Guard Me, Please!
The New Orleans Saints didn’t waste any time clearing cap space when on Monday morning they announced the release of 6 time Pro Bowler Guard Jahri Evans. Even though Evans was a 10-year starter for the Saints, the team decided to release him so they can save $3.1 million because the Saints were already around $10 million over the salary cap. Even after Evans had agreed to a significant pay cut last season in order to stay with the team, the Saints felt it was time to move on. Now, he is free to sign with any team – but, will the Fins be interested in signing him.
One person’s garbage (even though injuries have been mounting and his game has slightly declined, I’m not saying Evans is garbage – but he was tossed aside by the Saints), is another man’s treasure. Everyone and their grandma knows, Miami still desperately needs to sign one, preferably two, starting Guards to have anything other than a mockery of the 2017 season. And even though Evans is 32 years old, most would agree that he is still one of the better guards in the league. In this case, could the Saint’s trash be Miami’s treasure?
Much best pay per head reviews thought Miami was going to make a strong push for former Pro Bowl Guard Evan Mathis last season, however, they decided not to sign him. The resulting beating of Tannehill and the destruction of many more T.V.s is well known – as is the poor play of Thomas and Turner. Contrasting this next to Mathis who ended up ranking #4 at guard and helped the Broncos win a Super Bowl for 2.5 million is torture onto its own. Mathis’s hands down had the last laugh at Tannebaum’s boast that, “He never even called Mathis“.
Miami clearly would have been a better team with Mathis last season or 64 plus other guards. so the axiom is that the definition of insanity is to repeat the same action but expect different results…Miami once again has the opportunity to sign another released former Pro Bowl Guard – or someone in that range like Baltimore’s Kelechi Osemele. The question is would they be wise to let another opportunity like this pass them by? Yes, they can draft an LG! But, left guards are one of the more under-appreciated positions in the NFL. Most don’t realize the stark difference between LG and RG. Next time you watch a game (or re-watch them) notice how 95% of the time the center’s first step is to the right in pass protect. Left Guards are the linchpin of the offensive line as they are called to “block alone” and allow help to go elsewhere. They are the domino that either stands strong or starts the collapse.
The bottom line is that Miami needs to fill the large void at the Guard position, and the Dolphins do not have anyone on the current roster able to upgrade the position. The Dolphins have spent the last three drafts investing in Guards (Douglas, Turner, and Thomas) and none have shown that they are a legitimate solution to the problem. Wouldn’t it be wise to find a veteran, whether it’s Evans or not, bring instant certainty to the position – and with it to the 2017 season?
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Why is that Freak? After all Miami’s offense could have duplicated what both Denver and Carolina’s offense did Sunday, even with their putrid guard play. The defense is a bit behind both, but they do have the top “D” Tackle in the game as well as a top Safety. There are pieces, must add/add/add though.
Fins and Tannenbust wouldnt know an OLman if one stood in front of his nose. Watching the SB just highlighted to me how FAR AWAY this team is from doing anything meaningful in the NFL.
When Tannenbaum boasted about “not even picking up the phone” I got chills and that puts a ton of weight towards your take freak…I hope you are wrong. Although, IF T-hill pans out, I don’t think they are as far away as you think…that’s a crucial IF, because that IF is attached to the nail biting IF they do a bang up job in acquiring talent.
Haven’t watched Elliot – runner are my thing. Miss Rickey though…And I still like Scooby at MLB.
Like him also admin. A little light for an NFL MLBer, worry about injury risks. I would take him though, especially if we could get him in the third or forth along w Myles Jack at 8 or a Noah Spence in the mid first. His NFL comparison is Zach Thomas, and he is also in Miami prepping for the combine. Seems to me a good fit!!!
Nice info prepping in Miami!!! That’s why I love this forum…you learn alot. Good info thanks!! Yeah, he is a little light, but with Suh and maybe Phillips, if he can drop some weight and be more than a rotational guy, a light MLB shouldn’t be an issue.
Dunner
I agree with you we need a Solid ILB, Corner Back etc. But would you pass on Ezekial Elliot RB to get a line backer that you can get in any round?
Corners are in the 3rd round ( I picked Tony Lippett Im sorry if the dolphins dont know how to incorporate him into the defense.
Look back at the Dolphins history from 2000, 2001,2002, 2003,2005,2008 they were well over winning 9 to 11 games a season plus they won 3 or 4 play offs.
Do you know why? good defense and a strong running game. The dolphins losing seasons are the results of not running the ball. Play offs Running Backs
Lamar Miller
Ricky Willilams
Ronnie Brown
Ezekel Elliot will bring 14 plus points a game just himself. Todd Curly was a 1st rounder 10th pick by the rams.
Dunner to strengthen my plea Zack Thomas was not drafed in the 1st round.
Steve, it is not that i don’t agree w you, if you look at the playoff teams and what was behind their success, you see one thing in common and its not offensive production. I do like Elliot and believe he will be a good pro. Yes, Zack Thomas was a 5th round pick. But that is as rare as Brady in the 6th (not quite, but close). Heck, the Front office must have the same thought, they signed 4 FA LBers last year, and though I do like Hewitt there wasn’t a Thomas in that group or any 5th round LBer at all last year. Those kind of finds just don’t happen very often.
If you go into a draft w the thought you can get one in the later rounds and continue to neglect the second level of your defense with the thought that you can get one of them in the later rounds (4/5/6/7) then you will have exactly what we have, mediocrity. That was the thinking w the guard position the past few years and look where that got us, mediocrity at best. We must address the LBers and at least one of the CB position(s). Speaking of the CB position, I believe that Lippett will be a starter next year and McCain the nickel starter. And, I do think the staff of the past 4 years has neglected to coach the players up.
The brass has invested a TONS of $ in Suh, now is the time to surround him with as many explosive play makers as possible. The offense (outside of guard/RB) has play makers in position. Now it is time to build a formidable defense.
I’m going to say it again and again…. This team needs to address the DEFENSE. Yes, we do need 2 new guards, which I believe 1 will be had via free agency and 1 via draft (second round). Even if we were to trade back and get a couple extra picks, said pick(s) still need to be used on the defensive side of the ball. I believe we will get a guard and a CB via free agency. The tackle thought will have to wait a year, unless we draft one and play him at guard for a year or two.
If you really asses the roster (starting), we need to address the defense, the 2 glaring holes on the line are evident. But, what good is an all-pro O-Line when you don’t have the ball to take advantage of your O-Line? If you want a consistently winning team that has a chance at the playoffs and beyond we MUST shore up the defense. If you can’t stop anyone you WON’T win, period!
I agree Dunner, but with Two caveats: 1) getting the line together strengthens the D with TOP 2) Gase has stated O will be the focus this year. With T-Hill in the crucial year his eval, a competent O is the ultimate goal, in my opinion. D is essential for a ring, but this season is about righting the ship and if in the course of that we succeed, awesome. Due to our FA’s, many holes, and everything else, we likely can fix it all. O takes longer to gel, so due to this particular situation, I’d say get the o together first. But, last time I checked I’m no Nostradamus, so what do I know – but it’s been awhile so I’ll recheck and get back to you… 🙂
Hello Fellow Dolfans!
We have not discuss the offensive line coaches. Meaning!
1. Who implement the hands on training?
2. Offensive linemen regression under Dolphins system, not developing.
3. Durability problems ????????????????????????????????????
4. When the QB regress does the Offensive line regress also?
5. Does running plays help to improved cohesion?
6. How much of this is due to in experienced line coaches?
7. Does abandoning the run create more injuries?
*** The last 15 years when the Dolphins made the playoffs.
Number one factor was they could run the ball!
*** The Dolphins can continue blowing off A Prototype Running back and Linemen and I guarantee we will have this same conversation this December 2016? Ezekiel Elliot with a trade back for more picks or Alex Collins 3rd rounder could be the Dolphins.
Ezekiel Elliot would be in the Value Pick Category at 10th to 15th pick for the Dolphins.
Hey, Steve did a cursory look at Elliot. Nice, but he had huge holes in the vids I watched and his speed won’t seem as good at this level. He had alot of bounces out of the 2 wide and it won’t happen in the NFL with his speed which is nice, but not great. I’ll look for more of his work inside, in tight holes and close up work on defenders. That’s the stuff I look for in RB’s. At this point though, he isn’t so good that I’d go that direction – could be wrong as I only looked at a tiny window of his career. I’ll keep looking.
How long are we going to blow off fixing the offensive line we can go back 5 years or more.
5 December 2013
Twitter @AndrewTornetta.
While the Miami offense has been bad for much of the year—averaging 21 points per game with a season-high total of just 27 in Week 3—the defense has been good enough to limit its opponents and win its share of games.
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Sun Sentinels
This time the Dolphins will have to contend with that irresistible force with a revamped offensive line missing its anchor at left tackle. And do so on a short week of practice.
“Well, it was even a shorter [adjustment] when it was between two plays. It’s going to feel like an eternity with four days,” Philbin said. “But that’s part of football.”
Philbin said he is prepared to go forward with the reconstituted line that finished at Detroit, which had Ja’Wuan James shifting from right tackle to replace Albert, Dallas Thomas moving from left guard to right tackle, and Shelley Smith stepping in at guard. His comments cast uncertainty about whether regular left guard Daryn Colledge, who has missed two games with a back injury, will return Thursday.
Big shakeup for 2016 Dolphins offensive line? No | Miami Dolphins In Depth
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Big shakeup for 2016 Dolphins offensive line? No | Miami…
I ask Dan Campbell why it is the Miami Dolphins offensive line is not a team strength despite the fact the team has invested free agency money and draft picks and m…
View on miamiherald.typepad…
Preview by Yahoo
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Sitting at 1-3 on the season, the Dolphins are once again making their selection in the top half of the first round, something that is becoming all too familiar for fans of the franchise. Taking a look at how the team has been performing so far this season, the obvious needs are offensive line, linebacker, and secondary. Will there be a player from those groupings worth selecting when Miami comes up on the clock?
http://www.thephinsider.com/2015-nfl-mock-drafts/2015/10/8/9478871/2016-nfl-mock-draft-dolphins-not-looking-offensive-line
Hello DolFans!
Trading out of the 8th pick to mid to late round could land us one of the 3 Tackles.
Taylor Decker, OT Projected 19th 3rd Best Offensive Tackle 1 Rounder
School: Ohio State | Conference: BIG10
College Experience: Senior | Hometown: Vandalia, OH
Height/Weight: 6-7 / 315 lbs.
STRENGTHS: He has a large frame and is well-put-together with NFL length to extend and meet rushers with timing and strong hands. once set up, he stays balanced in his kick-slide to mirror and halt rushers.
He has the physical upper body and natural bend to drive defenders from run lanes.
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Jack Conklin, OT Projected 23rdth 4th Best Offensive Tackle
School: Michigan State | Conference: BIG10
College Experience: Junior | Hometown: Plainwell, MI
Height/Weight: 6-6 / 318 lbs.
STRENGTHS: Conklin is well-built with excellent core strength, using his powerful upper body and center of gravity to be a mauler in the run game. He lines up with a firm anchor and rarely plays in reverse with quick eyes and smarts to pick up extra blockers. Very quick-minded and never takes a play off.
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Shon Coleman, OT Projected 25thh 5th Best Offensive Tackle 1st Rounder
School: Auburn | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Junior | Hometown: Memphis, TN
Height/Weight: 6-6 / 313 lbs.
STRENGTHS: Looks the part with a wide-hipped, broad-shouldered frame. Flexible lower body to stay balanced even when overextended. Comfortable in space and nimble on his feet to pitch a tent at the second level.
Not easily moved in pass protection or put in reverse, sitting in his stance. Extends well and has shock absorbers for arms, halting momentum generated by pass rushers. Quick punch and recoil, always keeping busy.
Heavy hands with a strong upper body to punch and drive block. Competes like a bully and not shy about playing a physical brand of football. Has handled unthinkable adversity, beating cancer and working his way back onto the football field – beacon for toughness and determination in the locker room. Mature and carries himself like a professional
Admin!
The best two Guard in the draft will fall to the Miami Dolphins in the second round. Why rush out and overspend in free agency.
Offensive Guard
Cody Whitehair, OG Projected 43rd 1st Pick Round 2
School: Kansas State | Conference: BIG12
College Experience: Senior | Hometown: Abilene, KS
Height/Weight: 6-4 / 309 lbs.
STRENGTHS: Whitehair has adequate size for the position and uses his wide base to handle speed off the edge, staying balanced and sinking his hips at the point of attack. He squares well and rides defenders away from the ball carrier, using his punch and hand placement to lock on and engage. Whitehair plays with veteran awareness, displaying excellent vision and instincts to recognize pressures pre-snap.
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Vadal Alexander, OG Projected 46th 2nd best Offensive Guard Round 2
School: LSU | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Senior | Hometown: Buford, GA
Height/Weight: 6-5 / 329 lbs.
Alexander, who has lost 30 pounds since his freshman year, has a bright future with his natural size and strength, using better than expected mobility to get to the second level and eliminate linebackers in the run game. He adjusts well to stunts and twists with improved awareness, but does need to refine his hand use to better handle moving targets.
–Dane Brugler (8/25/15)
Player Overview
After starting nine games at right tackle as a true freshman in 2012, Alexander moved inside as a sophomore and junior, starting 25 games the past two seasons at left guard. However, he is projected to move back to right tackle as a senior, which will give NFL scouts a better idea of his best next-level position.
Steve you almost never over spend on guards – they are dirt cheap. Mathis was 2.5 for #4. Now, you can when it comes to high priced ones, but they are rare…Osemele might fit in that category. He though is interesting because he would fit two bills T and G. So in essence you could have your back up T to Albert and a starting guard, all in one. Also, getting a guard in the draft (two if you want to replace Thomas and Turner) is very risky as they must learn on the job and that can cost you QB’s, games ect. I will Lemmus 🙂 this and say draft two guard one early and one late and still get a vet to start LG, move Dallas to RG and let him fight it out with everyone but the vet. Turner will probably get cut – 12 sacks in 10 games will do that, despite his play on runs. Honestly, Osemele would be awesome even for the price. We will likely lose out on Vernon and maybe Miller. Alot of money will be freed up and why not spend it on a guy who can fill two weaknesses. I do agree with Lemmus that an all out blitz on O line is needed, but slightly disagree on how to go about it.
Understand that Admin! Sounds like a solid plan versatility.
oohh, and Steve…I LOVE CODY! I’d be very happy for a trade back and then pick him!!! Very happy indeed!!! I think he will go 22-32 first round.
It is imperative that we resolve the lifeguard position once and for all weather on the draft or via free agency.
It is inconceivable to me that the Dolphins don’t sign a free-agent guard given the amount of needs on this team to have to use a first or second on a guard can be avoided by signing a free-agent guard. We need a very strong middle linebacker and we probably will not get them unless we take him on the first round. We also need an additional cornerback we probably should take him in the second round. Therefore if it’s not Evan and if it’s not Mathis then we just need to continue to look for a free-agent card that we can sign our third pic should probably be also another guard for the right side because we just need to finally fix that offense of line to give Pam a hair all the time to find the receivers and not get sacked or be running first life
Safety is another consideration if there is a highly rated safety that we think could fit in our system we might have to take him versus another guard thus it is imperative that was strongly consider signing a guard from free agency
Agree Lemmus, LG is THE spot that needs filling. DE,LB,CB…and all the rest have “someone” at least to play the position. That LG spot as you said has zero players able to play it, so fill it they must. The choices range from high priced free agent – high draft pick. I’d love to have Mathis who probably will play 2 years more at a high level. BUT, since that gone, my second fav. would be as you said, a vet to fill the spot while a mid round pick, who is talented but rough, learning and backing him. LG, unless a super-stud, is not a great pick in the first. LT, CB, LB is what I’d like in that round as the physical talent of those positions needs to be high. You are right that he will have many suitors, but from what I read from local papers his surrounding cast wasn’t so hot and while his play has diminished from a possible HOF player, injuries more than skills was the problem last season. 2-4 million at the LG spot for a good, but grizzled player, is the hope and dream that helps me sleep well at night.
Good point on the humidity on arthritis…
…here’s hoping our Mr Knowitall at least picks up the phone this time …Evans is backup material at best but considering we have zero legitimate guard prospects on our roster right now, we should be looking at him …he’s old, injury prone, and no longer highly ranked by PFF …but he would almost certainly not be the turnstiles our current guards are …he would at best be a one year fill in while our 2016 rookies are coached up …but beggars can’t be choosers and right now, the fins are beggars at his position
…the problem is that several other teams need guards as well so his price would be in play …but the fins can offer a legitimate opportunity to compete for a starting position …not to mention South Beach for his aging bones …so hell yeah, pick up the damn phone, knowitall!