Tony Sparano

First of all the release of Tony Sparano is one year over due. I wrote he should be fired last year here. He was a nice guy but his coaching was horrible. I do admire him for keep the team together through the 0-7 start. Some of that had to do with the vets but Sparano did play a key role into keeping the team together. So for all my hate I do give him that prop. Good guy? Yes. Bad coach? yes....

Ireland

As you seen last year I wanted to give Ireland one more chance. As of now, I'm 30% in favor of keeping him. His first draft without Parcells was...solid. But Ireland still thought Henne was the QB of the future and didn't draft a QB. So my main concern is can Ireland see QB talent? Also would he have the balls to trade up and get his QB? I get the feeling Ireland doesn't have the eye to spot a franchise QB and doesn't have the balls to trade up for one he likes; Especially, in the first round. So while Ireland did have a solid draft I'm leaning more to letting him go. If we hire an experienced head coach I say we fire Ireland. If we hire an inexperienced head coach I may lean to keeping him.

Experienced head coach

Gruden = Hell No. Chucky is clueless now.

Fisher = NO!!!! He WAS a good coach but he's lost "IT". However, I think he has the best chance of being our next head coach :-(

Cowher = Yes please! I think his style of play and coaching would still be relevant. Now the question is does he miss the sidelines? My prediction is he retains his TV gig.

Inexperienced head coaches

Joe Philbin, Green bay Offensive coordinator.

Pete Carmichael, Saints offensive coordinator.

Jay Gruden, Cincinnati Bengal offensive coordinator working with rookie QB Andy Dalton.

I'm in favor of going after one of these guys if Cowher says no.

Steven Ross

I think he learned a lesson last year with the Harbaugh thing. (don't you wish we had Jim now?) That lesson is not to wait and go after the coach you like as soon as possible. He will "interview" Bowels and get the minority red tape out the way....

QB class

This looks to be an stronger class than last year. We know Luck is going to the Colts so most here want RGIII bad. Wet dream bad. But I don't think RGIII will be on the broad when we pick....

QB

Henne- played better this year but our defense sucked during that time and WR's couldn't catch his passes. Regardless, Henne should be traded or used as the 3rd qb in camp encase of injury..

Moore- Is good when everything is good. But when things fall apart he falls apart. He doesn't look like the most durable player either.

I have no problem starting a top 10 rookie QB over these two. But I'm also fine with grooming a QB behind Moore if need be

WR

I wish we had a clutch player...None of our WR's are clutch.

Oline

Colombo sucksssss, Cary sucks. Both need to go.

Secondary

Our CB's aren't great despite what they say. They are ok but we could use an upgrade. We also need a brain/communicator at FS. I think that hurts us the most on defense.

Zach Thomas should scout for us. Make this happen. Who was the best in the film room???

Now I leave with this quote "luck means a lot in football. Not having a good quarterback is bad luck" Don Shula.

Let's do this the right way this time. That's draft a first round QB

As the lockout drags on I can't help but think it will benefit one player, Chad Henne. If you pay attention to me, you know I think Chad Henne has the slimmest chance of becoming a real starting QB(he's a big project that starts). I've pointed out the seemingly endless issues he has in his game.This list is too long to write, so I'll just say he's good against the blitz which is probably his only strength at this time. The lockout has lead to the private player practices and it's a unique situation that may actually help him turn the corner.

My first and main issue with Henne was his lack of leadership. All good and great QB's are leaders. There are no exemptions to this rule. Unfortunately, Henne never took this role in Miami so the coaches(teammates***) never put the captain badge on him. They wanted him to prove he was a leader before slapping that badge on him and not just give it to him. This lockout has benefited Henne because it forced him into a leadership role at the private player workouts. Now he's finally learning what it takes to lead men and that in itself will go a long way on his path to being a good QB. .....Just a quick side note I don't believe the starting receivers are regulars at these workouts. It is selfish and they need to have their QB's back even if they don't like him.

Last year we heard that one of the main problems was communication. There simply was no chemistry on that offense. These intimate workouts give players the chance to get on the same page and scrutinize each other. The players get the chance to communicate to each other what they were thinking at that point in time and not later in a film room. I actually like this a lot. In the presences of coaches a player will say what he's expected to say, but in the presences of players he will say what he's actually thinking. This is likely the best feedback Henne has ever received from teammates. This doesn't only help Henne, it helps all the players, especially the Oline. I think player only workouts are a great idea and that the team should have these once a week during the season. In fact, I think it played a giant role in 2008 when Pennington organized some player only workouts.    

Another benefit is that the giant pressure the coaches put on Henne doesn't exist at these workouts. While Henne doesn't show he's effect by pressure he feels it. These workouts let Henne make his mistakes without fear. Pressure can kill a developing QB goals because it causes them to second guess. And I believe Henne second guesses in games which leads to his slow decisions. It's one of my reason I think he's a between the 20 QB. Therefore the pressure of avoiding the mistake might caused his slow decisions. So getting the chance of learning from his mistakes without pressure may help him digest and process information faster ultimately making him a faster decision maker.. 

If this was a regular offseason I would give him NO chance of ever being a good QB in Miami. But since it isn't, I think there's actually a chance of him turning the corner. These player only workouts may be just what he needed. I just hope someone is watching his mechanics like a DE reminding him to keep the release point high. In the end he'll get his chance to prove people right or wrong and the lockout may play a big role in it.

lets start with the bad.

1. The big problem here is a team should at least take one play-maker in the first two rounds of every draft. With no second rounder its becomes ok if you have to reach for one. There will be a player in the second round that during the season we would say wow that guy would of done wonders for us if he were on our team. So reaching for a play-maker when there are none ranked where you're going to pick isn't a bad thing. (when you can't trade down). You're stuck between a rock and a hard place.

2. I also think Tony and Ireland underestimated their Oline just like they did the Dline last year. When we picked Ordrick I was sure he was going to be a NT because I thought we were looking good at DE despite losing Merling. I thought Tony McDaniel was a good player and as it turned out he had the most plays on our Dline. (I will miss him. Big mistake letting him walk) This year I thought our starting Oline looked good when healthy (Jerry has a lil bit of growing to do but he was showing progress). When we saw Incognito play C last year (after the bears game) the line looked dramatically better than it did with Berger. Even with backups around Incognito. THAT was the key to the puzzle. With Gardner coming back, Jerry growing, and Incognito showing us he can play center we did not need a first round Oline player. I even remember an announcer saying he couldn't believe the answer to our oline was just moving Incognito to center when he saw our line made big strides with Incognito at center. There seemed to be more problems on the line but there really wasn't. Our existing starters could of handle the job when put into the right spots. We just needed some good depth which could of been found in later rounds. 

The Good:

1 While I hated the pick because we should of got a difference maker I don't hate the player. HE will be good and help anchor our line for years to come. His Identical Twin brother made it to the pro bowl in his rookie season. This Pouncey has that same ability. He just needs some good coaching like his brother received. In the end we got a great safe player. I just hope the play him at Guard. He's better in space than Incognito.

2 We passed on Ryan Mallett. Yea the rewards are high and I like what he can do on the field. But 32 teams had a shot at him and 10 needed a QB. Obviously his off the field issues are a giant concern. Otherwise the best pure passer wouldn't of fell out of the 1st round. Remember teams have psychologist studying these players. There are problems in his noggin.   

As for the rest of the draft lets just hope we get some speed and Ireland doesn't continue the tradition of slow. We need it badly. and maybe a good QB project to.

So Last year I posted a fan post of the players I liked in that draft. I also asked who you were your favorites. So It's time to do so again. If you wish you can take a look back of my picks and yours if you commented on that post look here. This is not really a debate, It's just who I like. Post your favorite prospects in the comment section. My list will start off with players that should be available at 15. Newton is my Favorite but he should be long gone by then. He gets the honorable mention though. This will be a offense intensive list but I'll throw in a couple D guys at the end. Click on the names of players for video/"tape" of the player if you wish. All clips are from Youtube. If you find the music associated with the videos offensive mute it.

QB's

1. Ryan Mallett. If Ireland is sure he will commit to the team and position he will be worth the 15 overall pick. That was their job to figure out. He has the skill to be a franchise QB. QB Mobility is over blown. Pocket awareness is what you are looking for and it has been proven on here he has that ability. His talent is worth the 15 pick but could be gone before 15. I know what the "MOCKS" say but mocks and reality are two different things. 

2. Christian Ponder. He can come in and play day 1. Brains/knowledge of the pro system is why I say that. He is worth the 15 if Mallett isn't there (or Ireland concluded Mallett personality is too much of a risk) and we can't trade down.

QB sleepers

1. TJ Yates  read the description under the video click "show more"..shh

2. Ricky Stanzi

3. Scott Tolzien. ....lol here's the highlight. Not a big arm but he is insanely accurate, better accuracy than Mr Andrew Luck.

At least one of those three will eventually become a franchise QB.

RB's

1. Mark Ingram. Is he worth the 15 overall pick? IMO No. But a trade down to the 20's makes him look irresistible if he's still on the board

2. Ryan Williams You may be able to use your Ricky Williams Jersey for him.

3. Kendall Hunter

4. Roy Helu

5. Derrick Locke. Tons of game speed and can block even though he is small. There are no good clips of him but give him space and he's gone.

6. Noel Devine. Small and not much of a blocker, but he is dynamic and worth a late round pick.

WR's

1 Leonard Hankerson

2 Jonathan Baldwin

We MAY need to target one of those two pending the "Marshall Matters". Both have size and big play ability.

3. Edmund Gates

4. Aldrick Robinson

TE's

1 D.J. Williams

2 Lance Kendricks

3 Rob Housler

No Video for O linemen. It's too exciting to watch.

OG

1 Benjamin Ijalana

2 Clint Boling

3 John Moffitt

4 Rodney Hudson 

Tackles

1 Gabe Carimi

2 Derek Sherrod

3 Jah Reid

4 Lee Ziemba (position switch)

Centers

1 Stefen Wisniewski


 
Defense

1. Kenrick Ellis, DT

2 JJ Watt DE I know we are deep at DE. But this guy gives me nightmares....He may be the reason a team trades up with us .

3 Dontay Moch OLB

4 Colin McCarty ILB

5 Akeem Dent ILB: No video.

So who are your faves? .....Oh and get your popcorn ready.

Hello guys/gals. Dolphin fan here. I think Niner Nation has insightful fans so I just wanted to get your opinion of this QB class. I believe your team is looking for a starter like mine (Or at least someone to compete with our current starter). So I'm sure you guys have been discussing this QB class. I'll share my thoughts and also give my opinion of the general consensus of Phinsider of this QB class. And I would like your feedback.

Gabbert

Me - I don't like him at all. He ran a gimmicky offense. He's a one year wonder that struggled with accuracy. It did get better at the end, but his mechanics are bad. His footwork also needs a lot of work and he has poor pocket presence. I think he needs to be on the bench if he's going to make it in the league for at least 2 years.

Phinsider- I think most like him because he has tremendous upside. But we don't talk about drafting him because he out of our reach (15th pick).

Newton

Me- I Love Newton and he could fall. But I think he brings a lot to the table. He has good mechanics despite what some say. Take a look for yourself. It's a tight motion, fast, accurate, and the ball comes out high. It is a little funky but those are four things you want form a mechanical stand point. His footwork is bad. However, he's shown he can improve it. I think that's why his accuracy improved last season. But there's still lots of work left to be done there. (I would take bad foot work over throwing mechanics any day) People think he is a scrambling QB (giving up on the pass to run), but that is a myth. He mostly ran on designed scrambles and passed when he was asked to.

Phinsder- 50/50 love/hate. No shade of grey.

Mallett

I don't like Mallett. It's not because of his question marks off the field. We know they could be rumors so I don't take that into account. While he can make some brilliant deep passes I don't see anything else beside is height to make me like him. He has a high completion percentage but with poor ball placement especially in short to medium ranges. That will kill YAC. He can make all the throws and has good foot work. BUT, it's a different story when facing pressure. He's basically a super hot chick with std's. 

Phinsider- The majority love him because he is showing up big time on the path to the draft. Pro days, combine, whatever. But none feature a 300 lb-er trying to absorb him.  

Locker

I hate him. One word: accuracy. 55.4 his senior year. That's awful.

Phinsider. Most don't like him. Some say he played on a bad team which killed his completion ratio. But I'm not buying that after the senior bowl practices. 

Ponder

Love him. He is great at almost everything so I'll talk about the negatives. He stares down his receivers but he showed improvement last year. He needs to work on developing better pocket presence, but that to has showed improvement. He doesn't have the strongest arm but he has enough to make it in this league. He's isn't sacred of taking the hit to make the pass and that adds to his injury concerns. I actually wont be upset if Miami drafts him at 15.

Phinsider most love him only half would be ok with him at 15.

Kaepernick

I like him as a developing project. I think Josh Freeman when I see him. He has everything to work on, but he carries the IT factor. His leadership, confidence, and potential will make someone happy if they take the time to develop him.

Phinsider- We like him, but most wont want to see him drafted because he's a long term project.

Dalton

He has all the "numbers" on his side saying he has the best chance of being a franchise QB. I love his leadership but I don't think he has an NFL arm. He doesn't get enough zip on the ball. He has to work on mechanics (ball comes out low), footwork, and learn a pro system. All four are a recipe for doom. He also played on one of the best balance team I've ever seen. Can he do the same with more pressure on his shoulders. I'm not saying he wont make it in this league. But if he was "plan A" as the starting QB I would be very weary.

Phinsider - There's a lot of love for him. Especially for those looking for a value pick.

Stanzi

Me - I like this guy a lot. Call it a hunch, call me crazy, but I think he will be a good player in this league. He played better vs better competition for some reason. I like his moxie. He has enough arm to make it in this league despite what scouts say. For some reason he reminds me of an athletic Brady (btw they said Brady had a weak arm to). He has good foot work, mechanics, accuracy, pocket presence, ability to handle pressure, leadership, football IQ. He Just oozes the "IT" factor to me. Sometimes he tries to throw the ball in places he shouldn't. That could easily be coached out but at least he has guts. I don't know what happen at the combine but he was accurate his senior year. I think someone will get a steal with him. He is my third favorite QB behind Newton and Ponder. He is my sleeper pick of the draft. 

Phinsider - Generally there isn't much love for him. But I find it surprising there are a couple of others with me on this. Groupthink? I don't know. Thoughts? Who do you like? Do you like someone I didn't highlight?