The Perfect Off-Season, 4-3 Edition.
by FinsDBess15 on Jan 25, 2012 12:07 PM EST
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PrintOver the past few days it has been rumored that the Miami Dolphins will be converting to a 4-3 Defense for the 2012 Season. This of course changes the whole Off-Season, making the need for a pass rusher even greater. This will be the perfect Off-Season, and for those who crave realism (I noticed many of you do, from my last post), this Off-Season is much more possible than the last one I proposed, although I still have some similar moves.
Free Agent Acquisitions:
Peyton Manning, QB.
I still believe the Dolphins will find a way to sign Peyton Manning. I think Peyton will be healthy for the beginning of training camp, and after all he's been through this season, you know he will be motivated and will want to prove himself to everyone. You don't ever want to face Peyton Manning, especially when he has a chip on his shoulder. Manning is arguably the best QB to ever play the game, he was still playing at an elite level in 2010 when he was healthy, and if Miami is willing to take a gamble on Manning and he does turn out to be 100% healthy, watch out for the Dolphins in 2012 and beyond.
Jake Scott, OG.
Jake Scott is probably the 3rd best guard available, so he shouldn't demand too much money. We all know the Dolphins need to revamp their Offensive Line, and Scott would be a great way to start the make over. Scott would bring toughness and very needed veteran leadership to a pretty young Dolphins Offensive Line. Plus he played with Peyton Manning for a few years, including their Super Bowl winning season.
The rest of the Dolphins FA moves would be to add some depth to the Offensive/Defensive Lines, LB's, and the Secondary.
Switching to the 4-3 will actually help the Dolphins. Miami wont need to resign Paul Soliai or Kendall Langford saving millions, and making these two key moves possible. Oh, and for those of you who will say "We still wont have enough money", the Dolphins can just cut some aging veterans, such as Yeremiah Bell, etc., and we can also release someone like Anthony Fasano to save even more money.
Draft:
Trade down from the #8 or 9 spot and pick up an extra Second Round Pick.
1st Round Pick: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina
Switching to the 4-3 will have the Dolphins in even greater need of a pass rusher, drafting Melvin Ingram will fill that hole immediately. Ingram is a great pass rusher (10 Sacks), and even a ball hawk (2 INT's), and he knows what to do with the ball when he has it in his hands. Pair him up with Wake, Starks, and Odrick, and you have a killer pass rush.
First 2nd Round Pick: Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson.
Dolphins fans have been craving a big, play making TE for a while now, we'll finally get one this upcoming draft. Dwayne Allen, at 6'4" 255, is a perfect fit for the Dolphins new offense. Joe Philbin had a dynamic TE for most of his time as the Offensive Coordinator of the Packers in Jermichael Finley, there's no other TE that resembles Finley more than Allen. A good blocker and an even better receiver, he will make a great impact in the Dolphins offense, and will make Anthony Fasano expendable.
Second 2nd Round Pick: Andrew Datko, OT, Florida State
Andrew Datko is a great Offensive Tackle and was projected as a first round pick, until he injured his shoulder. The injury required surgery, and because of that Datkos draft stock has fallen. Picking Datko here could end up being a huge steal for the Dolphins. At 6'6" 321, Andrew would be a great fit in the Dolphins huge Offensive Line. He will of course have to make the transition to RT, but many LT's have switched sides and have had great success. Long, Incognito, Pouncey, Scott, Datko, what do you think about that Offensive Line?
Of course there is a possibility that Datko wont fall this far, if so another possibility would be to draft Datko with our first 2nd Round Pick, and then draft Coby Fleener, who I believe will also be a great NFL TE.
Rounds 3-7: Draft the BPA at CB, S, OL, DL.
Depth Chart
QB: Peyton Manning
HB's: Reggie Bush / Daniel Thomas
FB: Charles Clay
WR's: Brandon Marshall / Brian Hartline / Davone Bess
TE's: Dwayne Allen or Coby Fleener / Charles Clay
LT: Jake Long LG: Richie Incognito C: Mike Pouncey RG: Jake Scott RT: Andrew Datko
LB's: Karlos Dansby / Kevin Burnett / Koa Misi
DE's: Cameron Wake / Melvin Ingram
DT's: Randy Starks / Jared Odrick
CB's: Vontae Davis / Sean Smith / Jimmy Wilson
S's: Reshad Jones / Chris Clemons
As you see I don't have the Dolphins selecting a young QB, Peyton Manning has 3+ years left and we will be just fine at the QB position for that time, and if Peyton Manning was to get injured again (which I doubt), we saw what Matt Moore can do. Super Bowl Contenders for the next 3+ years!
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If Jake Scott doesn't resign
I have a feeling he might sign with the Rams. Fisher used to coach Scott right? Rams need a better oline? Just a feeling…but I don’t think he would sign with us…
Draft a top tier TE!
Draft Wishlist: QB, TE, RT, FS, DE (No particular order)
Front Runner for the "Eat the Crow" award regarding Cam Newton
The Rams need help at OL, but they need more help at OT than OG.
Plus with their cap room, they may target Grubbs or Nicks over Scott. I think the Rams would like to move Harvey Dahl back from RT to OG, his natural position.
- 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.
Contributing Writer to the The Phinsider
I feel the same was about Cortland Finnegan, a guy alot of people think we should sign, but i think he is most likely to follow Fisher for the exact reasons you think Scott will...
In Pat we Trust
"Sorry if everyone thought we were going to go 82-0" - Dwyane Wade
"A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore." - Yogi Berra
I like it. I like it alot.
Apropos of nothing, your description of our d-line reminded me fondly of those classic NFL lines like the Steel Curtain, Purple People Eaters, and even our own No Name Defense. I think I would enjoy watching those games. Brady with turf sticking out of his facemask pleases me.
We’d still need to pick up a QB behind Manning, but I guess we can pick him up next year.
Yea,
It would be nice to pick up a young QB this year, but with Manning at the helm and Moore as our backup, we can afford to wait till next year.
by FinsDBess15 on Jan 25, 2012 3:39 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
you say we can creat cap space by cutting players which is obvious, however, you have to remember that we would need to replace those players you want to cut...
The options you gave (Bell and Fasano) are still pretty good players
In Pat we Trust
"Sorry if everyone thought we were going to go 82-0" - Dwyane Wade
"A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore." - Yogi Berra
I know,
Thats why I would draft Dwyane Allen to replace Fasano, and Jones/Clemoms will have to do their best at S, which I think they can hold their own. Safety will be our weakest position, every team has its holes, and if we dont HAVE to cut Bell to sign Peyton, and Scott, even better.
by FinsDBess15 on Jan 25, 2012 3:36 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
im not so much worried about cutting Fasano, but being that our secondary is already the weakest part of the D, i dont like the idea of cutting Bell
In Pat we Trust
"Sorry if everyone thought we were going to go 82-0" - Dwyane Wade
"A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore." - Yogi Berra
True, but
New England has arguably the worst secondary in NFL history, and look where they are. In order to make moves like this, you have to make sacrifices, EVERY TEAM HAS HOLES.
by FinsDBess15 on Jan 25, 2012 4:15 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
And
Maybe Bell doesnt have to be cut to make these moves, and if so great, maybe he can reconstruct his contract? I like Bell as much as the next guy, but sometimes you have to make tough decisions.
by FinsDBess15 on Jan 25, 2012 4:19 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Dewayne Allen.......One name
@Michael Egnew
"Football is a game played with arms, legs and shoulders but mostly from the neck up"
People who work together will win, whether it be against complex football defenses, or the problems of modern society.
by Carl Johnson a.k.a CJ on Jan 25, 2012 3:48 PM EST reply actions
Well done & very realistic
Only thing is, I doubt Dewayne Allen will be available in the 2nd round. However, Fleener will most likely be there in the 2nd, even though I see the Colts snagging him up to pair with Luck. All in all very nicely done
by kermit the frogger29 on Jan 25, 2012 5:13 PM EST reply actions
Nice Post
My free agent wishlist would be Nicks,Finley and Flynn. If we was to get Nicks our O-line is elite almost instantly.
The line would be Long-Nicks-Pouncey-Incognito(moved to his best position) and Murtha/Jerry/Draft pick.
Finley is just what we need as a TE that can attack the seam. I also wouldn’t get rid of Fasono The more weapons the merrier. .
I’m not to high on Flynn,but if Philbin wants him he might be the answer. Both he and Finley know the offense Philbin will be running from playing under him as Packers.
That takes care of the offense. Maybe we could use another WR, but I like what we already have there.
I’d also keep Moore to backup Flynn. He’s cheap and go backups are hard to find. The main reason I said is if we have to pay Flynn a high contract then he’ll be the starter. He also knows the offense so he’ll have a head start.
I selected your second scenario,but If I was to get Finley I’d replace Fleener with Tanehill.
"If you are what you say you are, you wouldn't have to say it."
"It's OK to be a follower, as long as you're following the right leader." – Smithology
"You Play To Win The Game" - Herman Edwards
by NawlinsPhinFan on Jan 25, 2012 11:57 PM EST reply actions
I would love to get Nicks, Finley, and Flynn (if Philbin really believes in him),
But I highly doubt we can afford all 3.
by FinsDBess15 on Jan 26, 2012 7:50 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I think the 3 contracts would be equal to
Or maybe just a little bit more then the 2 contracts of Manning and Scott. Manning won’t be cheap at all.
"If you are what you say you are, you wouldn't have to say it."
"It's OK to be a follower, as long as you're following the right leader." – Smithology
"You Play To Win The Game" - Herman Edwards
by NawlinsPhinFan on Jan 26, 2012 9:51 AM EST up reply actions
No way,
Manning might demand top dollar, but so will Flynn. Nicks is the best G available and will probably become the highest paid G in the league, Scott is probably the 3rd best G available, behind Grubbs, so he shouldnt demand too much money. Finley will also demand big money, considering hes arguably the best TE in the league.
by FinsDBess15 on Jan 26, 2012 10:23 AM EST up reply actions
I think the 3 contracts would equal to
Or maybe just a little bit more then the 2 contracts of Manning and Scott. Manning won’t be cheap at all.
"If you are what you say you are, you wouldn't have to say it."
"It's OK to be a follower, as long as you're following the right leader." – Smithology
"You Play To Win The Game" - Herman Edwards
No way,
Manning might demand top dollar, but so will Flynn. Nicks is the best G available and will probably become the highest paid G in the league, Scott is probably the 3rd best G available, behind Grubbs, so he shouldnt demand too much money. Finley will also demand big money, considering hes arguably the best TE in the league.
My estimates on contract costs for the first year...
Manning would probably come around $15 mil this year. Flynn could be had for $5-$9 million for his first year with a new deal. Nicks would probably get something between $7-$9 million this year. For Scott, he’s probably close to $4-$6 million. Finley would be between $5-$8 million in the first year. Let’s add them up at the minimum range…
Manning + Nicks + Finley = $27 million at least.
Manning + Scott + Finley = $24 million at least.
Flynn + Nicks + Finley = $17 million at least.
Flynn + Scott + Finley = $14 million at least.
Even the trio of Flynn, Scott, and Finley is pushing it… I really don’t expect Finley to be available. Miami could make the chance to make a run at him because of Philbin. Fasano would most likely be traded or released, saving Miami $3.6 million and taking a cap hit of $700k because of his signing bonus. But if we do make a run at Finley, I think Scott would be a lot less likely because Flynn and Finley themselves would consume about $9 million in their first year. Miami would still need cap space for other FAs and for the draft class.
- 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.
Contributing Writer to the The Phinsider
by Finhead83 on Jan 26, 2012 2:00 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Nice, thanks for the breakdown.
If we were to sign both Flynn (If Philbin really believes he can be a Franchise QB), and Finley I would be stoked!
I'm fine with Flynn if Philbin has faith in him.
But I don’t think we necessarily need to try and sign Finley in the unlikely chance he’s available. I’m comfortable with a Fasano-Clay tandem and am willing to give Fasano a chance in a Philbin run offense because he’s more capable than some people give him credit for.
There other other options I’m down with too such as a TE in the draft (they’re much cheaper!) or taking a gamble with a low risk/high reward player like Kellen Winslow. He shouldn’t be expensive, but is a little bit of a risk because of health issues. If he’s healthy though, he can be very good. He also wouldn’t be so expensive that we’d have to dump Fasano, which we would if we signed Finley. Winslow isn’t a FA yet, but I expect him to be released by TB for cap reasons.
- 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.
Contributing Writer to the The Phinsider
Exactly, Im fine with Flynn, as long as Philbin believes he can be a franchise QB.
And dont get me wrong, Fasano is a good player, but I believe that the Dolphins need that big, play making TE for the Offense to take that next step. I woul love to acquire Finley, but this team has other needs, so I think theyre going to upgrade the Offensive Line in FA, and draft a TE in the Draft (Dwayne Allen or Coby Fleener, as i said in the post ^)
by FinsDBess15 on Jan 26, 2012 3:52 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Winslow would be a nice pickup
I’m not for dumping Fasono. If he’s given more plays I think he can preform at a high level.
"If you are what you say you are, you wouldn't have to say it."
"It's OK to be a follower, as long as you're following the right leader." – Smithology
"You Play To Win The Game" - Herman Edwards
by NawlinsPhinFan on Jan 26, 2012 4:31 PM EST up reply actions
Forgot to add in my other comment...
If we went the Flynn route, I’d be happier going with Flynn, Scott, and LaRon Landry. That would come at about the same cost as Flynn, Scott, and Finley, but we could have addressed TE in the draft or we could go with Fasano/Clay at TE.
We could also go cheaper options and hope that Jerry works at RG (risky) and sign Matt Flynn ($5 mil), Reggie Nelson (S – $2.5 mil), Martellus Bennett (TE – $2 mil), Mario Manningham (WR-$4 mil) and Joe Mays (MLB – $2 mil) for the price of what Flynn, Scott, and Finley would cost us. Along with that, Bennett and Nelson could allow Miami to release Fasano and Bell for a cap savings of close to $7 million. We’d have Nelson start at FS and slide Reshad Jones to SS. That means Miami while Miami would spend close to $15 million, their moves would allow them to save close to $7 million, giving them some space for small FA moves and for draft picks. That would also free up some holes for us as well and Miami would be looking rock solid if they were able to land someone like Quinton Coples in the draft along with Nate Potter or Zebrie Sanders in the 2nd or 3rd rounds.
QB: Flynn
RB: Bush
FB: Hilliard/Clay
WR: Marshall, Manningham, Bess, Gates
TE: Bennett/Clay
OT: Long/Murtha/draft pick (Potter or Sanders please!)
OG: Incognito/Jerry
OC: Pouncey
DE: Wake, Coples, Merling, Misi
DT: Starks, Odrick, McDaniel
OLB: Dansby, Burnett, Trusnik
MLB: Mays, Mitchell
CB: Davis, Smith, Wilson, Carroll
FS: Nelson
SS: Jones
I’d still have a few concerns, primarily with the OL and depth at LB and CB, but we’d have some weapons to work with and our front 7 would be solid.
- 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.
Contributing Writer to the The Phinsider
Bennett does not look to be an upgrade over Fasono
But he’s another cheaper option at TE. I would keep both of them. We have no production behind Fasono the last 2 season. Three catches is not going to do it. Two from Shuler in 10 and 1 from Mastrud in 11. If Fasono has an injury we have nothing to back him up.
"If you are what you say you are, you wouldn't have to say it."
"It's OK to be a follower, as long as you're following the right leader." – Smithology
"You Play To Win The Game" - Herman Edwards
by NawlinsPhinFan on Jan 26, 2012 5:03 PM EST up reply actions
We could keep Fasano with Bennett.
I’m just saying we have the option to release him for extra space if we wanted and then Miami would go with Bennett/Clay as their TEs. Clay had 16 catches this year so he does offer some receiving skills as I expect him to convert more towards a TE specific position under Philbin.
- 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.
Contributing Writer to the The Phinsider
Lets say the Dolphins sign Flynn and Nicks,
Do you believe they would have enough money leftover to sign LaRon Landry as well?, or resign Kendall Langford?
If they sign Flynn and Nicks...
They’d still have a few million left over, but I don’t think they’d use it on Landry or Langford. With the amount that’d be left, I think they’d use it on small moves. They’d use the money on small FAs to fill the holes and then they need part of the cap space for the draft as well.
- 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.
Contributing Writer to the The Phinsider
I would be thrilled with Finley and Nicks,
or Manning and Nicks, then drafting Tannehill in the 2nd, if hes available.
by FinsDBess15 on Jan 27, 2012 11:33 AM EST up reply actions
I'm don't know where we stand a far as the cap goes
But I figured Manning would be a lot higher then Flynn. I also that Mannings contract would cover at least 2 of the players I selected. To say under the cap how about we just get Flynn and Nicks.We can still get A TE in the draft.
There are 2 reason I like Nicks(other then him being the best FA G) we’re born on the same day and as you can see from my name I’m from New Orleans.
"If you are what you say you are, you wouldn't have to say it."
"It's OK to be a follower, as long as you're following the right leader." – Smithology
"You Play To Win The Game" - Herman Edwards
by NawlinsPhinFan on Jan 26, 2012 4:28 PM EST up reply actions
Flynn and Nicks would be great.
Then we could trade down and acquire an extra 2nd round pick. 1st Round: Melvin Ingram, 2nd Round: Dwayne Allen, 3rd Round: Andrew Datko, or we could go Ingram, Tannehill (if available), and Datko. Ill take Tannehill just incase Flynn turns out to be the next Kevin Kolb, but then again we have Moore.
Depth Chart
QB: Matt Flynn
HB: Reggie Bush, Daniel Thomas
FB: Charles Clay
WR: Brandon Marshall, Brian Hartline, Davone Bess
TE: Dwayne Allen, Charles Clay
LT: Jake Long LG: Carl Nicks/Richie Incognito C: Mike Pouncey RG: Carl Nicks/Richie Incognito RT: Andrew Datko
LB: Karlos Dansby, Kevin Burnett, Koa Misi
DE: Cameron Wake, Melvin Ingram
DT: Randy Starks, Kendall Langford, Jared Odrick
CB: Vontae Davis, Sean Smith, Jimmy Wilson
S: Reshad Jones, Chris Clemons
In addition to Flynn and Nicks, could we also sign Laron Landry or Kendall Langford? Or would we have no money left? I would love to add Laron Landry, and if not Langford, hes played great for us, I like them both.
by FinsDBess15 on Jan 26, 2012 5:18 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
DT: Randy Starks, Jared Odrick*
by FinsDBess15 on Jan 26, 2012 5:35 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Landry is also from the New Orleans area
He’s a good safety,but he has been injured recently . He missed 7 games in 10 and 8 games in 11. That 15 games. Almost a whole season.
"If you are what you say you are, you wouldn't have to say it."
"It's OK to be a follower, as long as you're following the right leader." – Smithology
"You Play To Win The Game" - Herman Edwards
by NawlinsPhinFan on Jan 26, 2012 5:53 PM EST up reply actions
Why do we want to tie up loads of money in a guard. I love Zeitler in the 2nd or Amini Silatolu in the 3rd.
by BahamaDolfan on Jan 26, 2012 6:37 PM EST up reply actions
Depends on the Guard you're looking at.
In the case of Grubbs or Nicks, that is a ton of money to use on a Guard. In the case of Scott, $4 or $5 million is a lot more sensible for one of the NFL’s best guards. Yes, there are a few quality Guard prospects in the draft, but neither Zeitler or Silatolu have shown they can play at Scott’s level, thus, it is reasonable to spend some money on a sure-thing player.
- 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.
Contributing Writer to the The Phinsider
Nice, thanks for the breakdown.
If we were to sign both Flynn (If Philbin really believes he can be a Franchise QB), and Finley I would be stoked!
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