Hiatus

Due to an immense amount of schoolwork/other conflicting factors, I'm taking a hiatus from PhinHub until the draft on April 26th. Hope to see everyone then!


-SSmith

PhinHub News Report 4/10/12

With the first day of voluntary OTA's taking place today, let's take a look at today's Phins news!

• Easily, the biggest news of the day was Cameron Wake's absence from the start of OTA's. The Fins front office has been working hard for a while with Wake's agent to get an extension done and get the man paid, but the two sides are still in talks over the numbers, and hence, Wake didn't show today. It's not a big deal at all, with these meetings being voluntary, but it does show Wake's displeasure with his current contract. Wake, who was the NFL's best 3-4 OLB in 2011 according to Pro Football Focus, has racked up 28 sacks in 3 seasons for the Fins and is obviously the team's best pass rusher and defensive player. It's not ludicrous to think the man should make more than the $615,000 he's due for the 2012 season, and until a contract extension is hammered out, Wake won't likely be attending any OTA meetings or practices. Fans shouldn't worry, however; the front office has been working on this extension for a while and locking up Wake has been a priority this offseason.

• Backup ILB Marvin Mitchell signed today with the Minnesota Vikings, following teammate HB Lex Hilliard who also signed with the Vikings on March 18th. The departure wasn't a huge loss, but it does leave a hole at LB, so the Phins worked out four linebackers today in order to bolster the defensive depth chart with OTA's starting: Jonathon Goff, Quentin Groves, Gary Guyton and Bryan Kehl. Goff spent 2011 on IR for the Giants, but prior to that was the starting ILB on the team, and plus, he's from Vanderbilt, so he'd clearly be a quality pickup! Groves is a former 2nd round pick of the Jaguars that flamed out there, and has spent the last two seasons playing DE/OLB for the Raiders, racking up 20 tackles and a FF last year in a reserve role. Guyton started for the Patriots at ILB in 2009, but only started 8 and 6 games the last two years respectively, picking up 47 tackles and an INT last year. Drafted in the 4th round by the Giants in 2008, Kehl has spent the last two years in a reserve LB role for the Rams.

• DE Phillip Merling and OT Lydon Murtha both signed their RFA (restricted free agent) tenders on Tuesday (just a day after I covered both of them in my Dolphins OTA preview post). Both players will surely be given a shot to prove their worth in 2012 to the new coaching staff, with Murtha scheduled to make $1.927 million next season and Merling scheduled to make $1.26 million. Both players were clearly willing to stick around and prove they belong on Miami's roster, and like I said yesterday, it all starts in OTA's. Unlike Cameron Wake, look for both Murtha and Merling to be appearing at voluntary offseason activities.

That's it for today, check back tomorrow for more Phins news, insight, and analysis!

-SSmith

Dolphins OTA Preview - 4/9/2012

Tomorrow, April 10th, begins the start of the 2012 season; players and coaches will meet tomorrow for the start of OTA's and minicamps, also known as the offseason program. They won't take the field for a while, but let's take a look at a few players that have the most to gain (or lose) from these organized offseason activities.

OT Lydon Murtha - After missing the entire 2011 season with a foot injury, Murtha returns this season healthy and hopefully ready to compete for the starting RT spot; a competition should be wide open this offseason. Having time before the draft with the team in the film and weight room should give Murtha a slight advantage over any rookie drafted or any free agent picked up at this point. He'll have the opportunity to show off his athleticism and intelligence to new coach Joe Philbin as well, who is looking to solidify the line as soon as possible.

WR Clyde Gates - In 2011 Gates came in via the draft and struggled to pick up the playbook, seeing time only as a return man and catching only two passes. With a full NFL offseason, Gates should be able to pick up the new West Coast offense (which he's suited for) and flourish in his sophomore campaign. The speedy receiver can prove to the new coaching staff he deserves a key role in the offense as well as improving his return game on special teams, which he showed improvement on by the end of the season.

DE Phillip Merling - Merling has to prove himself to another coaching staff, but not in a positive way. A bust so far, he has to prove that not only is he worth a roster spot, but that he can play up to the 2nd round level he was drafted at, and it all starts in OTA's. From showing what he can do in the weight room to picking up the new defensive scheme, Merling has to treat these next few months as a proving ground as to why he should stay with the Fins.

OLB/DE Koa Misi - Another 2011 disappointment, Misi also has to prove his 2nd round pedigree. His job is a bit easier, however, considering he's an incumbent starter and has been in the league for 2 less years. However, Misi is also coming off a battery arrest less than two weeks ago, and has to make up for his transgressions the only way a football player can: on the field. Misi needs to use these OTA's to solidify his position as a starter for the Fins.

MLB Karlos Dansby - A surprising pick for this spot, Dansby is clearly the starter at ILB for the Fins, even going so far as being the player chosen to represent the Fins at the recent Nike NFL Jersey unveiling, modeling the updated uniforms. But last year, Dansby reported into camp 24 pounds overweight, clearly a product of the NFL lockout. There's no lockout this season, and Dansby needs to start off strong, and being able to hit the facility's weight room with his teammates (a luxury not afforded by a lockout) should keep him in shape.


That's it for today, check back tomorrow for more Phin news, analysis, and insight!

-SSmith

Dolphins Weekend Wrapup: 4/8/2012

After a relatively non-eventful weekend, let's take a look at what's going on with the Fins!

• On Friday, Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland watched Arizona State QB prospect Brock Osweiler work out at the ASU facilities in Phoenix, Arizona. Osweiler is a QB prospect I've previously taken a look at, and despite a rising draft stock, is still expected to be taken in either the 2nd or 3rd round. Clearly, Ireland is performing his scouting duties in person, and is exercising his due diligence when it comes to QB prospects, traveling all the way to Arizona to check out Osweiler for himself. If the Fins don't land QB Ryan Tannehill at pick #8, Osweiler could be a fallback option in the 2nd round.

• The Dolphins preseason schedule was released on Thursday. The Fins take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Sun Life Stadium between Aug. 9 and 11, playing at the Carolina Panthers between Aug. 16 and 18, come home to play the Atlanta Falcons between Aug. 23 and 25, and end playing at the Dallas Cowboys between Aug. 29 and 30. The Fins have also announced they'll be cutting the prices on all 9,800 club seats by between 11 and 60 percent of their current prices, as more than a few thousand of those seats are up for renewal. It seems like a concession to the criticism the franchise has been receiving these days, but the club insists that the decision to cut these prices was made far before this offseason.

• The Dolphins have scheduled a pre-draft visit with Notre Dame WR prospect Michael Floyd. Floyd, another prospect I've discussed, is expected to be the 2nd WR taken, and is the most likely 1st round receiver available at pick #8. Coach Joe Philbin has stated that the team needs to bolster their receiving corps, as well as the fact that he intends to build the team through the draft, so the Fins drafting a receiver come April 26th is a pretty logical conclusion; whether they'll pick one in the 1st round is in question. Floyd would make an instant impact on the field as a big play WR, (some scouts have him rated higher than Justin Blackmon), and would be a solid pickup for the Fins if QB Ryan Tannehill isn't available.
  
  
  
  
   

That's it for the weekend, check back tomorrow for more Fins news, analysis, and insight!

-SSmith

Miami Free Agency/Draft Visit Report - 4/5/2012

The Fins had a slew of potential draftees visit today for private workouts, as well as sign free agent S Tyrell Johnson. Pittsburgh HB Zach Brown, Appalachian State HB Travaris Cadet, Nebraska LB Lavonte David, Wisconsin CB Antonio Fenelus, and Miami C Tyler Horn all met with the Fins.  Let's take a look at the players that visited as well as the free agency pickup.

• S Tyrell Johnson - A former second round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 2008, injuries and ineffective play forced him to the sidelines/special teams play. The main problem with Johnson was his poor pass coverage, ranking as the 44th rated safety in the league in 2009, his only season starting for the Vikings. He finished last season on IR and claims to be "85%" recovered from the hamstring injury. Johnson figures to offer only depth at the safety position, but if he can live up to his potential as a second round pick, he could possibly make an impact on the team. The big indication from this signing is that the Fins will not bring back S Yeremiah Bell, who was cut on March 19th and whose return to the team had not been ruled out.

• HB Zach Brown (5'10, 220) was a transfer player from Wisconsin, and played a reserve role at Pitt in his senior season, gaining 336 yards on 82 carries, averaging a 4.1 YPC. Brown played high school football in Miami, and at the moment it looks like he won't be drafted, but is a potential pair of camp legs from a local high school.

• HB Travaris Cadet (6'1, 210)  was a JUCO HB that transferred to Appalachian State, rushing for a 651 yards and 6 TD's last season, as well as averaging 24.3 yards per kickoff return; the speedy Cadet is probably getting a look from the special teams coach and could be a late round flier.

• LB Lavonte David (6'1, 233) had a great year for Nebraska, racking up 133 tackles, 2 INT's, 12 TFLs, 5.5 sacks and 2 FF's, as well as being voted consensus all-Big 10 as well as being chosen as the best LB in the Big 10. David had an impressive combine as well, running a 4.56 in the 40. If it weren't for his size, David would go higher, but at the moment he's considered a potential 2nd-3rd round pick. He could have a huge upside at that range if the Fins can look past his less-than-elite size, and there have been talks of David moving to safety because of that in the NFL.

• CB Antonio Fenelus (5'9, 190) was a 1st team all-Big 10 player for the Badgers, often playing tough and bigger than his size would indicate. He racked up 51 tackles, 4 INT's and 5 PBU (passes broken up) in 2011, and had a middle-of-the-road combine performance, running a 4.68 but also putting up 20 reps of 225 on the bench. Fenelus is projected to be a 3rd day prospect, and could be a value pick as a heady special teams player late in the draft.

• C Tyler Horn(6'4, 305) is another local player that had a solid career for the Hurricanes. A 2nd team all-ACC selection in 2011, Horn has started the last two years and figures to be a late round pick. With development, Horn could be a decent backup C, but the Fins most likely brought him in because he's a local guy. If they do end up selecting Horn, it will be on the 3rd day or as a UDFA after the draft.

That's it for today, check back on Sunday for a Dolphins Weekend Wrapup, featuring the latest news, insight, and analysis regarding the Miami Dolphins!

-SSmith

Dolphins Draft Preview - DE

Aside from Cameron Wake, the Fins have a need for another top tier pass rusher, a need that has been acknowledged by head coach Joe Philbin, who has said the two largest needs on the team at the moment are at WR and DE. Whether or not the Dolphins make the switch to the 4-3, (which has not been confirmed yet specifically by Philbin himself who says he is still "evaluating the roster's current talent"), another pass rusher is a team need, so here's a look at some of the top-flight pass rushers available in the upcoming draft.

Melvin Ingram, South Carolina, 6'1, 264

Ingram spent the majority of his time at South Carolina as a threatening pass rusher in the DE rotation, but he turned it on his senior season. Bursting out on the scene this year, he started for the first time in career, racking up 10 sacks, 15 TFL's, and 48 total tackles. He also recorded 2 INTs, a fumble recovery for a TD, and a fake punt run for a TD, showing he's an all around great defensive player rather than just simply a pass rusher. A workout warrior, Ingram has climbed to the top of most experts draft boards after a stellar Senior Bowl and Combine, constantly embarrassing potential 2012 OL draftees in one-on-one drills and posting a 4.66 in the 40 and benching 28 reps of 225. Because of Quinton Coples' slight fall down draft boards everywhere, Ingram takes the reins and rises to the #1 spot. He shouldn't make it out of the top 15 picks, so if the Dolphins were to pick up Ingram, it'd have to be with the 8th overall pick. The interest is there, however, as the Fins have already had Ingram in for a private workout. If Ryan Tannehill is gone at 8 and Ingram is there, look for the Fins to snag the best pass rusher this draft class has to offer.

Quinton Coples, North Carolina, 6'6, 284

Widely regarded as a top 5 pick coming into the 2011 college season, Coples disappointed many by under-performing and slid down draft boards slightly. He's still a surefire 1st round pick, but the move in his senior season from DT to DE actually hurt his statistical performance rather than help it like everyone thought it would. Coples still put up 7.5 sacks, 15 TFL's, 3 FF's and 55 total tackles, but it wasn't indicative of how a player with his size and speed should perform. At 6'6, 284, Coples put up a 4.72 in the 40 at the Combine, and when rushing from the outside, looked dominant in college and in the Senior Bowl. His slide down draft boards isn't meteoric, but one has to wonder where all the talk about his lack of desire and/or motor are coming from, and if it will truly affect not only his production at the next level, but also where he ends up being selected in the 1st round. The Fins have scheduled an individual workout for Coples as well, and he's another potential selection with the #8 pick. But if the Dolphins trade down a few picks, Coples might still be there as well at this point.

Whitney Mercilus, Illinois, 6'4, 261

The top junior pass rusher in the 2012 draft, Mercilus quite literally came out of nowhere in 2011. Bursting onto the scene would be an understatement, as Mercilus led the entire nation in sacks and forced fumbles, with 16 sacks and 9 FF, as well as being named the Ted Hendricks Award Winner (Best DE of the Year) as well as a consensus all-American. After his one breakout year, Mercilus enters the 2012 draft, where he figures to go in the first round after an incredible year on a disappointing team. At the Combine, Mercilus put up a 4.63 in the 40 and 28 reps of 225 on the bench, showing speed and explosiveness that will certainly translate to the next level. Mercilus is an incredibly hard worker as well, coming into the 2011 season after losing the tip of his left index finger in a freak weight room incident and going on to tie Simeon Rice's Illinois record for sacks in a single season. Most likely a mid to late 1st round pick, Mercilus is probably a reach at pick #8, but most certainly won't be on the board with the 40th overall pick. The Fins have yet to schedule a  workout with Mercilus.

Courtney Upshaw, Alabama, 6'1, 272

Upshaw is another player that suffered from a hurt draft stock after performances at the Combine and last Thursday's Pro Day. A consistent, heady player for the Crimson Tide, Upshaw had a decent senior season, putting up 9.5 sacks, 18 TFL's, 2 INT's, a FF, and 52 total tackles., capped off with a National Championship win. However, Upshaw has looked a little slow and large off-the-field during the pre-draft process, declining to run the 40 at the Combine and posting a 4.77 at Alabama's second Pro Day, as well as weighing in at 272 pounds, heavy for a supposed linebacker. His quickness on the field is evident, however, and Upshaw proved at the Senior Bowl that he could certainly beat some of the best O-Lineman there with relative ease. Once projected as an elite OLB prospect, Upshaw seemed too awkward and stiff in pass coverage drills at both the Combine and his Pro Day, and will most likely end up playing DE in the NFL. Another likely first round pick, the Fins would of course have a shot at Upshaw at #8, but the chances of them using it on him there are slim. If they trade down, Upshaw would be a great pickup in the middle of the first. The Dolphins have not yet scheduled Upshaw for a private workout, but there is supposed interest in the 'Bama star.

That wraps up the evaluation of the top pass rushing talent in this year's draft! Check back tomorrow for more drat news, Dolphins news, insight, and analysis!

-SSmith

Dolphins Draft Preview - WR

With the departure of WR Brandon Marshall, the Fins need a true #1 receiver, even in a scheme such as the West Coast, in which the ball is spread around amongst receivers. Luckily, the 2012 draft class contains some prime receiving talent, including outside the first few picks. Let's take a look at some of the more elite receivers the Dolphins could potentially pick up come draft day.

Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State, 6'1, 207

The consensus #1 receiver in the 2012 draft class, Blackmon will be a lucky team's #1 receiver day 1. His blend of size, speed, and athleticism helped him corral over 100 catches a year the past two years, going over 100 yards a game for 14 straight games and catching 38 TD's the last two years, despite constant double teaming and attention by opposing defenses. Despite playing in the pass-happy Big 12, Blackmon still put up monster numbers, coming 5th in Heisman voting in 2010. He would have been the #1 receiver in the 2011 draft class had he chosen to come out as well, and is a likely top 5 pick this year. A hamstring injury kept Blackmon out of everything but positional drills at February's combine, but at his Pro Day he flashed elite speed and explosiveness, clocking in at the mid to high 4.4 range in the 40 as well as jumping 35 inches vertically and 10 feet 4 inches in the broad jump. In order for the Dolphins to snag Blackmon, they'd have to trade up, but it's unlikely they would take a franchise receiver before they take a franchise signal-caller. Still, if Blackmon is there at #8, he'd almost certainly fill the BPA (Best Player Available) category.

Michael Floyd, Notre Dame, 6'3, 220

A four year starter at Notre Dame, Floyd holds Notre Dame records for receiving yards at 3,686, receptions at 271, and receiving TDs at 37. He's a big-bodied receiver with the penchant to outjump opposing DB's for balls, and is as sure handed as they come. If it wasn't for the freakish talent that is Justin Blackmon, Floyd would almost certainly be the #1 receiver in this draft class. Unfortunately, a DUI citation in the 2011 offseason led to his suspension from Notre Dame's team for the majority of the offseason, as well as having his captain status stripped from him by coach Brian Kelly. However, Floyd responded by having a strong, trouble free senior season, as well as a great combine and pro day, which occurred earlier today. Early indications from his pro day are good, with NFL Network's Mike Mayock calling Floyd "a top 10 pick" after his workout. Unlike Blackmon, Floyd should be available for the Fins at pick #8, and if Ryan Tannehill and Riley Rieff are off the board, then the Fins could look to Floyd as an answer. Floyd isn't likely to make it out of the first round.

Kendall Wright, Baylor, 5'10, 190

A smaller receiver, Wright is another Big 12 burner and was QB Robert Griffin III's favorite target in their careers at Baylor. Wright makes up for his smaller stature with elite speed, averaging 15.4 yards per catch in his senior season, with 108 catches for 1663 yards and 14 TD's. He ran slow at the combine, but the general consensus among scouts is that Wright plays much faster than that. His tape is tantalizing, as he and RG3 connected multiple times in the 2011 season en route to the quarterback's Heisman trophy. Unlike some speedsters, Wright has very good hands as well, and can go up and make plays if needed to, as well as good vision and sideline awareness. He's very similar to both WR Desean Jackson of the Eagles and WR Mike Wallace of the Steelers in that Wright has the ability to beat defenders deep and stretch the field. He's regarded as a late 1st round, early 2nd round receiver and would be a great pickup for the Fins in the 2nd round if he's available.

Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina, 6'3, 213

Plagued by bad QB play for much of his college career, Jeffery has fallen in draft stock his senior season. He was ranked much higher early in the year, but he put on weight and didn't put up the kind of stats he was capable of during his final season at South Carolina, posting 48 catches for 762 yards and 8 TD's after a junior season in which he put up 88 catches, 1517 yards and 9 TD's. Jeffery has since slimmed down, and despite dodging important drills at the Combine, had a solid pro day in which he posted a 4.48 in the 40. Jeffery excels at going up for the ball, and uses his elite size and leaping ability to snatch throws out of the air with violence. Despite torching the SEC for most of his career, there are still doubts about Jeffery's ability to separate from defenders, although that can be coached. He's also an excellent blocker and probably the best blocking receiver in the 2012 draft class. Jeffery is regarded as a 2nd round pick and could be a huge pickup for a team if he performs to his potential.

That's it for the elite receivers in the draft, come back tomorrow for more NFL draft news, Fins news, insight, and analysis!

-SSmith

PS: Nike revealed the new NFL uniforms today, and the Dolphins gear looks very similar, save for the new gloves, cleats, and slightly darker teal color in the home jerseys. Check out the pics in the slideshow on the sidebar of the blog!