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Dolphins 7, Falcons 19

September 14, 2009 By: crusso27 Category: Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins Comments Off

(by Rich Rodriguez) Rich breaks down the good, the bad, and the ugly in Miami’s 19-7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Unfortunately there was more bad and ugly than good for the Miami Dolphins.

The Good

1. Phillip Merling had a monster game, even though you only see 4 tackles on the stat sheet, Merling was constantly disrupting plays and pressuring Matt Ryan.

2. Dolphins run defense was able to shut down Michael Turner, who had 65 yards on 22 carries (less than 3 ypc). One would have thought that by taking Turner out of the game, the Dolphins would be able to at least keep this one close. The Dolphins front seven did an excellent job against 2008’s 2nd ranked rush offense.


The Bad

1. Chad Pennington held onto the ball too long. He had time for the most part, save a few plays. But he didn’t seem decisive and it cost the team. One interception and one fumble for Pennington is uncharacteristic.

2. The offensive line was unable to really open up holes for the Dolphins running backs. Even though Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams were able to combine for 82 yards rushing, the Dolphins had trouble running the ball up the middle out of conventional sets.

3. Anthony Fasano had a nightmare game, fumbling the ball twice.

4. The Dolphins return game was putrid. With three returns from the endzone ending up inside their own 20. Two by Ted Ginn and one by Patrick Cobbs. Kneeling is an option! Especially when the return blocking is about as bad as it can get.

5. The Dolphins secondary, especially rookie Sean Smith, had trouble covering guys. Smith was beaten by Roddy White on one play. Fortunately for him, the ball was so poorly thrown by Matt Ryan that a wide open White could not get his hands on it.

6. Last, but definitely not least. Jake Long had just about the most embarassing moment an offensive tackle could ever have, getting run over by a defensive end. John Abraham absolutely planted Jake Long on his read end before running over him to sack Chad Pennington. Long was also called for a hold on the play. Long also gave up another sack and several quarterback pressures. He did not perform like a #1 overall pick/Pro Bowl/franchise left tackle today.

The Ugly

1. The playcalling seemed unimaginative as it seems Dan Henning was not getting very creative with ways to get the ball in the handls of playmakers.

2. When Henning did get creative, Pat White missed a huge play to Ted Ginn, who had beaten double team coverage deep, and should have run in for 6. White overthrew Ginn by 10 yards.

3. The Miami Dolphins in general played an ugly game. After a 0-0 stalemate in the 1st quarter, which is the type of game the Dolphins wanted, the Falcons were able to turn it up a notch, the Dolphins were not.

All in all, an ugly game for the Dolphins that leaves alot to be thought about and worked on. Here’s hoping this doesn’t set the tone for the remainder of the season.

phinfever miami dolphins

It’s gametime/Miami vs Atlanta

September 13, 2009 By: crusso27 Category: Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins Comments Off

(by Tony Simmons) I will get a chance to take in Miami’s opening game of the season, a 1:00 battle between teams that had huge turnaronds from abysmal seasons in 2007. Both teams finished up the 2008 season with 11-5 records and both lost there 1st playoff game, the Falcons to eventual Super Bowl runner-up Arizona and Miami to AFC runner-up Baltimore. The turnaround earned Mike Smith the NFL Coach of theYear in a tight battle with Tony Sparano.

A lot of the so called experts believe the Falcons can make a deep playoff run this year while most of the same group of people believe the Dolphins will take a step back. It’s time to see what our Dolphins can do.

The guys have spoke about the game in detail this week for the most part, so I will not go into much detail in regards to strengths and weak points. What I do believe is that Miami will have to take one aspect of Atlanta’s offense away from them, either the run game and Michael Turner or the pass game featuring Matt Ryan. I believe Miami will focus there attention on Mr. Turner and try to take the run game away from the Falcons.

It will be key for Miami and Chad Pennington to have success against a rebuilt, smallish Falcon defense, and I believe they will. Containing John Abraham will be key, as he is coming off a 16 sack season, but he is really there only solid pass rush player. Ball control with the run game and precise passing and key 3rd down conversion will be big.

The Falcons are a 3.5 favorite, but most people will not be surprised to see the Dolphins win this game and Peter King and Colin Cowherd indeed believe the Dolphins will win this game. I am being a homer here, but include me in that group. Miami 24-21.

http://www.phinfever.com/2009/week01.gif

# Time: 1:00pm
# Network: CBS
# Direct TV: 704
# Sirius: 153 (MIA); 125 (ATL)

A Realistic Shot

August 25, 2009 By: crusso27 Category: Miami Dolphins Comments Off

(by David Grotefend) Ask yourself an honest question… Do the Dolphins have a realistic chance in 2009? Take the first thing that pops into your head. No way? I have to tell you, I am starting to believe that we can make a legitimate push THIS season. Earlier this camp I said I thought we’d be 10-6 and a #5 WC or so. I still believe that is the more likely scenario than either a deep playoff run OR a 7or 8 win regression.

However, what if we are improved from last season (not a stretch in the minds of any but the most avid anti-Dolphin fans)? We won games last year because we wanted it more. We won games last year against teams that weren’t as good a team as we were, despite the talent level.

It still comes down to beating the teams ahead of you.

We play Indianapolis in the home opener. That’s a playoff-caliber team. If we beat them, where are we at?

We play San Diego right after that. They’re the preseason favorite to win the AFCW. If we beat them, where are we at?

It is likely that the first three games we play we will be underdogs (@Atlanta, Indianapolis, @San Diego), and probably slight favorites with the next two before the bye (Buffalo and New York J. in Miami).

Most think we’ll be something like 2-3 heading in to the week off.

Okay, but what if we’re not? What if we are 4-1? What if we have a solid group that continues to get better? We were 2-4 at one point, and won nine of the next ten.

I look at who we must defeat.

The Patriots. The Steelers. The Colts. The Chargers. All on our schedule, and all playoff caliber teams. That is five games counting the seasonal series with NE. Can we go 3-2 against them? I believe we can. I believe we will.

I think we have a realistic shot at winning the Division again. I believe we have a realisic shot at advancing in the playoffs.

We have one of the deepest stables of RB wealth in the league. I can’t wait to see what Ronnie and Ricky can do this season.

We are going to play smart football, not giving up a lot of penalties or committing a lot of turnovers. Penny out of the gate has a 109 QB rating…nothing fancy, just consistent smart football and success.

Our starting rush defense has looked very stout except for one sensational play by a very talented Panther. Otherwise that one play, we shut down two of the best backs in football, MJ-D (Jax) and DW (Car).

Our pass rush has been able to generate consistent pressure. I am drooling over seeing us sending waves of QB-destruction in the form of Porter, Taylor and Wake.

I think we are a legitimate contender this year.

Are we the most talented team? No, not on paper. However, that label has been applied to San Diego for several years now; it feels like since the new millenium began analysts have said that. Guess what? We’ve won all five games since 2000 that we’ve faced San Diego. No one on the planet would say we have been more talented in that time.

What we have is a team that is united in attitude and well-conditioned. Everyone works their a$$ off, and everyone wants to win.

By the time we get rolling, we are going to be tough to beat. I am beginning to think that we will be from the start.

Dolphins resign ILB Channing Crowder; WR L Coles on the market.

February 26, 2009 By: crusso27 Category: Miami Dolphins Comments Off

First off Crowder resigned with the Dolphins. While Crowder is clearly not the leader that Miami needs in the middle, he is a better than average ILB. You also have to love Crowder’s attitude as well. “My agent wanted to hit free agency but I love Miami and the people here,”. If Miami can find a good ILB in FA to play along side of him ala Bart Scott, it will free up Crowder to lay the kind of licks he put on Laverneous Coles in the Jets Finale. Speaking of Coles..the Jets just released him.

JETS RELEASE LAVERNEUS COLES
I’ve always been impressed with Coles toughness and ability to go across the middle. I think reuniting him with Pennington would be a solid FA pickup and bring veteran leadership to a young WR corps. The very fact that Bill Parcell’s drafted Coles means there will have to be some interest. The only thing that could keep this from not happening is Coles desire for big bucks. He opted out of his 11M dollar guaranteed contract with the Jets to seek a longer, more lucrative deal. Any deal that he’d get would likely be incentive laden and back loaded….which will mean that he’ll probably be on the market for awhile because I don’t think there will be any takers in the beginning. Once Coles makes it past the big bucks debut of the FA season, he might be talked into a more reasonable deal. I would love for Parcells to work his magic here and get Coles and Pennington reunited.

CHIEFS RELEASE CB PATRICK SURTAIN
Patrick (my-name-is-pronounced sir-tan) Surtain was cut by the Chiefs. Although its unlikely he’ll end up in Miami. Miami could use a good veteran corner like Pat and if his price tag is reasonable he’d be worth a look.

COLTS RELEASE WR MARVIN HARRISON
Finally, it was sad to see Marvin Harrison get cut. It was clear last year that Harrison wasn’t the same guy on the field. He was no longer quick enough to avoid those big hits and it wore on him as the season progressed. Marvin will probably get picked up by some desperate team needing WR’s but I really think his career is pretty much over unless he’s willing to come in and play slot for someone.

BY GARY RAMSEY
Phinfever.com

46 Miami Dolphin Mocks

February 14, 2009 By: crusso27 Category: Miami Dolphins Comments Off

Do the Dolphins need an outside pass rusher, secondary help, or a wide receiver? Fourty-six mocks think they have the answer.

PHINFEVER
MOCK DATABASE (46)

SITE

MOCK

BIO

COMMENTS

UPDATED

Phinfever:

George

Larry English

OLB

N Illinois

Senior

6′2″

254 lbs

40 @ 4.76

While Matt Roth held his own at the Strong side,
the Phins need an upgrade that can get to the QB. English has comparisons
to Lamar Woodley, and if those hold true, he is exactly what the Phins
need to set the edge and provide pressure.

2/5

Phinfever:

Tony Simmons

Clay Matthews

OLB

USC

Senior

6′3″

240 lbs

40 @ —

Active non stop motor and is a great blitzer/pass
rusher with very good strength. Very intense, competive and tough and
sometimes is a little to intense. Considered a tweener, but has good football
IQ and great football bloodlines being the son of former All Pro Clay
Matthews of the Cleveland Browns

2/8

CBS

Sportsline

Pete

Prisco

Clint Stintom
OLB

Virginia

Senior

6′3″

254 lbs

40 @ 4.68

They could use a receiver, but it’s doubtful Bill Parcells
would take one here. Secondary help is needed, but the value isn’t there.
So they settle on a James Harrison-style of linebacker.

2/12

Consensus

Draft

Analysis

Percy Harvin
WR

Florida

Senior

5′11″

185 lbs

40 @ 4.35

(no comment given)

1/29

Vontae Davis
CB

Illinois

Junior

6′0″

200 lbs

40 @ 4.39

Bill Parcells has always managed to bring in a solid
edge rusher to sure up his 3-4 defense. If Cushing, Brown and Maybin
are gone however he may be looking to improve the secondary.

Last mock: DJ Moore, CB, Vanderbilt

2/8

Draft

Ace

Clay Matthews
OLB

USC

Senior

6′3″

240 lbs

40 @ —

Matthews’ stock has risen dramatically
this year and he’s now in the mix as a potential first round selection.
He’s also the perfect Bill Parcells linebacker. He fits right into the
mold of linebackers that Parcells loves for his 3-4 defense. While there
are other needs in Miami, when in doubt, Parcells focuses on the defensive
side of the football.

Last Mock: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC

2/13

Draft

Board

Insider

Aaron Maybin

DE/OLB

Penn St

Ju nior

6′4″

248 lbs

40 @ 4.65

Round 2, Pick12. Miami - from Washington
(8-8) Hakeem Nicks WR North Carolina

Round 2, Pick 24. Miami (11-5) Sean Smith CB/S Utah

1/24

Draft

Insiders

Digest

Aaron Maybin

DE

Penn St

Senior

6′4″

248 lbs

40 @ 4.65

Round 2, Pick 44. Miami (Wash) - Victor Harris - CB
- Virginia Tech

Round 2, Pick 56. Miami - Herman Johnson - OG - LSU

1/27

Draft

Daddy

Larry English

OLB

N Illinois

Senior

6′2″

254 lbs

40 @ 4.76

The Dolphins never really seemed too thrilled starting
Matt Roth, English could be another option in pass rush.

Last Mock: Fili Moata, DT, USC.

2/8

Draft

King

Percy Harvin

WR

Florida

Senior

5′11″

185 lbs

40 @ 4.35

The Dolphins could use a solid OLB, but instead of
stretching to take one here the Dolphins could land an amazing talent
in Harvin. Harvin has great speed, to be sure, but what makes him really
stand out is his uncanny knack for not only running great routes but also
in getting open. While I could see the Dolphins trading down here in Bill
Parcells expert draft style, if Miami has the chance to draft Harvin here
that could be a great move for a team that already has an emerging star
with Ted Ginn, Jr.

Last Mock: no change

2/8

Draft

Notebook

Alphonso Smith

CB

Wake Forest

Senior

5′9″

195 lbs

40 @ 4.4

Round 2, Pick12. Miami - from Washington (8-8) Brian
Robiskie WR Ohio State

Round 2, Pick 24. Miami (11-5) Michael Hamlin S Clemson

1/29

Draft

Season

(Lupagus)

Alphonso Smith

CB

Wake Forest

Senior

5′9″

195 lbs

40 @ 4.4

The Phins current starters at corner would be backups
on any other team in the league. Even the Lions.

44. DOLPHINS (FROM SKINS) - Louis Delmas S, Western Michigan
- The Dolphins Safeties aren’t much better than their corners. Delmas
covers a lot of ground with a lot of energy.

56. DOLPHINS - Ramses Barden WR, Cal Poly - The Phins
go with the big boy and hope he can blossom into the no. 1 receiver they
need so badly.

Last Mock: no change

2/2

Eben Britton

OT

Arizona

Junior

6′5″

310 lbs

40 @ —

(no comment given)

Last Mock: Hakeem Nicks, WR, NC

2/13

ESPN

Insider

Todd

McShay

(subscriber)

John Laurinaitis

ILB

Ohio State

Senior

6′2″

240 lbs

40 @ —

Inside linebacker is one of a few spots — including
wide receiver and offensive line — that Miami is likely to target early
in the draft. Laurinaitis has some physical limitations that will keep
him out of the top half of the first round, but he fits well with the
Dolphins because he’s a high-motor player with good instincts, quickness
and toughness.

2/2

ESPN

Insider

Mel

Kiper

(subscriber)

Darrius Heyward-Bey

WR

Maryland

Senior

6′2″

196 lbs

40 @ 4.45

(no comment given)

1/22

Fantasy

Football

Extreme

Tyson Jackson

DE

LSU

Senior

6′5″

292 lbs

40 @ 4.83

(no comment given)

Last Mock: Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida Atlantic

2/12

Fantasy

Football

Jumgle

Brian Cushing

OLB

USC

Senior

6′4″

255 lbs

40 @ 4.75

Cushing solidified his first round abilities at the
Senior Bowl and would be a good fit in a 3-4 scheme. He played DE as a
sophomore at USC because they wanted to get him on the field so bad. He
could probably play all four LB spots in their defense.

1/28

FF
Toolbox:

Colon

Patrick Chung

S

Oregon

Senior

5′9″

190

40 @ -

Lost in the middle of Miami’s incredible turn around
is the fact that they still have a talent gab to cover. The Dolphins could
entertain the idea of a WR here, but it is in the secondary where the
need is greater. Chung could be viewed as a reach here, but he is a solid
S with great instincts.

2/6

FF
Toolbox:

Dimon

Alphonso Smith

CB

Wake Forest

Senior

5′9″

195 lbs

40 @ 4.4

40 @ -

Smith, like his teammate Curry, had a quiet but stellar
season at Wake Forest and his stock is on the rise. With the Miami offense
also on the rise following a surprisingly great season, defense is the
way to go here.

2/4

FF
Toolbox:

Weida

Larry English

OLB

N Illinois

Senior

6′2″

254 lbs

40 @ 4.76

Larry English is climbing draft boards after fairing
well at the Senior Bowl. English proved that with a little more work,
he should be able to transition nicely to the rush linebacker spot in
the 3-4 defense. English would take over for Matt Roth who has been playing
out of position across from Joey Porter all season.

2/10

FF
Toolbox:

Weiser

Michael Johnson

DE

Georgia Tech

Senior

6′7″

259 lbs

40 @ 4.85

Coach Bill Parcells is a big fan of drafting linebackers.
In Miami’s 3-4 defense, Michael Johnson would project as an outside linebacker.
It was not long ago that the product out of Georgia Tech was considered
a top three pick, but his lack of productivity during his senior year
has dropped him down into a borderline first round pick. Miami would be
lucky to get him here.

2/9

Aaron Maybin

DE/OLB

Penn St

Junior

6′4″

248 lbs

40 @ 4.65

(no comment given)

2/6

Great

Blue

North

Draft

Report

Michael Johnson

DE

Georgia Tech

Senior

6′7″

259 lbs

40 @ 4.85

(no comment given)

1/25

Hail

Redskins

( Akkhorus)

John Laurinaitis

ILB

Ohio State

Senior

6′2″

240 lbs

40 @ —

This is probably high for him, but with Crowder a UFA,
they can let him bolt.

Last Mock: Jeremy Macklin, WR, Missouri

2/1

Heard’s

Football Report

Brian Cushing

OLB

USC

Senior

6′4″

255 lbs

40 @ 4.75

(no comment given)

1/24

James Laurinaitis

OLB

Ohio State

Senior

6′3″

244 lbs

40 @ 4.58

(no comment given)

11/16

MSNBC

Michael Johnson

DE

Georgia Tech

Senior

6′7″

259 lbs

40 @ 4.85

Bill Parcells wants to build a nasty, mean defense.
Johnson’s relentlessness makes him a first-rate pass rusher with a hunger
to get to the quarterback.

1/21

NFL

Draft

Blitz

“Duke” Robinson

OG

Oklahoma

Senior

6′5″

330 lbs

40 @ 5.28

Miami wants to upgrade the offensive line and I’m
sure Bill Parcels is shrewd enough to covet the best OG in this draft
over the fourth best WR. Robinson could step right in next to Jake Long
and make the left side of this line reminiscent of the Walter Jones /
Steve Hutchison combo in Seattle.

Last Mock: William Moore, S, Missouri

2/10

NFL

Draft

Countdown

Clay Matthews

OLB

USC

Senior

6′3″

240 lbs

40 @ —

No matter where he goes Bill Parcells wins and the
way he has turned this Dolphins franchise around so quickly might be one
of his crowning achievements. There is still work to be done though and
Miami has plenty of needs they could address with this pick. When doing
mock drafts it’s important to look Clay Matthews | Southern Cal
Trojans at history and trends and Parcells has used first round picks
on impact linebackers everywhere he has been. Whether it was Carl Banks
with the Giants, Willie McGinest in New England, James Farrior with the
Jets or DeMarcus Ware with the Cowboys. That is what we call a tendency.
Rey Maualuga or Brian Cushing would probably be better fits for the Dolphins
but since they are both gone “The Tuna” turns his attention
to another Trojan ‘backer. Clay Matthews improved his draft stock more
than any other prospect in the country in 2008 and after starting the
year as a late round possibility he now has a legitimate shot at cracking
round one. Matthews could slide right in opposite Joey Porter in Miami’s
3-4 scheme, where he would represent a big upgrade over Matt Roth. The
Dolphins could also use a true #1 cornerback and outside of Ted Ginn they
really don’t have anything to get very excited about at wide receiver
either.

Last Mock: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC

2/5

NFL

Draft

Dog

Larry English

OLB

Northing Illinois

Senior

6′3″

255 lbs

40 @ 4.75

English has been one of the most productive pass rushers
in the nation. He has recorded 29 sacks in his career and has nice size.

1/25

NFL

Draft

Scout

Rob Rang

DJ

Moore

CB

Vanderbilt

Senior

5′10″

182 lbs

40 @ 4.45

(no comment given)

2/13

Derriuis Heyward Bey

WR

Maryland

Senior

6′2″

196 lbs

40 @ 4.45

(no comment given)

2/12

Michael Johnson

DE

Georgia Tech

Senior

6′7″

259 lbs

40 @ 4.85

45. Miami Dolphins (from WAS) - Sean Smith, CB/S, Utah*

57. Miami Dolphins - Pat White, WR/QB, West Virginia

89. Miami Dolphins - Anthony Heygood, OLB/ILB, Purdue

1/23

Michael Johnson

DE

Georgia Tech

Senior

6′7″

259 lbs

40 @ 4.85

Think Jason Taylor all over with all the upside he
has. Bit raw and will need some time to develop but when he finally taps
all that talent look for a M Williams type explosion.

Last Mock: George Selvie, DE, S Florida

2/2

Clay Matthews

OLB

South Florida

Senior

6′4″

242 lbs

40 @ —

Joey Porter proved he could still rush the passer once
he was moved to the weak side, but he is not getting any younger, and
the Dolphins could use another spark on the other side where Matt Roth
was OK. Matthews has the size, toughness, athletic ability and bloodlines
to command strong attention from Fins grand poobah Bill Parcells.

1/25

Larry English

OLB

Northing Illinois

Senior

6′3″

255 lbs

40 @ 4.75

(no comment given)

Last Mock: no change

2/9

Sports

Projections

Everrette Brown

DE

Florida State

Junior

6′4″

255 lbs

40 @ —

(no comment)

2/4

Percey Harvin

WR

Florida

Senior

5′11

186 lbs

40 @ 4.32

With both Maybin and Sintim off the board, the Dolphins
miss on their 3-4 OLB. They could look at Larry English, but with Florida
product Percy Harvin still on the board, and a team who loves to use wild
offensive formations, this pick looks like a match made in heaven. Davone
Bess was a solid receiver last season, but Harvin and Ginn together would
provide some serious fireworks and for a quarterback like Chad Pennington
who is known for his accuracy rather than his arm strength this is a perfect
pick. All Chad has to do is throw screen passes and let Harvin do his
stuff.

44. Miami Dolphins (from WAS) - Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake
Forest

The Dolphins need to bolster its defensive backfield, and start by getting
Smith, who many project going in round 1. OLB would me more of a need,
but at 44 I see no value. Paul Kruger is the best DE on the board, but
I don’t see him as a fit for the 3-4 defense.

56. Miami Dolphins - Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan

The Dolphins earlier upgraded its cornerback position with Alphonso Smith,
now they booster its safety position with the fast rising Delmas.

2/13

Derriuis Heyward Bey

WR

Maryland

Senior

6′2″

196 lbs

40 @ 4.45

Let’s play a little trivia. Who exactly is Greg
Camarillo? Be honest. Most of you had to look it up. He was not drafted
out of Stanford yet emerged this season as Miami’s leading receiver
until missing the final five games to injury. Even at that former top
pick Ted Ginn Jr. only finished one reception ahead of him for the team
lead. This team spread the ball around quite a bit in fact. Seven different
players had 29+ catches and the distribution was scarily equal by position
on the field. The running backs had 19, 29 and 33. The tight ends had
31 and 34. The receivers had 54, 55 (Camarillo) and 56. What do you notice
here? There is no big time threat. Other than tight end Anthony Fasano’s
7 touchdowns (and throwing in running back Cobb) their other seven best
receiving threats combined for 11 touchdown receptions. Ouch. DHB can
play. He was stuck on an erratic team with an offensive coordinator who
would have driven me insane if I was him. There is a temptation to stick
Harvin in the Wildcat. I am also concerned that Heyward-Bey is sort of
another secondary threat on a team desperate for a true #1. It doesn’t
really matter. He has dynamite speed and with overachieving Bess and Camarillo
inspiring underachieving yet improving Ginn this group could get something
going.

44. Miami Dolphins (from Washington) – Phil Loadholt,
OT, Oklahoma

They have their left tackle in Jake Long. It seems almost unfair for them
to get Loadholt, who anchored the offensive line responsible for the highest
scoring FBS team in history, for their right side. However, here we are.
Sure, I think Loadholt goes a bit higher on draft day. For now I am assigning
him here to the Dolphins as they look to solidify their right tackle position
and add to their overall offensive line depth in this draft.

56. Miami Dolphins – Eric Wood, OC, Louisville

These guys are going to be tough to read on draft day because they have
multiple selections and can go in different directions. For example I
could see them grabbing Brace with their earlier second round pick instead
of watching him slip away to the Falcons one spot above them. It might
not be all bad. They want a bigger center than Samson Satele who would
be hard pressed to top 300. I mean, what’s this guy’s problem
weighing only 300! I have read reports the team is looking at free agency
and could shift Satele to right guard. Not to be funny, but there are
knocks on Wood. Maybe he is not the greatest fit for the running game
and perhaps the Dolphins go another way. Then again he has football smarts,
a reputation for working hard and is really their best option to step
into the lineup early on left in this crop. Heck, Mike Mayock of NFL Network
thinks he is the best center of the class. I take it he doesn’t
watch much Pac-10 football. That’s another story for another time.

2/9

Aaron

Maybin

DE/OLB

Penn St

Junior

6′4″

248 lbs

40 @ 4.65

A complete Parcells guy. Big, quick, powerful, and
versatile. Miami needs a pass rusher off the edge and people are going
to fall in love with Maybin. A perfect fit in that defense and in that
locker room full of hard workers.

2/10

The
NFL

Draft

Site

Michael Johnson

DE

Georgia Tech

Senior

6′7″

259 lbs

40 @ 4.85

The loss of Jason Taylor did hurt their pass rush so
adding a pass rusher should be paramount.

2/5

The

Phinsider

Clint Sintim

OLB

Virginia

Senior

6′3″

254 lbs

40 @ 4.66

Right now, it just makes the most sense to guess that
the Dolphins will address their need at outside linebacker and take Sintim
- a player who has spent his college career as an OLB in a 3-4 at Virginia.
The Dolphins could also go with either USC linebacker - Brian Cushing
or Clay Matthews. But Cushing doesn’t have great speed and also has some
durability concerns. Meanwhile, Matthews is raw and may have more upside
at OLB. But it would take some amazing workouts for Matthews to move up
into the first round.

The Dolphins could also look at USC DT Fili Moala. He weighed in at 303
pounds at the Senior Bowl - and could still add some weight and be a solid
NT in a 3-4. But he’ll need his stock to rise some more. It’s unlikely
he’ll be at the very top of Miami’s draft board when they are on the clock
- barring, of course, some outstanding workouts at the Combine.

1/30

Walters

Footbal

Matt McGuire

Rey Maualuga

ILB

USC

Senior

6′3″

250 lbs

40 @ 4.68

Channing Crowder probably will not be retained in free
agency by the Dolphins, and this opens up a need at inside linebacker.
Rey Maualuga is the prototypical 3-4 inside linebacker and will be liked
by Tony Sparano and Bill Parcells.

2/13

War
Room Report

Clint Stintim

OLB

Virginia

Senior

6′3″

254 lbs

40 @ 4.68

The Miami Dolphins were one of the worst teams in the
history of the NFL in 2007 accounting for a 1-15 record and there was
little room for optimism for this franchise. Bill Parcells came to the
rescue, he hired Tony Sparano as head coach and the rebuilding process
began. The Dolphins defense was led by Joey Porter, but they could use
a counterpart for him on the opposite side of the field, and an eventual
replacement as Porter is getting a bit long in the tooth. The 2009 NFL
Draft is characterized by an outstanding amount of 3-4 defense prospects,
and Clint Sintim ranks right up there with the best. Sintim played at
Virginia in Al Groh’s 3-4 defensive scheme, and the ties between
Bill Parcells and Al Groh are undeniable. Combine that with the fact that
the Dolphins not only flirted with the idea of drafting Chris Long and
signing at the time free agent Calvin Pace to play opposite Porter, and
the drafting of Clint Sintim here at pick #24 makes an awful lot of sense.

44. Miami Dolphins (From Washington) – Alex Mack,
C, California

56. Miami Dolphins – Patrick Chung, S, Oregon

2/11

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