Your Miami Dolphins Have a Brand New Look

As we awaited the new logo to be introduced something else was happening in the upstairs offices of the Miami Dolphin complex in Davie FL. The entire team was being transformed right before our eyes. Little by little the old guard antiquated offense and defense was being moved out of town.  Some of us like that, and some of us don't.

The majority of us knew that we lacked firepower on the offensive side of the ball. What we didn't know was that the staff felt the same way about the defensive side of the ball.

On offense we are seeing a transformation from an ineffective plodding offense into an offense with thoroughbreds at many positions. The wide receiver position has been addressed with Mike Wallace and Brandon Gibson combining their skills with Brian Hartline. At tight end we let Anthony Fasano go and replaced him with Dustin Keller. He isn't the blocker that Fasano was, but he sure fits a run and gun offense much better than Anthony ever will. The backfield is the one area that I think we were hurt a little bit. Bush was our lone threat on the team, but even so he wasn't much of blocker and didn't hit the hole with conviction, though he was definitely better at that than he was in New Orleans. His thousand yards can be replaced, but his explosiveness is another thing. I am hoping that Lamar Miller, Marcus Thigpen, or Mike Gillislee can take up the slack.

The transformation on defense is what surprised me the most. The first round pick of Dion Jordan stunned me. Dion Jordan was rated as a top defensive player in this draft. Many of the sites that rate the draft choices had him no lower than the fifth rated player in the draft. CBS had him at third. He may have been a surprise for most of us, but he is no slouch by any means.

The entire defense, except for the safeties, has been shaken up or replaced. Here are some stats from last year's defensive unit.

• Football Outsiders ranked the Dolphins defense at 21st in the league (the offense was rated at 22 and special teams at 14).
• We had a total of 16 takeaways
• 10 interceptions
• Six fumble recoveries
• Miami had a total of 42 sacks, which ranked seventh in the NFL.
• 15 of those sacks are attributed to Cameron Wake. 2nd to him was Jared Odrick with five.

To sum that up the defense was giving up too many yards causing poor field position for the offense, and they were doing next to nothing in creating turnovers. It's no wonder the entire linebacker core has been addressed with two starters gone and the addition of Ellerbe and Wheeler, and Jelani Jenkins (through the draft).

The transformation of the Dolphins may not be complete yet. There is one thing that is clear. This Miami Dolphin team is totally different than what we have been watching for the past eight to 10 years. This team is trying to revolve around team speed. Everywhere I look I see speed. The skill positions have been upgraded beyond what I expected. I don't know how any of this will work out, but I like what I am seeing.

We have a sleek new logo with clean looking new uniforms.  Hopefully we will have a team that matches that new look.

Report: Miami Dolphins in Talks with Eric Winston

The Miami Dolphins are in talks with former Chiefs tackle Eric Winston, according to Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald. Beasley goes on to say that we will "know in the near future if a deal is a possibility."

Winston is the logical signing now after Miami was unable to make a trade with the Chiefs for tackle Branden Albert. Winston played right tackle for the Chiefs last year, and he is considered one of the best right tackles in the NFL. He's also the picture of consistency. He has started every game for the past six years.

This is a deal that makes a lot of sense for both sides. The Dolphins could use a right tackle like Winston on their line, and Winston is apparently very interested in playing for Miami (he played college ball at the University of Miami). The big question now is most likely going to be the money, but Miami has more than enough cap room to sign Winston, who should be significantly cheaper than Albert.

Signing Winston would solidify the Dolphins offensive line. The most logical starting offensive line that I can see if Winston is indeed with Miami is (from left to right) Jonathan Martin, Richie Incognito, Mike Pouncey, Dallas Thomas (rookie), and Eric Winston.

We will see what happens. I am very hopeful that Winston and the Dolphins can make a deal happen.

Thanks for stopping by. Email me at paul@dolphinshout.com. I'm also on twitter @PaulDSmythe.

Miami Dolphins Day Two Draft Recap

The Miami Dolphins made some moves yesterday and ended up taking three different players in the second and third round. They originally had four picks in the two rounds, but they traded one of their second rounders to move up and take Dion Jordan third overall.

Jeff Ireland is in a make-or-break season. This is the last year of his contract, and he needs to make some moves to keep his job.

Here are their picks (click on each of their names to get a scouting report):

• Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise St
• Dallas Thomas, T/G, Tennessee
• Will Davis, CB, Utah St

I would like to start by saying that I absolutely love doubling up on cornerback. This way we are almost guaranteed to have one of them pan out as a starter. That's the benefit if loading up on picks. You're able to have a higher margin of error.

Dallas Thomas is a very versatile offensive lineman. He played as a guard last year and a tackle the year before. Joe Philbin has said that they will play Thomas on the left side, but he's not sure at what spot yet.

I am really excited with the direction the Dolphins are going in this draft. Miami is really strengthening their defense, and they are adding a lot of impact players. We'll see what they do today.

Here is some tape on the three new Dolphins:

Jamar Taylor

Dallas Thomas




Will Davis


Thanks for stopping by. Email me at paul@dolphinshout.com. I'm also on twitter @PaulDSmythe.

Dolphin Shout Day 3 Live Draft Chat

The Miami Dolphins still have five picks today, so we'll see what they do.

Report: Miami Dolphins Trade Davone Bess

The Miami Dolphins have traded Davone Bess to the Cleveland Browns, according to Omar Kelly of the Sun-Sentinel.

[Update] The trade is the Browns 4th, and 5th round picks for Bess, Miami's 4th, and their 7th.

Bess was on the way out so Miami obviously was just trying to get something for him. They are also saving a lot of money. Bess' contract this year was worth $2.67 million, so the Dolphins now have more cap room. Bess would have been the fourth receiver on Miami's depth chart.

It will be interesting to see what the Dolphins do in the draft. Will they get a slot receiver to replace Bess, or are they happy with where they are now?

What do you guys think about this?

Thanks for stopping by. Email me at paul@dolphinshout.com. I'm also on twitter @PaulDSmythe.

Dolphin Shout Live Draft Chat: Day Two

We'll see what's in the plans for the Dolphins today. It figures to be another exciting day of picks.

Miami Dolphins Draft Day Two: What's the Plan?

The Miami Dolphins shocked the NFL world last night by trading for the Oakland Raiders third overall pick and drafting Dion Jordan out of Oregon.

The trade left Miami with one less second round pick, but it gave them the best defensive player in the draft and a potentially elite pass rusher to go alongside Cameron Wake. Jordan constantly draws comparisons to Jason Taylor, so he has some pretty high expectations.

Today the Dolphins will have three picks to work with (barring a trade, which I expect will happen). Their picks are:

• Round 2, Pick 22 (54 overall)
• Round 3, Pick 15 (77)
• Round 3, Pick 20 (82)

There is still the very real possibility that Miami could swing a trade for offensive tackle Branden Albert. The Chiefs drafted tackle Eric Fisher with the first overall pick, so Albert is no longer their starting left tackle. I would be happy with Miami trading their second or one of their third round picks for him. Obviously I would prefer one of their thirds, but I don't know how realistic that is and I believe that Albert is worth the second simply because he is better than any other tackle that the Dolphins would be able to draft with that pick.

Let's say for the sake of this piece that Miami trades their second round pick for Branden Albert, which is what I think will ultimately happen. What then? My guess is they take the best available cornerback in the third round, and I'm thinking there will be some good ones left.

Could CB David Amerson of NC State be in the mix?

What about their other third, then? That's where it gets a little trickier, and I think it a lot will depend on if we trade Davone Bess by that point. If we do trade Bess then I think our move is a slot receiver, and specifically Texas A&M receiver Ryan Swope. I was wholly unimpressed by Swope as an outside receiver, but I think he could be a very good slot guy. Plus, he has the connection of playing college ball with Ryan Tannehill.

Would be an adequate Bess replacement

If Miami doesn't trade Davone Bess then it is extremely hard to know what they will do. Maybe they draft another cornerback or maybe they just take the highest player left on their board. It is incredibly difficult to say.

We'll see what happens. I'm just as excited for the draft tonight as I was for last night. Miami is going to be adding a lot of new talent tonight.

Thanks for stopping by. Email me at paul@dolphinshout.com. I'm also on twitter @PaulDSmythe.

Miami Dolphins Trade up and Draft Dion Jordan

The Miami Dolphins have traded their 12th overall pick and 42nd overall pick to the Oakland Raiders for the third overall pick in the NFL Draft. With that pick they took Dion Jordan, OLB from Oregon.

Jordan has been drawing comparisons to Jason Taylor, which is obviously a very nice comparison for Dolphins fans.

Miami obviously really likes Jordan, so we'll see how well he can do opposite of Cameron Wake. Here's some tape (and highlights) on him.







Stay tuned. Who knows what happens next.

Thanks for stopping by. Email me at paul@dolphinshout.com. I'm also on twitter @PaulDSmythe.

Dolphin Shout Live Draft Chat

The NFL Draft has finally arrived. Join in the discussion as we find out who the Miami Dolphins are going to take.

Report: Davone Bess on the Trade Block

This one is a little surprising. The Miami Dolphins are apparently shopping Davone Bess, and according to Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times the Browns are "seriously considering" trading for him.

After the additions of Mike Wallace and Brandon Gibson, Bess was moved to fourth on the depth chart. He is scheduled to make $2.5 million this year, and it wouldn't make too much sense to pay your fourth best receiver that kind of money.

I am hoping that the Dolphins are able to make the trade and get a pick (or two) in return for Bess. I like Bess, but his contract is up after this year and he isn't expected to re-sign with Miami. This way we get some draft pick in return for a receiver who we won't use all that much.

This has been a busy day for the Dolphins. Let's see if anything happens tonight or tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by. Email me at paul@dolphinshout.com. I'm also on twitter @PaulDSmythe.

Miami Dolphins Resume Branden Albert Trade Talks with Chiefs

The Miami Dolphins have resumed trade talks for Branden Albert with the Kansas City Chiefs, according to Ed Werder on ESPN's Sportscenter. It was reported that the Dolphins haven't been in contact with the Chiefs about Albert for close to two weeks, but now it appears that they are talking again.

With the draft being so soon it makes sense that talks would rev up again. I feel like trading a second round pick for Albert would be a smart move. He is a better tackle than anyone else we would be able to get in the second round. The biggest problem is that he is looking for an eight to nine million dollar contract.

There have been reports that Miami was willing to pay that price and others that say his contract demands turned the Dolphins off. I can't say for sure which report was true, but we will know for sure in the very near future.

We are getting down to the wire here. Let's see if Miami is able to get a deal done before the draft. Doing so would free up their first round pick and give them a lot more options.

Here's a little scouting report on Albert from a Chiefs website.


Armando Salguero is also reporting that the Dolphins want to give Albert a physical, which is a key part of the trade. If they are able to give him a physical today or tomorrow before the draft then that would allow for a trade during the draft.

Thanks for stopping by. Let me know what you think. Email me at paul@dolphinshout.com. I'm also on twitter @PaulDSmythe.

Miami Dolphins New Uniforms Leaked

Just a few days from the NFL Draft the Miami Dolphins new uniforms have been leaked. Here are the pictures, courtesy of Paul Lukas of Uni Watch:

Notice the lack of orange and the white facemasks

Miami's are the ones on the left

Here are the jerseys with the image blown up

What do you guys think? I wish they had a little more orange on them, but it doesn't really matter that much in my opinion. I will say that I like the white jerseys more than the aqua ones.

Thanks for stopping by. Email me at paul@dolphinshout.com. I'm also on twitter @PaulDSmythe.

Would the Miami Dolphins Consider D.J. Hayden at 12?

The story of University of Houston cornerback D.J. Hayden is a scary, yet inspirational, one. He almost died five months ago when he tore his inferior vena cava (a large vein that carries blood to and from the heart), and now he his Mike Mayock's top rated corner in this draft. He isn't especially big (5'11", 191 pounds), but he plays bigger than his size and has elite instincts that put him among the top cornerbacks in this draft.

If you want to read about the full story of Hayden's nearly tragic incident just click on this link.

The Miami Dolphins could use another cornerback. It definitely isn't their biggest hole, but they could still use a talented guy like Hayden.

Hayden is a fast and quick corner. Like I mentioned earlier his instincts are top shelf. He has a nose for the ball and is constantly making plays. His size isn't perfect, but I don't think it will affect him too much. He is great in coverage and his instincts make up for a lack of size.

His biggest concern has to be his injury five months ago, but if he isn't going to have any more problems with that then I think he could be worth the 12th pick. I don't expect Miami to get him then because of the cornerback depth of this class, but I still think he is worthy of the 12.

Here's some game tape to watch on Hayden. Notice how he is constantly making plays (i.e. interception and stripping the ball). Enjoy:



Thanks for stopping by. Let me know what you think. The draft is only a few days away. I hope you guys are as excited as I am.

Email me at paul@dolphinshout.com. I'm also on twitter @PaulDSmythe.

Miami Dolphins NFL Draft Preview

We are just a few days away from the 2013 NFL Draft, and you can expect the Miami Dolphins to be among the most active teams during the draft. They have 11 draft picks, cap space, and only a few holes to fill.

There are a million different scenarios for the Dolphins in this draft. With their 12th overall pick they could trade up, trade down, or draft a player, and any of those three moves would be completely acceptable to me. I would prefer the Dolphins not to trade down just because they have so many picks already, but I am not opposed to it.

Yes, we need to add an offensive lineman and cornerback (a pass rusher wouldn't be unwelcome either), but with so much ammunition I believe it will be pretty easy to fill those spots. This is a "meat and potatoes" draft, and with five picks in the first three rounds how can we not fix our problems?

I understand that there's a lot of doubt among the Miami fan base regarding Jeff Ireland's ability to draft players, but even the most ardent doubter has to admit he has set us up really well for the draft. It would take an incredibly poor draft by Ireland to not have all of the Dolphins holes patched up, and I'm confident he'll do a lot better than poor.

These are Miami's draft picks:

• Round 1, Pick 12
• Round 2, Pick 10 (42 overall)
• Round 2, Pick 22 (54)
• Round 3, Pick 15 (77)
• Round 3, Pick 20 (82)
• Round 4, Pick 14 (111)
• Round 5, Pick 13 (146)
• Round 5, Pick 33 (166)
• Round 7, Pick 11 (217) 
• Round 7, Pick 18 (224)
• Round 7, Pick 44 (250)

Now, here are a few options for Miami to fix each of their holes, along with what I think is most likely to happen and what I want to happen.

Offensive Tackle

Draft Lane Johnson:
I don't really expect Lane Johnson to fall to us at 12, but he is the most likely guy of the top three tackles (Joeckel, Fisher, and Johnson) to fall, so I put him here. It is also possible Miami would trade up to get him, but I don't think they will.

Trade for Branden Albert:

This is my top choice. There's been a lot of chatter about trading a 2nd round pick for Chiefs offensive tackle Branden Albert. Not only do I want it to happen, but that's what I'm predicting will happen. It makes a lot of sense, and Albert is a better lineman than anyone else the Dolphins could draft in the second round.

Draft Prospect Later:
Miami could either trade back from 12 or take a lineman with one of their later picks. Like I said before, this is a really deep class. They could take a tackle in the late first or early second like the extremely athletic Menelik Watson or Kyle Long, son of Howie Long. Miami could afford to wait until the third round even. They might not get an elite caliber guy, but they could take one of a few solid starters that late.

Sign a Free Agent:
Former Chiefs tackle Eric Winston is still a free agent, and his agent has said specifically he wants to play for the Dolphins. I don't know how likely it is Miami signs Winston seeing as they've had plenty of time and chosen not to, but it can't be ruled out totally.


Cornerback
Trade up and Draft Dee Millner:
I am almost certain Millner won't fall to Miami at 12, so they would have to trade up to get him. The Browns are reportedly looking to trade back, so they seem like the perfect trade partner. It would probably take a 2nd or 3rd round pick to move up, though, but I think Millner would be worth it. He is definitely the best corner in the draft and would turn our cornerback corps into a strength.

Draft Xavier Rhodes:
For a while I thought this was the most likely scenario, but I've started to change my mind and I will explain in the next option. Rhodes would help solidify Miami's corners as well, and I see him as a very solid pick at that spot. You'll hear things like he might be a bit of a reach, but what does it matter? If he fills a need, is the best player available at that need, and you don't think he'll be available when your next pick comes around then you get him.

Draft a Cornerback Later:

This draft class is extremely deep at cornerback. There are close to 25 cornerbacks who have a grade somewhere between the first and fourth round. Just like the Branden Albert trade, this would make a lot of sense for the Dolphins. They can just draft one of the second or third round guys instead of using their first round pick on Rhodes.

Don't Draft a Cornerback (or draft a developmental guy really late):
I am actually pretty high on the combination of Brent Grimes and Richard Marshall. Both are very good cornerbacks who would hold their own just fine. My main concern would be injuries (both missed most of the season last year), which is why I wouldn't want to rely on them, but if healthy I think they would be a great duo.

Pass Rusher
I wanted to start this by saying I don't consider pass rusher a huge need, but since we have so many picks I think it is something that should (and will) be addressed.

Draft Ezekiel "Ziggy" Ansah:
Ansah is a great athlete with limited production. He had never played football prior to 2010, so he is naturally a very unpolished prospect. He has the physical capability to be an elite edge rusher, though, which makes him very enticing. Ultimately I think the Dolphins pass on him because he's very risky, but I expect them to give him a lot of consideration.

Draft a Pass Rusher Later:
This is what I want to happen and also what I expect will happen. Defensive ends aren't as deep as cornerback, but there are still a lot of guys that will be available in the second through fourth rounds that would complement Cameron Wake well. My hope would be Miami drafts Margus Hunt out of SMU or Damontre Moore out of Texas A&M with one of their second rounders.

That's what I see happening for the Dolphins three biggest needs, but it does leave us one big question:

What do the Miami Dolphins do at 12 if they trade for Albert and draft a cornerback later?
For me it comes down to two guys. Neither is a need, but they both would really help bolster Miami's passing attack. And let's be honest here, the most important thing in the NFL is having a strong passing game. I understand you will have teams who can rely on their running game and defense, but, for the most part, it is throwing the football that really helps you win a lot of games.

So with that in mind, here are my final two options for the Miami Dolphins 12th overall pick:

Draft Tyler Eifert:
Eifert is an elite tight end prospect who would be able to come in from day one and dominate NFL defenders. In my mind he is already a top five NFL tight end, and an elite tight end is a valuable thing to give a quarterback (just ask Tom Brady and Drew Brees). The increasing importance of tight ends also raises Eifert's value, and I feel like 12 would be a great spot to choose him at. This is actually what I think is most likely to happen. Miami only signed Dustin Keller to a one year contract, so I wouldn't worry too much about carrying two starters at tight end.

Draft Tavon Austin:
I've joined the dark side. I know, I know. I just put up a piece on Friday talking about why the Dolphins won't draft Austin. The thing is, I still don't think they will. I just want them to. Tavon is a game-changer. When given a little space he is incredibly dangerous. His versatility is similar to that of Percy Harvin's.

His main knock is his size, which I think is a big concern, but Miami has enough receivers already that they don't need a standard sized receiver. Austin instantly turns the Dolphins passing attack into something to be reckoned with. Miami's weapons with Austin included would be scary.

Sometimes you just have to stick your neck out there when your job is on the line, and that might be exactly what Jeff Ireland does. Hopefully it is. I still think he takes Eifert, but I will be pleasantly surprised if he grabs Austin.

There is also the possibility that Austin is taken before 12, but I don't think that will be the case.


So based on everything above, this is my ideal scenario for the first three rounds of the draft for the Dolphins:

First Round
-Draft Tavon Austin (with Tyler Eifert as a backup plan)

Second Round
-Trade one of the picks to Kansas City for Branden Albert
-Draft Margus Hunt or Damontre Moore (in that order)

Third Round
-Draft a cornerback from the huge list of second and third round prospects
-Draft best player available with a focus on potential weaknesses

So there we have it. I know this is a lot to digest, so feel free to talk about anything I've covered. Email me at paul@dolphinshout.com. I'm also on twitter @PaulDSmythe.

Dolphinshout 2013 Mock Draft

Dolphinshout in conjunction with the writers at afatt.com present the first addition of the 2013 NFL Mock Draft. This is a first iteration and is open to debate in the comments section. Shouters should create there own list from 1-32 and write it in the comments. There will be an attempt to update this list based on the suggestions from readers. As with any mock draft the selections are based on opinions and we all know about opinions.

Try to go a little easy in the comments, using words like, "complete idiot, and dumb as a box of rocks," are just so insensitive! This is for your enjoyment and debate, while a lot of thought has gone into it, the actual draft will be quite different. It is impossible to predict trades which completely shake up every mock draft. Consider your suggestions without trades. Certainly the subject of trades is up for debate in the comments.

Without further ado...

Why the Miami Dolphins Won't Draft Tavon Austin

I get it. Tavon Austin is electric. He's a playmaker. The Miami Dolphins wide receiving corps would be top-notch if we drafted Austin to go with Mike Wallace and our other receivers. I understand all that.

Austin is an amazing talent that can do well regardless of the situation he is in. I think any team would be a fool not to consider him. With that being said, I don't expect the Miami Dolphins to draft him, and here are a few reasons why:

Size
Austin is small, and while I hate judging a player based on size it is impossible to ignore in this case. Austin is 5'8". Being that short limits what routes he can run in the NFL, and that's just the truth. It's unfair, but that's how it is.

I think he size can be an advantage. It will make him a smaller target for defenders. But it still hurts him more than it helps in my eyes.

More Pressing Needs
Miami would be better off spending an early pick on an offensive lineman or a cornerback.

Is helping the offensive line a sexy pick? No, but it is very important. Drafting a cornerback might be a little "cooler", but it still isn't a flashy receiver like everyone wants and I get that. But, the fact of the matter is Miami has actual holes that need to be filled. They don't need to be drafting at a position that is now a strength with their 12th overall pick.

Wide Receiver Depth
This draft class is loaded with very talented wide receivers. The depth of the draft as a whole is excellent, and that especially applies to the receivers. It is possible that the Dolphins could get Keenan Allen, DeAndre Hopkins, Terrance Williams, Justin Hunter, and a load of other guys in the second round or later. No, they aren't Tavon Austin, but they can still help make our receiving corps even greater.

I have heard this draft referred to as a "meat and potatoes" draft because of all of the talented players available in the mid to late rounds, and I feel like that is an accurate assessment.

I think that Austin will be a top-level slot receiver, but I'm just not comfortable with Miami drafting him when they have other needs to fill and there are plenty of receivers available in this draft class.

Don't get me wrong. I like Austin a lot. He's my second ranked receiver behind Cordarrelle Patterson, and I actually think he would fit what the Dolphins are trying to do more than Patterson would. I just don't think Miami will get him.

It just doesn't make sense to draft a slot receiver who runs a limited route tree with the 12th pick in the draft. I won't be mad if they do it, but I highly doubt they will. He's a really fun receiver to watch so I'll actually be pretty happy if we get him, but it just doesn't make sense.

What do you think? Thanks for stopping by. Email me at paul@dolphinshout.com.

Why the Miami Dolphins Should Draft Tavon Austin

This draft has been a highly discussed subject for the Miami Dolphins, especially after the beginning of free agency. Much of the talk centers around Jeff Ireland and how this is a make or break draft for him. A lot of it is also how he fails at evaluating talent. Personally, I feel Ireland has done a good job the past two offseasons and I feel he will earn praise after this draft.

That being said, in my opinion Miami should draft Tavon Austin with the 12th pick.

Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia 
5'8", 175 pounds, 4.34 40-yard dash
Statistics in Four Years
288 Receptions, 3,413 yards, 29 touchdowns
109 rushes for 1031 yards and six touchdowns
98 kickoff returns for 2,407 yards and four touchdowns

2012 Combined Yards: 2,910
2012 Combined Touchdowns 17

Up until last season there has not been much to get excited about on our offense since the days of Dan Marino and Don Shula. Drafting Tannehill was the start. He showed what he could do with limited weapons. This offseason Ireland went out and upgraded Tannehill's weapons, and drafting Tavon Austin would complete that transformation.

A lot has been said about Austin's size and possibility of injury. Well guess what, Jake Long was 6'7" 315 pounds and he was injured quite a bit the last few seasons. Austin has never missed a game or practice while at West Virginia. He possesses the game changing ability to light up the scoreboard, the confidence to make it happen, and the strength to handle man-to-man corner coverage (14 bench reps of  225 pounds). Not bad for a 175-pound man. He also has a 32" vertical.

He has all the tools, and combined with Wallace, Tannehill, Miller and Hartline he can help take Miami's vertical game to the next level. Plus, he put fans in the seats.

Tavon Austin a luxury pick? Give me the keys to the Porsche.

Here are some videos on Austin.

Tavon Austin is regarded as a top ten pick.



Here is ESPN's Todd McShay reviewing Austin.



The Supreme Tavon Austin video



Tavon Austin Draft Review: Strengths and Weaknesses

Click here to view Tavon's face to face interview

Tavon is a confident, yet humble, kid with no off the field issues. His style is suited for the West Coast Offense and he is a matchup nightmare for defenses. Tavon Austin meets the standards Joe Philbin looks for in a player. People are getting too hung up on his height and weight.

What Tavon Austin has can't be coached, and he is a natural born winner. I will close with this quote from Tavon Austin's Twitter page:

"Adversity causes some men to break and others to break records. Blessed!"

Thanks for your time and let me know your thoughts.

What If the Miami Dolphins Moved up to #1 Overall?

This is just going to be a short and sweet hypothetical post. It's just something to talk about really. The other day I read a quote from Jeff Ireland that said:

"I have enough to move to number one, if I want to."

That was a reply to a question about if he thought he would move up, and how far he thought he could move if he desired.

My question to all of the Shouters out there is this: if the Miami Dolphins were to trade into the first or second overall spot, who would you take if you were Jeff Ireland? I personally see no one there that I would give up multiple picks for, but for the sake of the article I will pick someone.

I would take Dion Jordan. I really wanted to say Jarvis Jones, but I think in the end Jordan is going to be a better all-around player. Cameron Wake will get some help with this pick for years to come.

Again, this is just a what-if thing. There is no right or wrong. I was just curious who the one player is that Shouters would feel confident moving up to get. But don't forget, to move up we have to get rid of multiple picks. So, make your choices with that in mind.
   
Thanks for reading along, I look forward to your opinions.

Draft Theory and the Big Board

The Big Board

This is the time of year for narrowing down your board.  Every team has a board and every one is different.  The biggest beef with most so-called draft experts is they do not give you a frame of reference for their draft board.  The offense a team uses, the personnel they have in place, the market and the climate all play a role in how you evaluate a draft class.  It does not take place in a vacuum.

Some teams use a vertical draft board that rates players in a best to worst order from the top down regardless of position. Other teams take a horizontal approach with each position labeled across the top. Each position catagory is then broken down from best to worst based on what round the player is expected to be selected in.

We have always used a few ground rules to govern the board:

Name your team and scheme – We are drafting for the Dolphins and it will skew your evaluation because certain players may be great in another scheme, but not a fit for the Dolphins.

Determine what positions are priorities – we always believe that you over draft for certain positions that are vital and are hard to find.

Make a stand on character and intangibles, or not – we call it in the IME; the Instant Millionaire Effect states that those who get in trouble or lack desire to work when they are broke will get in more trouble when they become an IM.  Wait till a later round and maybe being deprived of millions of dollars for being a knucklehead will wake them up.

Measurables do not measure football players – unless it exposes their one or two weaknesses in college.  Everyone is bigger, faster, and stronger in the NFL.  If you are a linebacker that struggles against fast teams and then run a 4.85 forty at the Combine (Manti), that matters only if you had trouble covering college players in the passing game. Conversely, if you took plays off and did not like to tackle in college, being a 4.5, 260 pound DE is not that big a deal… especially after you become an IM…

This is one of the better ones.  CBS Sports - NFL Draft Scout.

This your chance to help Dolphinshout create our own big board. In the comments section, give us your big board list from top to bottom with a round you expect the player to be selected in. If you only know a few players and they are all first rounders, that's okay just place them in the order you think they belong in the first round.

From your opinions, I will compile the list and then we'll match it up after the draft and see how we did. List as many players as you can. Don't worry if you only know a few, we will mainly concentrate on the first round. This is not a mock draft it is a player ranking. I look forward to your selections.

Please Jeff Ireland, Say It Ain't So

There has been all kind of talk on the web about the Dolphins selecting an offensive lineman with their first pick. Some draft gurus are saying the Dolphins will even trade up in the draft to grab one. Lane Johnson seems to the player on everyone's boards. Lane Johnson this. Lane Johnson that. Give me a break! I am so sick of the Dolphins using early picks for offensive lineman.

But, here we sit again, and we really shouldn't be in this position. Jake Long was supposed to fix this problem. The Dolphins have neglected their skill positions as they continue to try and fix the offensive line.  Our skill positions were so bad we had to use free agency to upgrade just one area: wide receiver. We still have holes to fill at cornerback. Counting on cornerbacks that are coming off injuries and surgeries that put them on the injured reserve isn't my idea of a fix.

I can't tell you if all the talk about Lane Johnson is just that: talk. This is the time of year when the team will say just about anything to bluff everyone. I have no problems with the team moving up to grab cornerback Dee Milliner from Alabama. If they moved up to get Lane Johnson that would send me over the edge. The lip smackers though out the media outlets are saying just that.

Please Jeff Ireland, say it ain't so!

Join the Miami Dolphins Draft Contest With Phin Nation

Here's something exciting that I think you guys might like. Dolphin Shout is partnering with PhinNation to bring you a Dolphins Draft Contest.

I can't really take too much credit for the contest because it was all organized by Bill over at Phin Nation, but I am contributing the third place price of a Black Chad Henne Jersey! I know you guys have been searching all over for one, so I figured I would give it to a winner out of the kindness of my heart.

Here's how the draft contest works.

1. Go here and download the Dolphins Draft Contest Form. To download the contest click on 'File' in the top left corner and go down to 'Download'.

2. Fill out the yellow boxes in the form.

3. Email the form to PhinNationContest@gmail.com.

This is an exciting opportunity to prove that you are a true draft guru, and you can win prizes. The prizes are as follow:

1st Place: Dolphins Jacket (XL) [Contributed by Phin Nation]
2nd Place: Dolphins Cheerleader Calendar [Also contributed by Phin Nation]
3rd Place: Black Chad Henne Jersey (M) [Contributed by Dolphin Shout]

For full rules and information click here.

Let's show those guys over at Phin Nation that we know our stuff! I am expecting you guys to take all three prizes.

Thanks for stopping by. Email any questions to me at paul@dolphinshout.com or PhinNationContest@gmail.com.

Jeff Ireland is Hanging by a Thread

Joe Philbin once said, "in nine years offensively in Green Bay we never had one guy come in there as a free agent and really contribute. So, my mindset is more let’s get guys into our culture. Let’s develop our own people. Let’s have faith in our ability to teach, develop and motivate guys.”

Miami fans were certainly sold the bill of goods with the hiring of Philbin. Gone were the failed attempts at buying players in free agency. The Dolphins were turning over a new leaf and Joe Philbin was going to bring some of the ingredients Green Bay used so successfully to build a winning franchise.

Joe’s offense had no need for an alpha receiver, “Part of the philosophy of the offense is to have balance. We want our quarterbacks typically to have what we call progression reads where they’re not necessarily isolated on one specific individual. With that being said, we’re going to play to our hot hand. We’re going to certainly strive to create mismatches and take advantage of the guys that we do have. But the offense, once we install the passing game, is not necessarily built upon okay, you’re the number one guy, you’re the number two guy, you’re the number three guy. As we put the plays together for the quarterback, in his mind there’s a progression of who’s the first receiver, who’s the second receiver, who’s the third receiver."

Even Boss Ross was on the same page, "Free agency certainly isn't the answer. We've all seen that oftentimes there's a reason why a guy is out there as a free agent." But the supposition Jeff Ireland would make the leap along with Philbin was obviously wrong.

It would seem Boss Ross oiled up Joe Philbin with what he wanted to hear, but left Ireland as the man in charge. At least until Ireland proved incapable of leading Joe out of the Greenbay backwoods. This is Miami and in Miami, things are insane, why else would the Dolphins continue doing the same things over and over and expect different results?

Ross isn’t a billionaire from the inability to recognize talent, he sees it in Jeff Ireland. “His football intelligence, his knowledge, his hard work. He has the respect of his peers and he is one of the youngest general managers around. I like dealing with youth and enthusiasm. And I think he has the knowledge and desire. He is smart, and he is committed." Ross understands Ireland didn’t really sign Jake Grove, Justin Smiley, Karlos Dansby, Gabril Wilson, Kevin Burnett, Legedu Naanee, Marc Columbo, Ernst Wilford, those were players Bill Parcells and Tony Sparano wanted on the team.

Jeff Ireland knows where to put the big money, Ross is sure. "Certainly all my resources are there, and if the right players are there, I don't care what it costs, we'll go after them." Ireland knows Wallace won’t be another Dansby, nor could he ever be an Nnamdi Asomugha or Albert Haynesworth. The second guessing matters little now, with the ink on the paper, the hand will just have to be played out.

Where does Joe Philbin truly fit into all these signings. It wasn’t long ago he said, “you can’t necessarily fix everything in free agency nor do you want to. I don’t envision us being deeply, deeply involved. I think when you’re doing things the right way you’re developing your own guys, you’re resigning your own guys so just the business model of the NFL that’s going to prohibit you from being overly active all the time in free agency. Now we’re going to hopefully take the best players that are available based on our film evaluation when the draft comes around later this month.”

Is this a one season, Miami has to spend 89% of the cap in a hogs-gone-wild rampage, or the opposite of the sound business model Joe talks about. The old adage, “actions speak louder than words,” is ringing through the Miami off-season moves. There is another adage heard locally, “either you’re all in or you’re all out.” Where does that leave the fans witnessing the words not matching the actions? Their skepticism is no longer acceptable, no questioning the hole in the boat… The water will stop when the ship hits the bottom, are you in or out Ahab?

The deep rooted and nagging issue is one of desperation, the win or else mentality that rarely leads to success. Perhaps the leadership in the Miami locker room did not undermine Joe Philbin’s authority, perhaps those players questioned the man who cut them loose, Jeff Ireland. The numbers don’t lie, only four free agents signed by Ireland have made a single pro bowl in five years and yet here we are again spinning the free agency roulette wheel.

When a coach plainly states, “my mindset is more let’s get guys into our culture. Let’s develop our own people. Let’s have faith in our ability to teach, develop and motivate guys.” The coach is the first individual football person hired by the billionaire owner. The desperation is apparent in the lack of a contract extension for the GM signed by the former regime. Again, the actions speaking what the words do not say.

The GM ignores the coach’s words, is on the hot seat and makes radical changes… Added up, it reeks of desperation. Jeff Ireland needs Wallace, Ellerbe, Wheeler, Gibson and Keller to show up in a big way or his days in Miami are over. Ireland must also make the right choices in the draft and this should scare Miami fans.

Desperation is never a good formula when selecting the future, it puts too much impetus on the present. A player that could anchor a tackle position or become a franchise TE is overlooked for a luxurious flash in the pan. The thread of desperation, when having “faith in our ability to teach, develop and motivate guys” is the proven formula for success, is worn thin and starting to fray.

For Jeff Ireland the only hope is...

The thread does not turn into a rope long enough to hang himself.

The Miami Dolphins in Joe Philbin's Image

Wow! What a difference a year makes. One year ago the Dolphins had about $13 million of cap space, which is the same amount they have at this time.

Since the end of last year's season, which was only four months ago, the Dolphins have potentially six new starters just from free agency. We could also see two or three more starters coming from this year's draft. With the release of Reggie Bush and his replacement (whoever it will be) and the development of guys like Vernon and Kaddu we are not going to see the same team on the field as last year.

Joe Philbin used last year to see what he had and how the players reacted to not only the losses the team accumulated, but how they adjusted to the moves that he made. Some of them didn't react the way he wanted them to react. When he traded Vontae Davis, Brandon Marshall, and released Chad Johnson (who seemed to be doing well in camp until he self-destructed) he learned what the team was made of and he didn't like what he saw.

The team leaders did not rally the troops, but they did question Philbin about his release of Johnson. Obviously that wasn't the best form of reaction from them, and I don't think he expected that. He was expecting something different. And like Marshall, Davis, and Johnson before them the trio of Long, Dansby, and Bush received the same treatment: release!

That was Philbin's way of saying this team is looking for new leadership. I believe he is looking for that leadership to come from Ryan Tannehill, Cameron Wake, and Matt Moore. Yes Matt Moore. Moore is not the starter, but he is no less a leader on this team. Moore is Ryan Tannehill's mentor. Moore has been through everything a quarterback could have gone through. If there is a guy on this team that can teach a quarterback and the other players how handle adversity, it is Matt Moore.

In Jason Taylor's last year with the Dolphins he saw what Matt Moore meant to the team, and Joe Philbin saw that also. That's why the Dolphins re-signed Moore to a new contract in the first few days of free agency.

Philbin is no dummy. The team is being rebuilt in his image. Make no bones about who is in charge with the Miami Dolphins. It is Joe Philbin. I don't know where that will lead. I do know the team has been bold. They have an idea of where they want to go with the team, and there actually seems to be a plan in place and a direction.

Yes indeed, what a difference a year makes.


This is Paul here with a quick message: this is Dolphin Shout's 1000th post. We would like to thank you guys for your continued support and contributions to this great community. Here's to another 1000 posts filled with great content and complemented with great discussion. Thank you.