(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Alleman could face some competition from a cocky young miscreant named J.D. Quinn. In 2006 Quinn was booted off the University of Oklahoma football team for accepting $8,137.17 while pretending to work at a car dealership. He also was busted with two DUI offenses while at Oklahoma and a third DUI at the University of Montana.
Quinn doesn’t fit the label of a “Parcells’ Guy” he is reckless and unapologetic but name one NFL guard that ever felt sorry for his opponent and I’ll send you a lollipop. If Sparano can get this kid to take 12 steps he could develop into a quality back up and maybe a starter down the road.
The Tackles:
Parcells’ best move of the 2008 offseason was drafting left tackle Jake Long with the first overall pick. After a stellar rookie year he should be the anchor of this line for the next decade.
No more Wade Smith, no more L.J. Shelton, no more Stockar McDougle or Spencer Folau, finally a left tackle that doesn’t cause laughter when you mention his name.
Rookie Andrew Gardner enjoyed a great four-year career at Georgia Tech receiving first team all-ACC honors twice. He missed the final four games of his senior year due to a torn labrum but playing for Paul Johnson at Georgia Tech means he knows how to run block. If he continues to work on his pass protection the Dolphins could have another late round steal.
Vernon Carey was moved back to right tackle to solidify the line. He’s deeds were rewarded in the offseason as the Dolphins shelled out $42 million to keep the Miami native. Carey has played his entire football career in Miami and it’s only fitting that he should finish it here.
Nate Garner was Carey’s back up in 2008. He played in the “Wildcat” formation for two years at the University of Arkansas. Last season he was inactive for all 16 games after being claimed off waivers from the Jets.
SirVincent Rogers could challenge Garner for the roster spot but he has had injury problems in the past. There is not much depth at the tackle positions so Rogers could make the final roster. Parcells and Sparano love to breed competition within the roster and Rogers could take advantage of it like Donald Thomas did in 2008.
The success of the line will be determined by the play of Jake Grove. He has his work cut out for him with all the pro-bowl nose tackles he will face this season. If he fails the Dolphins will be kicking themselves for not paying the $7.5 million difference it would have taken to sign Jason Brown.
Check back on Friday July 10th for Part Two: The Defensive Line
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