not there then MAYBE Bryant if he’s still there at 12. I wish they would focus on the defense first though. That was our biggest weakness last season. It seemed like we could score the points to keep up with teams but just not stop them enough so that we could win.
REC - I made this point a couple of weeks ago when a very similar subject was brought up.
We have enough talent at the WR position right now to put points onthe board. The ultimate desicion will be from the TRI – Fecta. They know where Turner and the other guys are at and will draft accordingly. I personally thought that Hartline with another year under his belt can prove to be a very strong #2 WR or better withh time. Look at what Mile Austin did this year.
I personally like both of these guys in discussion but, some of the videos of Mcclain I just didn’t get all orgasmic over this guy like you think you should with a #12 pick. I like Bryant but I feel we should go with Defense, but I don’t know if Mccalin is that guy. If we get him I hope he proves me wrong. Either way in TRI -FECTA WE TRUST
by D0lphins4Life on Feb 18, 2010 11:06 AM EST up reply actions
the combine is going to screw everything up anyways
We might as well rate out arguments untill afterwards
Head Dude (I think) of the draft Jimmy Graham bandwagon, Co-Vice President of the official Matty I fan club. No more stupid mock drafts please!
by jojo phin fan on Feb 18, 2010 3:24 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Exactly
There’s gonna be a lot of mocks that week.
NY Jets = NFL's Chicago Cubs
There's a fine line between hopeful and desperate. Just look @ Jets fans.
by TheFinReaper on Feb 18, 2010 9:00 AM EST up reply actions
who would be more valuable???
Andre Johnson or Patrick Willis? just assuming both of the players live up to their predicted potential…. who would help out the fins more right now… i say go defense
BRYANT
im not sold on him yet – im curious about his 40 time, im not sure but i dont think he has the size AND the speed a VJ has. we already have a big tall WR who cant get off blocks and outrun dbs in Turner.
WR is a very deep position there will be a lot of talented player in the 3-5 th round
1. NT / ILB / OLB
2. NT / ILB / OLB or WR
3. NT / ILB / OLB or TE
4. OLB / TE or FS Myron Rolle
5. …
He's not a burner....
I’ll tell you that. My guess is he runs somewhere in the 4.5 range, +/- 0.5 sec.
Larry Fitzgerald isn’t a burner, and many others aren’t either, including some guy who was pretty good named “Rice”.
Obviously blazing speed isn’t a must but you better bring a lot else to the table if you can’t run past people.
I really have to wonder how some "experts" keep their jobs
When I watch McClain a lot of things run through my mind but Ray Lewis isn’t one of them.I’m more reminded of Don Shula when he talked about how “casual viewers” see the end result of a play and draw conclusions based solely on results but are basically clueless as to how and why the play was successful or unsuccessful.
McClain looks awesome if you only stay focused on #25 but the moment you start looking around,you realize he isn’t a playmaker but a clean-up artist and any number of other players would do just as well if they played behind Bamas DL.
He’s an arm tackler,he can’t shed blocks, if he is initally blocked he’s done because he has no interest in downfield pursuit and I see no evidence of a high-motor type player so all this means no way in hell I draft him in the first round and may not at all.
As far as Bryant is concerned,when I think of an “elite” playmaking #1 type receiver I think catches the ball with their hands, strong hands,knows how to use their body to shield defenders,ball is mine mentality,fights HARD for extra yards,ability to contort their body to make freakish catches and possesses tremendous eye-hand coordination and focus and IMHO Dez Bryant has all the “elite” #1 WR attributes so if I had to choose between those two it’s a no-brainer for me.
I don’t think BP&Co. will be blinded by overhyped players at a need position so I’m not worried about them picking the highly overhyped McClain regardless of what that dumbass Kiper says because we need playmakers and Bryant is a playmaker while McClain cleans up and gets hyped .
by buttonmashersrhilarious on Feb 18, 2010 5:09 AM EST reply actions
Awesome and I agree. You put into words what I couldn't explain. I just didn't get all creamy over this guy.
I still say we need to go defense, as I said before I wouldn’t be dissapointed if we took Bryant. He gets YAC and he’s not afraid to get hit or la ythe hit. He almost always catches the ball at it’s highest point away from defenders and I’m not worried about his overall speed. Look at the best wr in the league most of them aren’t the fastest they know how to run routes and get seperation.
by D0lphins4Life on Feb 18, 2010 11:14 AM EST up reply actions
Not impressed with RMc either
and ideally I hope we can either trade out of #12 unless Bryant is there or trade the Express and grab Spiller at #12 because I would like for us to gain some extra early rd. picks since 5 of our 9 are from the 5th round on.
by firedanhenningnow on Feb 18, 2010 4:50 PM EST up reply actions
buttonmashersrhilarious is my HERO
i love and totaly agree on your impression of McClaine
i like to watch the youtube scouting videos of draftparty
McClaine to me doesnt look dominant, he looks slow and stiff and the biggest reason why i wouldnt draft him in the first round is that he played behind an elite DLine, if you watch the eye its exactly how buttonmashershilarious described it, you will rarely find plays where he has to fight trough Lineman to make a tackle, he is always freed up – thats a huge factor to me and thats the reason why i wasnt a fan of Bart Scott last FA AND why i am huge on DANSBY.
weight in the teammates and system, for example, everybody who blames crowder for not having an impact – the system dictates a lot, check the PIT steelers ILB, they dont have spectacular stats either.
im very excited about the Mike Nolan hire. if I watch our Defense i see a lot of promise, upside and stars in the making. the one thing we really lack is SPEEED.
thats why i would love to add a LB like Dansby who can cover, play sideline to sideline and would prefer to pick up WHEATERSPOON isntead of McClaine, McClaine is another Ayodele and a poor mans Crowder.
I havent seen enough from Bryant to make my decision on him. I like his body, why i was mentionening that i want a No. 1 WR with elite speed is because we already have sooo many posession receiver, the only receiver on our roster who can get behind the D is Ted Ginn, like it or not.
What do you guys think of Brandon LaFell? or the guy, draftprospect who broke his leg?
he is a massive body who runs in the 4.3-4.4.
I expect us to double WR again, dont be shocked if we use a 3rd and 4th on WR
by Crowder 911 on Feb 19, 2010 10:14 AM EST up reply actions
I hope we go with Mel Kiper's suggestion
because he gets pissed and clicks his chicklet horse teeth when the Dolphins do not do what he wants.
2009 was like picking up a fat chick, You had a little fun, but you don't necessarily want to see it again.
Bryant
Hands down ( out of these 2)
"Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak." Thomas Carlyle
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mcclain all the way
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No hating on Jay Fiedler, please.
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I'd Be Happy With Either One
But, I would like to trade Ronnie for someone like Andre Johnson, Vincent Jackson, etc… And then draft Rolando McClain in the 1st round.
by Jonathan McCarter on Feb 18, 2010 8:42 AM EST reply actions
McClain
All other things being equal, an ILB is the QB on a D. You’d rather get a stud QB than a stud WR. Hence, McClain. Further, on the Dolphins, things aren’t equal. Look at how we lost games this year: it was our defense. We almost beat the Colts and the Saints, the two Superbowl teams. Why’d we lose those games? It was the defense (not to mention a dropped Ginn pass and a blown call on Sharper’s INT that should have been a fumble in the endzone, Miami’s ball). Our offense hung in both games and scored plenty while the defense couldn’t make a stop. During our three game losing streak, again, it wasn’t the offense stopping us, but our defensive play. For those who say there’s talent later in the draft at ILB, that’s why they have first round grades; both are considered top tier talent. Yes, maybe you find a diamond later but that’s true of either position so the argument holds for both positions. Go McClain if he’s available. If not, hopefully Bryant is.
by Scallywag McGee on Feb 18, 2010 8:52 AM EST reply actions
The Coffee is Lukewarm....
and that sums up my feelings on both of these guys. I don’t get a real sense of conviction about either.
My gut feeling is that Parcells would go with McClain – I mean this is as simple as reading his draft history. Then again, I also don’t want to say that these guys are total dinosaurs as they certainly surprised me with the Pat White pick.
Putting aside what I think they’ll do and getting into the realm of what they ought to do…
WR feels like a much harder position to fill, at least compared to ILB. That votes in favor of Bryant. Both positions though are ‘need’ ones for this team.
I’ll say this though, I’d rather see McClain or Bryant picked by us rather than Spiller.
But like I said, lukewarm…
TRADE ?
In a PERFECT world we would have both available at #12 when we pick… then we trade down a few slots and still get the other one, … at least i can dream. McClain, Bryant, TRADE down, Spiller – in that order – is what they should do… I REALLY WANT Bryant at WR – but I just dont think you can pass up on ILB like McClain – when our DEF fell apart.
It comes down to whre we are at in the rebuild process – and we are 2 drafts away – this year & next year before it really matters. This draft is much deeper at ILB – OLB that it is at WR – so you do have to think about that… as ALWAYS its weak at NT (again why we should switch to 4-3)… I WISH WE WOULD TRADE MERLING for a 2nd round pick – then we could fill these other needs in THIS DRAFT. Really shows you how much TUNA & CO blew it last year with Pat white – what a HUGE waste… they should have gotten a LB, WR, or NT last year with that pick – !!!!!!!!!
How much better we we be if we had 2 picks in the 2nd this year ? PATS HAVE 3…..
40 Year FIN FAN
DRAFT a #1 WR now.........
I think McClain will save us more points that Bryant will get us.
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BINGO!
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There's a fine line between hopeful and desperate. Just look @ Jets fans.
by TheFinReaper on Feb 18, 2010 10:22 AM EST up reply actions
Trade Down
I say we trade down and get a mid 20’s pick in the first round and pick up Weatherspoon he is the same type of player as McClain just better in coverage and has more speed, I think after the combine his stock will go up anyway, there are plenty of WR in this draft we would do better picking up a FA WR than drafting one, we don’t have a great track record of drafting WR’s (Ginn, Turner etc.)
feeling you
perfect idea!!! from all the ILB i like wheaterspoon the best and i think he is exactly what we need – a sideline to sideline guy. he reminds me of demeco ryans
by Crowder 911 on Feb 19, 2010 10:16 AM EST up reply actions
Wow what a range of opinions!!!
This site always provides such deep and thoughtful insights to issues facing our miami dolphins. And funny too!!!
Pesonally I still feel defense is the way to go. Strong reasons as to why include Ben Rothlisberger had the absolute worst QB rating for the game of anyone to win a superbowl. That defense was lights out. It only takes one point more than the other team to win and the defense can score all by itself if it is elite.
Unfortunatly the draft is the draft and you just never know. There are many things that cannot be foretold like how the player handles fame success and wealth. Many many go down right there and never come back.
Thankfully we have Parcells. His eye is good and his picks are solid. Whomever he chooses has got to be the one that is best suited for all the intangibles the NFL throws at you.
But personally without any of this stuff hanging around….Dez Bryant is really something. I would choose him even though he was suspended last year. That may translate into a fresher body for the brutality of the pros and may help him last in this league generating the most bang for the buck.
McClain
There will be better WR talent in next year’s draft. This draft has tons more defensive talent than offensive talent. Trade for a guy like Q who can produce immediately, and use this draft to load up on defense.
No Dez
Not a fan of drafting players that misses most of their last year in college. Especially WR!! MIke Williams Anyone? Now, i Like Mcclain, but that position is deep and I think we get dansby. So i am thinking, trade down and get a NT, cause none of them are worth pick 12. Or draft Spiller!! And get instant results. Put him and ginn back to return kickoffs. Have spiller return punts..Bess sucked at it. And even though we have depth at running back, we have no home run threat and a great OL that can block 8 in the box. SO spiller if we can’t trade down.
by Phins 08 AFC East Champs on Feb 18, 2010 11:05 AM EST reply actions
ok guy but...
whats your solution for WR? you plan on sticking with the same guys who are all below 6 feet?? we need an explosive receiver, bryant can be him regardless if he missed a season, thats why you have a coaching staff
when in doubt...hit a jets fan in the mouth
J-E-T-S SUCK SUCK SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!
by Los Dolphins305 on Feb 18, 2010 2:18 PM EST up reply actions
The Answer
Trade Porter and our 3rd rd pick for Q, sign Dansby and draft Spiller for the future or trade down for a NT later in the 1st rd, Dan Williams perhaps.
McClain, no question
2009 NY Phin PhansFantasy League Champion
2009 Best Regular Season Record in NYPPL.
2010 The Jim Mandich NewsFlash Award Winner.
Of course either way we end up with a stud.
2009 NY Phin PhansFantasy League Champion
2009 Best Regular Season Record in NYPPL.
2010 The Jim Mandich NewsFlash Award Winner.
Knowing Parcells
I strongly feel your team will end up with McClain. Tuna would want the trenches solidified before going for the other positions.
The 2010 New York Mets: Maybe it's the Phillies' turn to have 95% of its roster on the DL
The 2009 New England Patriots: At least we got our division title back
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you kidding me? DEZ BRYANT
its obvious were not gonna get a WR in the free agency (atleast an elite one) but if we pick up karlos dansby then pick up dez bryant no questions asked
when in doubt...hit a jets fan in the mouth
J-E-T-S SUCK SUCK SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!
by Los Dolphins305 on Feb 18, 2010 2:16 PM EST reply actions
We need to get above Denver to have a shot at Dez Bryant
Trade Thigpen to Buffalo to swap picks to #9.
Sign Dansby even if we have to overpay.
Take Dez Bryant instead of McClain.
NEW DRAFT PLAN: Sign Dansby and Pennington. Trade Tyler Thigpen to Buffalo for the 1st RD swap to #9 ahead of Denver. Draft Dez Bryant. Trade the Third Rounder to Denver for TE Tony Sheffler and Wesley Woodyard.
Imagine taking a REAL receiver with the #9 overall pick...instead of a glorified returner...and his family.
NEW DRAFT PLAN: Sign Dansby and Pennington. Trade Tyler Thigpen to Buffalo for the 1st RD swap to #9 ahead of Denver. Draft Dez Bryant. Trade the Third Rounder to Denver for TE Tony Sheffler and Wesley Woodyard.
Spiller
I agree he would be a luxury, but I can’t help but think this would fill the void on offense of having a playmaker that the defense must account for on every play. With Ricky only having one more year and Ronnie coming off another injury, Spiller could be added insurance plus add that touchdown threat every time he is on the field. Not to mention, he could also be used on kickoff/punt returns.
Woot! for Scoot....
He would be dangerous for any defense or special teams to face.
I would instanly buy his jersey number!!
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Could we have a 3rd option?
Wait till after FA, I can’t decide.
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in a perfect world
we sign dansby, trade ginn and porter to denver for marshall, draft mcclain 1st and cody in the 2nd, make vonte davis our saftey with will allen coming back, release gribill wilson, and then you have 2 studs at ilb, wake and taylor outside and a great secondary and you still get your stud reciever
also
we have a few other options, we have an extra qb with lots of experiance that some team with need will trade a draft choice for, or at least swap positions with us, like cardinals, bills, browns
easy choice
It depends on which player will have the better nickname on the site. The only hard part is figuring out the nickname itself. :P
Mc Clain
We need defense. Even if we get Dansby, I would still draft Mc Clain if available. You guys are forgetting the most important acquisition that we have made so far and that is hiring MIKE NOLAN. All these problems that you mentioned with Mc Clain are coachable. Are ILB’s are below average. Of course, we want a #1 receiver. There are a lot more OLB’s and DE’s in this draft than true ILB’s. Plus Mc Clain played in a 3 4 defense. As much as we all hate Saban. He knows how to coach defense.
ok buddy...
and whats your solution to our offense which every receiver is below 6 feet…(except turner) please enlighten me? mclain or dansby either or…..il take dansby whos a leader, in his prime, play maker…..theres a 50/50 chance mclain is going to be a “patrick willis” sorry man but il take bryant over mclain….pick up dansby and bryant in the twelve
when in doubt...hit a jets fan in the mouth
J-E-T-S SUCK SUCK SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!
by Los Dolphins305 on Feb 19, 2010 1:57 AM EST up reply actions
mcclaine
there is NO chance that McClaine is the next Patrick Willis
Willis runs with WR
McClaine runs with NT
by Crowder 911 on Feb 19, 2010 10:32 AM EST up reply actions
Offense wins games but defense wins championships!
We as fans all want to see this team be successful and ultimately win a championship. We have to put a couple of studs up the middle to compliment our studs outside. Why wouldn’t u get a young core on defense that can dfevelop and be ready right when Chad Henne and the rest of the team is ready for the championship push?
WHAT WE REALLY ARE GONNA DO IN THE DRAFT
let me tell you something
WR Bryant, might be a superstar, might be a bust
-the reason why we wont pick him? Tuna & Co wont gamble with a 12th pick. The WR draft class doesnt include any superstar but is very deep with talent.
ILB McClaine, isnt an elite talent. he will be a solid starter but Trifeca wont spend a 12th pick on an solid starter. he is too slow and too Ayodele-ish. im not impressed for the fact that he played behind the most dominant NT the college has seen in a while. didnt have to fight trough blocks, he is a arm tackler and a poor openfield tackler, he cant cover too well etc etc
WHO IS OUR FIRST ROUND, NO. 12 PICK
- NT Dan Williams, his combination of promising talent and NT being a huge need. our DLine coach Rogers was able to work with him for a week, look out for following. If the Fins are almost ignoring Williams at the combine and before the draft – its going to be Williams, remember the talk between the Longs, they talked more about the Rams Long because they wanted to put the focus and attention on him.
- OLB, i think it is a very talented group. im not sure yet who is it going to be, i dont follow college football too much. but im quiet sure its not going to be Pierre Paul, because he isnt proven, might be a one hit wonder. Tuna looks for big schools, leaders and proven players.
Who do you guys think could it be?
I liked MIchigans DE/OBL Graham a lot, im aware that he doesnt have the typical Parcells frame for that position, but i think he has the right attitude. With the influence from Sparano and Nolan. He might it be
If we can trade down into the early 20s
There is no question that Graham will be the pick.
NY Jets = NFL's Chicago Cubs
There's a fine line between hopeful and desperate. Just look @ Jets fans.
by TheFinReaper on Feb 19, 2010 10:47 AM EST up reply actions
crazy idea
trading down, for a late rnd 1st and adding an additional 2nd
sign WR Miles Austin or WR Vincent Jackson for a 1st and a 3rd
in that case we basically would just give up a 2nd round value for a No. 1 WR
would still have left 2 – 2nd rounders
plus our WR problem solved
by Crowder 911 on Feb 19, 2010 11:30 AM EST up reply actions
remaining draft picks
in that case that would leave us with
2
2 (mid/late)
4
6 KC
6 WSH
6
7 KC
7
by Crowder 911 on Feb 19, 2010 11:35 AM EST up reply actions
draft day
with that many draft picks in the later rounds we would be able to move up
both 6 – KC, WSH are very early picks
so we could move into the mid 5th round
=
2
2
4
5
6 WSH
6
7
2nd round – 2 picks
NT Cam Thomas, Terrence Cody (in case the Fins are sold they can keep him away from all you can eat buffets in SoBe), ILB Spikes, OLB ??
4th rond – 1 pick
TE Jimmy Basketball or RB
5th round – 1 pick
WR Danario Alexander or FS Myron Rolle
6th round – 2 picks &
7th round – 2 picks
add depth at OG, RB, OLB
by Crowder 911 on Feb 19, 2010 11:42 AM EST up reply actions
Dallas has publicly stated that Austin is not going anywhere.
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by texascowpunk on Feb 19, 2010 4:20 PM EST up reply actions
i wouldnt complain
if we got the combination of Karlos Dansby/Dez Bryant, i would love that. or McClain/Boldin that would be good too. (Boldin only for a 3rd rounder though). but id be happy if we got any of these other players:
Brandon Marshall
Jason Pierre-Paul
CJ Spiller
but if we got Spiller i think we should trade ronnie. we might be able to get a first rounder for him. but at least a 2nd and 4th rounder and then we could address other issues like linebacker, FS, WR, NT. i think Mount Cody in the 3rd round would be good if we could whip him into shape.
alot depends on whether we sign dansby or not. if not, then i pick mclain. if we do, then i pick bryant
but does anyone really know how fast bryant is? if he doesn’t have sub 4.45 speed, then thats not good enough for a #1 reciever.
dez speed
thats exactly my concern, he doesnt have the size speed combo of Vincent Jackson.
they expect him to run between 4.5 and 4.6
i would love us to get Seasn Wheaterspoon, LaFell and a OLB in the first 2 rounds
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