Dolphins Very Interested In Long Term Backup QB

Dolphins are interested in a long term backup QB and Jake Rudock may be it.

Dolphins are interested in a long term backup QB and Brandon Doughty may be it.

Dolphins are interested in finding a long-term backup QB.

According to Adam Beasley, the Dolphins are clearly very interested in finding a long-term backup QB .

It makes sense since the Quarterback is the most important position in football. Every team takes a good look at the upcoming draft class of QB’s every year. Despite the fact that a team might even have an elite QB, it is never too early to draft a youngster to be groomed as a successor, or used as trade bait.

In addition, when a new coach is hired, that coach usually likes to draft his own QB since their two fates are so closely tied together.

Adam Gase has stated that he has Ryan Tannehill’s back, and he’s going to do everything he can to help him reach his potential and succeed. Gase has Tannehill watching tape of Manning, and is setting him up to have more freedom on offense with complete line of scrimmage control.

Tannehill is without a doubt Adam Gase’s first option.

But, even though Gase supports Tannehill that does not mean that he isn’t hedging his bets by drafting a QB – whether worse case scenario is injury or Tannehill under performs.

The fact is, Miami did re-sign Matt Moore to be the primary backup this season  – this season. However, going forward  is another matter.  Moore has been in the league for 8 years, and all football gambling fans will say he is nothing more than a backup QB.

Miami is heavily invested in Tannehill with one small, yet important caveat: his contract allows the Dolphins to opt out of his deal after 2016 with $3.5 million guaranteed in 2017. So this is a huge year for Tannehill and Miami alike. Miami needs to at least have a plan B if Tannehill does not take the next step and prove his worth. The best and cheapest way to safeguard themselves is by drafting a QB during the 2016 draft.

Miami does not need to, nor should it, use their first round pick on a QB. However, depending on the player and how the board shakes out they may seriously consider using their 2nd, 3rd or 4th round pick on a QB.

Miami will draft a long term solution for backup QB.

One young man that is beginning to gain a lot of interest, who has had a terrific collegiate career is Mississippi State QB Dak Prescott. He is 6’2”, 226 pounds, arm length 31.38, hand size 9.88 and 40 yard time of 4.79. I have watched him play a great deal, and what jumps out the most about him is leadership and his presence on the field. He is always calm and collected during the game, and always appears to be in total control of his offensive personnel. He has a Russell Wilson esq quality with his command of the offense and playing style. While a pocket passer, he has the speed, patience and smarts to also be very dangerous with his legs. Last year he completed 66% of his passes for 3,793 yards, 29 touchdowns, with only 5 interceptions, and 588 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns, and all of this was done against the SEC, which has some of the best defenses in college.

Broncos are now taking a serious look at Prescott in the first round. So while it might not be Prescott, they have recently had a visit with QB Brandon Doughty. They will draft a QB this Draft…the only question is when and who. Go Fins!!!


 

 

15 comments

  • Steve

    Jimmy

    The QB’s the Fins are looking at cannot moved this Franchise here we go again Mediocre! Really Again? Maybe I’m wrong?
    Sudfeld and National Title QB Jones both have Cannon’s for passing they will not ride a bench long. Mean while the (Dolphins 30 + QB’s all traditional when are we going to learned? Back up on my teams means prepping to start playing. Not a professional Dolphins Bench Warmer????
    A three-year starter in Western Kentucky’s spread offense, Doughty left school with 111 touchdown passes (15th all-time in FBS) and was 10th all-time with a 68.6 completion percentage.
    Doughty was the third quarterback in FBS history with 4,000 passing yards and 40 TD passes in consecutive seasons.

    Doughty carries himself like a coach and is a never-say-die competitor. But he has an adequate arm, but relies on touch and timing over velocity and struggled to speed up his process vs. better competition on his schedule. Projects as a mid-to-late round prospect with the NFL CEILING OF A BACKU, drawing some on-field comparisons to A.J. McCarron.
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    NOT A BACK UP Jones fits the Bills profile best — it would be a splash move, he has amazing physical prowess yet is exceedingly raw, and I continue to hear that their interest in him is quite strong. The other college quarterbacks I hear the most about in conjunction to the Bills are Christian Hackenberg of Penn State (the Bills owners, the Pegulas, are huge PSU boosters) and Kevin Hogan from Stanford.
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    NOT A BACK UP
    IN OUR VIEW: Nate Sudfeld has the size and arm strength every scout is looking for, but he’s not as accurate as his production in Indiana’s up-tempo spread offense would indicate. The traits are there to develop, however, and in an average draft class, he could generate middle-round interest with the hopes of ultimately competing for a starting role.
    –Dane Brugler/Rob Rang (1/19/16

  • Lemmus

    …I like Tannehill’s long term prospects …that said, it has to be a fish or cut bait year for him because of his contract …and for that to happen, they have to put an OL in front of him

    …I’ve said it here before …they should have traded Moore while he still had value and been grooming a future QB the past 2 years …but they didn’t …Moore is under contract and can’t be walked away from this year, but he no longer has potential starter value for us or any other team

    …its nice to talk about using a draft pick for a QB …I understand the temptation …but our future rests on knowing …not guessing …what Tannehill really is …and we simply can’t afford to waste any 1-4 round draft pick on anyone who isn’t going to help answer that question

    …listen, I get that we need a strong defense to win …I do …but even if our defense gets beat in every game this year …our future beyond 2016 lies primarily on whether Tannehill is the man, or we need to go after his replacement in the 1st round next year …and we won’t know that in Jan ’17 if he is still the most sacked/hurried QB in the NFL

    …so talk about QBs, CBs, LBs all you want …just don’t use a 1-4 draft pick on them …we need starters who can help move the ball in those first 4 rounds …OL/RB/FB/TE …primarily OL if the value is there but at the minimum, offensive help

    …and yes, that means I’m not dreaming of a 12-4 season and a SB run …all I want out of this season is a team that scores better than 30 points a game …and don’t really expect to outscore most even with that …be nice but I’m not holding my breath

    …if we do that, then we have our QB and can build the defense for a run in ’17 …if not, I hope we get a shot at the top QB in the ’17 draft and build for ’18

  • Steve

    I would like to see Miami with A diverse group of QB’s everyone cannot be under the Center style QB’s. Defense’s are to quick and every AFC EAST Team is aware of the Dolphins 30 + QB’s under Center Style.

  • Dunner

    Is it a long term back-up or a option for next (possibly this year) year should Tanny show no improvement???

    Steve, I do like Cook, believe he will be Dalton type player. I also like Jake Rudock from Michigan. Also Brandon Doughty could be an interesting player/prospect. Two guys to watch and see where they get drafted or signed as undrafted player.

    • Steve

      They could be a good fit also! Dolphins should constantly take a good QB when possible for the future and for future trades? I think Tannehill will work out given the freedom to played his style, along with a Solid team.

    • admin

      This season will determine what is what…but, honestly, I see his play growing tremendously this season…my only concern is how he operates in crunch time and high pressure situations. You never know what a guy is made of until the bullets fly. They need some big games to see who he really is.

      • Steve

        Jimmy/Admin

        Taken from Sun Sentinel I did not see the Dolphins adding? Cannot Stress that the Pats are taking interests in another QB. Its not certain how much longer Brady will play?

        Jacoby Brissett is trying to create a buzz of his own as he goes through a workout on FAU’s back practice field.

        Clad in a gray and white camouflage T-shirt and black shorts, the former Dwyer quarterback runs through a progression of passes as a handful of NFL scouts analyze his every move. Representatives from the Bengals, Buccaneers, Bills, Saints, Bears, Falcons, Broncos and Patriots fill the sideline, watching the 6-foot-3, 235-pound signal caller.

      • Steve

        Admin

        And from yesterday, the Patriots are hot on Navy’s Keenan Reynolds. Here’s why he’d be a great fit https://t.co/s8VOsi2w9X
        — Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) Apr 11, 2016

        Just to add to my case the PAT’s are not playing around with the QB’s issue! Tom Brady is 38 or 39 years old. They will not live in la la land like the Fins are? Fins need to starting QB’s Don’t wait until Injury or performance fail to Panic for Another Starting QB’s?

      • Steve

        #AskJoeB hit the TV this morning. Chatted about idea of the #Bills taking a QB in the 1st, Cardale Jones, Rex & more https://t.co/DbJdz9dyUp
        — Joe Buscaglia (@JoeBuscaglia) Apr 11, 2016

      • Steve

        Admin

        More QB news within our Division.

        .@NYJets pre-draft visits this week include Ohio State TE Nick Vannett tomorrow & Memphis QB Paxton Lynch on Thursday, per source. #nyj
        — Manish Mehta (@MMehtaNYDN) Apr 10, 2016

  • Steve

    Jake Rudock

    http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/12556786/jake-rudock-iowa-hawkeyes-free-transfer-anywhere

    March 26, 2015
    The two-year starter appeared in 12 games last season and started in all but one due to injury. He finished the year with 2,436 passing yards, 16 TDs and five interceptions. But backup C.J. Beathard also played in nine games, outshined Rudock at times and was listed as Iowa’s starter in a spring depth chart released in January.

    “If Jake’s heart’s not totally into being here, then it’s probably best he does go somewhere else,” Ferentz said. “But, right now, he’s in the exploratory process in this stage.”
    Rudock leaves with a fairly decent stat line under his belt, especially last season: 61.7% completion rate, 16 touchdowns, five picks, 203 yards per game and a QB rating of 133.5. Not world-beating stuff, but not bad (especially considering how miserable James Vandenberg was in this same offense).

    The problem, of course, was that Rudock’s stats don’t tell the whole story. He had a dizzying array of talent around him, including arguably Iowa’s deepest, most talented set of wideouts and tight ends in a decade

    http://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2015/3/11/8190805/jake-rudock-transfer-iowa-michigan

    With Michigan and Iowa combined
    2015 Season
    YDS TD INT
    3017 20 9
    Career
    7836 54 27

    2015
    With Michigan
    #19 Florida* W 41-7 10-3 (6-2)

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jake_Rudock

    Rudock was named the game MVP of the 2016 Citrus Bowl. Rudock became the first quarterback in Michigan history to throw for at least 250 yards in five consecutive games. Rudock completed 20-of-31 passes for 278 yards and three touchdowns, becoming just the second Michigan quarterback to throw for 3,000 yards in a single season, following John Navarre in 2003. Rudock finished his season ranked No. 2 in single-season passing yards (3,017) and No. 1 in single-season completion percentage (64 percent).[

    They only lost 3 games his one year with Michigan.
    The Wolverines (9-3, 6-2) simply could not stop their rival from running at will. They fell behind early, and quarterback Jake Rudock was knocked out of the game when he was sacked and slammed onto his left shoulder.

    “The biggest thing is they were getting tired and they weren’t getting lined up,” Elliott said. Elliott rush for over 200 yards and two touchdowns against Michigan.

  • Steve

    Hackenberg

    Since he hit town, people around the Penn State program and the rest of college football have referred to Hackenberg as the “future No. 1 overall pick” due to his NFL size, stature and arm strength.

    As a true freshman under Bill O’Brien, he made some youthful mistakes, but also showed off rare talent for an 18-year-old quarterback, setting a school record with 2,955 passing yards in 2013.

    However, with O’Brien leaving for the NFL the following year, Hackenberg appeared to take a step back in his development and his production dipped in almost every category. He finished the 2014 season with more interceptions (15) than touchdowns (12) and only 55.8 percent completions as he was sacked 44 times.

    Hackenberg was voted a team captain for the second time in 2015, and leaves Penn State with school records for career passing yards (8,457), completions (693) and 300-yard passing games (nine).

    A new coaching staff, porous offensive line and the loss of his top receiving target (Allen Robinson) all contributed to Hackenberg’s struggles in 2014.

    Hackbenberg heads to the NFL as Penn State’s all-time leading passer — 8,457 yards and 48 touchdowns — with 38 starts in 38 career games

    Strengths Weaknesses
    STRENGTHS: Ideal physical build and height for the position. Loose and live arm to rip lasers with above average velocity and zip. Effortless deep ball thrower and able to make throws other quarterbacks are physically unable to make. Toughness isn’t a question with the size to take consistent punishment and bounce back.

    Quick-footed athlete for his size to easily move in the pocket or stretch his legs and throw from different platforms. Clean footwork in his three-, five- and seven-step drops. Experienced taking snaps under center with pro-style concepts. Two-year team captain (second youngest player to be elected captain in school history) and viewed as a leader in the locker room.
    WEAKNESSES: Nonexistent feel or awareness in the pocket, struggling to navigate himself around the noise. Slow to process and late reading coverages due to questionable vision. Immature eye use, staring down targets and predetermining throws, which leads to inexplicable decisions.

    Wasn’t consistently asked to make whole field reads or work sideline-to-sideline in his progressions. Confidence needs rebuilt. Too relaxed and needs to show more urgency from snap to release.

    Highly inconsistent ball placement and downfield touch, struggling to control his ball speeds. Upper and lower half mechanics are often on different pages, affecting his overall accuracy. Doesn’t need to drive his hips to add zip on throws, but improved follow through motion will help his precision. Methodical set-up and delivery, but often out of rhythm.

    Deer in headlights when blitzed – often sees it coming, but doesn’t make the proper adjustments pre- or post-snap. Played behind a shaky offensive line (sacked 103 times in his career), but too many of those hits were of his own doing, holding the ball too long and clamming up under pressure.

    Quick-footed athlete for his size, but won’t routinely evade pressures with a bad habit of retreating and getting lost. Ball security needs improved (17 career fumbles). Didn’t miss a game in college, but missed the second half of his final game in January due to a sprained right shoulder – not considered serious, but needs cleared. Completion percentage dropped each season.

    COMPARES TO: Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears — Players with power arms and well-built frames, Hackenberg and Cutler have similar strengths, but also similar question marks as inconsistent ball placement and pocket awareness can limit their pro ceilings.

    IN OUR VIEW: A three-year starter, Hackenberg had a promising freshman campaign in 2013 under the guidance of Bill O’Brien, but his development regressed with the new coaching staff the past two seasons. He didn’t receive much help from his surroundings the past two years with questionable play-calling, inconsistent weapons and a leaky offensive line, but Hackenberg deserves plenty of blame as well.

    Although he has special arm talent, the tape shows flawed decision-making, poor pocket awareness and streaky accuracy due to unstable mechanics. There is no question that Hackenberg will benefit from NFL coaching, but the game still moves at light speed for him and hasn’t shown signs of slowing down – is he already damaged goods?

    Overall, the physical traits and arm strength are ideal for the NFL, but Hackenberg doesn’t show a natural feel for the game and lacks a strong grasp in three critical areas of playing the position: touch, placement and decision-making.

    –Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) (2/16/16)

  • Steve

    Vernon Adams Jr. QB 15 Oregon May not be drafted? Please bring to Camp!

    Player Overview
    Adams transferred to Oregon in 2015 and won the Ducks’ starting job after starring at Eastern Washington for three seasons. It took just two weeks for Adams to win the job over Jeff Lockie, a junior who was Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota’s backup in 2014.

    Adams got off to a slow start while getting comfortable in a new system and then was bothered by a finger injury. Once healthy, he showed the improvisational skills that led Oregon to pursue him strong in the first place. Adams finished his lone season with the Ducks throwing for 2,643 yards and 26 touchdowns against six interceptions while posting a 179.1 passer efficiency rating. He added another 147 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

    There are plenty of skeptics in the scouting community regarding Adams’ ability to have success as a quarterback at the next level. While his slight frame stood out during practices for the Shrine Game, he was a standout during the game itself, throwing three touchdown passes in the first half and doing everything short of growing six inches to boost his NFL stock.

    Count former Atlanta Falcons coach June Jones — who tutored Adams during Shrine Game week — as one convert.

    “Vernon, I think, has impressed me more than anyone in the game that we’ve had,” Jones said at halftime. “I was thinking he wasn’t good enough as a passer to play in the NFL but there is no question he has it.”

    Player News
    01/02/2016 – Oregon quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. left the Alamo Bowl after taking a hard hit to the head and didn’t immediately return at the start of the second half. Adams collided with TCU linebacker Derrick Kindred late in the second quarter after the players knocked heads on the tackle. Adams stayed on a ground for several minutes before walking off the field and to the Oregon locker room for evaluation. Oregon led 28-0 when Adams left and 31-0 at halftime. Adams completed 13 of 19 passes for 197 yards and Oregon’s first touchdown, a 37-yard pass to Darren Carrington. Adams was replaced by Jeff Lockie, who started the third quarter. An Oregon official said there would be no immediate update on Adams’ condition. – AP Sports

  • Steve

    http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/college/meyer-not-thinking-nfl-cardale-jones-article-1.2076368

    Losing Tom Herman to Houston was the biggest reason for the Buckeyes poor offensive showing this year 2015. Nothing against the current staff but Herman has a track record of success everywhere he has been

    Houston was a 6.5-point underdog to Florida State in the Peach Bowl, but the Cougars proved they can compete with the nation’s best teams with a 38-24 victory over the Seminoles on Thursday in Atlanta. Peach Bowl.

    Jones has above-average size and arm strength for the NFL with enough mobility to extend plays, but his inconsistent decision-making and accuracy show how raw he is right now.

    If he declared last season, Jones likely would have been drafted in the second-round range.

    What is his draft projection now? It’s tough to say because while the physical tools are intriguing, the mental side of his game is a work in progress and he hasn’t shown ideal development for a 23-year-old prospect. If he performs well throughout the draft process, Jones’ projection will likely land in the second- to fourth-round range.
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    5th round———–135th picked Cardale Jones QB Ohio State,
    Cardale Jones missed throwing at the combine when he hurt his hamstring during the 40-yard dash, and was excited to show scouts what he can do with his arm. He had a great showing Friday, as accuracy on 20-30 yard passes came easily for the quarterback, but did struggle near the end zone. Ezekiel Elliott called Jones’ arm a cannon following one pass that sailed several yards over Braxton Miller’s head down field.
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    http://www.landgrantholyland.com/2016/3/11/11192702/ohio-state-pro-day-results-cardale-jones-braxton-miller

  • Steve

    Report: Connor Cook to work out privately for Cowboys, Dolphins
    By Sean Wagner-McGough | Staff WriterMarch 16, 2016 1:51 pm ET

    At least for this coming season, the Cowboys and Dolphins both appear to be set at quarterback.

    Tony Romo’s collarbone should be healed and he should return to his top-flight status. Meanwhile, Adam Gase will be looking to turn Ryan Tannehill into the kind of player Miami has expected for the past three years.

    Yet both teams still might be interested in an incoming quarterback. Despite Romo’s status, he’ll be 36 when next season begins. And, despite Gase’s impressive resume, there’s a very real chance he fails to elevate Tannehill.

    So, maybe that’s why both teams are intrigued enough by Connor Cook that they’re reportedly scheduling private workouts with the former Michigan State quarterback.

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    39 Connor Cook QB 4 Michigan State
    He will make a handful of high risk throws each game and is too willing to deliver into high traffic areas after staring down receivers.

    Apologized for an awkward encounter with legendary Archie Griffin in accepting the game MVP award following Michigan State’s victory in the Big Ten title game, but only after a social media backlash. It would seem minor, but Cook had already drawn mixed reviews from scouts due to his “different” personality, with some thinking it might be tough for him to acclimate himself in a NFL locker room. NFL teams will be doing a lot of background work on Cook to answer the questions they have, including why he wasn’t voted a team captain.

    IN OUR VIEW: Cook isn’t without flaw, but he shows a number of reasons to be encouraged about his potential in the NFL. Cook has the physical traits ideally suited for the pro game with tape that shows off a number of NFL throws.

    –Dane Brugler & Rob Rang (12/8/15)