To keep up with my writing quota during the NFL off-season, I’ll be taking a team-by-team look at draft day strategy, and following up with my NFL mock draft about two weeks before the draft.
(I understand that we're not in the off-season yet, but I can't stand the bye week...especially when the Patriots are involved.)
For the next couple of months, just consider me the Mel Kiper, Jr. of Bleacher Report—complete with great head of hair and an undeserved sense of self-worth.
Since the Dolphins have been on the clock since mid-October, we’ll start with them.
Outside of running back, the Dolphins are a team in need of a complete roster overhaul. At each position, they’re old, thin, or completely empty.
The smart move would be to trade out of the No. 1 overall pick and try to collect as many first day picks as possible. But if the Dolphins were to stick with the first overall pick (and they probably will, as there might be a fan revolt in Miami if they suffered through Cam Cameron and weren’t rewarded with the first pick in the draft), they could choose from a number of players possessing the qualities that Parcells and company will be looking for.
The Pick: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
The 6’2, 303 pound defensive tackle out of LSU is the obvious pick.
He’s as athletic as he is big. He has the skills to play either a DT in the 4-3 or a DE in the 3-4. He reminds me of a young Richard Seymour.
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One constant in the Bill Parcells coaching tree is that they build teams from the inside out. Start with the defensive and offensive lines, worry about the skill positions later.
In Dorsey they would be getting a run-stopping, pass-rushing freak with superstar potential—the type of player you can build a defense around.
Second Option: Jake Long, OT, Michigan
Long is the top offensive lineman on the board. He has the potential to solidify the Dolphins’ offensive line for years to come. He’s a great pass blocker and an even better run blocker. At 6’7, 320 pounds he has the size you want in an NFL left tackle.
He’s fast, has good footwork, and was the unquestioned leader of a pretty good Michigan offensive line. As a bonus, he can play both left and right tackle, which makes him even more attractive to the Dolphins. Unfortunately for them, he can't play both at the same time. New head coach Tony Sparano knows what a good offensive line can do for a young quarterback (see Dallas, Tony Romo).
Plus, it would be nice to see Ronnie Brown running behind a good offensive line for a change.
Sleeper Pick: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
When Parcells took over the New England Patriots, the first thing he did was select Drew Bledsoe (first overall pick).
Well, now the Dolphins are short a franchise quarterback, and Matt Ryan is the closest thing to one in the 2008 NFL Draft. Consider this—Matt Ryan put up great numbers on a team without a single decent NFL prospect at an offensive skill position. As a matter of fact, there wasn’t a single decent athlete at an offensive skill position.
Ryan plays an NFL style offense. He’s smart, reads defenses well, and has all of the physical tools required to succeed in the NFL. He may not be worthy of the No. 1 overall pick, but if Parcells and company think he’s a franchise QB, don’t be surprised if they reach.
You just can’t win in the NFL with Trent Green, Cleo Lemon, and John Beck.
Outside Shot, WAY Outside: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
McFadden may be the top player on some team’s draft boards (he's No. 3 on mine, behind Dorsey and Long), and the thought of a one-two punch featuring Ronnie Brown and Darren McFadden is extremely enticing. But the Miami Dolphins will not waste a first round pick on another running back.
The only way they take McFadden is if Ronnie Brown’s injury is much worse than expected—and presently all indicates that he’ll be fine.
McFadden won't last long on draft day, but his name won't be the first one called.
It’ll be a big off-season for one of the historically great franchises in the NFL. I, for one, hope they get it right this time. After all, the AFC East is getting boring…even for a Patriots fan.
I’m SeanMC.
If you're tired of listening to SeanMC, you and his wife have something in common. If you're not tired yet, you can read more of his articles in his archive.
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7 months ago
You are very right about the Dolphins needing to solidify the lines first. I come from Steel Town, and if there is one thing we (usually) believe in- it's that the skill positions are not as important as the lines to a needy team.
Highly drafted quarterbacks do not always turn out to be the franchise-superstar players they are expected to be, and there is often quality down the line anyway- just ask Tom Brady
from 7 months ago
The hit to miss ratio on first round QBs is pretty good compared to the later rounds. The issue is, when you don't hit, it sets you back YEARS. Remember Akili Smith?
The Steelers, for all the grief I've given them over the last few years, know how to build a team.
7 months ago
What about chris long from virgina.He has a great shot to be called for the number one spot. His dad was was a hall of famer and he lives football and thats the type of guy that bill parcell loves.so there be a way better chance of him getten pick than darren mcfadden.even on top of that parcell thinks defense first.the dolphins are more in need of a defensive lineman anywayz then a running back. I mean you got ronnie brown, rickey williams, chatman and the growing jewel lorenzo booker................
from 7 months ago
Long is a potential pick, I just like Dorsey better. Dorsey has a wider frame and is a little more explosive off the line. If they're going to take a DL, I can't see them passing on Dorsey.
The only reason I listed McFadden is because it seems like everyone but me has him at the top of their draft board. Plus, if the Fins trade out, the team trading in might be targetting him.
7 months ago
I think I like Long better than Dorsey, he might be good, but dont forget that Dorsey had problem with his knees how long will he be last at the front line and dont mentioned his back injured so Miami please dont pick him #1 we will be sorry he will be injured and we waist money on him....but pick the other players that are not injured in college, Dorsey had 3 injured in his knees.....so wake up and dont draft high on players that wont last long.
6 months ago
Dorsey doesn't fit the 3-4 scheme even though he could be great. Chris Long is the best player of the elite group for a Bill Parcells scheme.
6 months ago
i think Chris Long will be good for the Dolphins, i keep mentioned to you guys, how long Dorsey will be heathy in the Fins,,,,he's a hurting child, how many playssss.....we needed to get a healthy person for our team.
6 months ago
i think Chris Long will be good for the Dolphins, i keep mentioned to you guys, how long Dorsey will be heathy in the Fins,,,,he's a hurting child, how many playssss.....we needed to get a healthy person for our team.
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