Draft Need vs Best Player Available

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Even though the playoffs have just begun this weekend, it is never too early to look ahead to the upcoming 2015 draft. The Dolphins are currently sitting in the 14th spot, so they should have the opportunity to select a player that can step in on day one and make a difference.

Best bookie software sites like www.AcePerHead.com would debate that there are two draft-day philosophies, either select the position that is of the greatest need for your team or select the best player available regardless of the position. Last year Hickey went with the safe pick and selected the team’s biggest need; a starting right tackle, which evidently appears to have worked out with Ja’Wuan James. Will Hickey and the Dolphins use the same philosophy in this upcoming draft or will they change it up and select the best player available?

There are definitely a few positions that would fall under the category of need for the Dolphins, such as a playmaking linebacker, Guard, and Corner Back. Usually, guards are not selected as high as the 14th spot in the first round, so it might be wise to use the second-round pick on a guard, instead of over reaching in the first round. In regards to both linebacker and corner back, if Miami does decide to pull the trigger on a player that can play one of those two positions, then it is possible that the Dolphins can kill two birds with one stone and select the best player available, and a player at a position of high priority.

However, there is a dynamic player in this draft that will in all likelihood still be on the board when Miami is on the clock at the 14th spot, but he would definitely be more of a luxury best player available selection than a selection based on need; RB Melvin Gordon III. Lamar Miller played extremely well this year, and really stepped up after the loss of Knowshon Moreno, however he is not a bruising RB, or a back that you can give the ball to 25-30 times a game. In addition in this day in age, teams rely on two running backs to carry the load. So even though Miami does not need a starting running back, they could at least use another solid option at running back to add another dimension to their offense, and having depth is always important.

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Melvin Gordon III was by far and above the best running back in all of college football last season. He was only 41 yards shy of breaking Barry Sanders all time collegiate rushing record of 2628 yards, which was set 29 years ago back in 1986. Gordon played for the Wisconsin Badgers in the Big 10 conference, and in his two games against SEC teams LSU, and Auburn he ran for a total of 391 yards and 4 touchdowns, so there should be no question in regards to the competition that he faced. Gordon was a beast all season running for 2587 yards, with 29 rushing touchdowns and 3 receiving touchdowns. He is a complete back that can gain the tough third and short yard, he also has the speed and vision to break the home run play as well. In every game this season except for the Ohio State game he had at least one run for over 20 yards.

The addition of Gordon in Miami’s backfield would make their running game very dangerous. In addition a dangerous running game leads to an even more dangerous passing game, because the defense needs to respect the run, which would open up more space for the passing game. Back in the day the team that could run the ball late in December and in the playoffs was a team that had a very good chance of winning the Super Bowl. When the Patriots won their 3 Super Bowls they had a very dangerous running game spearheaded by Corey Dillon. The reigning Super Bowl Champions have one of the best running backs in the entire league in Marshawn Lynch. The Steelers had a bruising Jerome Bettis when they won the Super Bowl in 2006. So even though the NFL is now considered more of passing league, a solid running game is usually a key ingredient for winning a Super Bowl. So even though Gordon does not fill a need, he could help make the offense even more potent and closer to unstoppable.


 

17 comments

  • Steve

    Miami Dolphins go get Luke for your Defensive Coordinator.

    Sample of Ohio State Defensive Coordinator Luke Fickell

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nu6Zv7EosBg

  • Steve

    Earlier I stated the RB would be best but the Dolphins A warrant Sapp Defensive lineman ASAP! Draft!
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=h5YgAjDstlg

    My questioned with Danny is can he hold bring it a full hard game?, and block pass too.
    Danny Shelton SR DT / NT

    By far the Best pick for Miami Dolphins @ the 14th pick.
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    http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2cv693_2014-official-highlights-fsu-dt-eddie-goldman_sport
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    Miami Dolphins would not loose if they traded out the 14th to later in the first and select Malcom Brown a Franchise player. Who possibly would be on the table to 21st pick.
    http://www.burntorangenation.com/football/2014/11/23/7272641/malcom-brown-texas-longhorns-2015-nfl-draft.

    Last Draft really I thought that Miami should have drafted Timothy Jenegan DT but he is Now breaking records with the Ravens in the playoffs. Or Benjamin the wide receiver who is now breaking records as a rookie in the playoffs Panthers. But I understood the team needed an offensive Tackle another good selection with James.

    Now the Fins need to take Defensive Tackles in the 1st.

    Let Talk Fans

    Steve

  • Steve

    Luke Fickell is young and proven at Ohio State in the hunt for Defensive Coordinator Luke Fickell is young and proven at Ohio State in the hunt for Defensive Coordinator.

    Fickell coach his Ohio State defense to stop the nations top offensive scoring team the Oregon Ducks.

    Don’t miss out Miami Dolphins.

  • Steve

    Luke Fickell is young and proven at Ohio State in the hunt for Defensive Coordinator.

    Fickell coach his Ohio State defense to stop the nations top offensive scoring team.

    Don’t miss out Miami Dolphins.

  • Steve

    Dolphins 6th round Picks for the future that can ride the bench behind Tennehill. Note that Tony Romo back up for Drew Bledsoe and Arron Rogers behind Bret
    were on the bench for about 4 years.

    6th round 172 Brandon Bridge QB 7 South Alabama
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=A_PvW7Mqk6E

    192 Sean Mannion QB 9 Oregon State Sr.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rIzBlJNMgX0 oregon vs utah
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vPRc4ULI8Jw game against oregon vs oregon state 2014

    • Jimmy Bourbon

      I agree, Miami should definitely use a late pick on QB, can’t hurt, and you never know what you can stumble upon. Look at Tom Brady

  • Steve

    6th round about building the Future prospects
    6th round
    172 Brandon Bridge QB 7 South Alabama
    STRENGTHS: Tall, narrow body type with athletic footwork and long-striding speed to pick up yards with his legs. Elite-level arm strength and release quickness with the ability to add velocity and extra RPM’s on his throws with ease. Not shy about testing tight windows and trusts his arm to make frozen rope throws and put the ball anywhere he wants on the field.

    192 Sean Mannion QB 9 Oregon State
    08/11/2014 – 2014 PRESEASON WALTER CAMP AWARD WATCH LIST: QB Sean Mannion, Oregon State…Mannion has started 32 career games for the Beavers and has set numerous school and league records, including the Conference’s single season passing mark last season with 4,662 yards. – Oregon State football

    7th round
    200 Dezmin Lewis WR 27 Central Arkansas
    196 Rob Havenstein OT 15 Wisconsin

    Lets talk Dolphins Fans!

  • Steve

    Dolphins choices very good in the 4th & 5thRound.

    4th Round Picked 111th (Best Value)
    105 Vince Mayle WR 15 Washington State
    107 *Gerod Holliman FS 3 Louisville
    120 *Jesse James TE 6 Penn State

    5th Round Picked 142nd
    135 *Donovan Smith OT 12 Penn State
    138 Devin Smith WR 19 Ohio State
    139 Tony Washington OLB 12 Oregon

  • Steve

    2015 Miami Dolphins really have a nice selection 14th,47th, 78th etc. Draft picks. I agree the Fins should beef up their O/D line with the best value talent but don’t over reach.

    1st round 14th pick
    *Andrus Peat OT 2 Stanford
    DeVante Parker WR 2 Louisville
    *Dante Fowler Jr. OLB 3 Florida Jr
    T.J. Clemmings OT 4 Pittsburgh

    2nd Round Picked 47th
    Ty Sambrailo OT 8 Colorado State
    *Maxx Williams TE 1 Minnesota
    *Tevin Coleman RB 4 Indiana

    3rd Round Picked 78th
    Josue Matias OG 2 Florida State Sr
    *T.J. Yeldon RB 7 Alabama
    Jake Fisher OT 10 Oregon
    Hroniss Grasu C 3 Oregon
    Arie Kouandjio OG 3 Alabama
    Denzel Perryman ILB 3 Miami (Fla.)
    Justin Hardy WR 11 East Carolina
    Rashad Greene WR 12 Florida State
    Nick O’Leary TE 3 Florida State

  • Steve

    Best Value for Dolphins who desperately need 65% or more from the back field + Tannehill/ receivers would be at 14th pick RB Gurley from Georgia or Steward from Wisconsin both will be picked from 10th to 23rd in the 1st round.

    Taken from Waterfootball.com
    Last update: Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015.
    Next update: Next week. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

    14th picked: Miami Dolphins: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
    Jared Odrick played so well this year that he’ll command lots of money in free agency this upcoming spring. The Dolphins may have to find a new defensive tackle as a consequence.

    17th pick San Diego Chargers: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
    Ryan Mathews is an impending free agent, while Branden Oliver cooled off following a hot start. If Mathews leaves, the Chargers will have to find someone to complement Oliver. Melvin Gordon, who is viewed as the next Jamaal Charles, would help Philip Rivers in the backfield.

    23rd pick Detroit Lions: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
    I was wondering where to put Todd Gurley, and I think this is a good spot. The Lions have taken the top player on their draft board before, and they could use some help at running back with Reggie Bush being phased out. Gurley provides major value here, as he was a top-10 prospect prior to his ACL tear.

  • Steve

    The Dolphins need A pure RB, carry the team etc. That Defensive will have to lose sleep over. What’s Good/Bad about the last decade of 1st round draft picks below? What was, is there value now?, and what did the Dolphins get when they were traded?, This is the questioned with this 2015 draft.

    1991 No Pick
    2000 No Pick
    2001 Jamar Fletcher Defensive Back Wisconsin pick # 26
    2002 No Pick
    2003 No Pick
    2004 Vernon Carey Offensive Tackle Miami, Fl pick # 19
    2005 Ronnie Brown Running Back Auburn pick # 2
    2006 Jason Allen Defensive Back Tennessee pick # 16
    2007 Ted Ginn, Jr. Offensive Tackle Michigan pick # 9
    2008 Jake Long Offensive Tackle Mississippi pick #1st
    2009 Vontae Davis Corner back Illinois pick # 25th
    2010 Jared Odrick Defensive Tackle Penn State pick # 28th
    2011 Mike Pouncey Center Florida pick # 15
    2012 Ryan Tennehill Quarterback Texas A&M pick # 8
    2013 Dion Jordan Defensive End Oregon pick # 3

  • phinfreak

    Many coaches have proven that a high caliber game breaking RB can be readily found in the middle rounds. Only a fan with the perspective of 19990’s vintage still thinks taking a RB in the early to mid 1st round is a good idea.

    The fact is the fins have so many needs at so many positions that it would be hard to miss getting an impact player using the dartboard method at #14.

    The more pressing questions are…what is Hickey thinking in rounds 3-6? and will Philbin/Ross have the cojones to fire Coyle and hire a real DC? To which I respond resoundingly “no”. Philbin is far too insecure to hire a real leader to run the D because he knows it would highlight his own shortcomings.

    This team is stuck in .500 purgatory till Ross is kicked out of town.

  • Dunner

    The Miami Dolphins need a new defensive coordinator, a new scheme, a “D” coordinator that uses a 3-4 base defense.
    I like the thought of a STUD RB; however, the RB position is thee most unpredictable position due to several factors (ie: “O” line, injury, scheme, etc.).
    We need a dominate play making linebacker, doubtful said player will be there at the 14th spot or if there is such a player in this years draft class.
    How about another STUD WR to team up with Landry, if we could draft another WR that could have the same production (potential) as Landry, we could have a nice young receiver core, that would be cap friendly for 5 years. Then again, as boring as it would be, another STUD offensive lineman would be nice, that really could solidify our O-line.
    The positive of this years draft is that we finally have a roster that we could afford to draft the best player available and not position of need. When your team has a roster that allows you to do so, winning is not far behind.
    To me the most important off season move this year has to be a move in a different direction with a new “D” coordinator. Philbin was pretty much forced to make this move last year with our offense (turned out pretty good). Now, it is time for a new scheme on the defensive end. Until that happens, this defensive unit will continue to disappoint regardless what personal is available.

  • Steve

    I believed that the dolphins are afraid of success!
    New England has been in the play offs about 10 season. And the Dolphins are afraid of Success.
    They are able to draft the top Running Back in the country but Will not.
    They are able to hire the top Defensive Coordinator but Will not.
    They are able to take out of Free Agency the Best defensive player but will not.
    Traits of 6-9 season; 8-8 season team.

  • Steve

    Bottom line the dolphins have attempted needs for over 20 years. Now its time to take the best value on the clock in Draft over needs. Currently they have two player who’s playing in the Pro Bowl. Two! Wake and Finnegan.

    What happens if Dolphins take best value on the clock = a better Dolphins team.

  • Steve

    Free Agency Now:
    CB: Kareem Jackson Houston Texas
    FS: Devin Mccourty New England Pats
    OSL: Jabaal Sheard outside linebacker)
    1. Dan Williams (Eight best in NFL) Defensive Tackle
    I agree totally:
    In order for the Miami Dolphins to win:
    1. Must have Heisman talent (Key) (Key) (December/Playoffs etc.)
    A. Todd Gurley RB – Georgia would not be a reach at 14th pick
    Gordon in Miami’s Backfield great. Running Game Fixed
    2nd Round Defensive Tackle: Best to get out Free Agency
    OR in the Draft
    A. The pick: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
    B. Washington Danny Shelton 6’2 – 339
    C. Leonard William USC 6-5 – 300 lbs
    D. Micheal Bennett Ohio
    3rd Round: Middle Line Backer:
    A. Ramik Wilson, ILB, Georgia
    B. Reggie Ragland*, ILB, Alabama
    C. Stephone Anthony, LB, Clemson
    4th Round:
    A. Ronne Stanley OT Baylor
    B. T.J. Clemings OT Pittsburgh
    C. Jake Fisher TE Oregon Very Physical (TE game Fixed)
    D. Dorial Green Beckham WR Oklahoma (should take in 3rd round)Fixed
    5th Round
    A. Tyler Lockett, WR, Kansas State
    6th Round
    A. Brandon Bridge, QB, South Alabama  (for Security) QB Fixed
    7th Round Shaquille Mason, OG, Georgia Tech (not sure on this)