Well, it seems like they’ve done it again. Miami’s front office has hit the nail on the head. Leaving the huge void at inside linebacker unfilled in the draft seems to have sucked in a bunch of rabid undrafted LB’s to fight for the obviously open spot. I dare say it was a brilliant strategy. And given the acumen with which the front office has operated so far, I’ll bet this was their plan all along. Undrafted players just want a legitimate chance to compete. Going to a situation with entrenched or near entrenched positions scares off young talent who without a draft pick attached to their names have zero leverage and more often than not all but bait for the sharks. Miami’s “WIDE OPEN AT MLB” sign has brought them a trio of hungry talented players.
As a walk-on myself (a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away), I know the feeling: spots looks, limited reps, little room for error. The best pay per head reviews. Undrafted rookies are all but walk-ons and just want a fair shake at the position. This training camp “it’s on” because they know they’ll get it! Inside Linebackers must hit – and hit with authority. They are many things if not the enforcers of the defense. They are the doorman greeting opposing offenses to what they have waiting for their four-quarter stay. The sound of cracking pads and helmets always hit me in the soft spot of my heart – I loved it. There will some serious cracks thundering this pre-season – rookies and vets know what time it is.
Tripp, Misi, Luc, McCain, Paysinger, Hull, Hewitt, Knott, Sheppard will be locked in a 15 rounder for roster spots and will be center stage for the most anticipated and exciting squad to watch this preseason. The only iron-clad roster spot is Jenkins. The rest will be like Arnold in Conan The Barbarian – pit fighting for their life. That’s the best any fan can hope for their team preseason: competition. As fans, we will have some show for our eyes to feast on. I promise you this will be a ferocious spectacle.
Will we find the next Zach?
To be honest, I’ve been out of the college game for a bit. Life has swallowed the collegiate level. So I can’t attest (not yet at least as I’m grinding all the footage and info I can on the new players) to what was signed with Hull, Luc, and Vigil. Some great posts in my article “Man In The Middle” really nailed it: most notably Dunner. He’s one for one in my book – so I’ll take it as a portent of good things to come.
The bottom line is that Miami’s front office is in control. They aren’t lost or scrambling to play catch-up. They have a plan. And more and more, I really believe they know what they are doing. Go Fins!!!
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‘Miami’s “WIDE OPEN AT MLB” sign has brought them a trio of hungry talented players.’ – Youre joking right? “talented players”? Really? These are mainly undrafted players who werent good enough to be picked by any team over and over again. I would not use the word “talented” just yet.
“Tripp, Misi, Luc, McCain, Paysinger, Hull, Hewitt, Knott, Sheppard will be locked in a 15 rounder for roster spots and will be center stage for the most anticipated and exciting squad to watch this preseason. The only iron-clad roster spot is Jenkins. The rest will be like Arnold in Conan The Barbarian – pit fighting for their life” – More like a pillow fight here. C’mon maan! Most of these guys havent done lickety squat in the NFL!
Enough with the koolaid and lets get on with it when the real bullets start flying.
The difference between a starter and back-up or even a practice squad player isn’t that much…now a star is different. At this point we are talking mostly similar caliber talent – most of these guys were college heroes, so we aren’t talking trash. So what will be the deciding factor…heart and effort. So it will be a battle because they know they have a legitimate shot at starting and for most on this squad it will probably be their last…so I respectfully disagree. Now undrafted talent mostly means back-up or practice player or cut, true. We have garnered most of the undrafted ILB talent because of the void – so as far as odds go we increased our odds that we found a gem due to the consolidation of talent because of the Fins need.So in the end the maxim is true competition breeds excellence, innovation, success…am i saying we have another Zach, or lewis – no, what I am saying is we have a terrific front with a terrific WLB, if we can get a 16mer MLB who is smart and hungry it will be a huge upgrade over last season and can be quite successful surrounded by our talent…and yes, it’s preseason so cool aide isn’t a bad thing. 🙂
I know most of us are a little bias and desperately want for this franchise and our team to make the post season that we (most) all are very optimistic about any positive Fins news/articles. Regardless, this has to be the best off season (Free agency/draft/UDFA) in franchise history. Think about it? Going into free agency we only had about 10 million dollars +/- in cap space, yet somehow they managed to sign the best free agent since Reggie White, Suh is a game changer and elevates all. How about the WR core? They recognized that the 2014 WRing core was limited and that their ceiling had been reached, not to mention the hefty salaries they were getting paid. They completely revamped the WRing core, and now we have one of the best, youngest, ASCENDING (cheapest) groups in the league. While putting the salary cap future in good shape. This was a job that usually takes 2-3/4 years to transform. Not this staff, not this team. And then the draft, didn’t it seem like Miami targeted every top player in the draft (smoke screen), they sat tight, trusted their analysis and got their guy without moving up and giving up pick(s). They actually maneuvered once to get their 7 draftees. I understand we don’t know what the draftees will bring, but their draft plan was carried out successfully. Finally (but not least) the undrafted free agents, another plan completed. I still believe there will be 1 or 2 (guard) players added to this roster prior to opening day. Regardless I truly believe we have a post season roster as is, it is young, ability to be explosive, game changers, play makers with majority of the pieces are in place and can be for several years to come. We (Fins fans) have been through 10 years+ of unprofessional mediocrity, with some questionable people running the ship. It seems that we can all exhale now, this staff has rallied the troops and sure feels like the entire organization is finally on the same page. Miami fan or not, optimist or not, you can not deny that this franchise, this team is ASCENDING in the right direction.
These linebackers are pretty interesting. Hull was projected as a 4th rounder by Lindy’s and loves football so he could be a steal. Lindy’s also has Luc as the top run stuffing LB in the draft, and projects Vigil as a backup. That’s a pretty good PFA class.
I Like what Hickey has done It was masterful to get maybe 6 starters out of this draft 1. Parker at WR, 2. Phillips at DT; 3. Stills Receiver via trade of third draft pick with NO 4. Douglas at Guard; 5. Ajayi at RB; 6. and a LB from free agency to be determined. That is 6 potential starters from one draft, and maybe another one of our 5th rounders also plays substantial time whether it be Mc Cain, Thomson; or Lippett. I guess Lippett will try out at Corner first, but I like the fact that given an emergency we could use him as a receiver too. He is an extremely versatile athlete. not just good job by Hickey and team but an excellent job by all in the front office specially given the fact that we only started out with 6 picks Of course we should also count our third round pick via trade with NO. as another starter from this draft. That makes 6 starters and like I said if one of the other 3 draft picks in the 5th round hits it big, that is 7 starters from one draft. Is there any other team that got this many starters from one draft ? Plus 9 free agent signings in the off season I heck of a good job Mr. Hickey. And to think there were some naysayers when you came on board. let them eat their words now. Next year we should have at least 3 additional compensatory picks in the third round for Clay, Starks, and Odrick, plus our own 7 picks, we should be in excellent position next year to finish the job and get the players we need to go to a Super Bowl. This year I expect at least a playoff showing. I hope Brady gets suspended at least 8 games for Lying to the NFL and the whole world on TV.
Yeah, this could be a real, real good draft. If question marks can turn to periods or better yet exclamation marks, we could see our arrow point straight up!Not sure about 8 games for Brady…can’t get a bead on it yet. I just want to see him get the smug look wiped off his face and admit he lied. Anythign after that would be gravvy!
I really see no scenario beyond injury that doesn’t have Koa Misi as our starting MLB. Philbin’s love for Koa is almost X-Rated lol. I really liked Koa as an outside LB but still not sure about him in the middle. Of course it doesn’t really matter what I think – only the coaching staff. I am excited by some of these new undrafted prospects we brought in at the position and I hope they can possibly make the 53 and provide some depth at a very thin position given we didn’t even draft one linebacker.
I like Koa alot too a real BIG MLB. But, the action inside is alot more intense the DE…and he might not be a guy who can hold up under it. Meeting in the hole is a car wreak and not many last. It depends on their direction. With so much beef at DT, speed, diagnosis and agility might be more valuable in this scheme. We’ll see but I am really excited.
‘Miami’s “WIDE OPEN AT MLB” sign has brought them a trio of hungry talented players.’ – Youre joking right? “talented players”? Really? These are mainly undrafted players who werent good enough to be picked by any team over and over again. I would not use the word “talented” just yet.
“Tripp, Misi, Luc, McCain, Paysinger, Hull, Hewitt, Knott, Sheppard will be locked in a 15 rounder for roster spots and will be center stage for the most anticipated and exciting squad to watch this preseason. The only iron-clad roster spot is Jenkins. The rest will be like Arnold in Conan The Barbarian – pit fighting for their life” – More like a pillow fight here. C’mon maan! Most of these guys havent done lickety squat in the NFL!
Enough with the koolaid and lets get on with it when the real bullets start flying.
The difference between a starter and back-up or even a practice squad player isn’t that much…now a star is different. At this point we are talking mostly similar caliber talent – most of these guys were college heroes, so we aren’t talking trash. So what will be the deciding factor…heart and effort. So it will be a battle because they know they have a legitimate shot at starting and for most on this squad it will probably be their last…so I respectfully disagree. Now undrafted talent mostly means back-up or practice player or cut, true. We have garnered most of the undrafted ILB talent because of the void – so as far as odds go we increased our odds that we found a gem due to the consolidation of talent because of the Fins need.So in the end the maxim is true competition breeds excellence, innovation, success…am i saying we have another Zach, or lewis – no, what I am saying is we have a terrific front with a terrific WLB, if we can get a 16mer MLB who is smart and hungry it will be a huge upgrade over last season and can be quite successful surrounded by our talent…and yes, it’s preseason so cool aide isn’t a bad thing. 🙂
I know most of us are a little bias and desperately want for this franchise and our team to make the post season that we (most) all are very optimistic about any positive Fins news/articles.
Regardless, this has to be the best off season (Free agency/draft/UDFA) in franchise history.
Think about it? Going into free agency we only had about 10 million dollars +/- in cap space, yet somehow they managed to sign the best free agent since Reggie White, Suh is a game changer and elevates all.
How about the WR core? They recognized that the 2014 WRing core was limited and that their ceiling had been reached, not to mention the hefty salaries they were getting paid. They completely revamped the WRing core, and now we have one of the best, youngest, ASCENDING (cheapest) groups in the league. While putting the salary cap future in good shape. This was a job that usually takes 2-3/4 years to transform. Not this staff, not this team.
And then the draft, didn’t it seem like Miami targeted every top player in the draft (smoke screen), they sat tight, trusted their analysis and got their guy without moving up and giving up pick(s). They actually maneuvered once to get their 7 draftees. I understand we don’t know what the draftees will bring, but their draft plan was carried out successfully. Finally (but not least) the undrafted free agents, another plan completed.
I still believe there will be 1 or 2 (guard) players added to this roster prior to opening day. Regardless I truly believe we have a post season roster as is, it is young, ability to be explosive, game changers, play makers with majority of the pieces are in place and can be for several years to come.
We (Fins fans) have been through 10 years+ of unprofessional mediocrity, with some questionable people running the ship. It seems that we can all exhale now, this staff has rallied the troops and sure feels like the entire organization is finally on the same page. Miami fan or not, optimist or not, you can not deny that this franchise, this team is ASCENDING in the right direction.
Thanks for the props Jimmy.
These linebackers are pretty interesting. Hull was projected as a 4th rounder by Lindy’s and loves football so he could be a steal. Lindy’s also has Luc as the top run stuffing LB in the draft, and projects Vigil as a backup. That’s a pretty good PFA class.
Good info Mass…thanks that sound real promising!!
I’m happy we finally in the mix! All we need now is a brand new team fight song!!!
Any ideas??? And which music artist?
In my life James I have dreamt of hearing just one song from the Dolphins!!! Queen “We Are The Champions!!!!!”
I Like what Hickey has done
It was masterful to get maybe 6 starters out of this draft
1. Parker at WR,
2. Phillips at DT;
3. Stills Receiver via trade of third draft pick with NO
4. Douglas at Guard;
5. Ajayi at RB;
6. and a LB from free agency to be determined.
That is 6 potential starters from one draft, and maybe another one of our 5th rounders also plays substantial time whether it be Mc Cain, Thomson; or Lippett. I guess Lippett will try out at Corner first, but I like the fact that given an emergency we could use him as a receiver too. He is an extremely versatile athlete.
not just good job by Hickey and team but an excellent job by all in the front office specially given the fact that we only started out with 6 picks
Of course we should also count our third round pick via trade with NO. as another starter from this draft. That makes 6 starters and like I said if one of the other 3 draft picks in the 5th round hits it big, that is 7 starters from one draft.
Is there any other team that got this many starters from one draft ?
Plus 9 free agent signings in the off season
I heck of a good job Mr. Hickey. And to think there were some naysayers when you came on board. let them eat their words now.
Next year we should have at least 3 additional compensatory picks in the third round for Clay, Starks, and Odrick, plus our own 7 picks, we should be in excellent position next year to finish the job and get the players we need to go to a Super Bowl.
This year I expect at least a playoff showing.
I hope Brady gets suspended at least 8 games for Lying to the NFL and the whole world on TV.
Yeah, this could be a real, real good draft. If question marks can turn to periods or better yet exclamation marks, we could see our arrow point straight up!Not sure about 8 games for Brady…can’t get a bead on it yet. I just want to see him get the smug look wiped off his face and admit he lied. Anythign after that would be gravvy!
I believe in the new regime I think like most of us they do have a plan and is working out to perfection,go phinssssssssssssssssssss.
I am hoping with fingers and toes crossed!!!
I really see no scenario beyond injury that doesn’t have Koa Misi as our starting MLB. Philbin’s love for Koa is almost X-Rated lol. I really liked Koa as an outside LB but still not sure about him in the middle. Of course it doesn’t really matter what I think – only the coaching staff. I am excited by some of these new undrafted prospects we brought in at the position and I hope they can possibly make the 53 and provide some depth at a very thin position given we didn’t even draft one linebacker.
I like Koa alot too a real BIG MLB. But, the action inside is alot more intense the DE…and he might not be a guy who can hold up under it. Meeting in the hole is a car wreak and not many last. It depends on their direction. With so much beef at DT, speed, diagnosis and agility might be more valuable in this scheme. We’ll see but I am really excited.