NFL Draft 2011: 10 Last-Minute Thoughts on the Miami Dolphins
The countdown to the 2011 NFL draft has officially transitioned from "weeks" to "days." The three-day extravaganza will commence at 7:30 p.m. this Thursday, and we can then proceed to finally talk about who went where and put all rampant draft rumors and speculation on hold for a year.
Anyway, popular consensus is that the Dolphins will either draft Mike Pouncey or Mark Ingram, or trade down. But we still have no legitimate idea, and that's what makes the NFL draft so great. It's almost as unpredictable as a game.
So we should savor this weekend, because at this rate, we might not see an actual game for a long time.
10. If an Elite Defensive End Is on the Board at 15, Miami Should Take Him
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Over the past few months, everybody has essentially come to the same conclusion regarding the Dolphins and the 15th overall pick: They will either trade down or draft an offensive player.
But on Saturday, Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times released his beat reporter mock draft. UNC defensive end Robert Quinn fell all the way to No. 15, where Omar Kelly of the Sun Sentinel selected him.
It got me to thinking that outside linebacker is actually much bigger than anybody is giving it credit for. Cameron Wake is no longer a secret. He is going to be hammered by double-teams every game, and without him, where do the Dolphins generate a pass rush from? Randy Starks, probably, but guys like Robert Quinn and Da'Quan Bowers have superstar potential.
Plus, great units are not built by luck. They're built by investment. If the Dolphins were to draft one of these defensive ends, they could boast arguably the best pass rush in the entire NFL. And if teams like the 2000 Baltimore Ravens have taught us anything, it's that an elite defense can carry a sub-par offense.
9. Miami Should Draft a Quarterback Late; Develop Him Under a Veteran
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There is no easy solution to the Dolphins' quarterback quagmire, but this is the most logical option: Pursue a veteran in free agency and draft a prospect in the latter rounds of the draft.
Miami could pursue any number of options, whether it be Donovan McNabb, Tarvaris Jackson or even Carson Palmer. Regardless of whom it is, the Dolphins must bring in a quarterback who can, at the very least, provide legitimate competition to Chad Henne in training camp.
This weekend, they can pursue a project of sorts. Guys like Delaware's Pat Devlin, Idaho's Nathan Enderle, Alabama's Greg McEloy and Midwestern State's Zack Eskridge can all be had in the later rounds of the draft. Bringing one of them on board not only gives Miami a nice long-term investment, but provides more competition for Henne.
8. The Dolphins Should Double Up on Running Backs Late
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In all likelihood, Miami will use one of their first three draft picks on a running back. But that shouldn't prevent them from pursuing a second one later on.
Based on the dearth of running backs currently on the roster and the recent success of late-round backs, the 'Fins would be wise to gamble on multiple prospects. Look at some of today's top running backs: Arian Foster (Undrafted), Jamaal Charles (Round 3), Michael Turner (Round 5), Maurice Jones-Drew (Round 2), Ahmad Bradshaw (Round 7), Ray Rice (Round 2), Peyton Hillis (Round 7) and you get the picture.
Prospects such as Miami's Damien Berry, Maryland's Da'Rel Scott and Auburn's Mario Fannin, among many others, have great upside that should persuade Miami to invest in the sixth or seventh round.
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7. Miami Should Stick at 15 Rather Than Trade Down for Anything Less Than a 2nd
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We know the Dolphins (probably) want to trade down under all circumstances, but it's difficult to gauge exactly what they could get in return. Everything is ultimately contingent upon which team is trying to trade up with the Dolphins.
Regardless of the scenario, Miami should not settle for anything less than a second-round pick as the key component of a trade. In other words, the Dolphins should not trade down to the third round (in which case, they would probably receive a considerable amount of mid- to late-round picks).
Miami's defense is playoff caliber, and the offense is only a few pieces away. The team would be better off drafting a player capable of contributing immediately (Mike Pouncey, Mark Ingram) than drifting into the back ends of the draft where every pick would likely need more time to acclimate to the NFL.
6. Tight End Should Be a Top Priority
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There are many trends that bond the NFL's elite teams, but one that stands out is the presence of an athletic, receiving-oriented tight end. The Colts have Dallas Clark, the Patriots have Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski, the Falcons have Tony Gonzalez, the Chargers have Antonio Gates, the Steelers have Heath Miller and so on.
The Dolphins have lacked this dynamic since Keith Jackson in the early 1990s, and regardless of whether this regime wants to admit it, Anthony Fasano does not fit the bill. His production in Miami has been sub-par at best (39 receptions in '10 was a career high).
As almost every playoff contending team can attest, having that tight end weapon in an offensive arsenal is invaluable. The Dolphins need to inject some explosiveness into the passing game, and pursuing a tight end like Nevada's Virgil Green in the third or fourth round should be a no-brainer.
5. Special Teams Help Should Be Addressed Late and Often
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The horrid state of the Dolphins' special teams was exposed to the nation last season, but those struggles date back to Tony Sparano's arrival in Miami. His coverage units have been consistently anemic, and firing special teams coach John Bonamego is only the first step in curing these woes.
Even though virtually all of Miami's needs lie on the offensive side of the ball, they should pursue some prospects who can contribute on special teams and develop into contributors in the linebacker corps or the secondary. Furthermore, this team needs a legitimate return man.
4. If Blaine Gabbert Falls, Miami Should Consider Trading a 2012 Round 1 Pick
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If by some long shot, Blaine Gabbert begins to slide down the board on Friday night, the Dolphins should consider manufacturing a trade to move up and grab him. Gabbert would likely have to fall past the 49ers at No. 7 for this to even start to come to fruition, but it is possible.
Gabbert has the potential to become a franchise quarterback, and if Miami even has a shot to get him, they should.
3. Miami Should Steer Clear of Andy Dalton
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When Peter King speaks, America listens, especially when he chalks up a mock draft. In his latest version, King has the Miami Dolphins selecting TCU quarterback Andy Dalton with the 15th overall pick.
Even though Dalton has many characteristics that connect him to the 'Fins, he is undersized (roughly 6'1" or 6'2"), played against marginal competition and seemed a little bit weird in Jon Gruden's quarterback camp special (maybe it's the red hair?).
2. Don't Expect Jeff Ireland and Tony Sparano to Draft for the Future
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Reportedly, Jeff Ireland and Tony Sparano have been encouraged to draft for the future, not as if their jobs are on the line. Stephen Ross can tell Sparano and Ireland whatever he wants, but everybody knows they need to win in 2011 to keep their jobs. And they will draft accordingly, even it if comes at the team's expense.
Ireland and Sparano will use their first few picks on players who can contribute immediately, not those who must be developed over time. It may hurt the team in the long run, but we can probably rule out the team pursuing prospects like Colin Kaepernick.
1. Barring Something Unforeseen, Brandon Marshall Incident Won't Affect Plans
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As of now, Brandon Marshall faces no legal trouble. From what we know, Marshall and his wife engaged in a domestic dispute which allegedly led to a stabbing.
What happened in between those two events will likely be uncovered over the next few months, but considering that Marshall's wife is unharmed, it seems unlikely he will land in trouble.
Marshall is expected to make a swift recovery, so there is no reason for the Dolphins to start thinking about potential replacements, especially in the draft.
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