Will Dolphins Focus On Protecting Tannehill?

Dolphins TannehillThe Dolphins believed they could survive with two inexperienced Guards, even though any football gambling fan in the world would have laughed in their face that Miami was going to be successful with Turner and Thomas. The end result was that Ryan Tannehill was sacked 45 times last season, which was tied for 3rd worst in the entire league. If a QB is constantly under duress, even if he is Tom Brady, he is going to have a very tough time being successful in this league. Now that Miami has a new coach, that specializes in QB’s, getting better protection for Tannehill should be one of this off-season’s top priorities.

The Dolphins offensive line has been a carousel of disaster since Tony Sparano was the head coach. Both Sparano and Philbin were once offensive line coaches, however, neither of them was able to put together a productive offensive line unit. Since Gase specializes in QB’s, he should know very well that a QB’s success depends on the quality of his offensive line protection. If the Dolphins really want to give Tannehill a legitimate shot to prove he can be the Dolphins franchise QB, then they need to make upgrading the offensive line one of their top off-season priories.

Fortunately for the Dolphins, they do have some decent pieces to work with. Pouncey, James and Albert, are all solid, however the biggest concern with each of them is whether or not they can stay healthy. No matter how good they are, it does not matter if they can not stay healthy. At the very least Miami needs to invest some money in finding a solid backup at Left Tackle, because they can not assume that Albert is going to be healthy for 16 games.

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In regards to the Guard positions, Miami must pull the plug on Turner and Thomas, and find someone in free agency or in the draft. The problem though is they desperately need to replace both players, and they are already over the cap, and they have other positions of need that they must also address. In reality they will probably only be able to afford to invest in one other Guard, so they must at least make sure that Guard is a very good player. Miami can not afford to acquire another Guard that is also a bust.

The Dolphins are only going to go as far as Tannehill takes them. However, if he is constantly running for his life and constantly scrapping himself off the turf, then it is going to be extremely difficult for Tannehill to have success. What does the rest of the Miami Dolphins News fans think Miami should do in regards to their Guard position? What players do you guys have your eye on that could be available for the Dolphins in free agency and the draft?


 

21 comments

  • Dunner

    Steve, One thing that Tannebaum is not, is chicken. If he has a reasonable chance to acquire more picks while still obtaining a valuable first, he will pounce. I wouldn’t mind trading out to acquire more picks. I have to believe that Gase will address the guard position for sure, considering he is an offensive guy and going to be calling the offense. I just hope he has the authority to buy his “groceries”, and not have to make his offense work with Tannebaum’s choices.
    The top 1 or 2 guard in the draft can be had in the second round, 39th overall, that should equate to a starting guard. Now that could be a starter on the defense (8 overall, assuming we don’t pull a Ireland) and offense side of the ball, with the rest of the draft to go. We should also be receiving a few or more picks (compensatory) also, as high as the third round, seems all Miamis last year free agent players fared very well which is good in that aspect. The second guard could be had via free agency (short term solution), but shouldn’t expect to find a starting guard after the second round, not that it couldn’t happen, but they should not expect so. Plan accordingly.
    With a good young offensive line, only Tannehill would be holding the offense back from top 5 performance. It is then maybe we would get a true evaluation of Tanny (I guess). For me, 75% of the draft or more needs to be directed towards the defensive side of the ball. I’m sure we all seen Mel Kipers 1st round pick for the Fins, and I do not have a problem with that (I want a CB, Hargroove), need to be able to apply pressure on oposing QB’s (Brady).

    • Steve

      Dunner

      Understand your concern about the Cornerback position but keep in mine that the Dolphins have blowned off the Offensive Guard and Tackle position resulting Tannehill taking 58 sacks etc. and preventing a consistence run game. The Offensive line cannot weight another season there trading out for the 8th for 3 of the offensive Tackles in the later 1st round woud be a Steal.

      If we compare Corner Backs: Artic Burns ( rated the 9th Corner Back at about pick 76) if he stay his senior year would come out as a 1st round pick easy. He is there for the Dolphin 3rd round pick.

      WEAKNESSES: Isn’t yet the sum of his parts. Overly reliant on his physical tools, at this point, allowing savvy route-runners to gain inside position on him and losing track of the ball. Prefers to latch onto and drag ball-carriers to the ground rather than lowering his shoulder and exploding into opponents and looks to avoid oncoming blockers.

      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 (12/21/15)
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      William Jackson III 7th corner 59th pick Late second or 3rd round pick

      STRENGTHS: At the next level, scouts and coaches covet speed at the position, but teams also want size and length to better match-up with the physical pass-catchers in the NFL. He is a good-sized athlete for the position with an aggressive attitude that serves him well at the catch point.

      Brackets receivers against the sideline with terrific instincts and coverage sense to take away short passes and not get beat deep. He looks comfortable in either press-man or off-man.

      WEAKNESSES: Jackson will find himself off-balance in press and needs to refine his technique, anticipation and route recognition to eliminate false steps. Has some hip tightness.

      IN OUR VIEW: His body type, arm length and physicality at the catch point are why Jackson might be the first senior corner drafted in April. Projects as a day two pick.

      –Dane Brugler (11/9/15)

      xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

      Your Man Hargreaves I like to but would go that route on the 1st round pick.
      Hargreaves Round 1 pick 14th

      WEAKNESSES: An inch or two shorter than scouts would prefer. Hargreaves can get himself in trouble by attacking ballcarriers too high, clawing at the football while ‘rassling opponents to the ground rather than wrapping up and driving them to the turf. He also takes such aggressive angles in pursuit that he can be forced to lunge at ballcarriers, occasionally missing as he swipes at their legs.

      IN OUR VIEW: With another strong season in 2015, Hargreaves will likely consider making the early leap to the NFL, where he could prove to be the highest drafted defensive back from Florida since the Cleveland Browns made Joe Haden the No. 7 overall pick in 2010.

      The Settle Sea Hawk Corner back Richard Sherman was drafted 154th pick in 2011???? If you had to quess! “Who were the top Corner Back in that Draft base on the Experts?
      2011 draft 1st round 5th pick Patrick Peterson (LSU) Arizona Cardinal
      Pick 19th Giant selected Prince Amurkamara
      27th pick Raven selected Jimmy Smith.

      • admin

        Great info on corners!!! Thing is good FO’s get linemen mid rounds..linemen can compensate with nastiness, smarts and technique. CB’s must have talent to be #1’s and even 2’s…their is no real compensation for lack of talent at CB. BUT, as you said there is no CB worth #8…

      • admin

        I like the sound of burns …gonna try and find some vids on him

  • ralph

    For our teams sake I hope they somehow acquire 2 starting guards then use Turner as a backup and release Dallas Thomas he has been a huge disappointment
    We also need to acquire 2 starting caliber defensive backs one to start and one for nickel and dime formations
    We have a good Corner already so that would solidify our corner problem
    We also need a starting caliber safety and 2 linebackers with as a minimum one to start immediately as a run stopping middle linebacker
    Lastly it would be nice to draft another tight end, a fullback, and a replacement tackle to start in place of Albert if he should again get hurt. We let go of Fox so we will need to replace him. The offensive tackle could also back up our Guards and right tackle.
    We need a backup center – we don’t have one now.
    We are set at receivers and I hope we keep Mathews and release Greg Jennings too old and not needed

    The advantage is that this year we can trade out of #8 and pick up additional draft picks maybe an extra second and an extra third – plus we should be getting some compensatory picks for the free agents we lost maybe 3 more picks I hope at least 2 in the third round.
    So we could end up with 12 draft picks and if 75% of them hit we should be in very good shape
    We will still need to pick up some free agents. maybe a run stopping MLB and a Guard.
    I see that Mathis is a free agent – we know he signed for 2 million with Denver – we should be able to get him for less than that (one year older) and he was still rated as the 3rd best guard in the NFL. That solves one immediate problem for us for at least one year
    I see us keeping Tannehill for at least one more year because of that inflated contract he has – plus if we trade him then we have to use pick #8 on a QB and that means we loose on getting at least 2 good draft picks first and second rounders (extra pick from trading down) that could be used to pick up quality starters that we need.
    But to do all this we need good drafts picks an unfortunately Tannebaum is going to have last word – that is bad folks – he misses more than he hits.

    • admin

      Agree mostly Ralph, but 75% would be an unbelievable hit rate…especially for us. Can’t remember the exact percents, but it’s like 75% for rd 1 50% rd 2 nd then it descends. Seattle had a couple of “THOSE” drafts and that’s why they are so darn good…man I’d love to have just ONE of those!!!! Let’s hope Tannenbaum took his genius pills!!! One can hope, right?!

  • Steve

    I have a hutch that the Dolphins claim that they have a lot of holes to filled

    a. Do the Dolphins really know who they have in player ability?
    b. How far could the Dolphins go with a play maker QB and a Healthy Brandon Albert, Pouncey, James and And addition——————- @ pick 20th Offensive Tackle Taylor Decker Ohio State
    Cody WhiteHair Offensive
    Guard from Kansas State
    or Vada Alexander LSA OG.

    The Best way to get these linemen in the 1st and second round is to trade out for more picks! Dont place all on a single draft pick like Mel Kilber and the other expert would dictate who to select and Dont lose focus on the offensive front line.

    I believed that the Dolphins can come out with at least 4 picks (1st, 2nd, 3rd etc.) for the 8th spot if they dont chicken out under presure.

    • M.J.

      If they did that they would go all in on O to see if T-Hill was the man or set up the Oline for the next QB and then they would have to live will a porous D. I could see it as it’s highly unlikely they could fill all the holes in one season and maybe having one good unit is better than two okay ones..

  • Phinfreak

    Find can fill one G spot via FA and the other via draft then use these bums as backups.
    MLB and CB are just as critical positions this team must fill.

    And no, Tannehill is not the answer… If you’re thinking winning in the playoffs. He’s fine as a .500 starting QB maybe 9-6 perhaps if Tannebaum gets stupid lucky finding impact starting talent 10-5.
    But this QB needs far more than an OL.

  • Van

    We have three offensive lineman that are injury prone. They only played 4 games together. We need 2 starting guards. We need 2 starting defensive backs. We need at least 2 linebackers. That means we need 6 players just to have a quality starting lineup. Our team depth is so bad that the backups couldn’t Crack the lineup at the end of the season.

    Coach Dan did an amazing job. Tannehill gets himself sacked by being dumb as a rock and holding the ball way too long. 4 safeties!

    • M.J.

      I agree. Given what he was up against Campbell did amazing. That’s why he was hired as an assisant
      hc…he’ll get some great training from Payton…hope it doesn’t come back to haunt the team!!!

  • Steve

    Hello FinFans!

    Its time for the Dolphins to get it right!

    Its not a good Idea for the Dolphin to listen to draft expert like Mel Kiper etc. Because they rated Dion Jordan an excellent pick but a bust.

    Now in 2016 draft projecting us to draft a defensive end from clemson. He could be excellent but I would trade out of spot.

    This CBS Sports draft profile Jonathan Martin is the second-biggest draft mistake in Miami Dolphins history.

    Jason Allen

    Nick Saban should’ve traded down instead of draft a safety to play at cornerback. Or if he needed a cornerback, he should’ve drafted Antonio Cromartie.

    Lastly on drafting players.
    1. Fine out who they are yourself, how they trained without supervisions
    2. Look for that play maker under presure,
    3. No and learned how that player HAS handle adversity
    4. Will the fans come to see him play games or will he help us in prime time games
    victory and rating?

    • admin

      Yeah, a lot of experts make alot of bad picks – almost as much as the Cromartie would have been awesome!!! UGGGHHHH!!!!!

  • Steve

    Hello Dolpfans!

    How difficult was it for the Dolpfans to have traded out for more picks base on these picks? How many are/were player for the Dolpfans?

    1999 — No pick
    2000 — No pick
    2001 – 26 – Jamar Fletcher DB Wisconsin
    2002 — No pick
    2003 — No pick
    2004 – 19 – Vernon Carey OT Miami (FL) (Okay)
    2005 – 2- Ronnie Brown RB Auburn (Good Pick)
    2006 -16 – Jason Allen DB Tennessee (Bust)
    2007 – 9 – Ted Ginn, Jr. WR Ohio State (Bust for the Dolphins)
    2008 – 1 – Jake Long * OT Michigan (Good Pick)
    2009 – 25 – Vontae Davis CB Illinois (Okay)
    2010 – 28- Jared Odrick DT Penn State (Good Pick)
    2011 – 15 – Mike Pouncey C Florida (Problem)
    2012 – 8 – Ryan Tannehill QB Texas A&M (Question Mark)
    2013 – 3 – Dion Jordan DE Oregon (Bust of Bust)
    2014 -19- Ja’Wuan James OT Tennessee (Good Pick)
    2015 -14- DeVante Parker WR University of Louisville (Good Pick)

    • Steve

      My Bad!

      2011 – 15 – Mike Pouncey C Florida (Very Good)

      Sorry Mike!

      • M.J.

        Thanks for the list…really put in perspective why Miami has struggled. They say a 1st should hit 75% of the time…Dolphins have been far below that – FAR!!!

  • Steve

    Hello Jimmy!

    2016 Draft Miami Dolphins (Top two OT Tunsil Ole Mis and Standley Notre Dame will be gone off the board maybe by pick 6 or 7.

    But Miami Dolphins could trade that spot for more picks.

    Say the dolphins drop back as far as 17th pick in the 1st (wounding up with Offensive Tackle Taylor Decker Ohio State or even later in the 1st round select Jack Conklin OT or Shon Coleman OT.

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

    With extra pick could select OLB Jushua Perry Ohio State or Southern CAl Ju’a Cravens.

    Honestly over the last 20 years the Dolphins management has never had the Nerve to just offer their 1st pick to another team which is the 8th spot 2016.

    If played right they could get a second, third this draft plus a 1st next year and a second the next year or better.

    • M.J.

      Way I see it, if you can trade back because no one special is there then do it, but if special player is there and you need that position – take it. This thing needs two or three good drafts to be a contending team.

  • Lemmus

    …call me crazy but I’d take the top rated OL still on the board in each of the first 3 rounds …we HAVE to fix the problems there first …and yes I know we have other serious needs …but we go nowhere until the OL is solid and has decent depth

    …do the same for CBs in the next 3 rounds …if we could make even a modest improvement at those 2 positions …and avoid key injuries …we would be a much better team

    …yeah, I know …not gonna happen …but its that fantasy time of the year, eh

    • M.J.

      Really good FO’s get linemen – except LT in the middle rounds. We can’t even get the right one with #1 overall. Not to say Jake wasn’t right, but his injuries negated his awesomeness. Even Pouncy, who was one of the better picks, is meh at this point.