I pride myself on being objective when it comes to the Miami Dolphins, but this week was tough to keep a level head..
Since the start of this off season I have watched Miami put into action some philosophies and modes of operation that were the correct ones, but would take great acumen by by Tannenbaum to make successful.
I had hoped that Miami was beginning to turn the corner…that hope has taken a big hit this week because events have made me realize that Miami’s challenges are manifold. Here lies the problem, even if they succeed at running things right, will it ever reach the level of the Patriots?
C.J. Anderson heading back to Denver was the first wave.
Lack of money spent on the O-Line was the second.
Pats playing the league like a fiddle was the third and a real wake-up call.
Say what you want about Belichick, but he has this game, in nearly all facets, down to a science.
They picked up a good young Guard in trade to counter Suh and Darius as well as a second round pick for Chandler Jones who was in the last year of his rookie contract – all of this was on the heels of getting four compensatory picks, one of which being a third rounder. Today they just buffered the loss of Chandler by acquiring Chris Long for a song and a dance.
It goes deeper than that.
Last year New England drafted two DE’s in the middle round to cover for a loss they knew was coming – they were operating a year ahead because they knew Chandler would be too expensive. They didn’t let talent leave without getting zero in return for it, unlike…ahem, Vernon or Miller here in Miami.
So, Pats have 4 picks in the top 100 in the deepest draft, some say ever in the mid rounds.
What does Miami have – holes and question marks.
Miami has let all their top FA’s go with nothing to show for it. They have yet to address the most serious deficit that they have in the Offensive Line. They have watched Pats position themselves for a huge leap forward if they draft well, while they themselves inch forward “IF” they provide the proper development, coaching and get some luck as icing on the cake. Not even the best football gamblers would bet that it’s a sure thing that this bodes well for a good long term prognosis.
I am not saying it’s hopeless as their is plenty of time. I am not Tannenbaum has failed because it will take a few years to get this ship in order. I am not saying the Patriots have it sown up as they have screwed up drafts in the past. What I am saying is not only do the Fins have to have game, but that game needs to rise above the cream of the crop in order to make any significant headway – and this week’s turn of events has me troubled. Go Fins!!!
If Gase and company doesn’t view Tanny as their guy moving forward following this season, and he has a similar season as he did this year (not terrible, not ideal), he will have good trade value because of the position and his contract structure. After this season, Tanny’s contract would be team friendly. So, there could still be value and some compensation. Lets hope it doesn’t get to that.
As far as Chris Johnson, I will say he has transformed himself all the way around. Once he lost a few steps and he got himself away from the JETS, he has adjusted and seems to become a complete back, a complete player on and off the field. Does that mean it will equate to success w Miami? Like to hope it will.
A side note: Seems that we are going to need a LBer that can cover. That need is to combat the Pats move. They will once again have a 2 TE set majority of the time, after their trade for M.Bennett. We don’t have one LBer that can cover, and we all know our division goes through N.E. May have seemed to be a minor trade, but if you are in the AFC East, it was a big trade, one that the Fins need to take notice. We did bring in a upgrade at safety that could help, bit again a LBer that can cover as well is necessary (Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State). He should be there at 13, but doubtful if we were to trade down.
Yup, Bennett forces Miami to get a mlb who can cover…Tanny won’t get any trade talk due his contract, unless he restructures and I don’t see that till this season is over. His development and eval was one of the most screwed up I have ever seen in modern football…terrible,
Admin, I was wondering, I didn’t think that was the case. Probably a good thing, it would have ended up a bidding war. And, I think the RB position should have a dollar limit, and Miami finally seems to be operating as such. Bright future for this staff.
Considering the Dolphins go Defense in the 1st round! I took another look at 1st round pick. Maybe the Dolphins should go after the Cornerback Apple he appears to have the best value you be the Judge?
Apple Cornerback
IN OUR VIEW: Apple possesses several traits for the cornerback position that translate well to the next level with his size, length and athleticism. Apple isn’t afraid to be physical and contest at the top of routes, but he’s still learning what he can get away with and what will draw flags – desired length for the position, but NFL teams will be forced to live and die with his hands-on contact while he figures it out.
He is also an aggressive run defender, but needs to be more measured with his break down mechanics as a tackler. Apple is still very young and with that comes discipline issues, but he consistently stays in phase in press or off-man coverage and has upside.
–Dane Brugler (2/13/16) Player Lowdown
Miami Dolphins | #13 The Dolphins could be targeting a linebacker with this pick but with three coming off the board in the first 12 picks of this projection, Miami may instead turn back to the secondary. The addition of Maxwell is mitigated by the Dolphins releasing Brent Grimes, who was their best corner last year. Apple has natural coverage skills, including the fluidity and quick hands to make plays on the ball. He was voted the Defensive MVP of the Buckeyes’ Fiesta Bowl win over Notre Dame. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 1st Rounder: Darron Lee OLB COMPARES TO: Kwon Alexander, Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Their size and take-on skills aren’t strengths, but Lee compares to Alexander as rangy run-and-hit defenders who can excel in today’s NFL. –Dane Brugler (2/13/16)
1st Rounder: Reggie Ragland IN OUR VIEW: He isn’t as talented as C.J. Mosley, but he’s a better NFL prospect than Trey DePriest, falling somewhere in the middle of those two former Alabama players.
Morrison is An ILB who should stay on Miami’s Radar in the draft?
7th round———–193th picked Antonio Morrison, ILB Florida
193 Ranked Wise picked for the Dolphins: IN OUR VIEW: Morrison isn’t an elite size/speed specimen, but shows terrific play speed and physicality, doing whatever possible to get his man on the ground. Based on talent, Morrison is a NFL starter and top-60 draft pick, but his pro evaluation relies heavily on the medical reports.
–Dane Brugler (2/13/16) I would say for the Dolphins He is worth the RISK?
A lot of sports writers compliment the Pats on thier FA and Draft System and performance of players. The Pats did not have Tom Brady in their system they would not look so brillant?
Tom Brady A Key Player who is the QB who can rally his team against the best Pro’s. The team believes in him etc. Rather Mediocre Defense or offense they fine ways to win. Because of their QB talents.
The Browns drafted a QB 3 straight Drafts and failed to produce a leader for that team. Why is that? The Dolphins are on about the 29th QB and still ????? Why is that?
So true Steve. People praise Biilacheat and the Pats, if Brady was in Miami the past decade, majority of their moves would have been seen as brilliant as well. Good point about mileage and carries. I seem to agree and if that holds true, I would not hesitate w Henry. Obviously if Elliot is there. After that, must find value. Thank you for the bios.
Steve, if you look at the one season they didn’t have Brady they were still successful. The way I see it is Brady is the best QB for the current format of passing. He would be successful elsewhere, but it was Belli that moved the league to the TE set and 2 TEsets. He has won when Brady threw 20 td’s and 50 Tds. Belli isn’t perfect, but he has put teams on the field and off into situation where he could get the better end of the stick. And Belli is the GM/ coach/ head of the franchise. I dont like him as a person, or his seemingly unscrupulous ways, but respect is due. Brady and him form a great duo…and Brady is the icing on the cake. But, since football is a team game the cake must be the team. Think of the team…it has never crested and collapsed. Some years they have more talent than other, but they are never in cap problems, always have extra picks (except when caught cheating 🙂 ). Brady is great as a leader and QB. This is a QB driven league, but Brady isn’t that far adhead of Rodgers, Manning, Rothlesberger or Brees…so what is the reason for the extra success? In my opinion it’s a team thing.
Yes! the team concept is correct. I’m about Challenging everyone on the team. The Dolphins have not seriously challenged the QB position? Matt Moore I thought should have started Tannehill 1st two season but the Fins threw Tanny to the wolves 58 sacke 1st season etc.
Its about winning games and who has the hot hand? Chuck Nole the Steelers head coach played 3 QB’s by way to their 1st super bowl. Without hessitation his QB’s were on the bench its was about winning games?
Our current QB will get us averaged (2 touchdown maybe) + A Pro style RB averged (1 TD rushing) and 6 points from field goals. We are still short. Why? Dolphins Cannot make acurate deep throws? Average teams 28 points and 42 points against elite teams do win?
Back in the Day Don Shula would say to the office get us 21 points and the Defense can do the rest?? This current day we need average 28 points against fair teams. Your elite teams will have the will and fire power to score 42 points.
I figured the top running backs last season (4 of them rush for 11 TD’s 2015 season). Dolphins need kick returner that can score! Defensive player that can score off turn overs Defense must win the battle Keeping opponents on the bench Dont get behind trying to score two point conversion etc. unless Zero options. Great field goal kickers. Be the less penalized that game.
Long as the QB is being exempt from the Bench we will not see any progress? 6-10 season and the Dolphins are afraid to put another QB in the game. We dont need back ups we need Warriors?
totally agree, Steve …T-hill is on notice and he should be. This is the last stop for him…but Miami also needs to create a space where excuses are limited. The only thing worse than having to cut him at the end of 2016 because he can’t cut it is letting him go and seeing him shine elsewhere. And that goes to my point about the Pats…like today they just got Marcellus from the bears…him AND Gronk!!!! For a 4th which probably is the compensatory pick…yeashshhh. Dunner brought up a great point that all the FA we let go will bring alot of picks next year…that is good. The concept is sound… I’m down with that, now the hard part…picking and developing.
That’s been a Dolphins problem over the years. For example Tony Lippett, who is responsible for his developement to wide receiver or corner back? I thought Billy Turner would have faired better with another team.
Yup, that’s why so many “stiffs” that leave miami pan out elsewhere. The deal Pats made forces miami to counter with cover LB’s right now we have three with ?’s Alonso, Jenkins, and Jordan. Only Jenkins is even semi dependable. I guess they could use the safeties, but you don’t want your hand known on every play. Pats are a step ahead…But, on a positive note I believe in Gase…at least his development skills.
Steve, I bet you were happy when Anderson was re-signed? Still, don’t see Elliott making it past the Eagles at 8, or the Giants at 10. I like your RB choices and bio’s (thank you). Elliot is obvious, Henry scares me due to his mileage and gaping holes he had to run through at Alabama (won’t happen at this level). Booker the same. Not saying they are not capable, thats just the thinking behind those RBs for me.
There are 2 others that I would really like to see Miami target:
Jordan Howard, Indiana, 6’0, 230: Here is a kid w similar running style of Anderson whom Miami seemed to covet. Another words, he is a down hill runner. Always finishing forward. He is likely to be there in third round (73) and would be a great addition.
C.J. Prosise (my personal favorite), N.D., 6’0, 220: Here is a kid that has very low mileage and is actually just learning the position. Prosise played safety one year followed by WR the next, and in his senior season he played and excelled at RB. Depending on his blocking, Prosise would be an every down back who can be moved around to create miss matches. He will most likely be there in the 4th (107), projected as a mid 3rd-4th rounder.
Kenyan Drake (sleeper), Alabama, 6’1, 210: He could be a sleeper. A mismatch nightmare, though he may not be a bell cow back, 10-15 carries/game.
However this goes; Miami can not go into the season w Ajayi and a drafted rookie. Must have at least one veteran RB.
Trade for one of Tennessee’s RBs. They just signed Murray and they have 3 serviceable backs who has experience, David Cobb, Bishop Sankey, Antonio Andrews. Not sure they would let Cobb after just one season, but the other 2 would help as well.
I have concerned about the mileage also on Henry and others RB etc. But the /Dolphins I bet will not run them more than 10 to 12 carries a game. It may not be an issue?
Veteran Chris Johnson from the Cardinals is visiting the Dolphins and that he had a Shoulder injury due to a drive bye shooting?
Yes I still see Elliot a Dolphin we need a potential Pro bowler in the back field.
I viewed CJ Prosise from Notre Dame Player Overview
Prosise played mostly safety and wide receiver over his career with no experience at running back, but due to depth issues for the Irish he began practicing in the backfield before the 2015 season.
A season-ending injury to Irish starter Tarean Folston in the opener turned out to be a blessing for Prosise as he stepped in and had a breakout season, averaging 114.7 rushing yards per start. Prosise led the Irish with 1,029 yards on 157 carries (6.6-yard average) and 11 touchdowns despite having never played the position before the spring.
Strengths Weaknesses STRENGTHS: Well-distributed body mass with the desired physical ingredients. Able to absorb and maintain balance through congestion, picking yards after contact. Refuses to go down, showing the body strength and leg drive to fight forward.
Fluid lateral agility in his cuts and controls his momentum well, shifting his weight without slowing. Follows and trusts his blockers to weave through traffic. Natural at resetting his vision on the move. Patient run style to quickly scan and go. Speed to be a big-play threat and eliminate pursuit angles when he hits the turbo button. Has a fifth gear downfield to separate from the secondary. Strong stiff arm and runs with physical finish.
Natural receiving traits and experience, displaying reliable focus and hands as a pass-catcher. Stand out on special teams coverages – earned the Notre Dame Special Teams Player of the Year honors in 2014. Highly productive in 2015 (his first season at running back), averaging 6.6 yards per carry and 11.8 yards per reception.
Lacks ideal experience at the running back position and still learning techniques at the position. Lacks nuance in pass protection.
Wasn’t a return man at Notre Dame. Ball security needs addressed (five fumbles in 2015). Durability was an issue in his one season at running back, missing almost all of Notre Dame’s final five games – entered concussion protocol with a neck/head injury followed by a high left ankle sprain (Nov. 2015).
IN OUR VIEW: A safety and wide receiver his first two seasons, Prosise proved to be a quick study at his new position in 2015, running with natural vision, feel and athleticism. Although he’s still developing his run tempo, pad level and instincts, especially between the tackles, Prosise has sharp cutting ability and ball-skills to impact the offense in several ways.
Prosise isn’t a running back by trade and that shows at times, but he’s a very encouraging prospect who should continue to get better with added reps at the position.
–Dane Brugler (1/11/16)
Player Lowdown
I had considered him but My thoughts were we need a true RB in our back field?????
I like Drake alot. Questioned about him is staying healthy/durability issues. If the Dolphins can keep him healthy a great pick up.
IN OUR VIEW: Drake has a chance to be a very good pro, especially if he ends up with a franchise with a creative offensive coordinator. There are so many ways you can utilize his abilities in both the run and pass game. He may not be an every-down back in the NFL, but Drake is a guy who can target with 10-15 touches each Sunday.
He’s too explosive not to impact an offense and a guy that can break off big chunk plays. Look for Drake to test well and for his stock to rise leading up to the draft. He is a potential Day Two pick.
COMPARES TO: Charles Sims, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. These two have very similar builds and styles. Like Sims, Drake is an explosive talent that be effective running the ball or as a receiver out of the backfield.
CJ Anderson Heads back to Denver! Dont panic the Dolphins Run Game Best Recruits???????? We need minimum 11 Touchdowns this season from RB listed below. So there is no room for Mediocrity from the RB.
Eezekiel Elliot: Projected 1st round Complementing Eli Manning and Odell Beckham, Jr. with a bell cow running back might be the fastest way of getting the Giants back into playoff contention. Elliott isn’t the second-coming of Todd Gurley but he’s clearly the top running back in this class, showing the all-around game to play on all three downs immediately.
Derrick Henry Alabama Projected 38 picked IN OUR VIEW: Henry won’t be drafted based solely on a trophy and may struggle to duplicate his collegiate success in the NFL if not placed in the right system. His ability to get to and through the hole in a flash projects best in a traditional power-blocking scheme that limits his dancing at the line of scrimmage. This isn’t to say that he couldn’t be successful in a zone-blocking scheme, as he possesses vision and surprising agility.
Devonte Booker Utah Projected 60 picked:
IN OUR VIEW: Booker has been the workhorse of the Utah offense, averaging over 30 touches per game, but durability has also been a concern due to his high volume of carries and violent run style. Along with questions about ball security and age (will be a 24-year-old rookie), Booker will be dinged by some teams throughout the process due to these factors.
Alex Collins Arkansas Projected 75th pick IN OUR VIEW: Collins was an ideal fit for Bielema’s blueprint on offense with his light feet to make sharp cuts, but also his physical nature to welcome contact, finish forward and do most of his damage between the tackles. Collins is a physical runner, but needs to improve his pad level and ball security to be more reliable at the next level. CBS Sports Radio
Paul Perkins UCLA Projected 116th
IN OUR VIEW: The most consistent running back in the Pac-12 over the past two seasons, Perkins is a classic slasher with the vision and burst to project well in any NFL offense which allows him to simply plant and go. He has the hands and toughness to remain on the field on third down but a relatively spindly frame raises concerns about his ability to remain durable if featured in the NFL as he was by the Bruins. –Rob Rang (12/21/15)
To me it’s not that C.J. isn’t coming, but rather that one more hole needs filling and the PAts made some killer moves this week and showed that it will take more than simply competent to break the rut. The process they hare engaging in is the right one, and as Dunner pointed out a bunch of compensatory picks are coming next year, but not only do they need to succeed, but also over come the brilliance of Belichick. The loss’ of Miller, matthews & Vernon will nothing in return is huge wasted opportunity. Patriots demonstrated advanced thinking on a level rarely seen in this league…the problem is compounded by the loss of C.J. who would have been the perfect back to help in T-Hill eval year. You can pick a back, but it’s rare to find one with the heart and will to break D’s. You never know with a rook who he is till he get’s light up by an NFL D…
If Gase and company doesn’t view Tanny as their guy moving forward following this season, and he has a similar season as he did this year (not terrible, not ideal), he will have good trade value because of the position and his contract structure. After this season, Tanny’s contract would be team friendly. So, there could still be value and some compensation. Lets hope it doesn’t get to that.
As far as Chris Johnson, I will say he has transformed himself all the way around. Once he lost a few steps and he got himself away from the JETS, he has adjusted and seems to become a complete back, a complete player on and off the field. Does that mean it will equate to success w Miami? Like to hope it will.
A side note: Seems that we are going to need a LBer that can cover. That need is to combat the Pats move. They will once again have a 2 TE set majority of the time, after their trade for M.Bennett. We don’t have one LBer that can cover, and we all know our division goes through N.E. May have seemed to be a minor trade, but if you are in the AFC East, it was a big trade, one that the Fins need to take notice. We did bring in a upgrade at safety that could help, bit again a LBer that can cover as well is necessary (Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State). He should be there at 13, but doubtful if we were to trade down.
Yup, Bennett forces Miami to get a mlb who can cover…Tanny won’t get any trade talk due his contract, unless he restructures and I don’t see that till this season is over. His development and eval was one of the most screwed up I have ever seen in modern football…terrible,
ohh, and an article I read said miami could offer a second offer sheet…I and it was wrong. Sorry for the bad info.
Admin, I was wondering, I didn’t think that was the case. Probably a good thing, it would have ended up a bidding war. And, I think the RB position should have a dollar limit, and Miami finally seems to be operating as such. Bright future for this staff.
Dunner, Admin and FinFans!
Considering the Dolphins go Defense in the 1st round! I took another look at 1st round pick. Maybe the Dolphins should go after the Cornerback Apple he appears to have the best value you be the Judge?
Apple Cornerback
IN OUR VIEW: Apple possesses several traits for the cornerback position that translate well to the next level with his size, length and athleticism. Apple isn’t afraid to be physical and contest at the top of routes, but he’s still learning what he can get away with and what will draw flags – desired length for the position, but NFL teams will be forced to live and die with his hands-on contact while he figures it out.
He is also an aggressive run defender, but needs to be more measured with his break down mechanics as a tackler. Apple is still very young and with that comes discipline issues, but he consistently stays in phase in press or off-man coverage and has upside.
–Dane Brugler (2/13/16)
Player Lowdown
Miami Dolphins | #13
The Dolphins could be targeting a linebacker with this pick but with three coming off the board in the first 12 picks of this projection, Miami may instead turn back to the secondary. The addition of Maxwell is mitigated by the Dolphins releasing Brent Grimes, who was their best corner last year. Apple has natural coverage skills, including the fluidity and quick hands to make plays on the ball. He was voted the Defensive MVP of the Buckeyes’ Fiesta Bowl win over Notre Dame.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
1st Rounder: Darron Lee OLB
COMPARES TO: Kwon Alexander, Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Their size and take-on skills aren’t strengths, but Lee compares to Alexander as rangy run-and-hit defenders who can excel in today’s NFL.
–Dane Brugler (2/13/16)
1st Rounder: Reggie Ragland
IN OUR VIEW: He isn’t as talented as C.J. Mosley, but he’s a better NFL prospect than Trey DePriest, falling somewhere in the middle of those two former Alabama players.
Morrison is An ILB who should stay on Miami’s Radar in the draft?
7th round———–193th picked Antonio Morrison, ILB Florida
193 Ranked Wise picked for the Dolphins:
IN OUR VIEW: Morrison isn’t an elite size/speed specimen, but shows terrific play speed and physicality, doing whatever possible to get his man on the ground. Based on talent, Morrison is a NFL starter and top-60 draft pick, but his pro evaluation relies heavily on the medical reports.
–Dane Brugler (2/13/16)
I would say for the Dolphins He is worth the RISK?
Yeah, at the 7th….at least he could play special teams..
A lot of sports writers compliment the Pats on thier FA and Draft System and performance of players.
The Pats did not have Tom Brady in their system they would not look so brillant?
Tom Brady A Key Player who is the QB who can rally his team against the best Pro’s. The team believes in him etc. Rather Mediocre Defense or offense they fine ways to win. Because of their QB talents.
The Browns drafted a QB 3 straight Drafts and failed to produce a leader for that team. Why is that? The Dolphins are on about the 29th QB and still ????? Why is that?
So true Steve. People praise Biilacheat and the Pats, if Brady was in Miami the past decade, majority of their moves would have been seen as brilliant as well.
Good point about mileage and carries. I seem to agree and if that holds true, I would not hesitate w Henry. Obviously if Elliot is there. After that, must find value. Thank you for the bios.
No Problem Dunner
1
Chris Johnson maybe the veteran we are looking for?
Yeah, Steve he did pretty well last year. I’d like him too be brought in.
Steve, if you look at the one season they didn’t have Brady they were still successful. The way I see it is Brady is the best QB for the current format of passing. He would be successful elsewhere, but it was Belli that moved the league to the TE set and 2 TEsets. He has won when Brady threw 20 td’s and 50 Tds. Belli isn’t perfect, but he has put teams on the field and off into situation where he could get the better end of the stick. And Belli is the GM/ coach/ head of the franchise. I dont like him as a person, or his seemingly unscrupulous ways, but respect is due. Brady and him form a great duo…and Brady is the icing on the cake. But, since football is a team game the cake must be the team. Think of the team…it has never crested and collapsed. Some years they have more talent than other, but they are never in cap problems, always have extra picks (except when caught cheating 🙂 ). Brady is great as a leader and QB. This is a QB driven league, but Brady isn’t that far adhead of Rodgers, Manning, Rothlesberger or Brees…so what is the reason for the extra success? In my opinion it’s a team thing.
Admin
Yes! the team concept is correct. I’m about Challenging everyone on the team. The Dolphins have not seriously challenged the QB position? Matt Moore I thought should have started Tannehill 1st two season but the Fins threw Tanny to the wolves 58 sacke 1st season etc.
Its about winning games and who has the hot hand? Chuck Nole the Steelers head coach played 3 QB’s by way to their 1st super bowl. Without hessitation his QB’s were on the bench its was about winning games?
Our current QB will get us averaged (2 touchdown maybe) + A Pro style RB averged (1 TD rushing) and 6 points from field goals. We are still short. Why? Dolphins Cannot make acurate deep throws? Average teams 28 points and 42 points against elite teams do win?
Back in the Day Don Shula would say to the office get us 21 points and the Defense can do the rest?? This current day we need average 28 points against fair teams. Your elite teams will have the will and fire power to score 42 points.
I figured the top running backs last season (4 of them rush for 11 TD’s 2015 season).
Dolphins need kick returner that can score!
Defensive player that can score off turn overs
Defense must win the battle Keeping opponents on the bench
Dont get behind trying to score two point conversion etc. unless Zero options.
Great field goal kickers.
Be the less penalized that game.
Long as the QB is being exempt from the Bench we will not see any progress? 6-10 season and the Dolphins are afraid to put another QB in the game. We dont need back ups we need Warriors?
totally agree, Steve …T-hill is on notice and he should be. This is the last stop for him…but Miami also needs to create a space where excuses are limited. The only thing worse than having to cut him at the end of 2016 because he can’t cut it is letting him go and seeing him shine elsewhere. And that goes to my point about the Pats…like today they just got Marcellus from the bears…him AND Gronk!!!! For a 4th which probably is the compensatory pick…yeashshhh. Dunner brought up a great point that all the FA we let go will bring alot of picks next year…that is good. The concept is sound… I’m down with that, now the hard part…picking and developing.
Admin
That’s been a Dolphins problem over the years. For example Tony Lippett, who is responsible for his developement to wide receiver or corner back?
I thought Billy Turner would have faired better with another team.
Yup, that’s why so many “stiffs” that leave miami pan out elsewhere. The deal Pats made forces miami to counter with cover LB’s right now we have three with ?’s Alonso, Jenkins, and Jordan. Only Jenkins is even semi dependable. I guess they could use the safeties, but you don’t want your hand known on every play. Pats are a step ahead…But, on a positive note I believe in Gase…at least his development skills.
Steve, I bet you were happy when Anderson was re-signed? Still, don’t see Elliott making it past the Eagles at 8, or the Giants at 10. I like your RB choices and bio’s (thank you). Elliot is obvious, Henry scares me due to his mileage and gaping holes he had to run through at Alabama (won’t happen at this level). Booker the same. Not saying they are not capable, thats just the thinking behind those RBs for me.
There are 2 others that I would really like to see Miami target:
Jordan Howard, Indiana, 6’0, 230: Here is a kid w similar running style of Anderson whom Miami seemed to covet. Another words, he is a down hill runner. Always finishing forward. He is likely to be there in third round (73) and would be a great addition.
C.J. Prosise (my personal favorite), N.D., 6’0, 220: Here is a kid that has very low mileage and is actually just learning the position. Prosise played safety one year followed by WR the next, and in his senior season he played and excelled at RB. Depending on his blocking, Prosise would be an every down back who can be moved around to create miss matches. He will most likely be there in the 4th (107), projected as a mid 3rd-4th rounder.
Kenyan Drake (sleeper), Alabama, 6’1, 210: He could be a sleeper. A mismatch nightmare, though he may not be a bell cow back, 10-15 carries/game.
However this goes; Miami can not go into the season w Ajayi and a drafted rookie. Must have at least one veteran RB.
Trade for one of Tennessee’s RBs. They just signed Murray and they have 3 serviceable backs who has experience, David Cobb, Bishop Sankey, Antonio Andrews. Not sure they would let Cobb after just one season, but the other 2 would help as well.
don’t know them well enough…
Dunner
I have concerned about the mileage also on Henry and others RB etc. But the /Dolphins I bet will not run them more than 10 to 12 carries a game. It may not be an issue?
Veteran Chris Johnson from the Cardinals is visiting the Dolphins and that he had a Shoulder injury due to a drive bye shooting?
Yes I still see Elliot a Dolphin we need a potential Pro bowler in the back field.
I viewed CJ Prosise from Notre Dame
Player Overview
Prosise played mostly safety and wide receiver over his career with no experience at running back, but due to depth issues for the Irish he began practicing in the backfield before the 2015 season.
A season-ending injury to Irish starter Tarean Folston in the opener turned out to be a blessing for Prosise as he stepped in and had a breakout season, averaging 114.7 rushing yards per start.
Prosise led the Irish with 1,029 yards on 157 carries (6.6-yard average) and 11 touchdowns despite having never played the position before the spring.
Strengths Weaknesses
STRENGTHS: Well-distributed body mass with the desired physical ingredients. Able to absorb and maintain balance through congestion, picking yards after contact. Refuses to go down, showing the body strength and leg drive to fight forward.
Fluid lateral agility in his cuts and controls his momentum well, shifting his weight without slowing. Follows and trusts his blockers to weave through traffic. Natural at resetting his vision on the move. Patient run style to quickly scan and go. Speed to be a big-play threat and eliminate pursuit angles when he hits the turbo button. Has a fifth gear downfield to separate from the secondary. Strong stiff arm and runs with physical finish.
Natural receiving traits and experience, displaying reliable focus and hands as a pass-catcher. Stand out on special teams coverages – earned the Notre Dame Special Teams Player of the Year honors in 2014. Highly productive in 2015 (his first season at running back), averaging 6.6 yards per carry and 11.8 yards per reception.
Lacks ideal experience at the running back position and still learning techniques at the position. Lacks nuance in pass protection.
Wasn’t a return man at Notre Dame. Ball security needs addressed (five fumbles in 2015). Durability was an issue in his one season at running back, missing almost all of Notre Dame’s final five games – entered concussion protocol with a neck/head injury followed by a high left ankle sprain (Nov. 2015).
IN OUR VIEW: A safety and wide receiver his first two seasons, Prosise proved to be a quick study at his new position in 2015, running with natural vision, feel and athleticism. Although he’s still developing his run tempo, pad level and instincts, especially between the tackles, Prosise has sharp cutting ability and ball-skills to impact the offense in several ways.
Prosise isn’t a running back by trade and that shows at times, but he’s a very encouraging prospect who should continue to get better with added reps at the position.
–Dane Brugler (1/11/16)
Player Lowdown
I had considered him but My thoughts were we need a true RB in our back field?????
Dunner
I like Drake alot. Questioned about him is staying healthy/durability issues. If the Dolphins can keep him healthy a great pick up.
IN OUR VIEW: Drake has a chance to be a very good pro, especially if he ends up with a franchise with a creative offensive coordinator. There are so many ways you can utilize his abilities in both the run and pass game. He may not be an every-down back in the NFL, but Drake is a guy who can target with 10-15 touches each Sunday.
He’s too explosive not to impact an offense and a guy that can break off big chunk plays. Look for Drake to test well and for his stock to rise leading up to the draft. He is a potential Day Two pick.
COMPARES TO: Charles Sims, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. These two have very similar builds and styles. Like Sims, Drake is an explosive talent that be effective running the ball or as a receiver out of the backfield.
–Jamie Newberg (1/5/16
CJ Anderson Heads back to Denver! Dont panic the Dolphins Run Game Best Recruits???????? We need minimum 11 Touchdowns this season from RB listed below. So there is no room for Mediocrity from the RB.
Eezekiel Elliot: Projected 1st round
Complementing Eli Manning and Odell Beckham, Jr. with a bell cow running back might be the fastest way of getting the Giants back into playoff contention. Elliott isn’t the second-coming of Todd Gurley but he’s clearly the top running back in this class, showing the all-around game to play on all three downs immediately.
Derrick Henry Alabama Projected 38 picked
IN OUR VIEW: Henry won’t be drafted based solely on a trophy and may struggle to duplicate his collegiate success in the NFL if not placed in the right system. His ability to get to and through the hole in a flash projects best in a traditional power-blocking scheme that limits his dancing at the line of scrimmage. This isn’t to say that he couldn’t be successful in a zone-blocking scheme, as he possesses vision and surprising agility.
Devonte Booker Utah Projected 60 picked:
IN OUR VIEW: Booker has been the workhorse of the Utah offense, averaging over 30 touches per game, but durability has also been a concern due to his high volume of carries and violent run style. Along with questions about ball security and age (will be a 24-year-old rookie), Booker will be dinged by some teams throughout the process due to these factors.
Alex Collins Arkansas Projected 75th pick
IN OUR VIEW: Collins was an ideal fit for Bielema’s blueprint on offense with his light feet to make sharp cuts, but also his physical nature to welcome contact, finish forward and do most of his damage between the tackles. Collins is a physical runner, but needs to improve his pad level and ball security to be more reliable at the next level.
CBS Sports Radio
Paul Perkins UCLA Projected 116th
IN OUR VIEW: The most consistent running back in the Pac-12 over the past two seasons, Perkins is a classic slasher with the vision and burst to project well in any NFL offense which allows him to simply plant and go. He has the hands and toughness to remain on the field on third down but a relatively spindly frame raises concerns about his ability to remain durable if featured in the NFL as he was by the Bruins.
–Rob Rang (12/21/15)
To me it’s not that C.J. isn’t coming, but rather that one more hole needs filling and the PAts made some killer moves this week and showed that it will take more than simply competent to break the rut. The process they hare engaging in is the right one, and as Dunner pointed out a bunch of compensatory picks are coming next year, but not only do they need to succeed, but also over come the brilliance of Belichick. The loss’ of Miller, matthews & Vernon will nothing in return is huge wasted opportunity. Patriots demonstrated advanced thinking on a level rarely seen in this league…the problem is compounded by the loss of C.J. who would have been the perfect back to help in T-Hill eval year. You can pick a back, but it’s rare to find one with the heart and will to break D’s. You never know with a rook who he is till he get’s light up by an NFL D…