After a long night spent in his alchemy laboratory, The Phinisher has arrived at some certainly wrong-headed conclusions. In the endeavor to reveal what the 2008 Miami Dolphins will look like, Mr. Phinisher can’t be blamed for not trying.

And thus, here is his best attempt at who will make the 53-man roster on the Dolphins’ defense.

Following these predictions (made sans crystal ball) are the specialists. Those fellows are a lock to make the team, barring injury of course.


Defense

NT1 - Jason Ferguson

Ferguson is turning out to be the best pickup from free agency. The nose tackle in the 3-4 is, to put it lightly, everything. Sure, a playmaker at strong safety is important, and there is the need for a highly-specialized outside linebacker, but nothing works without a nose tackle that can hold his ground.

The NT sets the line of scrimmage for the entire defense. Ferguson was dealt to the Dolphins from Dallas for a sixth-round pick. He is a consummate “Parcells guy.”

NT2 - Paul Soliai

Soliai is one of the brighter parts of last year's regime. Ginn and Satele both have been solid picks, but Soliai was a late rounder that came in as more of a project. Last year, he struggled mightily as he filled in for the largely ineffectual (and very old) Keith Traylor.

This year, Soliai has played very well, even coming up with one goal-line ball strip on Maurice Jones-Drew. As Ferguson’s understudy, he has shown the vet a lot. Comically, Soliai wondered why they didn’t teach him the stuff he’s learning now last year? Well, Paul, because they couldn’t.

DE1 - Vonnie Holliday

Holliday is probably in his last year as a Dolphin. Injuries have hampered him during the preseason, and the impressive play of rookies Kendall Langford and Philip Merling have certainly made Holliday more expendable. Vonnie is still capable of a high level of play and is a much-needed mentor to the young bucks.

DE2 - Kendall Langford

I loved this pick (third round), as is documented in my almost man-crush tracking of the drafting and signing of Langford. A natural 3-4 end, Langford flew beneath many draft radars because of his small-school pedigree. The man can play though.

And he's more than just his physical presence; there's a “grown-up” understanding of his responsibilities on the field. Langford, I honestly believe, will be in this league for a long time. A brilliant third-round selection that is already starting.

DE3 - Philip Merling

I will be the first to admit that Merling was a guy that I wasn’t high on (I wanted middle linebacker Curtis Lofton as pick No. 33). Good thing Bill Parcells and GM Jeff Ireland know more about football than me.

While Merling has been average in practices, he has been extremely noticeable come game time. Now getting some work at outside linebacker, the DE will spell Vonnie Holliday, and I have a hunch that he will slowly begin to get more play time.

His goal-line stuff of Chiefs running back Larry Johnson was a very impressive play for a rookie to make. He seems to make those kind of plays a regular part of his game. Another great draft pick.

DE4 - Randy Starks

The everyman. Starks is officially filling in at both DE positions, but he also has the size and strength to step into the NT position, which he has done in limited play. The free agent from Tennessee has had a solid camp and has played well in scrimmages. He is a very solid backup that might start on other teams.

He has flown under the radar because of the storylines of the two rookies.

DE5 - Rodrique Wright

I wouldn’t have told you that Rod Wright would be making the team this year. The guy has looked great in the preseason, coming off the bench (against second stingers) and clearly provides very nice depth here. Rod seems to have a knack at getting pressure.

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