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NFL Draft 2011 Miami Dolphins Searching for New Running Back Targets

All along Alabama’s Mark Ingram seemed like the perfect replacement for Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams in the Miami backfield.

“Miami is also keeping attention on Alabama running back Mark Ingram and could end up using its first-round selection on him. Ingram had an impressive workout at Alabama's campus Monday for a large Dolphins contingent; the New York Giants and New England Patriots are also monitoring Ingram closely,” states Jason La Canfora, NFL Network Insider.

After a subpar combine and a growing concern with potential knee issues, the Dolphins may not be the ones to pony up for the clear-cut top running back in the draft with the No. 15 overall selection.

Even if the Dolphins do not trade down, which they are trying to do to acquire more picks, they may just outright pass on Ingram.

Which players could be on the Dolphins’ radar then?

My clear cut No. 2 running back in the draft is Illinois’ Mikel LeShoure. He has the potential to finish his career as the best running back in this year’s class. He has excellent, speed and vision, as well as power. He also has great balance and quickness to get to the outside. LeShoure displays great patience waiting for his blockers to create lanes. He would be the perfect consolation prize for the Dolphins.

It would be difficult for the Dolphins to grab LeShoure since they do not have a second-round selection.

Yet have no fear Miami fans, for the Dolphins can still find quality value later in the draft at the running back position while filling other voids early.

“Check out Maryland running back Da'Rel Scott. He's 5-11 and 211 pounds. His stats at Maryland as a junior were good but not great. He gained 708 yards. He's projected to be a 5th or 6th round pick. But this personnel man really likes Scott. Says he had very nice quickness to go with his 4.4 speed. And, of course, he gets square quickly,” states Miami Herald’s Armando Salguero.

If the Dolphins should to find somebody a bit earlier to guarantee better production, Kansas State’s Daniel Thomas would offer the Dolphins fine speed and great power. He has very good balance and footwork for a 230 pound back. He also displayed very good vision at K-State and the ability to cut back in front of defenders to make them miss. As he continues to bulk up, he will become a vicious force in the NFL behind Miami’s great run blocking offensive line.

At this point heading into the draft, Thomas should be one of the top three running backs for the Dolphins to select. He would offer fantastic value for Miami as he would be able to start immediately and become an instant fan favorite.

Check out the latest NFL Draft 2011 rumors, news and predictions for the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots and New York Jets.

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NFL Draft 2011 Nevada’s Colin Kaepernick Now on Miami’s Radar

Simply put, Nevada’s Colin Kaepernick was a beast for the Wolfpack. He has been rightfully jumping up draft boards this offseason as some teams eye a capable quarterback with great athleticism.

“Should the Dolphins meet their goal of acquiring a second-round pick, then quarterback Colin Kaepernick of Nevada would be among their targets, according to a league source, should he still be available then,” states NFL Network Insider Jason La Canfora.

We’ve seen Miami select a quarterback like this before in Pat White. Unfortunately, he did not nearly progress as well as the Dolphins front office would have liked and he was waived last September.

“Kaepernick has great measurables and a strong arm and is extremely athletic. While most scouts agree he is a bit of a project (he’ll likely have to change his throwing motion), his 10,000 passing yards and 4,000 rushing yards as well as his physical tools and positive intangibles have this kid high on many teams’ radars,” according to Real Football Services.

Luckily for Miami, should they select Kaepernick, they would be acquiring a superior quarterback than West Virginia’s White.

The problem is that most view Kaepernick as they did White—a project. Unlike White in 2009, would Kaepernick actually be able to help the Dolphins win as a rookie in 2011?

“Colin Kaepernick? I like him. He can run like the dickens. He's athletic. He's kind of scrawny looking to me. And he's a project. He's not going to solve Miami's quarterback issues for 2011. Maybe in 2013. But not 2011,” states Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.

Most people already assume that should Miami select a quarterback in the draft they will stay on the sidelines to learn. We’ve seen quarterbacks like Carson Palmer, Philip Rivers and Aaron Rodgers sit on the sidelines for a few seasons and excel when their time came.

Kaepernick may be a project but his supreme athleticism will be an excellent addition to this Miami team. He does not have the pure passing ability as Palmer, Rivers or Rodgers, but he does have great instincts and the overall talent to be a successful quarterback. They will be able to go back to the Wild Cat offense to give Kaepernick a bit of playing time in his rookie season.

The Dolphins are trying to acquire more draft picks and could use the No. 15 overall selection to trade down. He is clearly on the rise and will most likely require a second-round pick to select.

The Dolphins have the potential to select the next great quarterback with supreme athleticism and instincts. It all depends if they can acquire the second-round pick to draft Colin Kaepernick.

Check out the latest NFL Draft 2011 rumors, news and predictions for the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots and New York Jets.

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NFL Draft 2011 Miami Dolphins Better Off Trading Down to Win Now

The Dolphins are currently stuck in a rather difficult place heading into this year’s draft. They have glaring needs that need to be filled and are trying to fill them with just one pick in the first two rounds.

At No. 15, the Dolphins have the pick of the litter from the running back and offensive line positions. They can also still nab a freak pass rusher or top tier versatile defensive lineman.

They could do without drafting a quarterback, but everyone is wondering if incumbent starter Chad Henne is really the future of the team. I'm still a believer that he can put it together, but at this point, I'm hoping more than I know for sure that he can do it.

The best option for Miami to start winning in 2011 would be to trade down to acquire more early-round draft picks.

“There's been much speculation that the Dolphins will pick Ingram with the No. 15 overall selection. I will say for the hundreth time since I was told as much by a source: Miami wants to trade down in the coming draft. The Fins believe the value of a pick later in the draft with the addition of a late second-round pick would be higher (depending on who is actually available at No. 15 on draft day) compared to simply picking at their scheduled spot,” according to Miami Herald’s Armando Salguero.

If the Dolphins can acquire more picks, they can still nab a top-tier quarterback and a top-tier running back.

Yer the caveat may not actually be which running back or quarterback the Dolphins take, but who they can select to improve the run blocking for whoever lines up behind the offensive line. They may not need a player of Ingram’s caliber if they can nab the right offensive lineman and tight end to bull rush their way through opposing defenders to create wide open lanes.

“Miami, with new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, is likely to utilize more single-back plays, with multiple tight end/H-Back formations, given some of quarterback Chad Henne's limitations (particularly if he remains the starter). Tight end has become a position of need and one they could address in the third round,” according to NFL Network Insider Jason La Canfora.

By adding two dominant run blockers in the tight end Williams and any one of the more talented offensive lineman, Miami will surely be able to boast one of the top rushing attacks in the league in 2010.

Given Miami's offensive line as it stands right now, they are already inching closer to their goal, they just need to sprinkle in two more pieces, including a tight end of Williams' blocking caliber. The improved rushing attack would surely open up the offense for Henne and his wide receivers starring Brandon Marshall.

Clearly, the Dolphins are on the right track as they are searching for quality and quantity. If they can secure more selections, they will be able to achieve their goal of making a Super Bowl push with the right personnel.

We know the Dolphins want to play winning football—tough-nosed defense and smash-mouth rushing—it’s all about using their draft selections to fulfill the game plan. Right now, that outlook is cloudy with limited early-round selections, but if they can trade down their vision will become as clear as day.

Check out the latest NFL Draft 2011 rumors, news and predictions for the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots and New York Jets.

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NFL Draft 2011 Miami Dolphins Hoping Veteran QB Becomes Available

The Miami Dolphins have several needs heading into the draft. With the No. 15 overall selection, they have a chance to lock down one of their needs—quarterback, running back or interior lineman.

Prior to draft day next month, head coach Tony Sparano is hoping he can cross one hole off the list—quarterback.

Incumbent starter Chad Henne is expected to stay atop the depth chart heading into the season, but Sparano and his coaching staff would much prefer to land a higher profile veteran to pair with superstar wide receiver Brandon Marshall.

“The Dolphins understand that very few rookies break into the league as playoff quarterbacks. The odds the Dolphins would find a rookie quarterback who can play very well very quickly are microscopic. More likely the people picking and coaching that quarterback might find themselves doing so for the next football administration. So the team has to consider veterans who can turn the club’s fortune sooner. That list of vets is not very long. And Carson Palmer is at the top of it,” states Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.

Palmer is the best fit for the Dolphins. He would stand behind a good offensive line with arguably the best left tackle in the game in Jake Long. He is all too familiar with the New York Jets, New England Patriots and top AFC teams, so he offers more than just veteran experience—he offers the necessary on-field experience. Palmer is a leader and will be able to rally the team to compete in the AFC East.

“Carson Palmer. That’s the name. That’s the player. That’s the veteran, perhaps the only one, you must watch if you’re a Dolphins fan and have hope your team can find a game-changer at quarterback whenever the NFL returns to the field,” says Salguero.

The addition of Palmer would completely nix the idea of drafting a quarterback with the No. 15 overall pick. The Dolphins would be able to sleep well knowing they have a trust-worthy signal caller and can focus on finding a running back—Alabama’s Mark Ingram—or perhaps interior lineman Mike Pouncey out of Florida.

“The Palmer house has finally hit the market after the process of getting it ready for sale started early last month… Since word of Palmer's house going on the market first surfaced, Marvin Lewis has said that the team is moving on without Palmer, taking him at his word that if he is not traded then he will retire after eight seasons,” states Cincinnati Enquirer’s Joe Reedy.

I’m sure everyone can agree that instead of retiring to get out of Cincinnati, Palmer would much prefer to take his talents to South Beach.

Check out the latest NFL Draft 2011 rumors, news and predictions for the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots and New York Jets.

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NFL Draft 2011 Majority of Analysts Have Mark Ingram

The most popular draft selection among NFL draft mockers for the Miami Dolphins is Alabama’s Mark Ingram.

He is regarded as the very best running back in this year’s draft class. The former Heisman winner is a tough-nosed power house who will be able to carry the team on his shoulders behind a bruising offensive line led by Jake Long.

As we inch closer to the draft and dissect every prospect, Ingram is becoming less and less appealing, especially after an unproductive combine.

Still, the game film does not lie—Ingram is a pure beast. It seems that few believe he won’t translate into a successful runner in the NFL, but in Miami’s offensive scheme, he can very well succeed with ease.

I’m sticking with Ingram as the Miami Dolphins selection at No. 15, but are the most popular mockers in the game doing the same?

No. 15 Pick

ESPN’s Mel Kiper: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

ESPN’s Todd McShay: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

CBS Sports’ Rob Rang: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

CBS Sports’ Chad Reuter: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

NFL’s Pat Kirwan: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

Isn’t that something? Just about every analyst predicts the Dolphins will select Ingram.

Kirwan even made it a point to state this was the first mock he hasn’t given Miami the former Heisman winner.

At this point, until further notice, the top option for Miami is Ingram and the top option for Ingram is Miami. They have been a perfect fit for each other the entire offseason. Given Miami’s tendency for poor weather conditions, the Alabama product will be able to carry the team through the stormy weather to victory.

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NFL Draft 2011 With So Many Offensive Holes, Should Miami Bolster Defense?

This entire mock season I’ve seen everyone predict offense for Miami. The position has ranged from offensive line to running back to quarterback, but the one constant was offense.

NFL Senior Analyst Pat Kirwan has now thrown his mock draft for a bit of a loop. In an interesting twist, he actually has Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara, the definitive No. 2 cornerback in the draft, falling to No. 15 to the Dolphins.

How this is possible—I do not know.

“This is the first time I did not put running back Mark Ingram in this spot. Amukamara had yet to fall this far, but his draft grade dictates taking him here. If Amukamara slips, it will be interesting to see how far Ingram could drop,” according to Kirwan.

It’s interesting to note that this is the first mock Kirwan has not put Mark Ingram in Miami’s slot, since that is the most popular selection.

I don’t think the Dolphins will pass on upgrading the offense, but it is certainly an interesting shift.

I don’t believe Amukamara will fall this far, but Miami could very well look to upgrade their front seven to create pressure on the improving quarterback play across the league.

Ideally, Miami would look for an outside pass rusher like Missouri’s Aldon Smith or perhaps a defensive lineman such as Temple’s Muhammad Wilkerson. Both prospects would provide versatility for the Dolphins’ defense.

Given that the Dolphins do not have a second round selection, they could upgrade their defense and look for other offensive prospects later in the draft. The closer we get to the draft and the further we nit-pick every selectee, this may very well be the best option for Miami to field a winning squad in 2011.

Check out the latest NFL Draft 2011 rumors, news and predictions for the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots and New York Jets.

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NFL Draft 2011 Dolphins Need to Upgrade Offensive Line

Former No. 1 overall pick Jake Long has developed into one of the premier offensive lineman in the game today. He proved to be worth every penny the Dolphins awarded him.

Unfortunately, he cannot push an opposing defensive line all by himself. Miami used to boast one of the better offensive lines in the game but the glue is not holding as strong as it used to.

Although center Richie Incognito is set to return, the Dolphins still need more help in the interior, as evident by their refusal to define Incognito’s position.

“Where I see him fitting in depends on what’s done the rest of the offseason. I can’t really give you that answer right now. But I will tell you it’s not out of the realm of possibilities that Richie will be at guard, or would play center,” said head coach Tony Sparano according to Omar Kelly of Sun Sentinel.

Should the Dolphins look to solidify one of the best offensive lines in the league, thus bypassing a quarterback and running back in the first-round, they could very well be looking at Florida interior lineman Mike Pouncey.

According to ESPN analyst Todd McShay, “The Dolphins need to upgrade their interior offensive line but there isn't a guard or center worth drafting this high… The Dolphins could then look for a quarterback and interior offensive lineman in the next two rounds.”

That’s great, McShay, except that Pouncey offers supreme versatility and will be able to be shifted across the line. This would give Sparano and his coaching staff time to evaluate both Pouncey and Incognito heading into the season to create the very best offensive line possible. With their ability to pass protect and run block, the Dolphins would be well on their way to winning since we all know the NFL is won in the trenches.

Check out the latest NFL Draft 2011 rumors, news and predictions for the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots and New York Jets.

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NFL Draft 2011 Mark Ingram Is Still The Projected Pick

Ever since the draft order was announced, I have used a permanent marker to write in Alabama running back Mark Ingram’s name into the Miami Dolphins’ No. 15 slot.

Bill Barnwell of Football Outsiders has attempted to throw a monkey wrench into Ingram’s outlook. “On the opposite side of the draft world is Mark Ingram, who did himself no favors at the combine. Ingram's 40 time was a dismal 4.62, and at 215 pounds, that produced a Speed Score of 94.4. No back taken in the first round since 1999 -- our first year measuring Speed Score -- has had a Speed Score below 96.9, the figure produced by Broncos halfback Knowshon Moreno two years ago. And while Moreno was seen as a supremely versatile back, Ingram is being lauded primarily for his abilities as a runner. In fact, the only two backs to emerge as viable pro starters since 1999 with a Speed Score below 95.0 are Westbrook and Ahmad Bradshaw. The odds are certainly against Ingram being the third,” he states.

Still, myself and many others are not backing down on our stance that the Alabama runner should be the next workhorse for the Miami Dolphins.

With Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams set to become free agents, and not welcomed back to Miami, the Dolphins need to secure a power runner who will not crumble in the NFL. That one man in this year’s draft is Ingram.

“Ingram had a knee injury early in 2010 but recovered nicely and got stronger as the season progressed, and he is the kind of NFL-ready back who could give Miami a huge boost in the running game, even as part of a rotation,” according to ESPN’s Todd McShay.

Given the style of offense in Miami, their running back does not need electrifying breakaway speed, they need to have the ability to stay on the field and dish out a massive amount of punishment. Ingram will be able to offer just that as a rookie. Until further notice, he is still the ideal selection for Miami.

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NFL Draft 2011 Is A Rookie Better Than Chad Henne?

Although I wanted to see him succeed, Chad Henne has failed to produce for the Miami Dolphins. He has been downright bad.

He’s failed to show much resilience, toughness, accuracy or arm strength. More importantly, he has yet to display the necessary leadership needed from an NFL quarterback.

Miami Dolphins owner Steve Ross said that, “He’ll be competing with someone, I know that. If he’s the best guy that we can find to put in that position, and he’s demonstrated that, I have no problem with that,” according to Omar Kelly of Sun Sentinel.

That’s quite the different tune considering Ross said last year Henne was going to become the next Dan Marino, according to Kelly.

Without a second-round selection in this year’s draft, the Dolphins may have to buckle down and choose a quarterback in the first round to show fans they are willing to improve the team now and in the future.

The Miami Dolphins clearly have options in the middle of the first-round. They have the possibility to draft any of the top quarterbacks they desire in Washington’s Jake Locker, Florida State’s Christian Ponder, Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett and perhaps maybe, just maybe Missouri’s Blaine Gabbert or Auburn’s Cam Newton if they fall.

At this point, any one of these quarterbacks, except maybe Mallett, would present an immediate upgrade.

Right now, the best option for the Dolphins would be Christian Ponder. He is the most NFL ready quarterback of the bunch and would be staying in a familiar atmosphere coming from Florida State.

Cincinnati offensive coordinator Jay Gruden said at Ponder’s pro day, “Great competitor… Ponder also brings rare leadership intangibles… An interesting guy and a great prospect," according to this ESPN Associated Press report.

Even Newton would add star power to the franchise, and his powerful running ability would allow the Dolphins to continue using their patented Wild Cat offense without Ronnie Brown.

Although the Dolphins desperately need a running back, Henne’s inability to truly develop is a major cause for concern and could cause Miami to draft a quarterback in the first round.

Check out the latest NFL Draft 2011 rumors, news and predictions for the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots and New York Jets.

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