2006 Draft Revisited

Since everyone is giving out draft grades I thought it would be fun to join the party. Only, I won't be foolishly grading this year's draft. I'll take a look at the 2006 draft, now that three years has passed and that seems like ample time to get a reasonable grade. The 2006 draft for the Dolphins can be summed up rather quickly.

Worst. Draft. Ever.

1st Round, #16 Overall: Jason Allen, CB

He entered as a hybrid CB/S who was thought of as a gifted athlete. Well, it turns out his NFL career has resembled this classic youtube. In his rookie year, he bounced from corner to safety often and never found a role. He struggled for playing time and didn't make a good first impression. In his second year, the 1-15 disaster, it took injuries to five different safeties before he got a start. He had one good game against Philadelphia, but was still underwhelming. Last year he saw some more consistent playing time, but only in nickel and dime packages. All the while he has played some special teams but even in that regard, I recall more mistakes than anything.

This is a classic first round bust. First rounders should be consistent starters and contributors and perhaps even pushing for pro bowls. Worse than the fact he hasn't panned out is actually the money he has received and may continue to get. He got a six year deal (final year is voidable) with $8 million in guarantees. I'm no salary cap expert but I'm pretty sure even if he is cut this instant, he'd still have an effect on this and next year's cap number. The contract has probably been the biggest reason he has stuck around, and that's never good. I'd say with the three new corners and two new safeties, his days are numbered.

Notable DB still on the board: Antonio Cromartie, Kelly Jennings

2nd Round: Traded to Minnesota for Daunte Culpepper

We all know how that turned out. This was yet another wasted trading of a high draft pick.

3rd Round, #82 Overall: Derek Hagan

Derek Hagan set records at Arizona St. and in the Pac 10, most of which have been ecplipsed, but his draft stock fell after the Senior Bowl and combine. The Dolphins grabbed him because we needed receiver help and he was expected to be a contributor. But, poor Hagan had the drops in his first year and was never able to climb the depth chart and make an impact. 2007 brought a better opportunity with a coaching change and the trades of Wes Welker and later Chris Chambers. Still though, production was at a minimum. The third year is usually when it clicks for receivers but Hagan never got it going in 2008 and was lost amongst a below-avergage corps of pass catchers. He was released mid season.

I'm not sure third round picks can be busts, but this is pretty close. He was in the top 100 after all and the sixth receiver taken. Plus, it's not like he was stuck behind solid veterans and pro bowlers. Miami's receiving corps were awful in his years here and he still couldn't crack the starting lineup, save for one game. My final verdict is a definite miss and a mini-bust.

Notable WR still on the board include Brandon Marshall and Domenick Hixon

4th Round, # Overall: Joe Toledo, OL

A mid round picked was used here on an offensive tackle, but he started out playing some guard. Injuries plagued Joe however and he spent a good time on the PUP list. He was released following the 2007 season. This pick was a swing and a miss.

5th Round: Pick forfeited due to use in 2005 Supplemental Draft

We lost this pick due to the selection of the infamous Manuel Wright in the previous year's supplemental draft. You may remember Manny as being out of shape and crying after a Nick Saban verbal lashing. Predictably, he barely played and was released shortly after the Cam Cameron experience started. Another miss here.

7th Round, #212 Overall: Fred Evans, DT

He made the team but was mostly inactive. In the following season he was arrested for an off field incident and released shortly after. Miss.

7th Round, #226 Overall, Rodrique Wright, DT

Amazingly, this has been the best pick of this draft (which is not saying much). He fell in the draft because he had a bad rotator cuff and he missed all of 2006. He did make the 2007 Cam Cameron Dolphins and had a handful of starts. In 2008 he has survived but only as an inactive player. His prospects are similar for 2009 and he once again must fight to make the team. I guess this pick was a mini-hit. Seventh rounders usually don't make the team but he has survived, for now.

7th Round, #233 Overall, Devin Aromashodu, WR

Miami took a small gamble on a local kid and it didn't work out. Devin did not make the team in 2006. Miss.

Final Thoughts

I don't think much more explanation is needed for how awful this draft was. Only one tiny tick mark in the win column and huge amount on the other side. No gems were found, not even a consistent or fringe starter in the NFL. This is one of a several drafts this decade that set back the development of this team and was the major contributor towards the downfall of the franchise. This most definitely deserves and has earned an F-.

2009 Dolphins Draft Picks & Thoughts

1st Round, #25 Overall: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
As the first couple hours of the draft went on, I was really liking how things were shaping up. A couple teams made some reaches and when it was the Dolphins turn to pick, there was plenty of great options. I personally thought LB Rey Maualuga would be the pick because it just seemed a perfect fit for Parcells, but the brain trust decided to take someone who some considered a top ten talent and fit our greatest need. I have absolutely no problem with that. I thought Vontae Davis would be gone before #25 and because of that, hadn't thought much about him or if he would be a good fit. Most believe he is. He is a bigger corner who is physical, which not only fits the Parcells philosophy, but is needed in our division with so many great big physical receivers to tame.

The only concern that is popping up is character. I would understand why fans would be worried and confused as to why Parcells, who stresses character so much, would draft someone of even remotely questionable character. Well, this reminds me a bit about what the 'Canes used to do and what the Patriots still do. Once you create a good locker room filled with great character guys, you can take a chance on one or two questionable players because most likely, the good people will keep them in line. We also have hard ass coaches and Parcells himself to make sure he isn't too full of himself.

2nd Round, #44 Overall: Pat White, QB, West Virginia
Leading up to this pick, the name I was really hoping to keep falling was Everette Brown. He is a great pass rusher who I saw a lot as he is from Florida St. But, the Panthers snatched him up. Just before the selection was made, on the bottom of ESPN's screen was Mel Kiper's best available and I saw Pat White's name at six or eight and I thought, "Hmm, that'd be an interesting pick." And sure enough, it happened. I can't tell you how unexpectedly excited I was when I saw his name as the current selection. I did think some in the lead up to the draft about the possibility of having Pat and what he can bring to the wildcat, but once it was announced, the joy of imagining the possibilities multiplied by a factor of at least three.

It shows the team is committed to the wildcat formation. It shows they will stay creative in trying to move the ball and score points. The fact that the pick was high also suggests they were very intent on getting him, not just hoping it would work out. David Lee and Dan Henning have the best new toy they could have hoped for on draft day. On wildcat plays he can either receive the snap and be a true run-pass threat, or he can replace Pennington as the wideout and have to be accounted for as a run-receiving threat. And that's just scratching the surface. Remember last year the wildcat was built in a week and kept expanding. Now the coaching staff has an entire offseason and training camp to come up with stuff that can work and keep defenses on it's heels. Last year, wildcat plays were runs about 90% of the time. A big battle in improving the formation so it sticks around, is balancing the run-pass ratio. Pat White does that.

Also, don't put it past Pat White to be a starting quarterback at some point. He is the prototypical, won't take no for an answer, hard working winner. Mike Mayock (who is the best draft expert I'd say) loves him and was surprised by his arm strength and his accuracy.

2nd Round, #61 Overall: Sean Smith, CB, Utah
Miami traded down five spots here at the end of day one and ended up with it's best pick. Sean Smith is physical and even bigger than Vontae Davis at the cornerback spot. I heard multiple places before the draft saying we might take him with our first pick. Instead he's there in round two, and the trade with Indy netted us another fifth round choice of this year. I love the decision to take two corners in day one. Even the best of organizations don't hit on all their picks and this gives us a better chance at finding one great corner. If they both stick, then great, we have a corner tandem that may rival the Surtain-Madison duo we once had. Personally, I think Smith might wind up as the best pro from this draft class for us. I only saw him play a handful of times but was always impressed, especially in his final collegiate game, shutting down Julio Jones of Alabama (who could play in the NFL right now). He, like Davis, gives us a guy who when the ball is in the air, regardless of how good the coverage was, you feel will win the battle for the ball against the receiver. This was our biggest problem in the secondary. We could actually cover well, but that doesn't mean a damn thing if you let a receiver fight and win the ball anyways.

3rd Round, #87 Overall: Patrick Turner, WR, USC
This pick elicited many "WTF?!?" comments on Twitter and the message boards. Going receiver wasn't the issue, it was the certain receiver who was picked. Turner underachieved at USC, before turning in a good final year. Still he was a bit of a disappointment there as he was the top rated WR in the country coming out of high school. A peek at the experts big boards and position rankings says that there were better receivers out there and this was a reach. That's probably all true, but perhaps Patrick is the best fit for us. Again, it's a big physical player (notice a theme) and he provides a different skill set then our current corps of pass catchers. Our roster is loaded with smaller guys who do well in the slot and running short routes. Patrick Turner is probably going to attempt to be everything that Ernest Wilford wasn't. Sure he doesn't have great speed, but if he can run crisp routes and get a little bit of separation, you'll like his chances in an airial battle. Particularly, the Dolphins desparately need someone who is competent in the fade route. It takes more the height. It's about positioning and is a lot like grabbing a rebound in basketball. Hopefully he can provide this and other aspects at the the receiver position.

4th Round, #108 Overall: Brian Hartline, WR, Ohio St.
Again, this had many scratching their heads. I had a feeling they would double up on a position again, like they did with corners, but I didn't expect Hartline. He seems like one of those guys. He will never wow you or put up big numbers but he seems to always remind you that he's there. I know Michigan fans can attest to that. Plus, I know as much as I hate Ohio St., they have put plenty of receivers into the NFL and they have a good success rate. His calling card may be special teams as he apparently loves cracking guys on coverage units. To me this just seems very Parcells-like.

5th Round, #161 Overall: John Nalbone, TE, Monmouth
I was like 99% of the world, I have not heard of this guy. I know nothing about him. Picking a tight end though is probably smart because Anthony Fasano and David Martin are in the last year of their contract. It might also help if he can work in the H-back role and perhaps even fullback too. We'll see, this is a project.

5th Round, #165 Overall: Chris Clemons, FS, Clemson
More secondary help. He stands a good shot at making it because we don't have much depth at safety. He won't beat out the starters but as a late round pick if you can show promise and contribute on special teams then you will stick around.

6th Round, #181 Overall: Andrew Gardner, OT, Georgia Tech
Finally, a position in the trenches, a Parcells favorite has been taken. You can never have too much depth at offensive line. He was a great value as a shoulder injury probably cause his stock to fall.

7th Round, #214 Overall: J.D. Folsom, LB, Weber St.
Another small schools guy, another project, wait and see.

Things This Draft Has Taught Me

• The team likes it's pass rushing situation. There were plenty of good prospects for edge rushers in the 3-4 and the fact we didn't take one shows good faith in CFL import Cameron Wake or perhaps also an imminent signing of Jason Taylor. I've been a bit reserved about bringing JT back, but for a small money deal and him not being an every down player, it may be a good fit.
• Once again, Parcells and Co. have opted for off the radar receivers and hope they have something to prove, rather than using high draft picks or trades to acquire big name prima donnas who act bigger than the team. There were big names to get via trade or the first two rounds, but the team waited and hopefully these guys prove something because they certainly have a good shot.
• Fans are tough. Around the Web 2.0 I saw some harsh critics of the Dolphins' draft calling it horrible and predicting the team will be right back to it's losing ways. I'm not saying you have to love our draft, but doesn't a front office who instantly turns the 1-15 laughing stock into an 11-5 playoff team deserve a benefit of the doubt?
• John Beck is done as a Dolphin. I had high promise for Beck and I think he can still find his ways, but change of scenery is needed and soon will be granted. Good luck John, sorry you had to be drafted by Cam Cameron.
  

Draft Day

Well, it's here. It is NFL Draft Day. The party actually got started last night as you may well have heard by now, Matthew Stafford agreed to terms with the Detroit Lions and he is "The One." He gets nearly $42 million in guaranteed money and the full value of the six-year contract could reach $78 million after incentives. Here's a hint, it won't.

Anyway, it will be a strange draft day for me for two reasons. One, there will be no Miami Hurricanes drafted in the first round, day, and possibly entire draft. Usually, wondering where all the 'Canes would end up would keep me interested enough to watch 99% of the draft, but this year all I really get to care about are the Dolphins picks. This leads me to reason number two, Miami isn't picking in the top half of round one. That combined with the fact the draft now starts at 4:00 PM means there won't be much to wake me from a nap.

As for who I think the Dolphins should/will pick? Wide receiver and cornerback are obviously the two biggest needs but there's reason to believe they won't take either position in round one. Parcells doesn't like to draft receivers high (so no Percy Harvin, get it?), he believes you can get them anywhere. Plucking Davone Bess last year from the undrafted free agents probably furthers this belief. As for corners, I don't feel there is a big gap between players you can get in round one and players available in rounds three or four.

The USC linebacking troika are all potential picks. I really like Rey Maualuga, who is a beast from the ILB spo. But he seems the least likely to become a Dolphin because he will go earlier (Please move up and get him). Clay Matthews and Brian Cushing are possibilities but I'm not too keen on them. Both remind me of Channing Crowder (solid, but not many superlatives). We already have a Channing.

The last little category of guys who could be taken are the hybrid DE/OLB pass rushers. I'd love Everette Brown from FSU, but he'll be gone (Wouldn't mind moving up for him either). All the other names I've heard (Clint Sintim, Larry English, Aaron Maybin, Robert Ayers) seem good but may be a bit of a reach at #25. We maybe should gamble and hope one of them lasts to #44.

I'll have updates throughout the afternoon/evening depending on how the draft shakes out and maybe a post as soon as we acquire players.

2009 Miami Dolphins Schedule and Thoughts

Week	H/A	Opponent	Date	Time	TV
1	at	Atlanta Falcons	Sep. 13th	1:00 PM	CBS
2		Indianapolis Colts	Sep. 21st	8:30 PM	ESPN
3	at	San Diego Chargers	Sep. 27th	4:15 PM	CBS
4		Buffalo Bills	Oct. 4th	4:05 PM	CBS
5		New York Jets	Oct. 11th	8:30 PM	ESPN
6		Bye Week
7		New Orleans Saints	Oct. 25th	4:15 PM	FOX
8	at	New York Jets	Nov. 1st	1:00 PM	CBS
9	at	New England Patriots	Nov. 8th	1:00 PM	CBS
10		Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Nov. 15th	1:00 PM	FOX
11	at	Carolina Panthers	Nov. 19th	8:20 PM	NFLN
12	at	Buffalo Bills	Nov. 29th	1:00 PM	CBS
13		New England Patriots	Dec. 6th	8:20 PM	NBC
14	at	Jacksonville Jaguars	Dec. 13th	1:00 PM	CBS
15	at	Tennessee Titans	Dec. 20th	1:00 PM	CBS
16		Houston Texans	Dec. 27th	1:00 PM	CBS
17		Pittsburgh Steelers	Jan. 3rd	1:00 PM	CBS

Prime Time Games

Miami was given much more respect than I thought as they are scheduled for four national telecasts this year. There are two early season games on Monday Night Football on ESPN, a tough Thursday nighter at Carolina in November on the NFL Network (Good luck Comcast subscribers!) and probably the most intriguing game on the slate, an early December home affair with the Patriots on NBC's Sunday Night Football.

No Weather Concerns

The first thing a lot of Dolphins fans want to know is the prospects for cold and bad weather games late in the year. Last year Miami had to travel to frigid Kansas City and New York to close the year and remarkably reversed the trend. This year it would seem much easier. The only road games in December are early in the month and in southern cities Jacksonville and Nashville. The late November game in Buffalo is probably the best chance to get a game where weather and conditions will be a factor.

On the flip side, one advantage for the team is playing in the tough heat and humidity early in the year, but that will be absent this year. All of the September and October home games are in the 4:00 PM window or a night contest. I think this is a fair trade for avoiding the cold weather and to be honest, the heat advantage has been dwindling in recent years.

Quick Hits

• Once again, a fast start seems like a must. The first seven weeks has four home games and a bye week.
• I'm not a fan of the midweek games. You really have to prepare for two games in one week but I guess it's still an equal playing field. Plus you could view it as a mini bye week after that game if things go well.
• I know a lot of people are talking about the toughest schedules and how Miami's is statistically the hardest but I'm not worried about it for several reasons. One, the teams in our division have nearly the same schedule with the exception of two games. Two, last year Pittsburgh had the toughest schedule and they sis pretty well. Baltimore had a tough schedule, nobody expected much out of them, and they did well too. No matter what the schedule is, if you are good, then you will prove it. Finally, after the easiness our schedule proved to be last year, it's only fair that things are much more difficult this year.

We Interrupt This Hibernation

What could be so important that I've awakened from a two month slumber to post about?

The NFL Schedule is being released tomorrow!

I'll be sure to post immediately after it's release all of my way too early thoughts that promises to be better than last year's hard-hitting analysis. The only thing that is remotely interesting is whether the Dolphins will return to prime time after last year's absence. My prediction? Yes, but just once.

The NFL Draft is in 12 days!

It just doesn't have the same anticipation when you aren't picking first and need to hit on a lot of picks to instantly improve your team. Also, at this time last year the Dolphins pick was basically narrowed down to between 3-5 players. This year, I swear I have seen at least 10 players going to the Dolphins in mock drafts and it's possible the actual pick could be someone completely unexpected.

Part of the reasons I haven't been writing is because a lot of my time is going to coauthoring a new Marlins blog. Please check it out.