Thoughts on a busy opening weekend of NFL free agency
by Matty I on Mar 8, 2010 12:15 AM EST
in Miami Dolphins News
118 comments
It was just a few nights ago when Dolphin fans everywhere were up late and scouring the internet for any bits of news related to who their team might have in for free agency visits. If you were here with us last Thursday night then you probably were one of the many who were up later than they should have been in hopes of finding any info about the Dolphins being interested in this player or that player.
We're now three full days removed from the beginning of free agency and a lot has happened. So I thought a great way to kick off the week would be to just share some quick thoughts on some of what has transpired over the last 72 hours, as well as touch on what still might happen as we inch closer to the NFL Draft.
Clark to visit Dolphins on Monday, expected to sign
The latest bit of free agency news to come our way is that Steelers safety Ryan Clark flew into Miami on Sunday night and will meet with the Dolphins on Monday. From everything we've heard already from Clark upon his arrival to Miami, it sure seems like it's highly likely that he will sign a contract with the Dolphins later on today, filling the void in Miami's secondary.
We'll talk more about this tomorrow if/when the Dolphins actually come to terms with Clark. But for now my initial reaction is simple - it'll be hard for him to play any worse than Gibril Wilson. He should come cheaper than Wilson. And this move would reduce the number of holes the Dolphins must fill in the draft. Could the Dolphins still draft a safety next month? Sure. But they would no longer need to. And when you can cut down the number of needs you have entering the draft, you can be much more flexible in how you approach each pick. So for these reasons alone, signing Clark would be a solid move.
But again, we'll talk more about Clark if the Dolphins do sign him. I already have an e-mail into the blogger of SBN's Steelers blog that could allow us to get a Steelers' fans perspective on Clark. So be sure to check in with us tomorrow for continuing coverage.
Dolphins now have a BIG void to fill
Part of the reason why I wasn't as stressed as some about the nose tackle situation of this team was because I felt like Jason Ferguson would eventually get back to being healthy and re-sign with the Dolphins. So I figured the combination of Ferguson and Paul Soliai could put together one more decent year before the Dolphins had to address this situation.
But that all changed late Saturday night when we learned that Ferguson would be suspended for the first eight games of the 2010 season following his second positive drug test for performance-enhancing drugs. Just like that, the Dolphins had to instantly add the nose tackle position to their rather long list of "must haves" for this offseason - joining free safety (which could be filled in a few hours), outside linebacker, and wide receiver.
The only possible option on the free agent market who I think could fill the role for at least one season is former Chargers NT Jamal Williams. Williams, who will be 34 in April, was released last week by San Diego and is coming off of a season in which he played just one game before tearing his triceps muscle and undergoing season-ending surgery. But reports are the 340+ pound nose tackle is nearing completion of his rehab and should be ready for OTAs. But it remains to be seen if the Dolphins will show any interest.
There are some possible nose tackles to be had in the draft as well. But it's always a risk to rely on a rookie nose tackle as a major contributor. Tennessee's Dan Williams, though, looks as though he could come right in and win the starting job from day one. He's got the perfect NT body, is strong at the point of attack, and seems to have good stamina - something he'd need in the South Florida heat. But using the 12th overall pick on a nose tackle is never a popular idea.
It'll be interesting to see how the Dolphins go about filling this critical position, that's for sure.
Did Dolphins make mistake passing on "Q"?
We're all well aware at how badly some of you wanted the Dolphins to acquire Anquan Boldin. But it was the Ravens who stepped up to the plate and offered up a 3rd and 4th round pick for Boldin. They then signed Anquan to an extension that will pay him $28 million over the next four seasons, with $10 million guaranteed. If you ask me, I believe the contract is the reason why the Dolphins were not in on the Boldin sweepstakes. Well - the money and the fact that Boldin, for as physical as he plays the game, will be 30 in October and has had trouble staying healthy for a full 16 games.
Boldin plays the receiver position like a running back. Because of that, he has the kind of wear and tear on him that a running back usually does by the time they reach 30 years of age. So I can see why Miami's front office was wary of giving him an average of $7 million per year while handing his former Arizona teammate almost $9 million per year. It was the money, in my opinion, not that draft pick compensation that kept "Q" from coming to Miami. And I agree with the decision.
But the Dolphins do need receiver help - we all know that. They could try to find their guy in the draft. Or they could show interest in free agent receiver Antonio Bryant. The Miami Herald's Greg Cote and agent Drew Rosenhaus both think the Dolphins do have some interest in Bryant. And though I'm not a fan of Bryant's at all, if the price is right, why the hell not?
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The No.12 pick becomes interesting as hell if the Dolphins sign Ryan Clark
I honestly have no idea who they’ll target at this point. Get back to me in a week or two … :-)
kmb8488 -- The Johnny Lawrence of the Phinsider!
I'm on record as wanting Dan Williams above all else at this point
barring a trade-back, or moves involving veteran NTs in the league. Jamal Williams, Shaun Rogers come to mind. My personal favorite move would be to trade for Rogers (assuming it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg) and then go ahead and draft an Earl Thomas at 12, Sergio Kindle (if he somehow lasts here) or Jerry Hughes in the second, and a Demaryius Thomas/Desmond Briscoe in the third.
2009 Unofficial "The Phinsider" (Phinaddict's League) Fantasy Baseball League Champion
Dan Williams, Earl Thomas, Sergio Kindle, Cam Thomas, Jerry Hughes. In that order.
by Dave.Phuller on Mar 8, 2010 12:24 AM EST up reply actions
My vote is for either Dan Williams or Earl Thomas
I am not sure what to think about Sergio Kindle yet. He’s a beast when he’s rushing the quarterback, but he seems kind of … limited. Who knows, though.
kmb8488 -- The Johnny Lawrence of the Phinsider!
I like Earl Thomas, but only if we could somehow pickup that NT in the 2nd round....
Otherwise our hands are tied because we have MIKE NOLAN and can’t waste anytime with a major weakness at NT. It just isn’t going to happen. I’d have to say picking up Ryan Clark and maybe Brodney Pool (FS from CLE) would shore up the FS for this year while we stock up on the NT position (Dan Williams or Cam Thomas) and maybe another couple LB.
by Phin-Phan-Phorever on Mar 8, 2010 5:39 PM EST up reply actions
Cam Thomas...
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Driver of the "LaGarrete Blountwagon"
We could easily still pick a safety
Just because we get a guy in FA doesn’t mean we won’t draft (high) at the same position…We’ve done it many times before…..
Very true
But I still think that we have enough glaring holes in the defense that we would be better served with drafting someone else…..IF we pick up Ryan Clark! We need more LB help, more NT help, always need DL help, OL help and that hasn’t even touched RB, TE, and the huge hole in our WRs.
by Vanman_FishFan13 on Mar 8, 2010 2:10 PM EST up reply actions
OLB is a must
Dansby and crowder will be ok in the middle but we still haven’t signed JT and he is getting old Wake is a fine pass rusher but still doesn’t play the run well or drop into coverage at this time we don’t have a single OLB that can be a true starter Lets not forget we cut 2 LBs and and until JT signs (with either the Dolphins or who ever) We have no starting OLBs
JT has to be back, hence why the Phins haven't been entertaining too many OLB's at the moment..
JT is a Dolphin through and through, he bleeds aqua and orange and this year is uncapped so they could sign him to a nice 1 year contract with higher pay than last year and he’d be happy as can be!
by Phin-Phan-Phorever on Mar 8, 2010 5:41 PM EST up reply actions
Yes
But doesn’t mean that it would be a huge plus to our team. As much as I love JT, his skills are definitely diminishing. He can produce for one, maybe too more years but we definitely need to address OLB in the draft.
by Vanman_FishFan13 on Mar 9, 2010 7:28 AM EST up reply actions
You meant wary instead of weary,
in the Jason Ferguson section. .
Driver of the Keep The Ginnja Bandwagon
Driver of the Make David Lee OC Bandwagon
Repentant Former Driver of the Trade-Ronnie-Brown Bandwagon.
Er "Q" section
Driver of the Keep The Ginnja Bandwagon
Driver of the Make David Lee OC Bandwagon
Repentant Former Driver of the Trade-Ronnie-Brown Bandwagon.
I just hope the bills don't take Dan Williams.
Its a big need for them as well.Just that alone we can’t trade Thigpen to them. I really don’t want the man boobs Cody.
Yeah that's a must have for the Bills
The Bills have to take OT unless they plan on moving up from the 2nd round to steal an OT late in the 1st with it being a pretty deep OL draft.
by Vanman_FishFan13 on Mar 8, 2010 2:12 PM EST up reply actions
NT will be Ok ..
I for one am not as worried about the NT position. Last season Soliai did a decent job filling in and I feel that he can only get better this offseason espcially now that he is taking his craft seriously. IMO Soliai will be the starter and we will spend one of our top 4 selections on a backup or possible starting NT (D.Williams).
Along with the draft picks I feel we should still sign Ferg. as having him sit the first 8 games wont’ be a total loss since he is coming off an injury and this way he will be fresh come the stretch run of the season.
Who was "Godzilla" in Denver's 3-4 defense last year?
Weren’t they the 7th ranked defense in the league? How about GB’s “Godzilla” for the 2nd ranked defense? GB drafted Raji to be that guy but he was hurt most of the season.
For that matter, since Kris Jenkins only played 6 games for the Jets, who was their “Godzilla” for the majority of the season? Weren’t they the #1 ranked defense in the league?
A NT at #12 is a wasted pick. Doesn’t Dansby make any big fat guy at NT better?
Let's get offensive this offseason!
"It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing." MACBETH
Very good points
I am not huge on taking a NT with the 12th pick. But only the Tuna knows what he will do! I am just happy to have an athletic playmaker at LB and would love to have Clark take over for the Gerbil!
by Vanman_FishFan13 on Mar 8, 2010 2:13 PM EST up reply actions
Yo buddy
What games were you watching? Our run defense turned to crap without Jason and without Channing. You don’t remember the TEXANS (Yes, the TEXANS!!) running all over us!?
Dan Williams 12th Overall Bandwagon: With the league slowly converting, we need to start considering the true value of the 3-4 NT position, it's about as hard to get a stud here as it is a Quarterback...3-4 NT Where a Quality Player is Both Rare and a Necessity.
nobodys garbage....
good players dont get passed around like antonio bryant. stop trying to recycle it doesnt work
Sign Ryan Clark at FS, Trade Tyler Thigpen to CLEVELAND for Shaun Rogers...
Earl Thomas at #12 and Lamarr Houston 6-2 305 in the second round?
At worst, Houston and Starks would be an awesome pair of 3-4 ends. Perhaps Houston could man the Nose eventually?
I don’t think Brandon Graham and Jerry Hughes are getting by Buffalo and Cleveland in the second round.
1st: Earl Thomas S; 2nd: Lamarr Houston NT; 3rd: Jimmy Graham TE; 4: Emmanuel Sanders WR; 6A: James Starks RB; 6B: Colin Peek TE; 6C: Thomas Austin G/C; 7A: Arthur Jones NT; 7B: Scott Long WR;
Ideally yes
but Clark isnt a bad consolation prize
2009 NY Phin PhansFantasy League Champion
2009 Best Regular Season Record in NYPPL.
2010 The Jim Mandich NewsFlash Award Winner.
Nope...not at all
Especially with his price compaired to what we were paying the Gerbil!
by Vanman_FishFan13 on Mar 8, 2010 2:15 PM EST up reply actions
im worried how good clark is in coverage
And i think we can trade down and pick up dan williams
Head Dude of the draft Jimmy Graham bandwagon, Riding shotgun on Nicky's Spiller Skybus, Co-Vice President of the official Matty I fan club. No more stupid mock drafts please!
by jojo phin fan on Mar 8, 2010 2:02 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Trading down isn't going to be easy in this draft
That’s one of the downsides to such a deep draft. Teams don’t want to give extra picks for someone that they can find another player of comparable talent in the next round.
by Vanman_FishFan13 on Mar 8, 2010 2:16 PM EST up reply actions
Why is the trifecta going after Gibril Wilson pt.2 in Ryan Clark
you think they’d learn their lesson
I probably know Judo! How many of you can make the same boast?
Umm..
Ryan Clark did well last year without Troy…
Matty- While it may be unpopular to draft a NT at 12, I believe the league is evolving in that direction. Dominant 3-4 NT’s are RARE and they’re crucial to a successful 3-4…
Also- I’ll be very suprised if not only the Phins, but the Bills, and a host of other teams aren’t already kicking the tires on Jamaal.
-Swank
Dan Williams 12th Overall Bandwagon: With the league slowly converting, we need to start considering the true value of the 3-4 NT position, it's about as hard to get a stud here as it is a Quarterback...3-4 NT Where a Quality Player is Both Rare and a Necessity.
Then again
Bill can’t help himself when it comes to linebackers…
Dan Williams 12th Overall Bandwagon: As the NFL slowly converts to a 3-4 defense, we need to consider the true value of the 3-4 NT. There are about as many stud 3-4 NT's as there are stud QB's in the NFL currently. Problem is, until this coming season, less than half of the NFL ran a 3-4... So as more teams adopt the 3-4, there will be an ever increasing void of available NT beasts, and of course a rising premium (cost) for them. Taking a franchise NT makes complete sense to me.
whats next
i think the Clark move is OK, he should be an upgrade. I would have loved FS Osomougha from the Rams or make a trade for Bethea from the Colts.
Other possibility, Bills are interested in Thigpen, and there are rumours that Donte Whitner doesnt fit their system anymore. Whitner is young, fast and got tons of upside.
WR, ummmm i was never really a fan of Bryant, and the other remaining FA’s are not really an upgrade. Dez Bryant? he is not proven. Tuna wont spend a 12th pick on a unproven loudmouth. I’d rather take a shot on Brandon Marshall. That being said i like Vincent Jackson over Brandon Marshall :)
We should bring in WR trough the draft, Andre Roberts, Eric Decker or Demaryus Thomas are all very good players who will be available in rounds 3-5
Patrick Turner will develope, i mean everything you hear is that he catches everything thrown his way. By sitting a whole year, he will be “frustrated” and get to camp with some kind of urgency. if he is the right material he will play angry, get off blocks and be our future.
now the main question NOSE TACKLE
what hae we learned under trifeca…if they feel that there is a need on a position they double it. last year corner = 2 rookies (picks 1+3 / rounds 1+2)
Dont be shocked if they take Dan Williams + Joseph or even Thomas
going into the draft i think we can focus on
- NT
- OLB
and i really hope we manage to land TE Jeremy “hoops” Graham
Our defense will be so much better, so much faster, more agressive.
What we need to become a contender is a Top 5 Run Defense
and a good pass rush, Both of our young corners, Vontae and Sean can cover man to man for a while. and thats exactly the way Nolan likes to play.
Attention Attention!
We play offense too! And thats where I want us to go and think we are going.
CJ or Dez.
That is all.-)
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We already took care of the offense,
by signing CP10.
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by uncle finster on Mar 8, 2010 9:15 AM EST up reply actions
LOL
"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
Currently one of three pilots for the new and improved SpillWagon fleet of Chinook’s.
... but he was signed as a coach, right?
… cause he sure aint gonna be second string….
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Well I think Finster was being sarcastic but yeah I think hes a 3rd stringer aka
the emergency QB.
"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
Currently one of three pilots for the new and improved SpillWagon fleet of Chinook’s.
by texascowpunk on Mar 8, 2010 11:47 AM EST up reply actions
the offense is not the issue
we need to shore up our defense first
James T Paulson
by Jtpdolphins2009 on Mar 8, 2010 9:18 AM EST up reply actions
Amen
30th ranked scoring defense isn’t going to get you in the playoffs!
by Vanman_FishFan13 on Mar 8, 2010 2:20 PM EST up reply actions
Spiller
forgett about Spiller….he is not an every down back !!!!
i like what we have and would love us to get Mark INgram, Alabama in the next years draft
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPKM_FhSOCw
That would be great but do you honestly think he will last to our draft spot next year
I mean assuming that we win at least 2 more games next year that will put us somewhere around 19th-22nd spot in the draft. I can’t see him falling that far from what I saw of him.
by Vanman_FishFan13 on Mar 8, 2010 2:21 PM EST up reply actions
Don't think so Neo
Not in the 1st round. You know that Tuna loves D and with our offensive line not a glaring need, he will turn focus to the D. He hates WRs with the 1st round pick. I won’t say that he won’t rule out CJ with the 1st but I really see the Fins going D with rounds 1 and 2.
by Vanman_FishFan13 on Mar 8, 2010 2:19 PM EST up reply actions
Isn't this the same Ryan Clark...
who talked trash and garunteed beating the Patriots during the 2007 undefeated regular season and then subsequently was dismantled by Tom Brady and Randy Moss the whole game? Lets hope he’s learned from that or maybe we will be seeing Gibril Wilson 2.0.
its the same Clark...
… Wes Welker is still having nightmares of
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMZAsZD9I3s
And he was quickly released after that game
What a bum
"When my time on earth is gone, and my activities here are passed, I want them to bury me upside down, so that my critics can kiss my a**!"
-Bobby Knight
Anthony Carter
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-Bobby Knight
Not sold
Ryan clark is really just a solid player at best. He’s average in every aspect in the game, besides putting up a nice hit here and there. Basically like a gerbel 2.0 as Goats has pointed out. If we were to get a vet safety i’d rather spend more cash on atogwe or bethea
He is at least physical
Which is something our defense sorely lacked! Our secondary scared no one! We haven’t had a hammer at the safety position in a long time and I think he is an huge improvement over Wilson.
by Vanman_FishFan13 on Mar 8, 2010 2:23 PM EST up reply actions
I guess Solai isn't the answer.
I think the guy from San Diego may be a stop gap until the 2011 draft.
2009 was like picking up a fat chick, You had a little fun, but you don't necessarily want to see it again.
Also, I am a huge fan of Adrian Zmed! Dance Fever and TJ Hooker rock!
I cannot believe that we are still trying to fill the void left by Renaldo Hill...
That’s right folks, we cannot fill Renaldo’s shoes? I like the guy but it’s not like he was Ronnie Lott.
2009 was like picking up a fat chick, You had a little fun, but you don't necessarily want to see it again.
Also, I am a huge fan of Adrian Zmed! Dance Fever and TJ Hooker rock!
After Dansby, Pennignton, and Clark (likely)..I'm not seeing much left for us in free agency
Dansby was an awesome signing, and getting CP back stabilizes QB (Henne) and backup (CP)…and Clark has to be better than Wilson. But I’m not sure there’s much else to go after in free agency that would make a significant impact…looks like it’s draft prep time! Bring it on!
Called it!!!!!
How about Clark from Pittsburgh? Rolle seems to be another version of Wilson.
I like clark from Pitt how about him. He is cheaper and plays FS!!!!
by labrat3105 on Mar 4, 2010 8:58 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
called it??
umm Ryan Clark is more of the Gibril Wilson type of player
Rolle is more of a CB playing FS type of Safety
that being said Clark is a harder hitter then Wilson + better in Coverage
No NT at #12 overall !!!
I will say it again – Ed Reed & Troy Polamau #21 & 16 overall. #12 Is too high for Dan Williams. Are people now advocating that we draft for need or Best player avaialble ? Hopefully NEED meets BPA – but it usually does not. OLB has much more value at #12 or even a #1 WR if DEZ…. is still there. Personally I think We should go OLB at #12 with KINDLE or another similar player (not Pierre-Paul) more risk. Trading down 4-5 slots would be a great idea also. We do NEED A NT for sure, and the FINS should now cut ties with FERGY – sorry – but 8 game suspension – ? He is past it anyway – and no better than anyone else – we would drop anyone else so why not FERGY ? Because he is a TUNA favorite ? Move on we don’t need this problem… Either draft a starter or get a FA (slim pickings) but SHAUN ROGERS should get a look…
DOLPHDALLAS – has a good idea trading T. Thigpen for ROGERS – but we might have to throw in a 7th also. I would do it.
PHAT FINFAN – Also CORRECT !!! HOW IS IT THAT WE ARE still TRYING to fill RENALDO HILLS SHOES ? Letting him go was a mistake…TRIFECTA…He was a pretty decent player and was cheap….
OLB – NT – WR …. HUGE positions of need,,,,
40 Year FIN FAN
DRAFT a #1 WR now.........
The more I think about it
The less I wont be sad if we do not address the WR need just yet
Our offense was not the issue last season, our defense was. Lets shore up this D first and make it so they are good enough that they wont blow 4th quarter leads. I believe then our offense will be better because of it.
I would stay away from Dez Bryant, he has an attitude
Our biggest needs are NT and OLB
James T Paulson
by Jtpdolphins2009 on Mar 8, 2010 9:42 AM EST up reply actions
I disagree about OLB
There are a ton of good OLBs available. You can find REAL value in round 2 at that position.
There is a lot of talent
But there is a lot of talent at most of the positions this year with the exception of WR. So that arguement can be used almost across the board.
by Vanman_FishFan13 on Mar 8, 2010 2:27 PM EST up reply actions
Rogers
could be a very dominant player BUT he is lacking one major attribute the TUNA looks for
DISCIPLIN / POSITION DISCIPLIN
Rogers is always looking for the big play and plays out of position from time to time
i would love us to get Jamal Williams, who 2 season ago was a top 3 NT
- bring in 1-2 Rookie
NT Williams
NT Soliali
NT Rookie (cam thomas or joseph)
+ McDaniels who can play NT + DE
i love McDaniels in pass situations
DRAFT
i expect
1) OLB
2) NT
3) OLB
4) TE / WR
6 / 7) TE / WR / RB / OG / NT / FS
NT and OLB are needs so the Trifeca will bring in at least +2 each position
as we did it last year @ CB + WR
the year before @ DE + OL
Probably more than likely how tuna will go
But I also see Tuna looking for another ILB in there as well. You can’t ever have too much depth at LB, especially in 3-4 D’s
by Vanman_FishFan13 on Mar 8, 2010 2:28 PM EST up reply actions
Successful Off-Season So Far (if Clark signs)
With the signing of Dansby and if Clark signs we have filled two glaring weaknesses that the team had last year. Both will be tremendous upgrades over Akin Ayodele and Gibril Wilson. As Matty said Clark can’t do any worse than Wilson. I have watched many of the Steelers games over the last few years (wife and her family are from Pittsburgh) and I have always been impressed with Clark. He was overshadowed by Polamalu but people forget that Polamalu plays a completely different role than many of the safeties in the league. Polamalu is a freelancer and that left Clark in some situations that weren’t ideal. I think Clark will be a valuable asset to this team.
On another note the next thing I want to see is the Dolphins brass show interest in Brandon Marshall. I would give our first pick up for him in a heartbeat. We need a playmaker on offense in a bad way. He is the guy. If we pick Dez Bryant in the first round we will not see an immediate impact this year. Most receivers take a couple of years to develop. I don’t want to wait till year 3 of Bryant’s career to get our playmaker. Marshall would make the immediate impact on offense that we need. I love Dan Williams but I do not like the idea of taking a NT with the 1st pick. It is not a no-brainer that anyone that we pick with the 1st pick will be a future all-pro. Marshall is already that.
Could you imagine an off-season where we land Dansby, Clark and Marshall. That would be amazing and we would be filling three huge holes. That would be my perfect off-season.
Its not going to happen
2009 NY Phin PhansFantasy League Champion
2009 Best Regular Season Record in NYPPL.
2010 The Jim Mandich NewsFlash Award Winner.
Yeah agree
Not going to happen….would take a miracle.
by Vanman_FishFan13 on Mar 8, 2010 2:29 PM EST up reply actions
Thigpen for rodgers?-in our dreams!
This talk about Thigpen for Rodgers is pure fantasy. Yes, I would love it!
However, no way in hell that Clevland does that. Remember that Holgrem has steel balls, ranked only slightly below our precious TUNA.
Why would Holgrem trade a Pro-bowl caliber NT for a career back up QB?
We have to be realsitic fella’s.
“expect nothing. blame no one. do something”!—wise words of the tuna
"Expect nothing. Blame no one. Do Something!"-Bill parcells
Interesting moves over the weekend
and definitely shifting the cards for our offseason plans.
Even before Ferg’s suspension, I felt the Fins had to address the NT position with a higher pick (no later than round 2-3) thanks to the former’s age & injury status. Some people felt we could get another year out of Ferg with help from sidekick Soliai. I think we can clearly eliminate that possibility and it suggests that the dolphins cannot ignore the NT position anymore.
The Dansby signing removes McCrowder from our list of potential draftees. Assuming Ryan Clark signs with miami, that scratches thomas off the list as well (Berry was probably never going to drop out of the top 10.
So the obvious remaining candidates for the #12: NT, OLB, WR
I’m not buying CJ Spiller as a possible pick. With as many holes as we have, you don’t spend your #1 pick on what is already your team’s strongest position as well as home to the team’s best player. If we go offense, then I’d rather see Dez Bryant picked at this point rather than Spiller, since WR is clearly not a position of strength by a long margin.
Of the three, OLB is the higher value...
… but the name of the game is coring points…. more points than your opponent. With that, I do not discount CJ. He would absolutely be sick to have on this offense, especially this team that runs the Wildcat better than any other team.
Slot him wide or in the slot or even at direct snap and watch the opposing defenses melt with fear in trying to account for him. And not just out of the Wildcat, but out of the base formations he would be electric! He does not have to be an every down back.
So if best player, most gifted, most atheletic is on the board, I say get the “Spiller” on this team!!
Adjutant General, Matty Fan Club
64 "Phinsider Fued" Points..!!
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by Alpha6 on Mar 8, 2010 12:02 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Well said sir! Rec'd!
"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
Currently one of three pilots for the new and improved SpillWagon fleet of Chinook’s.
by texascowpunk on Mar 8, 2010 12:05 PM EST up reply actions
agreed
I’m all for Best Player Available unless you have NO need for him (for instance, there’s no reason to draft a LT or a DE). Berry is a top 3 talent, Spiller is a top 8 talent IMO. Bryant, JPP, Dan Williams, top 20’s. If Berry is there you take him and laugh all he way to training camp. Spiller is the guy if Berry is gone (which is all but guaranteed unless 5+ GM’s screw the pooch).
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LN21 and MHTD - Goin Commando
Piloting the Lead Chopper in the CJ "the Thriller" Spiller SpillWagon Helicopter Fleet
by Little Nicky 21 on Mar 8, 2010 12:05 PM EST up reply actions
Hey don't know if this is the place for this but
Oh and my brother is a Steelers fan and he said Clark is a decent FS who loves to crush whoever has the ball. I’m all for them signing Clark and then either picking D Williams with the 12th pick or trading down to add picks and maybe getting a weatherspoon and Cody . Just a thought.
Do you guys do fantasy baseball? I’m a very active owner looking for some good competition. Was just wondering.
I love fantasy baseball
let me know if you have any openings.
Fantasy Baseball
I would also be interested in some better competition from my league last year :)
I still think Rolando McClain will be the pick if he's available.
You can place McClain on the outside as he’s versatile and athletic enough to play inside or out. He can rush the QB. And on passing situations, you can move him inside next to Dansby and replace Crowder. He’s unquestionably still our best option at #12 unless Eric Berry falls.
"I'm tired of hearing
about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok."
Shaquille O'Neal
by JP 23 on Mar 8, 2010 12:55 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I would love to see us take McClain as well
They guy was a beast and I think that he and another solid pick at OLB would give us one of the better LB corps in the league…..or at least a huge improvement over what we fielded last year!
by Vanman_FishFan13 on Mar 8, 2010 2:33 PM EST up reply actions
Really though...
Doesn’t this now smell of a Bill Parcells trade down draft. Its obvious that Dan Williams is a reach at 12. So, and obviously it depends on how the draft works out ahead of us, we either take Dez(come on, we desperately need a receiver of his nature. Boldin is a #2 ideal WR with the over the middle way he plays. Dex can do it all)…or if not him(Spiller should be gone by now as well)…trade down and fill our needs. Dan Williams, a safety(Maybe Taylor Mays, although with that 4o at the combine…he shot back up.)…That Dansby pickup makes things very interesting!
It smells but I think this year is a tough year to do that with!
Deep drafts are harder to trade down. No one likes giving away picks unless there is that one player that a team feels it HAS to have and this year there are just so many positions that are extremely stacked. I just don’t see people moving up in the 1st round. I think if there are any “trading down” it will happen near the top of the 2nd round. Teams will be willing to give up something that would be worth a 1st round pick in most drafts.
by Vanman_FishFan13 on Mar 8, 2010 2:36 PM EST up reply actions
I agree. But it's going to be hard to find a trade partner. Trades are impossible to predict. So until a trade does go through I think McClain is still the pick.
"I'm tired of hearing
about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok."
Shaquille O'Neal
by JP 23 on Mar 8, 2010 5:12 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I would be happy....
You can’t have too many good LBs! Besides, I don’t think the Crowder is the answer at the second ILB and I think McClain would be great to have to phase Crowder out…..as well as compliment Dansby. We have to sure up the OLB as well though!
by Vanman_FishFan13 on Mar 8, 2010 5:20 PM EST up reply actions
Secondary should improve more anyway with S Smith and V Davis
And Clark cant be worse. I think ultimately our young corners will really help out more than their rookie season.
This is sign is a good move. Less holes to fill. Still got more holes tho
Clark cant do worse than Wilson did last year at least he knows how to tackle a tight end
also we still have Clemons as well I just don’t see this team drafting a safety with the first pic I see either Dan Williams or an OLB but what worries me is the lack of effort this team is making to find a true number one receiver
Winner Of The 2009 Phinsider Predict The Pick Contest
Don't sleep on McClain...
I agree with JP23…..McClain was bred by Satan (saban) himself…….a tru 3-4 inside/outside backer that can rush the passer…..
I agree too....as much as I hate Satan Saban.
McClain would be a beautiful fit for our defense. Suddenly the LB corps would be top 10 in the league!
by Vanman_FishFan13 on Mar 8, 2010 2:53 PM EST up reply actions
McClain is an ILB
We don’t need an ILB
Phinsider HOF C/O 2009
Winner of Six Career Matty Awards
LN21 and MHTD - Goin Commando
Piloting the Lead Chopper in the CJ "the Thriller" Spiller SpillWagon Helicopter Fleet
by Little Nicky 21 on Mar 8, 2010 6:30 PM EST up reply actions
I know that McClain in an ILB
And yes we do. I Know that we all love to think Crowder is a solid ILB but he is far from solid. We had arguably the worst pair of ILB in the NFL last year and getting Dansby alone only fixes half of the problem. We need upgrades at ILB, OLB, NT, FS and that’s just for starters.
by Vanman_FishFan13 on Mar 9, 2010 7:27 AM EST up reply actions
He is solid
he’s a good tackler, and he plays the run extremely well. He is what he is, a run stuffing ILB. That’s solid. We can’t have an entire team full of Pro Bowlers, and with Dansby taking the “playmaking” load off of Channing, he can focus on playing the run, which he can do.
We could use upgrades at every single position on the field, but that isn’t exactly realistic. You have to have so-called “weak links in the chain” and you have to hope they hold their own. Think about it like this. You don’t need all 22 starters to put something on the table, you just need none of them to take anything off the table. As long as they don’t hurt you, they are helping you. Crowder doesn’t take anything off the table, and he contributes to the run D, one of the most important areas of a football team.
Phinsider HOF C/O 2009
Winner of Six Career Matty Awards
LN21 and MHTD - Goin Commando
Piloting the Lead Chopper in the CJ "the Thriller" Spiller SpillWagon Helicopter Fleet
by Little Nicky 21 on Mar 9, 2010 2:18 PM EST up reply actions
It all depends on which Crowder we get
2008 he was very solid. One of the better ILB across the board. Last year, regardless of how many tackles he might have made, he was bad. He was only middle of the pack against the run, and horrible in coverage and rushing the passer. All three combined, he was one of the lowest ranking ILB in the NFL. If we get the Crowder from 2008 to go along with Dansby, then yes, it would be good…but you can never have too much depth in the LB position….ILB or OLB, especially when you run a 3-4.
I am not saying we need pro bowlers across the board, but you need average to above average players with one or two studs thrown in there. Last years Crowder wasn’t even average, he was downright bad!
by Vanman_FishFan13 on Mar 9, 2010 3:26 PM EST up reply actions
No doubt...
But we still need a vet wr badly! I’m not sure any of us want to deal with Dez bryant right now…not while we are building a pretty good team chemistry. I smell Charles Rogers all over young Dez. Let’s sign Clark today, get McClain with the 12, scoop Jamaal Williams for cheap, and RENT Antonio Bryant for cheaper (for 1 yr of course), and get a young Nose/DT in rd 2…..
Go easy on me…I’m new here…hahaha!
I think we should take a look at
Greg Olsen, TE, Chicago Bears. It’s been rumored he’d like a trade…?
and of course…ANTONIO BRYANT!
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Driver of the, Sign Antonio Bryant, golf kart.
Driver ot the, Draft Brandon Spikes and Cam Thomas, go kart.
Chicago radio is reporting that the only offers for Olsen so far are 5th or 6th round picks
The Bears were hoping for 2nd or 3rd round. If a pass catching TE that can stretch the field fills a need for the Phins, make the Bears an offer. The only problem with Olsen is that he is a terrible blocker. Does he fit in the “Parcells” mode then?
Let's get offensive this offseason!
"It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing." MACBETH
so...
Is Clark supposedly gonna sign this afternoon or tomorrow afternoon?
"Give me a sane man, and I will cure him for you."
I'm going to ask a question.....and give me an honest answer.
Before we signed Dansby…..or better yet, before the offseason started, and we knew he’d be available.
If I asked you to name rank stud LBs in this league… how many would have come up with Dansby in the top 5? or even top 10? I’m not sure I would, but we are sure treating him like he should be….I’m not even sure he’s in the 5-10 at ILB, much less LB.
Granted, he was a huge upgrade for us, but how did we get talked into signing him at such a huge cost? Does he really deserve that kind of cash?
I am hoping we sign Clark, and I AM happy we got Dansby (just cuz he was the best available), but I don’t get all of the absolute Man-Love for Dansby.
If this post contains no substance, just assume that my answer is Brandon Marshall. Pay the 1st and 3rd, get the proven guy, and don't worry about that position for the next decade.
I guess it all comes down to us having to trust that Parcells, Ireland, Sparano and Nolan
all saw something in his game that made him worth that kind of a contract. I guess in end none of us will know till they hit the field again. I am sure that Nolan had a ton of input on the pickup and we can all agree that he knows defense and he knows what it takes to make a player good/great.
"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
Currently one of three pilots for the new and improved SpillWagon fleet of Chinook’s.
He's still fairly young so he could develop into a top 5 guy....
He plays hard, makes good decisions, for me that is enough of a reason to sign him…..but wow.
If this post contains no substance, just assume that my answer is Brandon Marshall. Pay the 1st and 3rd, get the proven guy, and don't worry about that position for the next decade.
I know. I was shocked at the money but between those 4 they have all forgotten
more about football than all of us on this site combined will ever know. I know some people on here get all bent out of shape and will tell you that your stupid for having blind faith but like so many things in life what choice do we have? Always better to be positive.
"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
Currently one of three pilots for the new and improved SpillWagon fleet of Chinook’s.
Last time I believed in Blind Faith
Nick Saban was drafting….. :)
Not a blind faith kinda guy hehe
If this post contains no substance, just assume that my answer is Brandon Marshall. Pay the 1st and 3rd, get the proven guy, and don't worry about that position for the next decade.
Well you have to somewhat trust the guy to begin with. Saban is just a bad guy.
Hell the NCAA is about to make a rule just to keep him from acting like such an asshole as far as the way he does business. The guy uses people and he should have never been brought to Miami. We had an owner that was blinded by his love for LSU and we have moved on from both of them.
Fr8Train, for your own personal well being you have let it go 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
Currently one of three pilots for the new and improved SpillWagon fleet of Chinook’s.
lol
I was mostly kidding about Nick Saban. I loved the hire when we got him (like most people), and I’ve forgotten him since he’s gone.
If this post contains no substance, just assume that my answer is Brandon Marshall. Pay the 1st and 3rd, get the proven guy, and don't worry about that position for the next decade.
Hes a bad guy. I know the Bama fans love him but hes bad for college football.
"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
Currently one of three pilots for the new and improved SpillWagon fleet of Chinook’s.
I still like Saban (and I fully anticipate the chorus of incoming boos)
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"The Emotions are appropriate almost 50% of the time"
Creator of the Cameron Wake "Crossing the Border" Award
Winner of the Pats Pulpit "Best Thread-Jacking" Award
Driver of the "LaGarrete Blountwagon"
I think the shit he is pulling now is actually worse than what he did to us.
The guy is a grade a ASS!
"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
Currently one of three pilots for the new and improved SpillWagon fleet of Chinook’s.
by texascowpunk on Mar 13, 2010 5:09 PM EST up reply actions
Point taken
But if we don’t spend the countless hours on here debating and sharing our opinions, what else are we going to do? Actually work???
by Vanman_FishFan13 on Mar 9, 2010 7:33 AM EST up reply actions
You have to think 3-4 LB's
because guys like DeMeco Ryans and Patrick Willis running around in the middle of the 4-3 are gonna rack up better numbers and be on more highlights because that defense is designed to feature the middle backer. I would say outside of Ray Lewis, who is better than Dansby in the 3-4 on the inside?
Phinsider HOF C/O 2009
Winner of Six Career Matty Awards
LN21 and MHTD - Goin Commando
Piloting the Lead Chopper in the CJ "the Thriller" Spiller SpillWagon Helicopter Fleet
by Little Nicky 21 on Mar 8, 2010 6:32 PM EST up reply actions
Can't answer
I definitely think Dansby has more athletisism and upside than most of the other 3-4 ILBs but that alone doesn’t make him a top two or 3 ranked LB.
FYI……Profootballfocus had Dansby as the 19th ranked LB (doesn’t take into consideration of ILBs that play in a 3-4 vice a 4-3) out of 55 LBs. To put that in perspective, Torbor, Crowder and Ayodele were ranked 45th, 50th, and 51st. That being said it sounds like a huge upgrade over the guy he replaced. The biggest hole in Dansby’s game is his ability to rush the passer where he was ranked the worst in the league. He was ranked the 7th best as a coverage LB out of 55 and was ranked 21st against the run out of 55. What does all that mean? I don’t know but we will just have to wait and find out.
by Vanman_FishFan13 on Mar 9, 2010 7:41 AM EST up reply actions
Can't say I disagree with your point Fr8
He isn’t elite…..but he definitely is a huge upgrade over what we had last year and given the overall state of our defense, we need any and all improvements that we can get. I am bummed we didn’t get Clark. I think we really need a physical presence on the defensive side of the ball and we just don’t have that.
by Vanman_FishFan13 on Mar 9, 2010 7:31 AM EST up reply actions
TRUE
From KFFL.com Hot off the Wire
Steelers | Clark agrees to terms
Comment (0)
Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:51:50 -0800
Allen Wilson, of the National Football Post, reports the Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to terms with unrestricted free-agent FS Ryan Clark (Steelers), according to a league source. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Read more: http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl#ixzz0hdItHTg0
It’s alright. We did without him last year. We will find someone for depth in the draft. Culver and Clemons will have competition and they will be hungry and improve.
I dont know if thats true. It looks like he just used Miami to drive his price up with the Steelers.
"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
Currently one of three pilots for the new and improved SpillWagon fleet of Chinook’s.
It happens sometimes.
"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
Currently one of three pilots for the new and improved SpillWagon fleet of Chinook’s.
Can't say that I blame him
But I would have sure loved to have him on our roster!
by Vanman_FishFan13 on Mar 9, 2010 7:42 AM EST up reply actions
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