Dolphins Near Signing G/C Ted Larsen

Larsen is a rotation guy who is flexible as a Center / Guard

Larsen is a rotation guy who is flexible as a Center / Guard

Larsen fills a void, but seems like a clone of Kraig Urbik–which isn’t terrible

Yeah, it’s not earth shattering if they sign Ted Larsen, but it’s relevant as he can play Guard or Center.

And while he isn’t elite, we saw last year how valuable Kraig Urbik was for the Miami Dolphins in 2016. He was a damn fine pick-up given his price. While I obviously wanted something of a higher caliber at the interior line spot, Larsen fills a critical role.

Mike Pouncey is gimpy, and Miami really only has Steen and Urbik at the interior–seems Larsen is the “third and half” (yeah, but how else should I count Pouncy).

Miami is said to want linemen that can grow together. I wanted them to grab at least one vet with man strength to work the trenches. But, it seems they will get their interior line through the draft. If they buck recent Dolphins history and draft well at the line spot… then all is well. If they replay the past: disaster.Not getting at least one top Guard in Free Agency is risky. Going through the Draft is going to be a big win or big loss. We’ll see how it plays out, but NFL odds by the Real Bookies site are saying better than not.

Leaders and depth are crucial to winning in long seasons… Larsen fits both roles

On a brighter note, Miami extended Reshad Jones for five years… which is excellent news! They also  got Julius Thomas to agree on a 2yr, 12 million dollar deal, traded Branden Albert for a 7th round pick in 2018, brought back Anthony Fasano–really good move as the #1 blocking TE in the game, resigned the ageless wonder John Denny, and have Bills LB Zach Brown coming in Friday… man, I hope they don’t let him out the building.

Overall, the Dolphins are doing some fine things as they work the little corners ( but crucial areas) of this team. They are keeping the player they like and bringing in depth. Given that teams– full 53 man squad team– win in this league, it’s very positive steps they are making. BUT, they have their most crucial still on the horizon. Go Fins!!!


 

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26 comments

    • admin

      Good bit of info. I like his size 6′ 2” is great for leverage. Not a big fan of tall G’s …

  • Dunner

    Slow your roll. Have confidence in this F.O., in this coaching staff and their ability to get the most out of players. Larsen is quality depth and serviceable starter if needed. They are not done, and another move or two should be coming, say another guard and a LBer as well as a safety.

    If the Philbin and previous regimes signed a player such as Larsen I would have been hesitant, not the case with this staff thus far. As long as the guy stays healthy and is available the entire season I think he will improve our O-Line.

    Fasono back!!! 🙂 🙂 The most excited guy about Fasono’s return must be Ajayi. Afterall; Fasono was the #1 run blocking TE in the league last season (per PFF). So Fasono was basically brought in to replace Sims at 1/3 of the price. He will not be our receiving TE, that will Thomas, but Fasono will clear the way for Ajayi and company while sneaking in few TDs.

    More and more, the #22 pick seems to be setting up as a LBer, possible safety. I believe that which ever LBer they sign (Sam or Mike) Miami will be drafting the other. Either way I’m hoping for Foster, Reddick, or Cunningham.

    I like what Miami has done and has not done.

    • Lemmus

      …sorry, I see zip in Larsen’s resume to support adding him to the roster as anything more than expensive camp fodder …not what we need to keep TH upright or open lanes for Ajayi

      …Fasano is likely better than Sims but not the long term answer at TE …still think TE is a draft possibility

      …the cream of the crop is gone, now we’re in the hunt for 2nd tier wounded warriors who would be on prove-it terms …I was hoping for more

      …while there are quality LBs/DEs/TEs in this draft, in depth, guards are scarce and the odds of us being able to fill those positions with quality starters from it are scant, particularly in light of several teams with OG needs being well ahead of us with multiple picks …I put no credence in the FO’s ability to improve the OL from this draft …and am thus doubly dismayed by the FA failure to date

      …and yes, I realize that the OL FA market went nuts and thus the FO can’t be held entirely at fault …but WHEN are they going to fix it if not now? …

      …I like their moves to keep our own but am so far deeply disappointed in the OL/LB results …and those were FA MUSTs imnsho

      • Dunner

        Per PFF, Larsen was ranked 40th out of 82 qualifying guards in 2016. Can you guess who was 82 = Jermon Bushrod. So regardless of starter or not for Larsen, he is an instant upgrade at least at the right guard position.

      • Dunner

        The last decade we have been the post season champions for nothing in return. Until last year, we started to focus within and fulfill roster needs with mid tier players and “whala”, we make the playoffs.

        I am concerned about LBers at this point. I have faith that will get addressed soon as well.

      • Dunner

        Plus Lemmus, Larsen can and has played center. Versatility, a nice piece.

      • Dunner

        No longer concerned about LBer. We have a Thumper in the middle now who is always on the field and we can slide Kiko to his more natural “Mike” position. Timmons is a nice addition for a couple years. Lets get our “Sam” backer now or through the draft = Reddick, Cunningham at 22.

    • admin

      I agree, but I don’t have illusions that he is a star. And yeah Fasano was ranked #1 at blocking that will play a specific but crucial role. And it could be a trade back with that pick.

      • Dunner3131

        I agree. I know he may struggle a bit in coverage, but if stays healthy he could have a 100+ tackles. Having the same LBers on a weekly basis is the most important part of this deal.

  • Steve

    Another 1st round Scenario

    The 3 below we cannot go wrong! Two will be on the board at the 22nd pick.

    19. Forrest Lamp OG W Kentucky
    20. Malik McDowell* DT Michigan St
    21. Ryan Ramczyk * OT Wisconsin

    • admin

      I looked up lamp and checked into him… I like the other G beind him for LG Feeney I think? I like lamp, but Im concerned with LG.

  • Steve

    M.J or Admin would Lee be a good fit for the Dolphins?

    Draft Day 2 Elijah Lee Said to be the most underrated ILB

    https://youtu.be/0Oo5uQfcfIQ

    3rd rounder:

    We good go with DT:

    Jaron Jones, DT, Notre Dame

    Jones recorded 45 tackles with 11 for a loss, two sacks, three passes batted and one forced fumble in 2016, but was more active for Notre Dame than the numbers illustrate. Jones is a disruptive defender who makes plays in the backfield in the ground game as well as puts heat on the quarterback. He has versatile size for a 3-4 or 4-3 defense.

    I’m sold that Defense wins games. Nick Saban say’s it! Look how the PAT’s held the Atlanta Falcon’s from scoring in the 4th QTR 2017 Supper Bowl game.

    But that said! We need a Defensive Coach who will not let Bill a cheat defeat him. Its hard to beat good tackling.

    My opinion of ILB is the leader of the Defense and must tackle better than his team mates to earned that position.

    My opinion We have been playing around with offensive linemen far to long.

    *Priority we need to think how to sack Tom Brady, How to cover Robert Gronkowski Tight end, How to stop the Pat’s run game? We can do this We beat everybody else.

  • Steve

    Pick 54th Another Scenario:

    Second Rounder Isaac Asiata OG Utah would be a positive pick up.
    Asiata may lack the name recognition of some of the other top interior linemen in the country but he is well known among NFL scouts, who see him as a future starting left guard – and a successful one at that due to his blend of initial quickness, agility and power.

    • admin

      Is he a RG or LG prospect. My concern is LG. We don’t have one right now.

    • Dunner3131

      I wouldn’t mind Asiata, I would like to see back to back Temple players in the first two rounds. LBer Hasson Reddick in the first followed by Guard Dion Dawkins in the second: He has a massive chest freezer-like frame which he uses to simply engulf defenders at the point of attack. Though his square-ish frame looks better suited to guard or right tackle, Dawkins shows impressive initial quickness, balance and patience in pass protection, as well as the long arms needed to steer defenders away from the ball. He shows natural mirror skills, easily sliding left and right to keep defenders squarely in front him and plays with a calm patience, easing out of his stance and waiting for defenders to come to him (cbs sports).

  • Steve

    A second rounder could be in reach for Miami just being smart if Reuben Foster is not there trade back?

    Jarrad Davis ILB will provide his future NFL defensive coordinator with options as he possesses the speed and agility of a traditional 4-3 outside linebacker, as well as the instincts and toughness to handle inside duties.

    For the most part, Davis is a good tackler and can hit with authority. He can be a little overaggressive and over pursue, but generally he is sound about getting the ball-carrier on the ground. Davis is very physical when hitting backs, quarterbacks, receivers and offensive linemen. In the passing game, Davis shows skills and is a dangerous Blitzer. In the short to intermediate zone, he does well picking up receivers and also has shown some ball skills. Davis could be even better now that he has some experience. For the NFL, Davis could continue to improve his ability to get off blocks and his pass-coverage skills.”

  • Steve

    Hello M.J.

    What’s your take on this scenario?

    We have needed OG’s for a while now. My take is like Nick Saban’s stated Defense win’s games. Let’s not sugar coat the Dolphins Defense last season! Who did we stop?

    TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Nick Saban goes through an exhausting checklist when discussing what it takes to have the nation’s best defense.
    The Alabama coach starts with some of the basics: being physical, playing with toughness, good tackling. He moves on to having a secondary that knows how to attack the ball. Then, his voice rising and really getting on a roll, he rips off stopping the run, avoiding big plays, limiting third-down conversions and playing well in the red zone. Finally, he talks about forcing a lot of turnovers and getting pressure on the quarterback.

    Miami Dolphins draft
    RUBEN FOSTER WILL BRING CERTIANTY TO MIAMI INTERIOR DEFENSE.

    If he is not on the Board let’s trade back and go after Dion Dawkins OG Temple. A battle-tested three-year starter capable of playing inside or out, Dawkins projects as one of the few relatively “sure things” among offensive linemen in this class.

    • admin

      Hey Steve, miss you glad your back…we’ll I disagree with this take, but I think Gase and Tannenbaum agree with you. They have hinted mid round G’s. I think they won’t go round 1 G… I think they will go defense first. With Timmons added, they can go in any direction, although the only blatant hole they have is at G. I think they will go BPA and that will likely be a D front 7. To me it’s risky given their weakness at the interior, but if they pull it off they are brilliant… so far they have done an excellent job. You know far more about the draft than I, so I’ll defer to your take.

  • Lemmus

    …good god gerty, the more I look at Larsen the more I want to puke …6th round pick, rejected in turn by pats/tb/cards/bears …never a consistent starter anywhere …wtfo?

    • admin

      I think you are thinking he is a long term stater. He is a depth, rotation, trainer who can allow a younin to develop. They will get some G’s with good chips come draft.

  • Lemmus

    …Larsen? …I know you’re obligated to remain positive MJ …but Larsen?

    …and now you’re talking draft? …per the draft gurus there are zero NFL starting caliber rated guards in this draft …now I agree that its always possible to pull one out of the hat (Wake and Brady come to mind) but seriously? …Larsen and the draft? …do you really believe Tannenbaum would use even a 3rd on a Guard, even if it looked like a starter might be available there?

    …Zeitler went to Cleveland at a break-the-bank price (with guarantee!) which immediately makes even warm bodies like Larsen expect a bigger piece of the pie …which bodes ill for the fins

    …I’ll wait it out …but if Larsen is what the FO sees as “fixing” our long standing OL problems, it’s our FO that needs to be fixed …preferably by a Veterinarian.

    • admin

      Tackles shifting to guard is where it’s at early at the G spot– not sure that sounds right. Larsen will do as a mentor and plug at RG. They will likely pick up to G’s in the draft. Also, he can play C… Steen might be another answer a G.