Miami Dolphins: Who Will Replace Chad Henne Next Year?
The Miami Dolphins lost their eighth game on Sunday in their second consecutive season without a playoff berth. Last year, the offensive struggles could be blamed on injuries to the running game and a lack of depth or talent at wide receiver.
However, this season was a different story. The Dolphins brought in Brandon Marshall as a number one wide receiver to play along with Brian Hartline and Davone Bess.
Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams remained healthy all season long and contributed over 1200 yards on the ground. While the running backs did not live up to expectations, Miami's struggles were more a consequence of inconsistent quarterback play.
Chad Henne had every opportunity to demonstrate that he can handle the spotlight. Unfortunately, Henne could not fulfill expectations passing for two more interceptions than touchdowns with a quarterback rating of under 80.
Whether through the draft, free agency or trade market, the Dolphins will certainly be looking for a new starter next season at quarterback. Here are some options—
Andrew Luck
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The Dolphins will have to trade up in the draft if they hope to acquire Luck. The Stanford quarterback will likely be the top pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Luck, however, may be worth it. He projects as the best pro quarterback prospect in the draft with a strong arm and incredible accuracy. Luck boasts a completion percentage of over 70 percent in 2010.
Additionally, Luck has size and speed. At six foot four, Luck has desirable size in the NFL, while he has also demonstrated an ability to make plays with his legs.
The Dolphins will likely have to give up additional picks and/or players to get Luck. For his type of talent, however, he might be worth it.
Cameron Newton
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Statistically the best quarterback out of college football, Heisman Trophy winner Cameron Newton projects to be a first round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft; however, Newton may be in range of where the Dolphins will pick.
Concerns about Newton involve his ability to translate to the NFL from the college game as well as character issues that have surrounded him. Newton's passing ability is somewhat less than that of Andrew Luck or Ryan Mallett, but his upside could make him a better pick than either of them.
Newton is a risky pick and draws similarities to another former SEC quarterback JaMarcus Russell and Daunte Culpepper who had an unfavorable stint with the Dolphins.
Ryan Mallett
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The third quarterback projected in the first round, Ryan Mallett could end up being the best quarterback from next year's draft. Mallett is a big strong-armed passer that has all the tools to succeed on the next level.
The problem with acquire Mallett is the same as the problem with Luck and Newton. The Dolphins project to have a first round draft pick anywhere from the 12th to 16th pick. While usually three quarterbacks would not be taken that early, many projections have all three off of the board before the Dolphins pick.
If the Dolphins do not get a chance at any of these three, look for them to take Christian Ponder, Jake Locker, Nick Foles or Ricky Stanzi.
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Donovan McNabb
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The McNabb era in Washington is clearly over with Mike Shanahan benching McNabb in favor of Rex Grossman. The Redskins will be looking to unload McNabb for cheap, and it may be worth it for the Dolphins to take a chance on McNabb.
On the other hand, the Dolphins have not had much success with reclamation projects. Aside from Chad Pennington, Daunte Culpepper, AJ Feely, Joey Harrington and Trent Green were all major failures.
Still, it couldn't hurt to give McNabb a look.
Kevin Kolb
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Another former Eagle, Kevin Kolb may be a possible trade target this off-season for the Dolphins. Michael Vick seems to be solidified in the starting role in Philadelphia for years to come leaving Kolb open for suitors.
Kolb has shown some signs of success in brief playing time as a starter. Just a warning however, AJ Feeley was another Philadelphia backup who played well in limited on-field time. That didn't work out too well for the Dolphins.
The Dolphins could look into Kolb if the price is right and that price will have to be very, very low.
Kyle Orton
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Tim Tebow has had two very solid games as a starter in Denver. Whether Tebow can succeed in the starting role or not, it appears that Orton is done in Denver.
Orton actually had a very solid season this year, although he does not have the possible upside that drafting a quarterback could reach.
Another advantage could involve a reconnection with former Bronco Brandon Marshall. Orton and Marshall had a nice connection in the 2009 season which could be reestablished in South Florida.
The Broncos, however, may want to hold on to Orton in case Tebow turns out to be a bust.
Matt Leinart
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Matt Leinart is currently serving as a backup in Houston to Matt Schaub. Leinart likely would not be a long-term solution; however, he could act as a step between Henne and a rookie quarterback.
Leinart did have a solid rookie season in 2006 and could surprise if given a shot. On the other hand, it's Matt Leinart.
Tyler Thigpen
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Thigpen served as Chad Henne's backup after Chad Pennington went on the injured reserve. Thigpen was unimpressive in one game as Dolphins starter passing for 187 yards and an interception.
Thigpen did have one solid season with Kansas City in 2008. If Miami is looking for a cheap internal option, especially one that could serve as a bridge to a rookie quarterback, then Thigpen could fit nicely as the 2011 starting quarterback.
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