“Same Old” Dolphins…Maybe, Maybe Not.

030716-fsf-nfl-miami-dolphins-maxwell-alonso-PI.vresize.1200.675.high.77

Didn’t it feel like once again, the Dolphins needed to be the March Off-Season Champions, and show that they can make the biggest splash? Then again, so far at least, maybe it didn’t.

First, they made a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles to acquire Cornerback Byron Maxwell and Inside Linebacker Kiko Alonso for what was originally undisclosed late round draft picks, but ended up to be a swap first round draft picks with the Eagles.

Then they signed Mario Williams to a 2yr, prove it, deal worth $17 Mill.

Then they rescinded Vernon’s Transition Tag making him a free agent, all but signaling his departure. considering what Vernon got from the Giants, it was the perfect move.

Then the trade with Eagles goes sideways for an hour, before it was back on.

Then Miller bolts to the Texans for $6.5 mill a year.

Then Miami signs former Lion free safety Isa Abdul-Quddus

I was very up beat about what Tannenbaum was doing till Byron “I can’t do a push up” Maxwell unexpectedly came up limp.

But, now that Maxwell and Alonso are coming for only a five spot downgrade in the first. I can understand it – with two caveats: one they make the right choice at 13 and they don’t miss out on a superstar at #8-12.

I get the trade, a chance to get a player or two who, if they rebound, can be very good players. It’s a chance. It’s a gamble that even the best sportsbooks might balk at, but if even one pans out then Miami has won. If both do, then they will prove to brilliant.

Their is a chance – for you jaded skeptics, I admit it’s slim- they kill it at #13 and have both players return too form and Mario plays with a fever of pride. If that’s the case then Tannenbaum will get kudos and the Dolphins will take a big step forward.

It is a BIG if! And it still leaves Miami without guards, a running back, linebackers and a legit starting corner. Free Agency has just started and the draft is months away. It could end up being the “same old” Dolphins, but then again maybe not!


 

mario_williams_bills

 

25 comments

  • Dunner

    Here is a little Miami Mock since their trade back to the 13 slot. All picks are based off Bleacher Report top 300 as of March 9. Each player selected for Miami is the best player available, players selected are in Miami’s slot, not my choice (ie; 13 overall, 42nd, etc). Miami’s need will be considered and if slotted player is not of need (ie: WR, SS, etc) I just slide down to the next slot and select. Here we go, hope that you enjoy:

    1st (13 overall): Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
    Actual player was a DL (Rankins), slid down 1 slot for Lawson. For me, I want Darron Lee, who
    2 slots below.
    2nd (42 overall): Joshua Garnett, Guard, Stanford
    Actual player was TE (Henry). The thought of teaming the top TE w our young WRs is tempting.
    Guard is a HUGE need.
    3rd (73 overall): KeiVarae Russell, CB, Notre Dame
    Actual player was WR (Cooper). Just missed Derek Henry by 1 player (72 overall). May not need a
    RB, but very well could need one in 4 days.
    4th (103 overall): Deion Jones, LB, LSU. I would hope they take a LBer before this pick, if not, here
    Jones sits. He has played big time competition.
    5th (134 overall): Jason Fanaika, DL, Utah. Not a position of need, but the player is right at 134,
    and you should always take DL in every draft.
    6th (167 overall): Kevin Hogan, QB, Stanford. The actual player was a center (Allen), a thought, but
    I see them converting Douglas to center. This could be the next Brady selection. LOL, wishful
    thinking.
    7th (194): Wendell Smallwood, RB, West Virginia. Just like a DLmen, you should always take a RB or WR
    in every draft. Smallwood is a dangerous kick/punt returner = needed.
    7th (198): Roger Lewis, WR, Bowling Green. Here is another position always taken in a draft.

    Positions taken: DE, G, CB, LB, DL, QB, RB, WR
    No inside (Mike) LBer, thinking that is what Kiko is for, though he could play Will as well.
    Got an edge rusher to team up w our 30+ year old DEs. If it is a DE, trade back a little and grab Dodd instead of his teammate.
    Should have a day 1 starting guard in Garnett.
    Grabbed a CB I am not familiar with, but N.D. has a good rep for turning out pro players.
    Got a LBer, Jones could push for starting time from the start.
    A DL whom I am unfamiliar with.
    May have gotten a return man from day 1, give Laundry a break.
    Grabbed a young (22) WR to add to practice squad, possibly make the team.

    * I do not claim to know all these players, players were selected by best available player in position of need.

  • Steve

    Hargreaves ( May have the making of a Shutdown Corner in the Future)

    IN OUR VIEW: Hargreaves plays with a decisive reactor to maintain proper positioning and make plays on the ball (38 career passes defended), but his timing and spacing have room for improvement. Although he has only ordinary size, Hargreaves is above average in three main areas for the position: play speed, instincts and competitive toughness.

    NFL COMPARISON: Joe Haden, Cleveland Browns — More than just the Florida jersey, Hargreaves and Haden are similar in that they aren’t the biggest or fastest but both exhibit the instincts and competitive toughness needed for the NFL.
    –Rob Rang & Dane Brugler (2/9/16)
    xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

    Apple would be a Solid pick (Future Pro Bowler & Play Maker)
    IN OUR VIEW: Apple possesses several traits for the cornerback position that translate well to the next level with his size, length and athleticism. Apple isn’t afraid to be physical and contest at the top of routes, but he’s still learning what he can get away with and what will draw flags – desired length for the position, but NFL teams will be forced to live and die with his hands-on contact while he figures it out.

    He is also an aggressive run defender, but needs to be more measured with his break down mechanics as a tackler. Apple is still very young and with that comes discipline issues, but he consistently stays in phase in press or off-man coverage and has upside.

    Miami Dolphins | #13
    The Dolphins could be targeting a linebacker with this pick but with three coming off the board in the first 12 picks of this projection, Miami may instead turn back to the secondary. The addition of Maxwell is mitigated by the Dolphins releasing Brent Grimes, who was their best corner last year. Apple has natural coverage skills, including the fluidity and quick hands to make plays on the ball. He was voted the Defensive MVP of the Buckeyes’ Fiesta Bowl win over Notre Dame.

    xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
    With An extra pick in the 3r round Artic Burns

    IN OUR VIEW: Don’t let Burns’ track background fool you, he’s a legitimate NFL prospect with the upside to warrant early-round consideration. He’s at his best in press man coverage where he can use his length, aggression and speed to harass wideouts on the perimeter and has the ball skills to punish quarterbacks who challenge him.

    COMPARES TO: Darius Slay, Detroit Lions: A fluid athlete with agility, speed and ball-skills, Slay has developed into a standout for the Lions after being selected 36th overall selection in the 2013 draft. Burns has this kind of potential but like Slay, may need a year or two to acclimate, especially when it comes to run support.
    –Rob Rang (@robrang) (2/13/16)

  • Steve

    1. 13th pick: Reggie Ragland ILB 1 Alabama (Trade back for more picks 2nd round 55
    Shilique Calhoun DE)
    (3rd rounder extra pick -4th rounder

    2. 42nd Pick: Vadal Alexander OG 2 LSU

    3. 73rd Pick: Artic Burns: CornerBack Miami Fl

    4. 104th Pick: Spencer Drango OG 7 Baylor

    5. 135th Pick: Cardale Jones QB Ohio State

    6. 168th Pick: KJ Dillon SS 6 West Virginia

    7. 195th Pick: Nile Lawrence -Stample DT 18 Florida State
    7. Miami has second 7th pick
    xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
    extra pick 2nd round
    53 Shilique Calhoun DE 8 Michigan State
    55 Kentrell Brothers ILB Okalamaha
    60 Alex Collins RB 3 Arkansas
    3rd rounder
    81 Landon Turner OG 5 North Carolina
    83 *Jordan Howard RB 6 Indiana

    If Elliot was on the Board at 13th pick in would be hard not to take him (Our Dolphins offense has been effective this would be a gift to the Dolphins) No playoff to show etc. If he is off the board I would 100% trade back on draft day.

    • Dunner

      Steve, odd thing about the swap of first round picks is the Philly also needs a RB, and Elliot there at 8 makes sense for them. That is telling me that Miami never considered taking Elliot/RB in the first round. They may be thinking that Hargreaves will be there at 13, just as he would have been at 8. Looking like they may have been targeting Hargreaves/CB all the way.

      I too wouldn’t mind trading down again in the early 20’s (Houston, Washington) and pick an extra 2nd and 3rd. Need a trade partner, but if possible I wouldn’t hesitate.

      • Steve

        Dunner

        It was wishful thinking on my part that the Fins would go after Elliot if he was available at 13th pick? Most likely Hargreaves will be around for the dolphins. I’m not sold on him at 13th picked, ILB would be more value in the middle and best value is to trade out again take the OT or second CornerBack Eli Apply Ohio St.

        Elliot is off the list if this deal pan out? Dolphins sign RB C.J. Anderson to four-year, $18 million offer sheet By Will Brinson | NFL WriterMarch 10, 2016 5:35 pm ET

        The hits keep coming for the Denver Broncos, who could be on the verge of losing their top running backs to restricted free agency. C.J. Anderson, tendered at the lowest level possible, was being pursued by multiple teams and he’s signed an offer sheet from the Dolphins, CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora reports.

        The deal is worth a total of $18 million over four years and could very well see Anderson bolt Denver for the sunny shores of Florida.

        The Broncos have five days to match the offer but it’s pretty unlikely they’ll be able to. (Some reports indicate they already don’t plan to.)

        • Steve

          Hargreaves ( May have the making of a Shutdown Corner in the Future)

          IN OUR VIEW: Hargreaves plays with a decisive reactor to maintain proper positioning and make plays on the ball (38 career passes defended), but his timing and spacing have room for improvement. Although he has only ordinary size, Hargreaves is above average in three main areas for the position: play speed, instincts and competitive toughness.

          NFL COMPARISON: Joe Haden, Cleveland Browns — More than just the Florida jersey, Hargreaves and Haden are similar in that they aren’t the biggest or fastest but both exhibit the instincts and competitive toughness needed for the NFL.
          –Rob Rang & Dane Brugler (2/9/16)
          xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

          Apple would be a Solid pick (Future Pro Bowler & Play Maker)
          IN OUR VIEW: Apple possesses several traits for the cornerback position that translate well to the next level with his size, length and athleticism. Apple isn’t afraid to be physical and contest at the top of routes, but he’s still learning what he can get away with and what will draw flags – desired length for the position, but NFL teams will be forced to live and die with his hands-on contact while he figures it out.

          He is also an aggressive run defender, but needs to be more measured with his break down mechanics as a tackler. Apple is still very young and with that comes discipline issues, but he consistently stays in phase in press or off-man coverage and has upside.

          Miami Dolphins | #13
          The Dolphins could be targeting a linebacker with this pick but with three coming off the board in the first 12 picks of this projection, Miami may instead turn back to the secondary. The addition of Maxwell is mitigated by the Dolphins releasing Brent Grimes, who was their best corner last year. Apple has natural coverage skills, including the fluidity and quick hands to make plays on the ball. He was voted the Defensive MVP of the Buckeyes’ Fiesta Bowl win over Notre Dame.

          xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
          With An extra pick in the 3r round Artic Burns

          IN OUR VIEW: Don’t let Burns’ track background fool you, he’s a legitimate NFL prospect with the upside to warrant early-round consideration. He’s at his best in press man coverage where he can use his length, aggression and speed to harass wideouts on the perimeter and has the ball skills to punish quarterbacks who challenge him.

          COMPARES TO: Darius Slay, Detroit Lions: A fluid athlete with agility, speed and ball-skills, Slay has developed into a standout for the Lions after being selected 36th overall selection in the 2013 draft. Burns has this kind of potential but like Slay, may need a year or two to acclimate, especially when it comes to run support.
          –Rob Rang (@robrang) (2/13/16)

  • Steve

    Dolphins can walk out with two quality linemen in this draft.

    Offensive Linemen secenrio in the draft
    Say the dolphins drop back again as far as 23rd pick in the 1st (wounding up with Offensive Tackle
    19 *Jack Conklin OT 3 Michigan State rJr 6-6 308 1
    23 Taylor Decker OT 4 Ohio State Sr 6-7 310 1

    Second round selecting Cody WhiteHair Offensive Guard from Kansas State or Vada Alexander LSA OG.

    Third rounder extra pick
    78 *Jerald Hawkins OT 9 LSU Jr 6-6 305 2-3
    81 Landon Turner OG 5 North Carolina
    88 John Theus OT 10 Georgia

    There the offensive line is fixed we have OT Albert- OT James – Center Pouncey Sure Starter
    Jack Conklin – OG WhiteHair or Vada Alexander

  • phinfreak

    A classic bust move by this regime in keeping w past regimes. Sure! lets trade our #8 spot for #13 for two busted up journeymen players! Another Dion Jordan style catastrophe in the making. These two bums did nothing w the Eagles.

    Meanwhile, Belichick and the Patriots are laughing at the Fins.

    Morons…all of them.

    I give Gase 2 seasons before Tannenbaum gets him canned.

    • admin

      But really freak, don’t face paint with niceness, what do you really think? 🙂

      • phinfreak

        Fins blew it for not signing Miller and Vernon LAST YEAR, when they had more bargaining power and prices were lower.

        Look at the best teams in the playoffs year in and year out…see how quiet they are during FAgency. Now look at the Fins during FAgency.

        Any questions?

        • Dunner

          Freak, you just shows that you haven’t really looked past the #’s. Kiko was coming off major knee injury which limited his production through 2015; coincidence that Kiko’s best game of 2015 was his last game (the healthiest he was for the entire season). I happen to think not. Kiko was Pro Football Writers defensive rookie of the year in 2014. What he did or did not do in Philly may only be a portion of the player he is. Too boot, Kiko will only make $940,000 in 16. Great move/chance.

          All things considered Maxwell’s year in Philly may have not been as it may seem on the surface. Max was asked to play a style of defense he wasn’t used to (mainly cover 3 in Seattle). However; Max did progressively get better as the season went on. Not many players thrived in that circus of an environment under Kelly. Joseph feels that Max’s strength’s are exactly the kind of player he is looking for. Sure the 16 season may be costly, but after this season they can ride of him at very minimal cost.

          All in all a great move. They slide down 5 spots in the draft and got 2 starters. And, if really look into the draft, you will see that Hargreaves has a good chance to still be there at 13. Basically, that may be a little insight to Miami’s draft board. They just may have targeted Hargeaves the whole time. However; unlike past staffs they did their diligence and believe they can still get the guy they were going to take at 8, at 13. If that is the case, that is a brilliant move.

        • Dunner

          UUUMMM Freak, you might want to look into the Super Bowl Champs roster in 14′, they were big players in free agency heading onto the 15′ season. AND IT WORKED!!!

          So much for that theory

  • Steve

    I would take An experienced/reliable/low budget Corner from FA: I would Invest in Lippett talents.
    And definitely draft two: Possilbe Cornerback candidate selection:

    Most practicle selection would be for Miami to trade out of the 1st pick again!!! For more picks. Maybe the fins could get another second rounder etc. then the most Practical pick:

    ** Eli Apply Ohio State would be a late 1st rounder rated about 18th —29th pick.**

    Most of the best Cornerback would be in the late second early 3rd round.
    60th William Jackson III 6’1
    71st Rashard Robinson 6’2 LSU
    77th Artie Burns 6.0 Miami (Stay another year in college possible 1st rounder)

    Value player/ A Corner Back with Kick Return value
    5th rounder ranked 161st: Morgan Burns CB Rank 20 Kansas State
    In addition to being one of the best kickoff specialist entering the 2016 NFL Draft, Burns also started 12 games at cornerback, recording 38 tackles and 11 passes defended. Overall, Burns played in 48 career games starting 24 of those at cornerback and helped Kansas State to a 34-18 record and a Big 12 Championship in 2012 and four-straight bowl appearances.

    A 7th rounder maybe undrafted
    Mississippi State redshirt senior CB Taveze Calhoun
    The 6-foot-1, 180-pound redshirt senior ranked eighth in the SEC in pass breakups with nine last year. TFY Draft Insider’s Tony Pauline called Calhoun “significantly overlooked” over the summer and gave him a fourth-round grade. “His ball skills and instincts are on a par with [Will] Redmond’s and I dare say Calhoun is more consistent,” he wrote. Fri, Nov 20, 2015 06:12:00 PM

    Possibly extra pick for Dolphins in the 7th round??????
    Rank 206 6 Rounder (Deiondre’ Hall CB 26 Northern Iowa Sr 6-2) 192
    Hall, a four-year starter for the Panthers, has started all 11 games this season between cornerback and free safety.

    Player Overview
    The 2015 Missouri Valley Defensive Player of the Year, Hall split his time between safety and cornerback over his career, lining up predominantly in a hybrid safety role as a senior.

    After recording 74 tackles and leading the MVFC with five interceptions as a junior, Hall was third on the team with 82 tackles in 2015 to go with his six interceptions and four pass breakups.

    A starter since the second half of his true freshman season, Hall leaves Northern Iowa with 46 career starts and 13 interceptions.

  • Dunner

    I don’t mind Miami’s moves or non-moves thus far. All we did was trade back 5 spots in the first round and we received 2 starting players in position of needs. SO far, so good. We have won the free agency frenzy the last 4 years and it has gotten us zilch, zero, notta. Saved ourselves 8 million/year with the Williams/Vernon swap, and if Williams can put it together for a couple years, we make out.

    A couple of roster strengthening moves w the signing of Abdul-Quddas (Safety) and Sam Young (OT).
    Quddas adds depth and will compete w Thomas and Delmas for the starting spot there. Sam Young is a home town kid attending St. Thomas Aquinas in high school. Not to familiar w his play, but he is a HUGE man @ 6’8 330. Good tackle back up.

    Miami is spending smart this year and hopefully beyond, unlike years past. There will be more moves, they are letting the market correct itself (17 million/year for OV, seriously, good luck w that). The second wave moves are the moves that championship teams make, because it is the smart money, the smart moves.

    There should be a few compensatory picks coming our way with just the 4 departed players from yesterday.

    • admin

      Didn’t see the Young pick…much better than Fox -that’s not saying much of course, but solid back up. The compensatory thing is a good angle, thanks for the wisdom. My only concern about this approach, while the right one, is it puts a lot more pressure on the acumen of development, coaching, inter personal relations, and scouting to make this route a success…It the route of winning franchises, but those who try this and are not capable it ends in disaster. The onus is full tilt on being brilliant at this point and nothing short will do. Amen if he have the chops to pull it off because it will mean the monkey of failure is off Miami’s back.

      • Dunner

        Good point Admin, I would too be bummed w the last coaching staff, as we all know their lack of coaching up players ability. I just have a feeling that this staff will be capable of coaching up players, we can already gather that they are players coaches, that in itself puts this staff far ahead of the previous group(s).

  • Lemmus

    …imnsho, Tannenbaum has a terminal case of rectal-cranial inversion …’nuff said

    • admin

      Lemmus, I agree, BUT – even though more likely than not- if his moves pan out then he was ahead of the curve. Do I believe it? Hmmmm, I like the Mario move, the FS from the Lions move, letting go of Vernon instead of chasing a pipe dream, the trade will be determined by the players performance and the #13 pick, Miller being let go will be justified or vilified by who they replace him with, Matthews I understand – but saddened, Osemele going to the Raiders (my heart is broke) and no linemen at this point is (depends on the final outcome, but not happy, not at all). My arrow point up took a sharp turn south, but I will reserve full judgement until his recipe is done and placed on the table. But, Lemmus…I am concerned.

      • Dunner

        Admin, just based off of not signing the highest paid guard in NFL history? I like their patience, it will pay off this year and the following years for sure. The O-Line positions we need help at are the guard positions. Whos to say Miami doesn’t go w 2 guards at 42 and 73 overall, possible 2 day 1 starters on the cheap for 5 years. Guards are the easiest positions to accumulate after the first couple rounds in the draft.

        • admin

          The reason I loved Osemele is his ability and versatility. He started at both R and L Tackle. Yeah, it was a rich contract, but he is amazing, especially because of Miami’s line situation. You could have gone into the year with developmental T and Ose could have covered either side if Albert went down. But, I get that the contract was too high, it was more of a love affair than wisdom…He had me at hello!

  • ralph

    Where are the Guards ???
    Why haven’t they gone after any Guards ??
    This trade is a big gamble. If the Eagles get Jack and he turns out to be a super stud and we end up with 2 players that cannot perform due to injuries or because they are just not good enough then this trade will be a Big Bust.
    Where are the Guards – are we not going to sign at least one in free agency. ???
    I really hope this turns out great for the fins but ………. I am skeptical but really really hopeful that they work out.
    Can we get Ezekial at 13 ?? PLEASE ……….. (if he is still there)
    I’m waiting to see if we sign at least one Guard in free agency – Get Mathis

    • Steve

      Ralph It would be nice to get Ezekiel at 13th spot. He would take the Dolphins out of the laughing stock category the next 5 years.

    • Steve

      Ralph

      I would think out of free agency and possibly round two in the draft.
      42nd Pick: Vadal Alexander OG 2 LSU

    • admin

      In flag football they play with 3 linemen…maybe Miami can revolutionize the sport???!!!

      • Steve

        Admin & Finfans

        ESPN is reporting that the Dolphins are hosting Brandon Weeden, a first-round pick in the 2012 draft, on an official visit.

        This former Oklahoma State standout has started 24 games in his four-year NFL career, completing 57.9 percent of his passes, throwing for 6,462 yards and 31 touchdowns. Problem is he’s also thrown 31 career interceptions, and has a dismal career passer rating of 76.0.

        Another reason why we need to draft a good running back. Another ???? QB 31 Touch downs / 31 interceptions???

        On a Serious Note I would really like for Cardale Jones to get drafted by the Dolphins? Requardless what some think! Dolphins have not had anyone like him??