Who Makes the Team?

by EverybodyLovesDolphins on Sep 2, 2011 10:47 AM EDT

It’s been a fun preseason. We have watched some of our favorite players grow, but unfortunately, not all will be around tomorrow. I wanted to take a second, and come up with this Depth Chart. I tried to fit in as much players as I possibly could, but at the same time tried to keep it realistic. Let’s see who makes this team.

OFFENSE

1. Chad Henne

2. Matt Moore

3. Pat Devlin

1. Reggie Bush

3. Lex Hillard

2. Charles Clay/ TE

2. Davone Bess

4. Clyde Gates

1. Jake Long

2. Rey Feinga

2. Joe Berger

1. Vernon Carey

2. John Jerry

1. Marc Colombo

2. Nate Garner

1. Anthony Fasano

(Charles Clay)

Total Offense: 25

DEFENSE

5. Philip Merling

1. Paul Soliai

LOLB

MLB

3. A.J. Edds

ROLB

1. Koa Misi

2. Jason Taylor

3. Ikaika Alama-Francis

1. Vontae Davis

2. Sean Smith

3. Will Allen

4. Benny Sapp

5. Jimmy Wilson

1. Yeremiah Bell

2. Tyrone Culver

1. Chris Clemons

2. Reshard Jones

Total Defense: 25

1. Brandon Fields

1. Dan Carpenter

1. John Denney

Total Special Teams: 3

Total Team: 53

First thing you notice is that I did not add a second TE. I used Charles Clay’s versatility to our advance and placed him under both FB and TE. This will free up a spot for either Moore or Wallace. Whether this happens or not, it’s a nice possibility to have around.

Under the CB position, I decided to cut Nolan Carroll and replaced him with Will Allen. I just think Allen is an all around better player (when healthy). Wilson is a deadlock simply because of the upside he has and Sapp is a good nickel back. So, the odd man out was Carroll.

The next person off the team would have to be Ikaika Alama-Francis. As much as I like the guy, I am not willing to part with Jason Trusnik. The man is a special teams play maker and the fact that Francis will rarely see the field will not help his cause.

Feel free to drop some pointers and maybe add or subtract some players. Tomorrow is the final cut so we’ll see how close we came to the actual roster.

Bring on the Patriots!

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Comments

We will keep Mitchell over Spitler,and I wouldn't be suprise to see Carroll stay and Sapp gone, but I like your list.

Wallace may hit the road to free up Sapp and Caroll, I just dont see 6 WRs on the roster.

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by 21Dave on Sep 2, 2011 10:56 AM EDT reply actions

I would personally prefer a wallace over carroll.

We need more offensive weapons than we do defensively. It’s gonna be a tough Choice. I agree that Spitler might be dropped for Mitchell. Definately possible. Good points.

Gieco Needs A New Slogan...So Easy A Jets Fan Can Do It LOL
I got a legacy that can't help but survive, even when I die they gonna bury me alive! -Drake

by EverybodyLovesDolphins on Sep 2, 2011 12:04 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

there is ZERO chance sapp is gone...let me be clear, ZERO...and LJ will make it over Jerry at this point

by tonyy on Sep 2, 2011 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah

I think Larry Johnson makes it somehow. There’s no way Daniel Thomas/Hillard will be counted on alone to take most of the carries. History tells us Bush should run the ball outright that much, and he’s more effective receiving the ball in space.

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

by zeusmith on Sep 2, 2011 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Not sure why they won't count on Hilliard to be the stop gap until Thomas is ready

He has special teams value
he can play fullback/backup fullback
he runs hard
he’s faster than LJ at this point
He’s good enough in the short term until Thomas is ready

Definition: scatback, n., an offensive back in football who is elusive and fast. Out with the WILDCAT...and in with the WILD-SCAT:
WR _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ LT LG C RG RT TE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ <;- - - - - - - - - - - - - SC _ _ _ _ _ WR
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ RB _ _QB (Henne) . . . . . . . . . . \_ SC = Bush/Moore/Grigsby

by DolphDallas on Sep 2, 2011 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Because Hillard isn't proven

Nor has he done anything in camp to stand out to prove he significant value.

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

by zeusmith on Sep 2, 2011 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions

He has previously

but this year he has mainly played fullback, and i seen him make a couple of good blocks out there so far in the pre-season.

Fire Dan Henning and Tony Sparono NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
J-E-T-S JETS SUCK SUCK SUCK
BM and BESS are best

by phinfan37 on Sep 2, 2011 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Lex Hillard

Has 89 rushing yards on 23 carries (3.9 YPC) and 21 Rec in the NFL – all of it coming in 2009 besides 1 catch. He hasn’t proven he can handle a significant load in the NFL including this pre-season work. He might be able to, but my original point is that management will want to keep Larry Johnson in case.

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

by zeusmith on Sep 2, 2011 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions

i think we trade some d line guys for o line

we will make trades by tomorrow

by jupiterbill on Sep 2, 2011 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions

I dont see Jerry making it, add a TE.

Might release or PS an ILB to make room for LJ at RB.

Fire Dan Henning!
Draft Wisienski, Pouncey and DJ Williams.

by okokokaay on Sep 2, 2011 11:10 AM EDT reply actions

I can see jerry getting cut.

But unless we have an upgrade, he’s staying put. Let’s see how the next week plays out. In eager to see what this team will look like.

Gieco Needs A New Slogan...So Easy A Jets Fan Can Do It LOL
I got a legacy that can't help but survive, even when I die they gonna bury me alive! -Drake

by EverybodyLovesDolphins on Sep 2, 2011 11:59 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Feinga, Garner and Berger would all be better options at guard than Jerry

he’s gone

With the 15th pick, the Miami Dolphins select John Stamos....'s brother

I probably know Judo! How many of you can make the same boast?

by Souwantmyname on Sep 2, 2011 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions

We're not going to go with Fasano as the only TE

Yes, Clay may end up playing as a 2nd, but we will still carry another. Mastrud is probably the most likely to stay.

Will Allen helped his cause last night, but he’s still on the bubble. A very good ST player and pretty good backup is more valuable than a CB who can’t stay on the field. I don’t think Carroll is going anywhere, mostly because of his value on ST. Culver also had a good history of playing well in dime packages, making Allen’s value to the team even less.

Fans like Marlon Moore, but I don’t think he’s safe. Merling’s days may be numbered too.

- 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 Sep 2, 2011 11:25 AM EDT reply actions

I personally prefer wallace ovet moore.

He has more upside. Im hoping we keep both though. 6 WR is unlikely in a Sparano team but let’s see.

History tells us Fasano will not be the only TE. So what I did is most likely not gonna happen, but hey It’s a nice though. We get two birds with one stone.

I see Allen making this team. I agree he’s no good on the bench, but when healthy he’s better than Carroll and sapp. I’m sure he’ll be evaluated by a team doctor before the choice is made. Let’s see how this plays out.

Gieco Needs A New Slogan...So Easy A Jets Fan Can Do It LOL
I got a legacy that can't help but survive, even when I die they gonna bury me alive! -Drake

by EverybodyLovesDolphins on Sep 2, 2011 12:11 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Like the list. But here is a question: What players cut from other teams will make the Phins 53 man roster?

I would say that as many as 6-8 players that you have on your 53 man roster will be cut and replaced with players cut from other teams. Who those players are, who knows until cuts are made.

"It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing." MACBETH
"Walter, I love you, but sooner or later, you're going to have to face the fact you're a goddamn moron." THE DUDE (The Big Lebowski)

by ct1361 on Sep 2, 2011 11:28 AM EDT reply actions

Thats very true, it happens all the time.

Let’s see how this plays out. I’m pretty confident about this team, so unless It’s a clear upgrade we shouldnt be in the market. No more marc colombo pick ups. I would not be okay with releasing so Marlon Moore for a potential backup that won’t see the field.

Gieco Needs A New Slogan...So Easy A Jets Fan Can Do It LOL
I got a legacy that can't help but survive, even when I die they gonna bury me alive! -Drake

by EverybodyLovesDolphins on Sep 2, 2011 11:58 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Good point

Some extremely hard cut decisions will be made by all 32 teams in the NFL, and some of those cuts will migrate to other teams. For example, UDFA DE Demarcus Dobbs is having an AWESOME camp, and there’s no way the 49’ers can keep him on their practice squad without being immediately poached. Same thing with Mana Silva as I’ve mentioned before, or someone like Tim Barnes form Indianapolis. Scott Tolzien is another one who’ll be poached if he doesn’t make 3rd string QB in SD.

Sometimes, it’s all about timing in the NFL. Some potential future starters will be last minute cuts because of the numbers game. Miami will be advised to do their homework on some of these guys.

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

by zeusmith on Sep 2, 2011 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Nice Work, well thought out...rec'd

I’d cut John Jerry and start Long, Pouncey, Incognito, Feinga, and Garner…
Feinga actually looked pretty good last night.
I’d cut Colombo.
I thought Quinton Spears was impressive on special teams and rushing off the edge.
I’d start JT over Misi (at least until the other team made a 3rd down conversion, then let Misi eat up snaps until the red zone or until a 3rd and long…JT is someone who could make a negative play on first down…important for getting a 3 and out)
I’d cut Larry Johnson and Lousaka Polite…looked like Hilliard could be a FB and also do just as much as Larry Johnson could do.
I’d also keep Grigsby…he ran tough last night and he provides some flash in the event that Bush gets dinged up. I’d like to see him on punt returns and kickoffs.
I’d use Trusnick as an ILB and OLB combo player. He doesn’t impress me off the edge…
I keep Restelli over Alexander and
I start Clemons over Rashad Jones

Here’s my 53:

Offense 25
SE Marshall 6-4 230, Bess 5-10 190, Wallace 6-4 225
LT Long 6-7 317, Murtha 6-7 315,
LG Pouncey 6-5 303, Chisholm 6-5 312
C Incognito 6-3 324, Berger 6-5 311
RG Feinga 6-4 337, Carey 6-5 340,
RT Garner 6-7 325,
TE Fasano 6-4 255, Brackett 6-5 248
QB Henne 6-3 230, Matt Moore 6-3 202, O’Connell 6-5 225
RB Bush 5-11 203, Thomas 6-1 228, Grigsby 5-10 190
RB Hilliard 5-11 240, Clay 6-3 239
FL Hartline 6-2 186, Gates 5-11 197, Marlon Moore 6-0 190,

Defense 25
LDE Langford 6-6 290, McDaniel 6-7 310,
NT Soliai 6-4 350, Kearse 6-5 325
RDE Odrick 6-5 304, Starks 6-3 305, Merling 6-4 295
LOLB Taylor 6-6 250, Misi 6-3 251,
LILB Burnett 6-3 240, Trusnik 6-4 250 (back up OLB as well)
RILB Dansby 6-4 250, Edds 6-4 246
ROLB Wake 6-3 250, Spears 6-4 234
LC Smith 6-3 214, Allen 5-10 195, Wilson 5-11 185
RC Davis 5-11 203, Sapp 5-9 190, Carroll 5-11 202
SS Bell 6-0 205, Restelli 6-2 215
FS Clemons 6-1 210, Jones 6-1 214,

by DolphDallas on Sep 2, 2011 11:29 AM EDT reply actions

Love your list.

Definitely didn’t think it through as fully as you. I might made a quick edit on mine and add/ move around some more players.

Gieco Needs A New Slogan...So Easy A Jets Fan Can Do It LOL
I got a legacy that can't help but survive, even when I die they gonna bury me alive! -Drake

by EverybodyLovesDolphins on Sep 2, 2011 12:13 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I doubt Grigsby is making this team

He’ll be "demoted’ to practice squad. We’ll keep the veteran Johnson instead.

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

by zeusmith on Sep 2, 2011 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree

I also think Restelli is bound for PS. He’s still learning the safety position.

by say_it_aint_so_JT on Sep 2, 2011 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions

oh the possibilites!

I like the post and agree with almost all of it. rec’d

by labrat3105 on Sep 2, 2011 12:06 PM EDT reply actions

Thanks!

Gieco Needs A New Slogan...So Easy A Jets Fan Can Do It LOL
I got a legacy that can't help but survive, even when I die they gonna bury me alive! -Drake

by EverybodyLovesDolphins on Sep 2, 2011 12:13 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

JERRY

Jerry needs time to learn the offense and blocking schemes

by ROZAY on Sep 2, 2011 12:18 PM EDT reply actions

Jerry came into camp out of shape

give that spot to someone who is going to work for it

With the 15th pick, the Miami Dolphins select John Stamos....'s brother

I probably know Judo! How many of you can make the same boast?

by Souwantmyname on Sep 2, 2011 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions

i dont see us keeping 9 LBers

i just cant see it…. thats a lot of players for 3/4 spots

by Tison M on Sep 2, 2011 12:41 PM EDT reply actions

I like your list. rec'd

I agree with many of those, and I also agree with your comment section answer that you’ve used a few times: “let’s see how this plays out.”

Hard to tell what these coaches will do. They’re so diffent-minded when compared to the last few seasons.

Really: anything could happen.

Cheers!

"Five yards is my life!" - Don Shula

by Grady McShane on Sep 2, 2011 12:43 PM EDT reply actions

Rec'd.... and where have you been dude?

(After last night’s game, will you be doing an update?)

"The world is divided into two kinds of people: those who have tattoos, and those who are afraid of people with tattoos."
"Women desire six things: They want their husbands to be brave, wise, rich, generous, obedient to wife, and lively in bed."
"Koa Misi -- the A.J. Duhe of this decade!"

by Alpha6 on Sep 2, 2011 1:22 PM EDT reply actions

Here is my 53 and Practice Squad

Since we don’t what players cut from other teams the FO would consider, I focused on only current Miami players. I also took into consideration certain contract situations (i.e., Culver’s salary if he makes the 53-man roster) and each player’s ability to play multiple positions.

Offense 25
SE Marshall, Bess, Wallace
LT Long, Murtha,
LG Incognito, Feinga
C Pouncey, Berger
RG Carey, Kopa
RT Garner, Willis
TE Fasano, Shuler
QB Henne, Matt Moore, O’Connell
RB Bush, Thomas, Johnson
FB Clay, Hilliard
FL Hartline, Gates, Marlon Moore

Defense 25
LDE Langford, McDaniel
NT Soliai, Baker
RDE Starks, Odrick, Merling
LOLB Misi, Taylor, Alama-Francis
LILB Burnett, Edds
RILB Dansby, Mitchell
ROLB Wake, Trusnik
LC Smith, Allen, Wilson (he’s too good to stash on PS)
RC Davis, Ness
SS Bell, Alexander
FS Clemons, Jones

Special Teams 3
K: Carpenter
P: Fields
LS: Denney

Practice Squad
Chisholm
D.J. Jones
Brackett
Grigsby
Kearse
Spears
Restelli
Freeney

by say_it_aint_so_JT on Sep 2, 2011 1:28 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Woops!

I have 54 listed (had O’Connell as 3rd emergency QB). But this is ok, because I believe we trade Merling. If that doesn’t happen, I think Marlon Moore gets cut, not IAF. This FO is more likely to carry 5 WRs than to drop an OLB.

by say_it_aint_so_JT on Sep 2, 2011 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions

In my opinion, Marlon Moore is more talented, brings more to the table, than IAF

not guaranteeing that Moore (Marlon, that is) will survive after the Fins poach other cuts though…say Offensive Lineman PLEASE

by DolphDallas on Sep 2, 2011 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions

You're right on all counts and I agree

But I never claimed the FO would make the RIGHT decision. LOL

by say_it_aint_so_JT on Sep 2, 2011 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions

I'd prefer Nolan Carroll to Nate Ness...

but I have to admit that you are going to be real close to the actual 53

by DolphDallas on Sep 2, 2011 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions

That's a good list Rec

Think you’re no further than 2-3 players off there, accounting for surprises. I too wonder if Carroll is worth keeping over Ness, but admittedly I haven’t been following that battle to closely so I’ll defer.

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

by zeusmith on Sep 2, 2011 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, it's a close battle between all three

Allen, Carroll, and Ness: each has their strengths and drawbacks.
Allen is imho the best of the three and will play the nickel best, but his injury history and contract ($1.5m) are drawbacks.
Carroll has not taken the next step and has regressed from last year, but he is consisten (not special) at the nickel.
Ness is a good special teams guy and consistent at corner, but people wonder about his upside.

by say_it_aint_so_JT on Sep 2, 2011 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Here is my 53 and Practice Squad
Since we don’t what players cut from other teams the FO would consider, I focused on only current Miami players. I also took into consideration certain contract situations (i.e., Culver’s salary if he makes the 53-man roster) and each player’s ability to play multiple positions.

Offense 25
SE Marshall, Bess, Wallace
LT Long, Murtha,
LG Incognito, Feinga
C Pouncey, Berger
RG Carey, Kopa
RT Garner, Willis
TE Fasano, Shuler
QB Henne, Matt Moore, O’Connell
RB Bush, Thomas, Johnson
FB Clay, Hilliard
FL Hartline, Gates, Marlon Moore

I don’t really care that much, but you think Devlin gets cut and doesn’t make the 8-man practice squad??

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

by zeusmith on Sep 2, 2011 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions

I know what you're saying

I actually thought that when I came up with the PS too. However, Devlin was a UDFA and there are several questions about his upside & arm strength. I think when the FO weighs this and the money they have invested in Henne, Moore, and O’Connell, they ultimately make the decision to cut Devlin. However, I could see them keeping him on the PS too.

by say_it_aint_so_JT on Sep 2, 2011 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions

If the keep Devlin on the PS

then I see him taking the PS spot of either Spears or Freeny.

by say_it_aint_so_JT on Sep 2, 2011 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions

You're right on all counts, and I agree

But I never claimed the FO would make the RIGHT decision. LOL

by say_it_aint_so_JT on Sep 2, 2011 1:41 PM EDT reply actions

my projected 53

QB: Henne, Moore, Devlin
HB: Thomas, Bush, LJ
HB/FB: Hilliard
FB/TE: Clay
TE: Fasano, Shuler
WR1: Marshall, Bess, Wallace
WR2: Hartline, Gates, Moore
LT: Long
LG: Incognito, Garner
C: Pouncey, Berger
RG: Carey, Fienga
RT: Murtha, Colombo

O: 25

LDE: Langford, McDaniel, Merling
NT: Soliai, Fields
RDE: Starks, Odrick
OLB1: Misi, Taylor
MLB1: Dansby, Edds
MLB2: Burnett, Mitchell
OLB2: Wake, Trusnik
CB1: Smith, Sapp, Wilson
CB2: Davis, Allen, Carroll
SS: Bell, Alexander
FS: Jones, Clemons

D: 25

K: DC$
P: BOOM (Fields)
LS: Denney

PS:
Agnew, Kearse, Brackett, Chisolm, DJ Jones, Restelli, Spears

Vice captain of the Landry Jones bandwagon
Chad Henne for the 2012 pro bowl
Vontae Davis and Sean Smith = Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain 2.0
Proud member of the "trade Lebron James for Dwight Howard" bandwagon
All hail the mighty brandstater

by AnishB15 on Sep 2, 2011 3:26 PM EDT via mobile reply actions