2019 Dolphins: Can’t Even Tank Right

Status
Not open for further replies.

sodenj5

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
6,619
CT
Lol. What veterans does Miami have left that would have any remote trace of trade value? Kenyan Drake, Albert Wilson, and Reshad Jones, maybe?

Everyone else is young players on their rookie contract and patchwork free agents.
 

rymflaherty

Member
SoSH Member
Jun 27, 2010
3,420
Norfolk
It seems the lack of any actual hope for this current season has turned me into an asshole fan...I had that epiphany while thinking of this upcoming game and having the realization that what I was rooting for was for this ragtag group of players, many who don’t belong on an NFL field, seriously injure key Patriots players this Sunday.
Because if you can’t ruin their season be beating them...
 

sodenj5

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
6,619
CT
From a player’s perspective, the Tunsil trade had to be a gut punch, and then you see them cutting guys like Tank Carradine, who legitimately played well in the preseason, and Nate Orchard, who lead the team in pre season sacks, and you realize this tank probably is running deeper than you imagined.

It’s going to be a long year for all involved. If I were Drake, I would be far more upset with STILL being under utilized by a new coaching staff on a bad team. That I can understand.

Also, Minkah Fitzpatrick has a bad game on the back of a not so great pre season. If nothing else, you want to see growth from foundational pieces like Minkah and Wilkins and Jerome Baker this season.
 

Ralphwiggum

Member
SoSH Member
Jun 27, 2012
9,827
Needham, MA
Why would Brian Flores want to be involved with this mess? I can't believe he's going to be around by the time the Dolphins are competitive again.
 

DJnVa

Dorito Dawg
SoSH Member
Dec 16, 2010
53,847
It seems the lack of any actual hope for this current season has turned me into an asshole fan...I had that epiphany while thinking of this upcoming game and having the realization that what I was rooting for was for this ragtag group of players, many who don’t belong on an NFL field, seriously injure key Patriots players this Sunday.
Because if you can’t ruin their season be beating them...
You seem like a nice guy.
 

Philip Jeff Frye

Member
SoSH Member
Oct 23, 2001
10,230
Also, Minkah Fitzpatrick has a bad game on the back of a not so great pre season. If nothing else, you want to see growth from foundational pieces like Minkah and Wilkins and Jerome Baker this season.
What's the motivation for those guys to perform though? Give 110% so the teams loses by 30 points instead of 50? I guess there's always "play well enough that a decent team will trade draft choices for you when you get to within two years of free agency." You know, the Tunsil plan.

Must suck to play at Alabama and then end up at this garbage fire.
 

joe dokes

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 18, 2005
30,241
Why would Brian Flores want to be involved with this mess? I can't believe he's going to be around by the time the Dolphins are competitive again.
Maybe he knew this was part of the deal, and he thinks management is capable of puling it off? Beyond that, though, if the Dolphins go 0-16, there aren't too many football-knowers that will lay the blame at Flores's feet.
 
Last edited:

Time to Mo Vaughn

RIP Dernell
SoSH Member
Mar 24, 2008
7,204
What's the motivation for those guys to perform though? Give 110% so the teams loses by 30 points instead of 50? I guess there's always "play well enough that a decent team will trade draft choices for you when you get to within two years of free agency." You know, the Tunsil plan.

Must suck to play at Alabama and then end up at this garbage fire.
I imagine they like money, and things like individual accolades or pro-bowl appearances are probably important to them.
 

Shelterdog

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Feb 19, 2002
15,375
New York City
Why would Brian Flores want to be involved with this mess? I can't believe he's going to be around by the time the Dolphins are competitive again.
5 year guaranteed contract that's almost certainly $10 million or more, plus he gets to be a head coach, and who knows, maybe he gets Tua and it actually starts to work in years 2 and 3. It's worth a chance and you can never be sure when/if you'll get another good chance.
 

sodenj5

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
6,619
CT
5 year guaranteed contract that's almost certainly $10 million or more, plus he gets to be a head coach, and who knows, maybe he gets Tua and it actually starts to work in years 2 and 3. It's worth a chance and you can never be sure when/if you'll get another good chance.
Well, they’ve been talking about a full on rebuild since January. I honestly think the Tunsil trade was simply an offer they couldn’t refuse, but 90% of this, Flores knew going in. He knew they were going to tear down the roster and he knew they were going to try and accumulate draft capital. They’ve also given him a 5 year deal and likely told him they would have his back this year as the team rebuilds.

The difficult part is telling these players that they should buy in to you as a coach and your system despite likely losing double digit games this year.

It’s one year of pain. Also, go Saints tonight!
 

InstaFace

The Ultimate One
SoSH Member
Sep 27, 2016
21,764
Pittsburgh, PA
yeah rooting against Houston for the next two years is going to be a fun activity for you. It's sustained us during some dark days in the Port Cellar.

The Dolphins are also leading by a mile in projections for the #1 pick.
 

Morgan's Magic Snowplow

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 2, 2006
22,345
Philadelphia
Well, they’ve been talking about a full on rebuild since January. I honestly think the Tunsil trade was simply an offer they couldn’t refuse, but 90% of this, Flores knew going in. He knew they were going to tear down the roster and he knew they were going to try and accumulate draft capital. They’ve also given him a 5 year deal and likely told him they would have his back this year as the team rebuilds.

The difficult part is telling these players that they should buy in to you as a coach and your system despite likely losing double digit games this year.

It’s one year of pain. Also, go Saints tonight!
Yup. Its also hard to get players to buy in because they're not necessarily going to be around for the rebuild and the fact that you suck in the interim isn't going to help them get a good contract with another team either.

Tanking is smart for the franchise and its long term interests. But, for most of the players, being on a tanking team is a bad situation.
 

lexrageorge

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2007
18,099
What's the motivation for those guys to perform though? Give 110% so the teams loses by 30 points instead of 50? I guess there's always "play well enough that a decent team will trade draft choices for you when you get to within two years of free agency." You know, the Tunsil plan.

Must suck to play at Alabama and then end up at this garbage fire.
Regarding the bolded: there were 20 seniors or 5th year seniors on the 2018 roster for the Tide. Of those, 3 returned to Alabama for their 5th year (Jalen Jackson, De'Marquise Lockridge, and Mike Bernier). Four were drafted: Damien Harris (3rd round, Pats), Christian Miller (4th round, Panthers), Ross Pierschbacher (5th round, Redskins), and Isaiah Bugg (6th round, Steelers). At least two were signed as undrafted free agents: Hale Hentges (Colts) and Lester Cotton (Raiders practice squad).

To my knowledge, the remaining 11 are not sniffing the NFL (although some may have gotten invites - I did not scour through every team's UDFA lists). The Tide, btw, are one of the top teams when it comes to placing NFL talent.

I would say most rookies would be ecstatic to be on an NFL team, even if they were former 'Bama players.

FWIW, there were 6 underclassmen drafted. All are still with their drafting team, although one (Jonah Williams, the first round pick of the Bengals) will miss the entire season.
 

ehaz

Member
SoSH Member
Sep 30, 2007
4,948
Lol. What veterans does Miami have left that would have any remote trace of trade value? Kenyan Drake, Albert Wilson, and Reshad Jones, maybe?

Everyone else is young players on their rookie contract and patchwork free agents.
Davante Parker is still uber talented yet a consistent underperformer. Maybe a fit in Oakland since they need another body now.
 

Philip Jeff Frye

Member
SoSH Member
Oct 23, 2001
10,230
Regarding the bolded: there were 20 seniors or 5th year seniors on the 2018 roster for the Tide. Of those, 3 returned to Alabama for their 5th year (Jalen Jackson, De'Marquise Lockridge, and Mike Bernier). Four were drafted: Damien Harris (3rd round, Pats), Christian Miller (4th round, Panthers), Ross Pierschbacher (5th round, Redskins), and Isaiah Bugg (6th round, Steelers). At least two were signed as undrafted free agents: Hale Hentges (Colts) and Lester Cotton (Raiders practice squad).

To my knowledge, the remaining 11 are not sniffing the NFL (although some may have gotten invites - I did not scour through every team's UDFA lists). The Tide, btw, are one of the top teams when it comes to placing NFL talent.

I would say most rookies would be ecstatic to be on an NFL team, even if they were former 'Bama players.

FWIW, there were 6 underclassmen drafted. All are still with their drafting team, although one (Jonah Williams, the first round pick of the Bengals) will miss the entire season.
So you think he's in "I'm just happy to be here!" mode?
 

E5 Yaz

Transcends message boarding
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Apr 25, 2002
90,020
Oregon
Chances that Tua (or whoever the No. 1 QB by April will be) will pull an Elway/Eli?
 

wade boggs chicken dinner

Member
SoSH Member
Mar 26, 2005
30,500
Tanking is smart for the franchise and its long term interests. But, for most of the players, being on a tanking team is a bad situation.
I'd have the other way. Most of the starters aren't starting on other NFL teams and many of the backups may not be in the league. Flores should be selling them on a chance to put up some tape for the rest of the league. Show everyone how much better they are than people thought.

Not going to win many games but typically, players on a tanking team are happy to be there because of the opportunity. Look at the Orioles.
 

sodenj5

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
6,619
CT
Chances that Tua (or whoever the No. 1 QB by April will be) will pull an Elway/Eli?
Tua’s brother is the 2nd stringer at Bama and the heir apparent. I would guess it’s unlikely he stays if he’s the projected #1 overall pick.

If he goes back, the 2021 class looks like Tua, Lawrence, Fields. That’s cool too.
 

RIrooter09

Alvin
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2008
7,254
Tua’s brother is the 2nd stringer at Bama and the heir apparent. I would guess it’s unlikely he stays if he’s the projected #1 overall pick.

If he goes back, the 2021 class looks like Tua, Lawrence, Fields. That’s cool too.
I think he meant refusing to play for the team that drafted him and demanding a trade a la Eli/Elway.
 

Brand Name

make hers mark
Moderator
SoSH Member
Oct 6, 2010
4,397
Moving the Line
Tua’s brother is the 2nd stringer at Bama and the heir apparent. I would guess it’s unlikely he stays if he’s the projected #1 overall pick.

If he goes back, the 2021 class looks like Tua, Lawrence, Fields. That’s cool too.
There’s no chance he stays. Tua might be a humble young man, but there really isn’t much he needs to prove at the college level, and what there is seems to be improved on so far. My big issue is him holding the ball too long but that one has to wait until they face actual competition.

If E5 meant the refusal play, absolutely no chance of that either. Tua is the most team focused QB you’ll see. Would be a complete 180 to see that given his humbleness and team focused attitude. If anything, I think he’d enjoy the challenge.

As much as Taulia is the QB of the future at Alabama, fantastic upside, he’s actually the fourth string QB right now (Tua, Mac Jones, Paul Tyson/Bryant’s godson). Wouldn’t surprise me to see him get a redshirt. He basically only hands the ball off at this stage.

It’d be a big risk, but what would you think about a hypothetical where you draft Jerry Jeudy in the 1st this year over a Tua or Herbert, try for (presumably) Lawrence in 2021? A rookie WR doesn’t move the needle much for the winning but also gives the future QB an absolute weapon to begin with.
 

Shelterdog

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Feb 19, 2002
15,375
New York City
It seems the lack of any actual hope for this current season has turned me into an asshole fan...I had that epiphany while thinking of this upcoming game and having the realization that what I was rooting for was for this ragtag group of players, many who don’t belong on an NFL field, seriously injure key Patriots players this Sunday.
Because if you can’t ruin their season be beating them...
I'm rooting for the Dolphins to have the exact same success they've had for the past fifteen years or so--a bunch of you guys explaining why this year's collection of overpriced free agent signings is going to make a difference followed by an utter abomination of a season.
 

SeoulSoxFan

I Want to Hit the World with Rocket Punch
Moderator
SoSH Member
Jun 27, 2006
22,089
A Scud Away from Hell
I'm rooting for the Dolphins to have the exact same success they've had for the past fifteen years or so--a bunch of you guys explaining why this year's collection of overpriced free agent signings is going to make a difference followed by an utter abomination of a season.
As a Pats fan, I'm rooting every AFCE team to do that death cycle every 4 years. However, I think the Phins are doing the right thing by tanking hard, accumulating picks, and don't be afraid to get slammed for getting rid of star players.

As we've seen with the Browns in game 1, however, I think it'll come down to elite coaching & ownership. That's much harder to acquire than day 1 picks (or FA signings).
 

rymflaherty

Member
SoSH Member
Jun 27, 2010
3,420
Norfolk
I’ve been wondering if some of the latest trades also correlate to, or are an admission that they know Rosen isn’t going to be the guy.
Not that it was going to be an optimal situation for Rosen to shine, but I haven’t heard any accounts that make him seem like he’s the long term answer.
So you have to think once that became evident it shifted the timetable and needs. It was back to needing the #1 pick and they aren’t on Rosen’s contract timetable, which made it even easier and more necessary to punt on this year.
If Rosen blew them away I wonder if they aren’t more content to stay pat this year and try to be more competitive.
 

pjheff

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 4, 2003
1,296
It seems the lack of any actual hope for this current season has turned me into an asshole fan...I had that epiphany while thinking of this upcoming game and having the realization that what I was rooting for was for this ragtag group of players, many who don’t belong on an NFL field, seriously injure key Patriots players this Sunday.
Because if you can’t ruin their season be beating them...
And here I was imagining how hilarious it would be if Belichick handed the Dolphins a win or two this season to undermine their Tank for Tua strategy.
 

sodenj5

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
6,619
CT
I’ve been wondering if some of the latest trades also correlate to, or are an admission that they know Rosen isn’t going to be the guy.
Not that it was going to be an optimal situation for Rosen to shine, but I haven’t heard any accounts that make him seem like he’s the long term answer.
So you have to think once that became evident it shifted the timetable and needs. It was back to needing the #1 pick and they aren’t on Rosen’s contract timetable, which made it even easier and more necessary to punt on this year.
If Rosen blew them away I wonder if they aren’t more content to stay pat this year and try to be more competitive.
I would say it’s extremely unlikely Rosen is the franchise QB. Not that he can’t be a good QB, but they are almost certainly taking a QB in the draft next year and building around said QB.

A worst case scenario is Rosen is a competent backup for cheap, or Miami tries to trade him in the offseason. It was always a lottery ticket, but he would have to completely outplay Tua or whoever they draft next year to start.

He’ll get his chance at some point this year, but he would need to be lights out.
 

sodenj5

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
6,619
CT
Tunsil looks terrible. New system, new calls, but maybe the Dolphins sold high.
Yea also on the road. I’ll give the big man a pass. He looked pretty good in pass protection most of the game.

I low key feel a bit bad for Tunsil because instead of being a very good, young left tackle, he’s now the guy the Texans gave up 2 firsts and a second for and will be under a microscope and immediately thrown under the bus.
 

Shelterdog

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Feb 19, 2002
15,375
New York City
As a Pats fan, I'm rooting every AFCE team to do that death cycle every 4 years. However, I think the Phins are doing the right thing by tanking hard, accumulating picks, and don't be afraid to get slammed for getting rid of star players.

As we've seen with the Browns in game 1, however, I think it'll come down to elite coaching & ownership. That's much harder to acquire than day 1 picks (or FA signings).
I'm not sure tanking is that good a strategy in the NFL. The best way to win in the NFL is obviously to have a very good QB, but even having the number one pick in the draft most years doesn't get you that--you might get a Peyton but you might get Stafford and you might get Tim Couch. Tua seems pretty good but he's certainly not an Elway/Manning/Luck generational prospect.

Obviously, being bad can help--teams like the Jags/Browns/Rams who acquire a bunch of talent over a three or four year down period and then are good for a couple of years, but if you don't get that QB you're only going to be above average for a couple of years before age and the salary cap start to slow you down. So if you don't land the great QB you're going to have two or three crappy years to have a three to five year run--I'm not sure that's a terrific investment for fans.

If I were trying to build a team up, I'd try and model it after the Ravens. Try to keep a stable coaching staff. Try to build a balanced team on offense and defense and special teams. Pay for middle class players. Use every method of player acquisition-the draft, free agency, waivers, udfas, and trades-to build your team. (But be sparing in free agency--keep your compensatory picks and don't overpay). Always have cadre of good veterans leaders and don't be afraid to pick up an Eric Weddle. Don't be afraid to move on from a bad draft pick like a Breshad Perriman--honestly it's a lot of the same principles used by the Pats, but applied to a team that doesn't have an all-time great coach and QB.
 

Super Nomario

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 5, 2000
14,012
Mansfield MA
I'm not sure tanking is that good a strategy in the NFL. The best way to win in the NFL is obviously to have a very good QB, but even having the number one pick in the draft most years doesn't get you that--you might get a Peyton but you might get Stafford and you might get Tim Couch. Tua seems pretty good but he's certainly not an Elway/Manning/Luck generational prospect.

Obviously, being bad can help--teams like the Jags/Browns/Rams who acquire a bunch of talent over a three or four year down period and then are good for a couple of years, but if you don't get that QB you're only going to be above average for a couple of years before age and the salary cap start to slow you down. So if you don't land the great QB you're going to have two or three crappy years to have a three to five year run--I'm not sure that's a terrific investment for fans.

If I were trying to build a team up, I'd try and model it after the Ravens. Try to keep a stable coaching staff. Try to build a balanced team on offense and defense and special teams. Pay for middle class players. Use every method of player acquisition-the draft, free agency, waivers, udfas, and trades-to build your team. (But be sparing in free agency--keep your compensatory picks and don't overpay). Always have cadre of good veterans leaders and don't be afraid to pick up an Eric Weddle. Don't be afraid to move on from a bad draft pick like a Breshad Perriman--honestly it's a lot of the same principles used by the Pats, but applied to a team that doesn't have an all-time great coach and QB.
I'm with you; I'm a tanking skeptic. I don't even like your examples of teams getting talent via high draft picks. The Jags whiffed on almost all their top 10 picks: Gabbert - Blockmon - Bortles - Fowler in consecutive years. The Browns haven't done anything yet. The Rams got Goff through an aggressive tradeup, not being terrible, and their only top 10 picks - Greg Robinson and Tavon Austin - were disappointments. Robinson also came via the RGIII trade, not their own draft pick.

EDIT: Gurley was the 10th pick also. Top 9 picks, then.
 

Shelterdog

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Feb 19, 2002
15,375
New York City
I'm with you; I'm a tanking skeptic. I don't even like your examples of teams getting talent via high draft picks. The Jags whiffed on almost all their top 10 picks: Gabbert - Blockmon - Bortles - Fowler in consecutive years. The Browns haven't done anything yet. The Rams got Goff through an aggressive tradeup, not being terrible, and their only top 10 picks - Greg Robinson and Tavon Austin - were disappointments. Robinson also came via the RGIII trade, not their own draft pick.

EDIT: Gurley was the 10th pick also. Top 9 picks, then.
It's not just the top ten picks though--it's also having consistently high second - fourth round picks. So even though the Jags blew their non-Ramsey top ten picks they also had a lot of hits the the second and third round- AJ Cann and Yeldon and Jack and Robinson and Ngokue. Likewise the Rams blew a lot of top ten picks but they were able to pick up some Ogletrees and Donalds with high picks as well.

EDIT:I think we're in total agreement though. Getting ready to have a big run by being shitty for three+ years means you're shitty for three+ years, and might not work unless you nail a QB selection or draft really well in the aggregate.
 

DanoooME

above replacement level
SoSH Member
Mar 16, 2008
19,831
Henderson, NV
Yea also on the road. I’ll give the big man a pass. He looked pretty good in pass protection most of the game.

I low key feel a bit bad for Tunsil because instead of being a very good, young left tackle, he’s now the guy the Texans gave up 2 firsts and a second for and will be under a microscope and immediately thrown under the bus.
And then they'll deal him to Seattle for a 2nd and a broken-down CB.
 

johnmd20

mad dog
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Dec 30, 2003
61,996
New York City
It's not just the top ten picks though--it's also having consistently high second - fourth round picks. So even though the Jags blew their non-Ramsey top ten picks they also had a lot of hits the the second and third round- AJ Cann and Yeldon and Jack and Robinson and Ngokue. Likewise the Rams blew a lot of top ten picks but they were able to pick up some Ogletrees and Donalds with high picks as well.

EDIT:I think we're in total agreement though. Getting ready to have a big run by being shitty for three+ years means you're shitty for three+ years, and might not work unless you nail a QB selection or draft really well in the aggregate.
Tanking in the NBA is far more effective than tanking in any other sport. A star NBA player can directly impact a majority of every game he plays. In the NFL, even the best players have a significantly lower impact and they can only play a maximum of around half the game. And they are 1 of 11 players, on that half.

No player can come close to the usage rate an NBA can have. Tanking in the NBA can matter. It doesn't really work in the NFL unless it's a 5 year tank, as noted in this thread.
 

Super Nomario

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 5, 2000
14,012
Mansfield MA
Tanking in the NBA is far more effective than tanking in any other sport. A star NBA player can directly impact a majority of every game he plays. In the NFL, even the best players have a significantly lower impact and they can only play a maximum of around half the game. And they are 1 of 11 players, on that half.

No player can come close to the usage rate an NBA can have. Tanking in the NBA can matter. It doesn't really work in the NFL unless it's a 5 year tank, as noted in this thread.
How does a five-year tank make sense? Rookie contracts are only four years, so at the point where you're out of the five year period you're having to pay the guys you got at the beginning of the period.

Tanking at the NFL achieves one thing: putting you in a better position to get a franchise QB. Of course, it has to be the right draft and you have to be in the right spot. And plenty of teams have built successes without drafting a QB in the top five (New England, Seattle, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Denver, New Orleans, Green Bay, Dallas, etc.).
 

sodenj5

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
6,619
CT
How does a five-year tank make sense? Rookie contracts are only four years, so at the point where you're out of the five year period you're having to pay the guys you got at the beginning of the period.

Tanking at the NFL achieves one thing: putting you in a better position to get a franchise QB. Of course, it has to be the right draft and you have to be in the right spot. And plenty of teams have built successes without drafting a QB in the top five (New England, Seattle, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Denver, New Orleans, Green Bay, Dallas, etc.).
Yea I feel like tanking in the NFL completely revolves around the QB without trading away multiple first rounders to get him.

Last year’s class was not a class worth tanking for, IMO. Murray looks like he may be good, but everyone else is a giant question mark.

Tua looks like he may be very good, but as someone pointed out, probably not a generational Luck or Manning type of talent. The other guys, Herbert, Love, Fromm all look decent as well. They’re probably on the Wentz or Goff spectrum of talents.

What Miami has definitely done is given themselves more bites of the apple. I think that and getting the QB right are the biggest keys to this whole rebuild.
 

DJnVa

Dorito Dawg
SoSH Member
Dec 16, 2010
53,847
Tank this year, trade the #1 for boatload of picks, tank next year, draft Trevor Lawrence.
 

sodenj5

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
6,619
CT
Tank this year, trade the #1 for boatload of picks, tank next year, draft Trevor Lawrence.
I’ve thought about this some more, and I don’t think the Dolphins would end up netting any additional picks, because if they rebuild the infrastructure of the team in 2020, they likely have to give up an equal haul to get Lawrence, assuming anyone would consider trading out of that spot.

That’s to say, I think they would be improved in 2020 with a better supporting cast and Fitz or Rosen at QB and they wouldn’t secure the #1 overall.

So I think I would go all in on a 2020 QB if they secure the first pick.
 

Clears Cleaver

Lil' Bill
SoSH Member
Aug 1, 2001
11,370
excellent! get rid of them all!
Tank this year, trade the #1 for boatload of picks, tank next year, draft Trevor Lawrence.
this is what I would do. I am not sold on Tuaaa size and durability-wise. very accurate passer but has struggled against real defenses. If you have the first pick and a team loves tuaaa you trade him for two ones + and play for the Clemson kid. Or draft one of the other QBs later and still get Clemson
 

rymflaherty

Member
SoSH Member
Jun 27, 2010
3,420
Norfolk
Waiting until 2021 just seems illogical to me. There are so many factors that can go sideways...
Tua is a great QB prospect, better than anyone these past two drafts. I’m more than happy if they wind up with him, or whomever they deem worthy from this QB class.
Honestly, I’d assume the Dolphins brain trust is thinking the same thing and it’s specifically why they went all in with the tank/rebuild.
 

sodenj5

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
6,619
CT
excellent! get rid of them all!


this is what I would do. I am not sold on Tuaaa size and durability-wise. very accurate passer but has struggled against real defenses. If you have the first pick and a team loves tuaaa you trade him for two ones + and play for the Clemson kid. Or draft one of the other QBs later and still get Clemson
If it was that simple, I would agree. The problem is there’s too many variables if you pass up Tua for Lawrence. There’s no guarantee Lawrence comes out in 2021. No guarantee he stays healthy. No guarantee Miami gets the first pick.

If Miami lands the first pick and Tua declares, I think it’s that simple.
 

sodenj5

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
6,619
CT
I think this is pretty much bullshit. Not the reporting, but Minkah seeking a trade.

The defense is multiple. Player’s roles change play to play. He’s salty because Miami isn’t letting him play one position.

Dude, Derwin James went to the Pro Bowl last year playing multiple positions. Minkah was supposed to be in the same mold.

I’m also pissed because everything out of college was Minkah was supposed to be this great leader and all he’s done in Miami is complained about his coaches and his role. This didn’t just start last week.
 

koufax32

He'll cry if he wants to...
SoSH Member
Dec 8, 2006
9,092
Duval
I thought the same. My reaction to the headline was that NE and BB would love a versatile player like that. Then the asking price...then the whining about role...
 

sodenj5

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
6,619
CT
The other problem with this is you’ve now made it known that you’re bailing. You can talk about professionalism all you want, you’re going to be in a locker room full of dudes that now know that you want out and you haven’t bought in.

Even if Miami says ok, we’ll play you in the nickel and only the nickel from here on out, you’ve painted yourself in a bad light and probably damaged your relationship with your teammates.

It’s different than holding out for a contract, which most players usually support. This is a second year player looking for a way out of town.
 

joe dokes

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 18, 2005
30,241
The other problem with this is you’ve now made it known that you’re bailing. You can talk about professionalism all you want, you’re going to be in a locker room full of dudes that now know that you want out and you haven’t bought in.

Even if Miami says ok, we’ll play you in the nickel and only the nickel from here on out, you’ve painted yourself in a bad light and probably damaged your relationship with your teammates.

It’s different than holding out for a contract, which most players usually support. This is a second year player looking for a way out of town.
Right. Ultimately, "playing for each other" is the last fragile thread that keeps even the shittiest teams from losing 100-0 every week.
 

SeoulSoxFan

I Want to Hit the World with Rocket Punch
Moderator
SoSH Member
Jun 27, 2006
22,089
A Scud Away from Hell
I thought the same. My reaction to the headline was that NE and BB would love a versatile player like that. Then the asking price...then the whining about role...
I think the whining would stop when/if he goes to a contender like NE, Seattle, NO, etc.

He's still on the 2nd year of his rookie contract. A 2nd round pick + swap of a day 3 pick would be fair compensation, although I can see why Miami would ask for more:

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/miami-dolphins/minkah-fitzpatrick-25106/
Edit: just saw that USAToday lists NE and Seattle as a "sensible trade partner" for MF:

https://dolphinswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/13/three-sensible-trade-parters-for-dolphins-minkah-fitzpatrick/
 

loshjott

Member
SoSH Member
Dec 30, 2004
14,943
Silver Spring, MD
People smarter than me about the NFL say if you go less than all out in a game worrying about injury, that's when bad things are more likely to happen. It's a possibility.
 

rymflaherty

Member
SoSH Member
Jun 27, 2010
3,420
Norfolk
The Minkah news, more than anything, just turns the volume up on my skeptical inner monologue that is worried the tear down won’t amount to anything, because why the hell should I trust Grier?

That and just wondering if the whole, eject at the first hint of adversity, culture that’s taken over the NBA and major college programs, is going to be the new reality in the NFL as well...and spinning that forward, if it has any ramifications with Tua, if the Dolphins do wind up with the 1st pick. Admittedly not knowing what kind of relationship he had/has with Minkah, but knowing that by all accounts, Minkah was one of Saban’s favorites.
 

Reverend

for king and country
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jan 20, 2007
64,033
I think the whining would stop when/if he goes to a contender like NE, Seattle, NO, etc.

He's still on the 2nd year of his rookie contract. A 2nd round pick + swap of a day 3 pick would be fair compensation, although I can see why Miami would ask for more:

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/miami-dolphins/minkah-fitzpatrick-25106/
Edit: just saw that USAToday lists NE and Seattle as a "sensible trade partner" for MF:

https://dolphinswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/13/three-sensible-trade-parters-for-dolphins-minkah-fitzpatrick/
If the guy doesn’t like being asked to play versatile roles in Flores’s defense... I can’t imagine Belichick would look favorably upon that.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.