SB Nation - Lionel Dotson

Final Roster Predictions

Matty I — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 23:30:35 -0000

After a long, grueling training camp and preseason, some players will no longer be Miami Dolphins as of 4 pm eastern on Saturday. The Dolphins went into Thursday's preseason finale with 66 players on their roster. They must be down to 53 players by the 4 pm deadline.

Below is my final roster prediction. I've included some explanations after my prediction. Check it out and then tell us your final predictions.

	1st Team	2nd Team	3rd Team
QB	Chad Pennington	Chad Henne	Pat White
RB	Ronnie Brown	Ricky Williams	Patrick Cobbs
FB	Lousaka Polite
WR	Ted Ginn	Greg Camarillo	Brandon London
WR	Davone Bess	Brian Hartline	Patrick Turner
TE	Anthony Fasano	David Martin	John Nalbone
LT	Jake Long	Andrew Gardner
LG	Justin Smiley	Brandon Frye
C	Jake Grove	Joe Berger
RG	Donald Thomas	Shawn Murphy
RT	Vernon Carey
	1st Team	2nd Team	3rd Team
DE	Kendall Langford	Tony McDaniel
NT	Jason Ferguson	Paul Soliai
DE	Randy Starks	Phillip Merling	Lionel Dotson
SOLB	Jason Taylor	Charlie Anderson	Quentin Moses
ILB	Channing Crowder	Reggie Torbor
ILB	Akin Ayodele
WOLB	Joey Porter	Cameron Wake	Erik Walden
CB	Will Allen	Vontae Davis	Jason Allen
CB	Sean Smith	Nathan Jones
S	Yeremiah Bell	Chris Clemons
S	Gibril Wilson	Tyrone Culver
	1st Team	2nd Team	3rd Team
K	Dan Carpenter
P	Brandon Fields
LS	John Denney

PUP: Matt Roth
Last 5 On: Brandon London, Erik Walden, John Nalbone, Brandon Frye, Quentin Moses
First 5 Off: Lex Hilliard, William Kershaw, Joey Haynos, Courtney Bryan, Nate Garner

Quick explanations:

The final roster spot, for me, came down to Brandon London, Lex Hilliard, and William Kershaw. But I think Kershaw could still make the team if the Dolphins decide to only keep five outside linebackers as opposed to six - possibly in place of Erik Walden or Quentin Moses. I think they'll try to sneak Hilliard onto the practice squad. The bottom line is that London is more valuable in terms of the number of plays he sees on gameday because of special teams. Although, truth be told, regardless of if it's London or Hilliard, I'm not sure either is a lock to be active on gameday.
I'm confident that the Dolphins will keep three tight ends. Some think David Martin could be a surprise cut, but he's still head and shoulders better than either John Nalbone or Joey Haynos. With the number of two TE sets Dan Henning uses, I don't see why the Dolphins would need to cut Martin. You could see the Dolphins keep Haynos over Nalbone, though - which would mean Nalbone is a prime practice squad candidate. But I also wouldn't be shocked to see another team (Kansas City or Cincinnati, for example) poach Nalbone off wiavers. Both teams have a need at tight end. I wouldn't even take the risk, if I were the Dolphins - which is why Nalbone is on my final 53.
I think Dotson has shown enough to earn a roster spot. But barring injury, he's likely going to be inactive on most gamedays.
I wouldn't be shocked if the Dolphins decided to waive Andrew Gardner in favor of Nate Garner. If that's the case, the Dolphins would obviously hope to get Gardner on the practice squad.
If I had to come up with a list of possible practice squad candidates based on my 53-man roster prediction above, I'd say J.D. Folsom and Lex Hilliard would be locks. Mark Lewis and James Robinson would be other possibilities. And I'd expect the Dolphins to go outside the organization for other potential guys.

Dolphins Training Camp, Day Three: Things getting a little chippy

Matty I — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 04:15:08 -0000

The Dolphins are now three days (and five practices) into their 2009 training camp - and tempers finally flared up. It's only a matter of time until these minor incidents happen. And that time came on Tuesday.

There were two practices today and most of the day's key information is below. One thing I won't bring up again is the Matt Roth situation. That's because there's nothing new to discuss at this point. You can click here for the latest on his saga - which will now be dubbed as "Groin-Gate."

THINGS ARE GETTING CHIPPY
For the first time during the '09 training camp, tempers flared a bit on Tuesday and some players got into minor scuffles. The most notable of the scuffles was between two starters - Channing Crowder and Shawn Murphy. All they did was exchange some words and a few shoves. But that's still something, I suppose.

Later in practice, Tearrius George and Nate Garner got involved with each other. This one seems like it was a little more violent, with George actually shoving Garner hard enough to nearly knock the big man off his feet.

But there was also some physical play involving football as well. Jason Allen hammered Patrick Cobbs and caused a fumble, knocking Cobbs to the ground. Will Billingsley took out receiver Chris Williams as he attempted to run an out. And Akin Ayodele laid out Ricky Williams.

Vontae Davis also committed an obvious facemask on Ted Ginn during a punt return drill and, according to the Palm Beach Post, "acted as if he didn't want to let go."

Afterwards, Crowder spoke about the "chippiness" that took place on Wednesday:

"Just goofier people. Training camp is training camp. I don’t know why they’re falling down. Usually the same guys fall down because they’re sloppy and they didn’t maintain their weight their whole life. ... Overweight guys - their legs get tired and they start grabbing you and pulling you to the ground and laying on your legs and taking little leg pushes because they’re mad I’m sexy. I don’t care. They get upset and start pushing. You’ll get a little slap, a little extra shove, but it's no big deal. We all love each other."

You got to love Channing and his explanation, right?

In all seriousness, though, this is no big deal. If anything, it's nice to see on occasion. Many of these guys on the field are playing for their starting jobs or their roster spots. Things are going to get heated every once in a while. In fact, I'd say it's a good sign - assuming these things don't occur regularly. I just think it's already getting to that point where these guys want to play "real" football and hit somebody. For them, just like us, August 17 cannot get here soon enough.

PASSING GAME GETTING IN SYNC
Generally, when camp begins, the defense is always ahead of the offense. Some will say that's because of the "chemistry" that has to develop on offense. I think it's more accurate to say the timing between the quarterbacks and receivers has to materialize. Five practices in and it's starting to look like that is beginning to happen.

The morning practice was highlighted by two catches. One saw Ted Ginn make a fingertip catch in the back of the endzone on a ball thrown by Chad Pennington. The other was courtesy of Brian Hartline, who made a leaping catch over fellow rookie Sean Smith - also on a ball thrown by CP.

But that was just the tip of the iceberg. Brandon London had another solid day, making a number of catches. He also got by Eric Green by "several steps" - according to one report - but the pass from Pat White was underthrown.

Ted Ginn also continues to impress onlookers with his route running. The Sun-Sentinel's Omar Kelly said Ginn "was running really crisp routes and getting open." He even beat Will Allen, who has been outstanding so far, on a 40 yard post - but just couldn't make the catch. However, hands were never Ginn's problem. Getting open consistently has been - and Ginn seems to have improved in that area.

Meanwhile Greg Camarillo and Davone Bess continue to be their steady selves. Camarillo showed how crisp route-running can be enough to beat a faster cornerback when he beat Vontae Davis on a crisp out route. The best compliement for Camarillo on Tuesday came from Armando Salguero, who wrote:

Brian Hartline had a drop during team drills while Greg Camarillo (old faithful) continues to make himself available for Pennington whenever the QB is in trouble. If Pennington is out of the pocket, he's looking for Camarillo. I would not be surprised -- and neither should you -- if after all the talk of Ted Ginn and Patrick Turner this offseason, it is Camarillo that leads the team in receptions.

Bess has seen most of his work as the slot receiver with Ginn and Camarillo on the outside. I suspect that's how he'll be used most. People like to group Camarillo in with Bess by referring to both as good slot receivers. But Camarillo is 6'1 and much more versatile than Bess. His lack of great height is made up for by his quickness and reliable hands - making him ideal for the slot. Greg, on the other hand, has the route-running ability to work the middle of the field - but also possesses the height and play-making ability to work the outside.

And just on a side note, Anthony Armstrong remains rather quiet now after five practices. I know many of you were on his bandwagon. But in another week or so, if he doesn't flash at all, you might want to find another wagon to ride.

QUICK HITS
Lots of other tidbits from camp on Tuesday:

Ronnie Brown has looked "fast and powerful" while Ricky Williams might be in the best shape of his career. While I love Ricky and all, I must say I hope Brown gets more touches than last season.
There's hasn't been too much on the play of Chad Pennington and Chad Henne - at least compared to the play-by-play we've received in years past about the QBs. I'd imagine that's because we know what we're going t o get from CP and we'll get to see a lot of Henne in the preseason.
Will Allen has been getting praised by the media since camp began and he already has three interceptions. And Tony Sparano on Tuesday confirmed that Allen has been impressive, saying "he's looked very sharp."
Sean Smith and Vontae Davis both seem to have their positive moments every practice session. But Eric Green is still keeping his hold on the starting job - for now. Look for the rookies to get a shot to work with the starters by next week. I'm not saying they'll stick with the starters - but they'll get their chance.
Haven't heard Anthony Fasano's name much until today. The PBP said "Fasano has looked good all week."
Tony McDaniel got some work today with the first team defense at defensive end. Meanwhile, Randy Starks remains working with the second team. But I'd imagine it's only a matter of time until he gets rotated in with the starters for a practice.
Shawn Murphy continues to hold down the starting RG spot. That's now five practices in a row for the youngster.
Lionel Dotson got "excellent push up the middle a number of times" according to the PBP.
Pat White looks better than he did during OTAs - but still has a long way to go according to most reports.
Jason Allen had a nice pass breakup on a throw intended for Anthony Armstrong. But a few plays later, according to the Sun-Sentinel, Allen was beat deep by Chris Williams.

UP NEXT
Just one practice tomorrow, scheduled for 2 pm. Tony Sparano also announced that Saturday's practice would feature a "stand-up scrimmage" that will last between 90 and 115 plays. He hopes to see the stands filled like last weekend. So get out there if you can this weekend.

Miami Dolphins Training Camp Primer: How will the defensive line shape up?

Matty I — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 04:15:08 -0000

Phillip Merling will be asked to step up and fill the void left by the release of Vonnie Holliday.

View full size photo »

So far we've looked at the receiver position and the tight end position in our 2009 training camp primers. Today we'll flip to the defensive side of the ball for the first time and focus our attention on the defensive line.

Despite the large number of defensive linemen currently on the roster and the mix of veterans and rookies that make up the defensive line at the moment, I think that how the position will shape up entering the regular season is as cut and dry as any position on the team. There probably won't be too many surprises when all is said and done.

THE QUICK BREAKDOWN

Virtual locks to make the roster: Kendall Langford, Phillip Merling, Jason Ferguson
Likely to make roster: Randy Starks, Paul Soliai
On the bubble: Tony McDaniel, Lionel Dotson, Rodrique Wright
Long shots: Ryan Baker, Joe Cohen, Louis Ellis

THE QUESTIONS

Much of the attention on the Dolphins' defensive line during camp will be focused on two players. One is second-year defensive end Phillip Merling. Merling will be asked to replace Vonnie Holliday in the starting lineup at defensive end opposite fellow second-year end Kendall Langford. Merling showed some flashes last year as the top backup at defensive end. But consistency was reportedly the main issue with him. In particular, he didn't practice as well as he played - and that explain why he disappeared at times on gameday. Will Merling effectively take the next step and up his performance to a new level as he replaces the effective veteran as a starter?

The other player who will have the heat on him is nose tackle Paul Soliai. We all know that the 3-4 defense doesn't work without effective play from the nose. Jason Ferguson is still a very good player and does his job well. But he's got a lot of mileage on his body. He'll need to be rested more in 2009. There's also always a higher risk of injury with an aging defensive lineman. Can Soliai step up this year and prove he's a capable alternative to Ferguson at the nose?

THE NUMBERS GAME

Last year, the Dolphins carried eight defensive linemen into the regular season. Six of them were defensive ends and two were nose tackles. I'd expect a similar breakdown this year once the final 53-man roster is set. Like I said above, Langford, Merling, and Ferguson are locks. All three are penciled in to be starters. Merling could play his way out of a starting role with a bad camp. But the other two are probably locked in to their starting roles.

This leaves potentially five roster spots for reserves. At least one will go to a nose tackle. Tony McDaniel, who the Dolphins acquired from the Jaguars in a trade this past offseason, could potentially play both nose tackle and defensive end. His versatility could mean the Dolphins aren't necessarily locked into the previously described 6:2 defensive end to nose tackle ratio.

Also note that the Dolphins tended to dress six defensive linemen on gameday and leave two inactive. Four of the active defensive linemen were ends and two were nose tackles. Again, McDaniel's potential versatility could make their 45-man gameday roster more flexible if Tony can impress the coaches and make the team.

WHERE DOES THAT LEAVE US?

Everything above basically means that we have eight players fighting for just five roster spots. But like I said at the beginning, I don't expect too many surprises from this unit in terms of which five reserves make the roster and which three fall short. Perhaps Joe Cohen or Louis Ellis could surprise and win the backup nose tackle job. But more realistically, those two young potential nose tackles could be battling each other for one practice squad spot.

The interesting storyline to watch in terms of the five reserve linemen will be how they position themselves within the defensive line rotation. With Phillip Merling moving from top reserve linemen to starter, the role of top reserve will be open to battle. Randy Starks, Tony McDaniel, and Lionel Dotson will likely all be fighting it out.

Rodrique Wright is entering what is likely his final chance to prove his worth to this regime once camp begins. He spent the 2008 season on the 53-man roster but was inactive for all 16 regular season games. As it stands now, he's probably the eighth defensive linemen on the depth chart. But we know that this regime is not afraid to constantly turn over the bottom portion of the roster - meaning Wright's time in Miami could definitely be winding down.

THE KEY BATTLE

I quickly touched on it above, but I wanted to focus on it here. I think the key battle among defensive linemen will be the battle to take Merling's old role as the top reserve at end. Randy Starks probably enters camp as the favorite. He received a lot of playing time off the bench himself last season and is a very versatile player. He could line up at defensive end or defensive tackle depending on if the Dolphins use three or four down linemen. He even played a little nose last season.

Lionel Dotson will certainly be in the mix for this role as well. He spent all of his rookie season last year on the 53-man roster, but was inactive for 14 of the team's 16 regular season games. However, it's believed that the coaching staff really likes this kid. It's also been reported that some of Miami's offensive linemen that had to face Dotson in practice day in and day out last year said he had the best pass-rushing moves among all of the defensive ends.

Tony McDaniel will the the third player in the battle to be the primary backup at defensive end. He's a massive man - measuring in at 6'7, 305 pounds. He's got long arms and the kind of frame that is well suited for the defensive end position in a 3-4. But he'll also get some looks at nose tackle as well. He's also converting from spending most of his time in a 4-3 defense, so he'll need time to adapt. But certainly don't count him out. He'll be in line for some role within Miami's rotation.

THE PREDICTION

Merling, Langford, and Ferguson are all safe. Despite his potential legal trouble, Starks is probably safe as well. Soliai needs to show improved conditioning - but it seems like he is probably going to make the team. I'd also say both Dotson and McDaniel will make the roster, though I'm not sure who will be ahead of the other. Right now, Wright probably eeks out that final roster spot along the defensive front. But like I said, it wouldn't be surprising if the eighth defensive linemen heading into the regular season isn't even on the team yet.

Dolphins Depth Chart - A way to break down Miami's needs

Matty I — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 05:15:08 -0000

While free agency is still in full swing, I'm not holding my breath for another big signing. This front office has spent a lot of money already this offseason and I think they're going to turn their attention to the draft now.

With that in mind, the best way to quickly examine the entire roster and identify the Dolphins' biggest needs is to create a "mock depth chart." So that's what I've done.

The full depth chart can be found below (after the jump), mainly because it would take up too much room on the front page. So take a look at it and then tell us all what you feel are this team's most glaring needs.

	1st Team	2nd Team	3rd Team	4th Team
QB	C. Pennington	C. Henne	J. Beck
RB	R. Brown	R. Williams	P. Cobbs	L. Hilliard
FB	L. Polite	C. Brown
WR	T. Ginn	B. London	E. Wilford	T. Lowber
WR	G. Camarillo	D. Bess	A. Armstrong
TE	A. Fasano	D. Martin	J. Haynos
LT	J. Long
LG	J. Smiley	J. Berger	S. Murphy
C	J. Grove	S. Satele
RG	D. Thomas	I. Ndukwe	A. Alleman
RT	V. Carey	B. Frye	N. Garner
	1st Team	2nd Team	3rd Team	4th Team
DE	K. Langford	L. Dotson
NT	J. Ferguson	P. Soliai	J. Cohen
DE	P. Merling	R. Starks	R. Wright
OLB	M. Roth	Q. Moses	E. Walden	T. George
ILB	C. Crowder	R. Torbor
ILB	A. Ayodele	W. Kershaw
OLB	J. Porter	C. Wake	C. Anderson
CB	W. Allen	J. Thomas	S. Babers
CB	J. Allen	N. Jones	W. Billingsley
FS	G. Wilson	C. Bryan	E. Kilmer
SS	Y. Bell	T. Culver

Here's what I take from examining the very "rough" depth chart above:

Cornerback is probably this team's most glaring hole right now. And Will Allen is a free agent following the '09 season. Right now, I'd be shocked if the Dolphins didn't spend a first day pick on a corner.
Inside linebacker definitely needs at least a "depth" addition. Reggie Torbor was unimpressive filling in for Crowder against KC last year and William Kershaw is nothing more than a very good special teams player. The thought of Kershaw having to see time at linebacker scares me.
Assuming Donald Thomas and Justin Smiley both can make it back from injury (Thomas will definitely be ready; and the early reports are good on Smiley - but his injury was a serious one), the Dolphins are suddenly deep along the interior offensive line. Samson Satele could probably play guard if needed - and we might see him work there during camp - and Andy Alleman and Ike Ndukwe each have quality starting experience. But a solid backup tackle is needed - and I'd look for the Fins to spend a day two draft pick on a tackle to develop behind Carey and Long. The good thing, of course, is that Carey can swing to LT if he Long ever got hurt (yes - I'm knocking on wood).
Miami's defensive ends are young. But if Lionel Dotson proves to be a solid backup, this will be a very promising unit.
I don't trust Paul Soliai - and nobody else probably does, either. A young NT is a need.

Dolphins to release Vonnie Holliday

Matty I — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:16:44 -0000

The Miami Herald is reporting that the Dolphins are expected to release defensive end Vonnie Holliday today.

According to Holliday's agent, the Dolphins offered Vonnie an opportunity to renegotiate his contract. But Vonnie and his agent declined the offer.

Brian Levy, Holliday's agent, told the Herald:

"He enjoyed his time here. He did everything asked of him and he can leave with his head held high. This is a business. Players leave teams and teams leave players. It's an amicable split. He's happy to have left the Dolphins on a winning note."

We debated a few weeks ago about whether or not it was a good idea to release Holliday - a locker room leader and total class act - just to save some money against the cap. As it turns out, the trifecta valued the cap room more than Vonnie's play on the field and leadership off of it.

While the Herald's report claims the move will save the Dolphins $2.8 million in cap room in 2009, it actually saves Miami $3.25 million. [Update: The Herald has corrected their mistake and now are reporting the same cap savings as I am...so thanks for reading, Mr. Salguero, but I'd appreciate a "hat tip."] How? Here's how. The Dolphins are on the books now for Vonnie's remaining prorated bonus money that has already been paid to him - which was $1.25 million per year remaining on his deal. There were two years left, so that's $2.5 million. If Holliday remained a Dolphin, the Dolphins would have been on the books for his $2.8 million salary, the $1.25 million prorated bonus, a $1.5 million roste bonus due March 3, and a $200,000 workout bonus. All in total, that's $5.75 million. So the Dolphins reduced their cap hit in 2009 from $5.75 to $2.5 - saving $3.25 million.

What this means in terms of personnel is that the Dolphins are now going to be counting more on 2nd year players Kendall Langford and Phillip Merling. Randy Starks will also see an increased role. Look for the starting job to be a battle between Merling and Starks in camp.

And don't forget about 2nd year player Lionel Dotson. There are some rumblings that this regime really likes Dotson. And at 6'4, 290, he has the size this regime likes. So keep an eye on this kid.

As far as Holliday, he'll definitely have no problem finding a job. Like I said, he's a total class act and a locker room leader - as well as a solid football player on the field.

So thank you, Mr. Holliday, for all you have done for this team. You were an important part of last season's magical run and all Dolphin fans know that!

Jeff Ireland's official comments on the release of Holliday have been added below.

(Hat tip to FinzD54 for his fanpost)

"These types of decisions are always difficult ones, especially with someone like Vonnie, who has been a role model both on the field and off it. He was one of our captains last year and was a proven leader, not just in his tenure with the Dolphins, but throughout his 11-year career. We are grateful for all his contributions to the Miami Dolphins organization and we want to wish him and his family the best of luck in the future."