The 5 keepers

by Finhead83 on Jun 27, 2011 11:38 AM EDT

I kind of want to bang my head against the desk being that this post doesn't really reveal new information, but until we have the Matty's (hint hint), we really don't have much to debate at the moment. Forgive me if this is similar to other posts we've had, but we've discussed everything from Stephen Ross to the equipment custodian's preferred method of setting up the players equipment and then somehow correlate it to the Dolphins on-field performance.

Instead of debating who are top 5 players are, I'm curious to see which top 5 players may be considered the cornerstones of the franchise for the next several years.

1) Jake Long: He may end up being ranked among the greatest offensive lineman this franchise has ever had if he continues to play like he has since he joined Miami in 2008. Despite playing next a stable of different players at LG during his three year career, Long has been one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL. His youth and abilities make him an absolute keeper.

2) Karlos Dansby: He has been a great addition for the Dolphins because he brings leadership and a great deal of abilities to the defense. The Dolphins are able to do more with their defense because Dansby brings a diverse set of skills. Unlike Crowder, Dansby has sometimes been able to line up right at the LOS because he is quick to accelerate and can disrupt the backfield. He is also the play-caller for the defense and his presence is undoubtedly appreciated by the less proven Cameron Wake and Koa Misi.

3) Vontae Davis: Sean Smith gets a lot of attention because of all the potential interceptions he could've had, but Davis has done a solid job against opposing WRs. He is a solid tackler and is very good against the run. He finished 2010 with 12 passes defensed, nearly the total (17) of Jason Allen and Smith combined.

4) Cameron Wake: We knew he had the pass rushing ability, but he also did a solid job against the run. Our front three creates a good amount of pressure for a 3-4 DL, but there is no doubt our pass rush was mostly the result of Wake's fantastic play. He is a bit older than most prospects because of his CFL career, but at age 28, we should still be able to enjoy watching him play at this level for the next several seasons.

5) Brandon Marshall: He is close to being left off this list because of his character flaws and because he can be a negative influence on the team, but his sheer talent alone keeps him on this list. He averages 1,181 receiving yards as a starter to go along with 6.5 TDs per season despite playing in a conservative Dolphins offense and playing through injuries throughout his career. Character flaws aside, this is not an easy player to replace.

Honorable mentions: Davone Bess, Randy Starks, Kendall Langford, Sean Smith.

On another note, doesn't Bacon look a little like Penn State HC, Joe Paterno?

Bacon's Yearbook Picture

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Jake Long: He may end up being the greatest offensive lineman this franchise has ever had

Second best? Pretty hard to beat out Dwight who was not only the best our team has ever seen at his position but the best the NFL has ever seen at that position.

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by texascowpunk on Jun 27, 2011 12:21 PM EDT reply actions

Otherwise your of course correct as to his place on this team.

by texascowpunk on Jun 27, 2011 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Dwight

It’d be very, very difficult for Long to beat out Dwight. I do think it could generate some discussion though if he plays out his career at his current level. While I think it’d be very hard for Long to be the best OL in Miami history over Dwight, I do think some may consider it depending on the longevity of Long’s career as well. I’m not one that likes to rate careers with longevity in higher regards, but I do think it could create a worthy debate. If Long is a 9x Pro Bowler that plays in Miami for 12 seasons and is considered HoF worthy (we’re a long ways from there), would people hold him in higher regards than a 5x Pro Bowler that played for 7 seasons? I still may lean toward Stephenson, but I could see a few people making the case for Long. Again, not saying Long will be the greatest OL in Miami history, just making a case that he has the potential to be. For now, I’ll be happy if he just matches Richmond Webb.

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by Finhead83 on Jun 27, 2011 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions

True but from my POV the fact that Dwight played for such a short time and based on his

absolute dominance for that period of time was still a shoe in for the HOF is actually a reason that I would still go with him. Not many guys can pull that off with such a short career. Now if Long becomes the most dominant player at his position all time or even for his era or is in the discussion for all time at his position then I might be swayed to go with him if like you say he does it for a decade or more.

by texascowpunk on Jun 27, 2011 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions

True enough

To me, the impact the player makes over their carrer, even if it is only 5 years, is greater than their longevity. I don’t think it is even likely Long will be a better a better lineman than Stephenson, but he’s the only player since Stephenson retired to have the potential to surpass him. As good as Richmond Webb was, he was a superb pass blocker, but wasn’t very stout against the run. Both Stephenson and Long were very good in pass protection and the run which is why I think Long even has a chance to match Dwight.

- Attempting to debate with a person who has abandoned reason is like giving medicine to the dead.
- Defeat isn't bitter if you don't swallow it.

by Finhead83 on Jun 27, 2011 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions

We shall see sir. I am just glad he is on our team.

by texascowpunk on Jun 27, 2011 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Forgot about Richmond Webb

He was a really good player.

Henne is the greatest and the Dolphins will go 14-2 this year and win the SB

by zeusmith on Jun 28, 2011 9:41 PM EDT up reply actions

No, he said this!

For now, I’ll be happy if he just matches Richmond Webb.

by texascowpunk on Jun 28, 2011 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions

But I agree Webb was a really good player

But I have high enough expectations for Long that I think he should at least match Webb’s calibre. I wasn’t trying to knock Webb or Long.

- Attempting to debate with a person who has abandoned reason is like giving medicine to the dead.
- Defeat isn't bitter if you don't swallow it.

by Finhead83 on Jun 29, 2011 8:30 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah I got that. I think Zeus just missed part of it. It happens.

by texascowpunk on Jun 29, 2011 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions

I'd say that list is about right

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by Topher Doll on Jun 27, 2011 2:07 PM EDT reply actions

i think davone bess is a keeper, the man can get first downs

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by AlejandroN on Jun 27, 2011 4:41 PM EDT reply actions

How much is “several years”? Wake is no young pup.

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by 54 on Jun 27, 2011 5:52 PM EDT reply actions

Neither am I. What's your point? More ageism from you kids? I see how it is.

by texascowpunk on Jun 27, 2011 7:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Lmao…Just that Wake only has a couple of years left before he begins to slow down. He will be dominate in that time but we need to find someone to develop. Which could be sooner than expected.

Kacy Rodgers Our D-Line Coach. Got to give him some credit.
Rusty Smith! (Titans future qb)
Play to win

by 54 on Jun 27, 2011 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions

I would say maybe 4 years of good service out of him.

by texascowpunk on Jun 27, 2011 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions

That would be great

I hope you’re right.

Kacy Rodgers Our D-Line Coach. Got to give him some credit.
Rusty Smith! (Titans future qb)
Play to win

by 54 on Jun 27, 2011 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions

I consider several years to be 5+.

Wake is 28, but OLBs can still be effective past the age of 28. I don’t mean several years in 7-10 years. In the NFL, that is more than most players’ careers.

- Attempting to debate with a person who has abandoned reason is like giving medicine to the dead.
- Defeat isn't bitter if you don't swallow it.

by Finhead83 on Jun 28, 2011 8:46 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah I think till 32-34 is a realistic time frame. Guys tend to improve technique and recognition

as they age. For the good ones this can often times cancel out some of the physical prowess that begins to slowly fade. Ray Lewis is a good example. Not the absolute beast he once was but at 36 in no fear of being put out on the street. Now I guess that can change at any point and he can just hit the wall. Zach sort of hit his at 35 but he also took a lot more of a beating over the years than I suspect Wake has had and on a smaller body. Also Wake did not play for the first couple of years out of college so he has two less years of abuse on his body vs. most players at the age of 29.

by texascowpunk on Jun 28, 2011 8:57 AM EDT up reply actions

Smith had 11 PDs.

Just would like to point out that Smith wasn’t that bad in that department as the post seems to make it.

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by PotM on Jun 27, 2011 7:02 PM EDT reply actions

Smith wasn't bad at all

Which is why I gave him an honorable mention. Really, I don’t think it would take much for Langford, Starks, Bess, or Smith to become more of a franchise cornerstone over Marshall.

- Attempting to debate with a person who has abandoned reason is like giving medicine to the dead.
- Defeat isn't bitter if you don't swallow it.

by Finhead83 on Jun 28, 2011 8:47 AM EDT up reply actions

All Smith has to do is start holding on to all those balls that hit him right square in the hands.

by texascowpunk on Jun 28, 2011 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah

But until he does, I have Davis higher because he can catch the passes and he is stout against the run.

- Attempting to debate with a person who has abandoned reason is like giving medicine to the dead.
- Defeat isn't bitter if you don't swallow it.

by Finhead83 on Jun 28, 2011 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions

I was not debating that. Smith has to start holding on to some of those.

by texascowpunk on Jun 28, 2011 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions

You know what the good thing is??

We have a lot of players that could’ve been on this list.

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by dolger14 on Jun 27, 2011 10:43 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Cool idea,

My 5

Long – One of the top LTs
Marshall – One of the top WRs with room to grow, scary potential
Davis – Seems to be on his way to being an elite CB, scary potential
Solia – If he can actually get better, then he’s like Wilfork, if he plays at the same level as last year he is a high level NT
Bess – Best 3rd down/slot/whatever you need WR in the NFL.

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by uncle finster on Jun 28, 2011 2:17 PM EDT reply actions

Soliai

He’d be a strong contender if he shows he could perform at this level consistently. It’s very hard to find solid NTs in a 3-4 defense and that would definitely help him being considered a franchise cornerstone.

- Attempting to debate with a person who has abandoned reason is like giving medicine to the dead.
- Defeat isn't bitter if you don't swallow it.

by Finhead83 on Jun 28, 2011 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions

What is the awsum thought on the lives of sum of our superstars & most wannabes in sum cases?

The turn in an athleats life, when he starts beliving “he can play multiable sports” for Vanity of self, or just loss of public eye,(can it realy get that bad) err bo nows sports!

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by wild zion beaver on Jun 30, 2011 4:55 PM EDT reply actions