Compensatory picks turn into free players for shrewd teams.
Miami off season moves considering compensatory picks.
The NFL awards teams Compensatory Draft picks based on a complex formula that puts a draft pick value on the quality of unrestricted free agents that a specific team losses compared to the quality of unrestricted free agents that a team acquires from the prior year. In 2016, the Dolphins were not awarded any Compensatory Draft picks because the signing of Suh out weighed any of their free agent losses of last free agency period. This off season is different, Miami moves are being made with the consideration of compensatory picks.
Several reports and insiders are saying that Tannenbaum are being extra conscientious of the Compensatory Draft Formula because this off season they lost quite a few free agents that garnered a large amount of money from other teams. So based on the complex formula the Miami brass believes that they are in line to possibly be awarded a 3rd and 5th round Compensatory Draft pick in the 2017 Draft. However, that can all change if Miami does make any more notable free agent signings.
Many sports gambling fans are under the assumption that Miami has tightened their fiscal belt because they have yet to had success from being the biggest spender in free agency. There is definitely some truth to this, however the main reason they have not been more active in terms of finding a top rated Guard or Cornerback in free agency is because they are more concentrated on gaining those Compensatory Draft Picks.
Quddus and Branch signing nullified compensatory picks from Matthews and Shelby.
Just look at the Dolphins three biggest moves this off season as evidence of this mindset. Mario Williams was cut by the Bills, so as a result his signing has absolutely no effect on the Compensatory Draft matrix. The other notable move the Dolphins made was the trade with the Eagles to acquire Maxwell and Alonso, which also has zero effect on the Compensatory Draft matrix, since it is a trade. In addition, the Dolphins made a strong move to sign C.J. Anderson to an offer sheet, which would also not have had any effect into the Compensatory Draft formula, because he was a restricted free agent, and the formula only applies to unrestricted free agents.
So Miami Dolphins News fans should not expect Miami do make any more headline unrestricted free agent moves because the Dolphins want to assure that they do not lose out on the Compensatory Picks that they rightfully earned for losing practically their entire 2012 Draft Class. (Vernon, Miller, Matthews, and the undrafted Shelby.) It is still a shame because when you add in Tannehill to this list, this was probably the best draft class Miami has had in recent memory.
Lastly, after May 12th any unrestricted free agents that are signed, will not count towards the Compensatory Draft formula. So depending on what happens during the draft, Miami will then look at the free-agent discount bin to pick up a spare veteran part.
To go after A OG @ 13th threw 25th pick would be to much of A reach? To me it displayed panic?, There are about 10 offensive Guards projected from 37th to 105th pick. The projected 10th picked OG if Healthy is stated to be the most Pro Ready? I’m certain that A true Line Coach can distinquish the Differents. We must address the offensive line True with best players who maynot be in 1st round? So why overpay? We need to think Best Value @ position of need for the Fins?
Projected the 1st OG:
IN OUR VIEW: A college left tackle, he will move inside to guard for in the NFL, which he considers his best (and favorite) position. Whitehair is an assignment-sound blocker, staying square to his target with anchor strength and aggressive hands.
2nd Best: Alexander
IN OUR VIEW: Alexander is a masher in the run game with the brute strength and bully mentality to generate movement. He moves better than expected for his size, but isn’t a top athlete and will struggle in space. Alexander has reliable football character and offers experience at multiple positions, but his NFL future is likely inside at guard where he should compete for starting snaps as a rookie. COMPARES TO: Jamon Brown, St. Louis Rams – Like Brown, Alexander can block out the sun with his body and plays with a powerful base to swallow rushers.
3rd Best: Garrett
IN OUR VIEW: Garrett has been a steadily ascending prospect. He fires off the snap and rolls his hips at the point of attack to drive his man with his lower body. He does a nice job turning his frame to wall off run lanes and control blocks with his proper hand use inside the jersey of defenders.
4th Best OG: Westerman
IN OUR VIEW: Westerman isn’t the most imposing offensive lineman in the 2016 NFL draft, but his power, agility and tenacity will certainly earn him plenty of fans among coaches. His lack of ideal size could ultimately push him inside to center
Projected to be 10th Best OG:
IN OUR VIEW: If given a clean bill of health from NFL doctors, Seumalo could prove a “surprise” top 100 selection as he’s among the more pro-ready and reliable interior linemen in the draft. Balanced, powerful and surprisingly athletic, he’s a potential future starter with proven versatility, having started at four of the five positions (all but left guard) along the offensive line over his 37 career starts.
…”the plan” for the OL is more time spent in the weight room and less time in the classroom …Gase’s words, not mine
…if it works, he’s a genius and I’ll be quick to admit it
…but a few more minutes a day in the weight room isn’t, imnsho, going to turn Tommy Turnstile into a decent Guard …every DL/DE he faces is also putting time in the weight room …the difference is innate talent, not simple strength …they should have cut him the same day they cut Fox
…but Ross is paying Gase beaucoup bucks to make those calls, not me …so here’s hoping they’re both right …not holding my breath
…I like that they’re not spending future cap on this year’s FAs …took them long enough to figure that one out …but I’m hoping all the chat down from Gase re the OL is just smoke and they really do go after at least 2 guards in the top rounds
…we’ve not got a single fully healthy starting OL right now …our LT is aging, beat up, recovering, and prone to another injury …our center has had two sub-par years in a row …and our RG is coming off a serious injury that knocked him out the last of part of ’15 …and then there are our two turnstiles at guard …and so far, we’ve acquired a couple dirt cheap FAs to “fix” all of the problems
…yeah we have other problems …but nowhere is the problem of talent, health, and depth anywhere near as serious as it is on our OL
You know I’m on board with the line issues, but the draft will be a determiner of my trust in them or not. As you said, if Gase and T-Bomb pull this high rolling team build off then we are in business. And as far as guards go, now that Pats signed Knighton those inside three are going to be huge in miami’s games against the pats. The stretch zone might off set some of his power and size, but not all – he is a lesser Wilfork type guy.
I believe if they trade down and acquire an extra second or third is when we will see the O-Line pick. If they stay put, we may not see a lineman taken until the 4th round (scary). I’m feeling a trade down to acquire another third, possibly a second or both (plus I’m hoping for that also). If we come away w at least 1 day one starter at the guard position I would be satisfied, 2 day 1 starting guards = great! Maybe they trade for a guard/tackle during draft.
As far as compensatory picks, Vernon/Miller/Mathews alone got good $, all should garnish third round picks. Shelby received second tier $, should be a 4th or 5th. Ever notice how it is that the Patriots have the some of the most picks in the draft year after year? They have the formula down, it is about time that we have caught on. It does help that they have Brady to off-set the losses, a commodity that we lack.
This staff/front office is making a transition in their thinking/approach. We have spent lavishly for the past 5 years, and have been the off-season CHAMPIONS each and every year, and for what???? Nothing but a .500 record at best. Did compensatory picks play a part in their free agency? Sure, why not? I mean, take a look, Miami very well could end up w three extra 3 round picks and a 4th or 5th. That is 4 extra picks and three extra 3rd rounders, and next year compensatory picks are tradable. I believe that the compensatory picks played a part in their off-season transactions. That and their desire to put the team in a good financial situation. What if next year, we have a ton of cap space along w 11 draft picks, w four 3rd rounders? Doesn’t mean you go out and spend lavishly, if your team is 1 player away, great, sign him. With those type of draft picks you now also have the ammunition to move up in the draft to any spot.
All in all, seems that Miami is trying to become a more professional franchise. People (everyone) cries when they spend lavishly, cry when they don’t, cry when they re-sign or sign player(s), cry when they don’t. I like their actions, I like that they seem to be acting more responsible, as a true professional franchise. If, and that is a BIG “if”, we have a good (doesn’t need to be great) 2016 draft coming away w 2/3 starters, this team will be in absolute great position for the 17 season and beyond. The guard situation keeps me wondering, but I must believe they have a plan. I like what they are doing, every move now has a reason, a plan, and they are sticking to their plan. Finally, some common sense behind their actions.
I am pretty much in agreement, but if they screw up the guards and it looks like last year…then my trust will evaporate. I am of the opinion they also need to consider moving on from Pouncy sooner rather than later, so they have 3 positions that needs work on the interior, in my opinion. Maybe this Zone stretch will get the best out of Pouncy, but isn’t near being worth top C salary.
…interesting, but imnsho, this is just rationalizing after the fact
…first, the compensatory picks are not based simply on average salary …there is a significant performance factor included, consisting of both playing time and post season honors …both factors are largely unpredictable
…second, I simply don’t believe the prospect of an extra 3rd or 5th round pick NEXT year has ANY real impact on what moves they make to build a team for THIS year …is it discussed?, likely …but is it a determining factor in any move?, unlikely
…the idea that we are not pursuing top level OL in FA because we may lose an extra 3rd/4th/5th round pick next year is simply unfathomable given the obvious needs this year …would anyone here even hesitate to give up a 3rd round pick next year for an OL with 3 2016 pro-bowlers on it?
…cap impact, yes …we can and must control that …compensatory picks, no …we can’t control whether Vernon, Miller, etc have good or bad 2016 seasons …if Vernon is injured early we’ll get zilch …if he has a pro-bowl/SB season, we may get a 3rd round pick …but either way, it’s out of our control …like counting chickens before the eggs are laid, much less hatched
Actually Lemmus from what I’ve read, no one except the NFL knows the formula, but salary is the highest factor, followed by season and post season performance. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Football_League_draft#Compensatory_picks I don’t think, “Hey, we are letting guys go to get a pick”, but part of the decision is, ” Hey we don’t have to have a monster contract and we get the pick.” Overall, the mindset is cap control, draft and building the team, and compensatory picks are a part, especially considering next season you can start to trade them.
Lemmus, Admin Dunner & DolFans
To go after A OG @ 13th threw 25th pick would be to much of A reach? To me it displayed panic?, There are about 10 offensive Guards projected from 37th to 105th pick. The projected 10th picked OG if Healthy is stated to be the most Pro Ready? I’m certain that A true Line Coach can distinquish the Differents. We must address the offensive line True with best players who maynot be in 1st round? So why overpay? We need to think Best Value @ position of need for the Fins?
Projected the 1st OG:
IN OUR VIEW: A college left tackle, he will move inside to guard for in the NFL, which he considers his best (and favorite) position. Whitehair is an assignment-sound blocker, staying square to his target with anchor strength and aggressive hands.
2nd Best: Alexander
IN OUR VIEW: Alexander is a masher in the run game with the brute strength and bully mentality to generate movement. He moves better than expected for his size, but isn’t a top athlete and will struggle in space. Alexander has reliable football character and offers experience at multiple positions, but his NFL future is likely inside at guard where he should compete for starting snaps as a rookie.
COMPARES TO: Jamon Brown, St. Louis Rams – Like Brown, Alexander can block out the sun with his body and plays with a powerful base to swallow rushers.
3rd Best: Garrett
IN OUR VIEW: Garrett has been a steadily ascending prospect. He fires off the snap and rolls his hips at the point of attack to drive his man with his lower body. He does a nice job turning his frame to wall off run lanes and control blocks with his proper hand use inside the jersey of defenders.
4th Best OG: Westerman
IN OUR VIEW: Westerman isn’t the most imposing offensive lineman in the 2016 NFL draft, but his power, agility and tenacity will certainly earn him plenty of fans among coaches. His lack of ideal size could ultimately push him inside to center
Projected to be 10th Best OG:
IN OUR VIEW: If given a clean bill of health from NFL doctors, Seumalo could prove a “surprise” top 100 selection as he’s among the more pro-ready and reliable interior linemen in the draft. Balanced, powerful and surprisingly athletic, he’s a potential future starter with proven versatility, having started at four of the five positions (all but left guard) along the offensive line over his 37 career starts.
–Rob Rang (@robrang) (2/4/16)
…”the plan” for the OL is more time spent in the weight room and less time in the classroom …Gase’s words, not mine
…if it works, he’s a genius and I’ll be quick to admit it
…but a few more minutes a day in the weight room isn’t, imnsho, going to turn Tommy Turnstile into a decent Guard …every DL/DE he faces is also putting time in the weight room …the difference is innate talent, not simple strength …they should have cut him the same day they cut Fox
…but Ross is paying Gase beaucoup bucks to make those calls, not me …so here’s hoping they’re both right …not holding my breath
…I like that they’re not spending future cap on this year’s FAs …took them long enough to figure that one out …but I’m hoping all the chat down from Gase re the OL is just smoke and they really do go after at least 2 guards in the top rounds
…we’ve not got a single fully healthy starting OL right now …our LT is aging, beat up, recovering, and prone to another injury …our center has had two sub-par years in a row …and our RG is coming off a serious injury that knocked him out the last of part of ’15 …and then there are our two turnstiles at guard …and so far, we’ve acquired a couple dirt cheap FAs to “fix” all of the problems
…yeah we have other problems …but nowhere is the problem of talent, health, and depth anywhere near as serious as it is on our OL
You know I’m on board with the line issues, but the draft will be a determiner of my trust in them or not. As you said, if Gase and T-Bomb pull this high rolling team build off then we are in business. And as far as guards go, now that Pats signed Knighton those inside three are going to be huge in miami’s games against the pats. The stretch zone might off set some of his power and size, but not all – he is a lesser Wilfork type guy.
I believe if they trade down and acquire an extra second or third is when we will see the O-Line pick. If they stay put, we may not see a lineman taken until the 4th round (scary). I’m feeling a trade down to acquire another third, possibly a second or both (plus I’m hoping for that also). If we come away w at least 1 day one starter at the guard position I would be satisfied, 2 day 1 starting guards = great! Maybe they trade for a guard/tackle during draft.
As far as compensatory picks, Vernon/Miller/Mathews alone got good $, all should garnish third round picks. Shelby received second tier $, should be a 4th or 5th. Ever notice how it is that the Patriots have the some of the most picks in the draft year after year? They have the formula down, it is about time that we have caught on. It does help that they have Brady to off-set the losses, a commodity that we lack.
This staff/front office is making a transition in their thinking/approach. We have spent lavishly for the past 5 years, and have been the off-season CHAMPIONS each and every year, and for what???? Nothing but a .500 record at best. Did compensatory picks play a part in their free agency? Sure, why not? I mean, take a look, Miami very well could end up w three extra 3 round picks and a 4th or 5th. That is 4 extra picks and three extra 3rd rounders, and next year compensatory picks are tradable. I believe that the compensatory picks played a part in their off-season transactions. That and their desire to put the team in a good financial situation. What if next year, we have a ton of cap space along w 11 draft picks, w four 3rd rounders? Doesn’t mean you go out and spend lavishly, if your team is 1 player away, great, sign him. With those type of draft picks you now also have the ammunition to move up in the draft to any spot.
All in all, seems that Miami is trying to become a more professional franchise. People (everyone) cries when they spend lavishly, cry when they don’t, cry when they re-sign or sign player(s), cry when they don’t. I like their actions, I like that they seem to be acting more responsible, as a true professional franchise. If, and that is a BIG “if”, we have a good (doesn’t need to be great) 2016 draft coming away w 2/3 starters, this team will be in absolute great position for the 17 season and beyond. The guard situation keeps me wondering, but I must believe they have a plan. I like what they are doing, every move now has a reason, a plan, and they are sticking to their plan. Finally, some common sense behind their actions.
I am pretty much in agreement, but if they screw up the guards and it looks like last year…then my trust will evaporate. I am of the opinion they also need to consider moving on from Pouncy sooner rather than later, so they have 3 positions that needs work on the interior, in my opinion. Maybe this Zone stretch will get the best out of Pouncy, but isn’t near being worth top C salary.
…interesting, but imnsho, this is just rationalizing after the fact
…first, the compensatory picks are not based simply on average salary …there is a significant performance factor included, consisting of both playing time and post season honors …both factors are largely unpredictable
…second, I simply don’t believe the prospect of an extra 3rd or 5th round pick NEXT year has ANY real impact on what moves they make to build a team for THIS year …is it discussed?, likely …but is it a determining factor in any move?, unlikely
…the idea that we are not pursuing top level OL in FA because we may lose an extra 3rd/4th/5th round pick next year is simply unfathomable given the obvious needs this year …would anyone here even hesitate to give up a 3rd round pick next year for an OL with 3 2016 pro-bowlers on it?
…cap impact, yes …we can and must control that
…compensatory picks, no …we can’t control whether Vernon, Miller, etc have good or bad 2016 seasons …if Vernon is injured early we’ll get zilch …if he has a pro-bowl/SB season, we may get a 3rd round pick …but either way, it’s out of our control …like counting chickens before the eggs are laid, much less hatched
Actually Lemmus from what I’ve read, no one except the NFL knows the formula, but salary is the highest factor, followed by season and post season performance. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Football_League_draft#Compensatory_picks
I don’t think, “Hey, we are letting guys go to get a pick”, but part of the decision is, ” Hey we don’t have to have a monster contract and we get the pick.” Overall, the mindset is cap control, draft and building the team, and compensatory picks are a part, especially considering next season you can start to trade them.