Riding the Train: the 2013 Miami Dolphins

[sodenj5]

As someone else said, if Miami brings Long back in the fold, which I feel has to be likely now that he's leaving St. Louis without a deal, they can go anywhere in the draft.

Credit Ireland for having a number for Long and sticking to it.

Ben Volin says Miami still has around 17 million remaining in cap space.

 

[Clears Cleaver]

They will sign a CB or safety and either Long or Winston or a DE like Abraham
 
If they want to go bigger, there a couple of guys they can cut to free up $5 - $8M.
 
I think. lol

 

[pdaj]

They will sign a CB or safety and either Long or Winston or a DE like Abraham
 
If they want to go bigger, there a couple of guys they can cut to free up $5 - $8M.
 
I think. lol

 
I can't imagine Dmitri Patterson staying on the books for 4.6 this season. He'll either restructure and earn significantly less, or be cut.

 

[pdaj]

 

Dolphins agreed to terms with WR Brandon Gibson, formerly of the Rams.
 

Related: Rams
 
Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter
 
 

 

 
There's a lot of Tavon Austin love from Miami writers, but wide-out looks pretty set right now, assuming Bess stays. This is the last year of his contract, however.

 

[mcaqua]

 
 
There's a lot of Tavon Austin love from Miami writers, but wide-out looks pretty set right now, assuming Bess stays. This is the last year of his contract, however.

 
I don't understand this signing.  Better be for short money.

 

[pdaj]

 
http://blogs.tennessean.com/titans/2013/03/14/a-closer-look-at-brandon-gibson/
 
From Titans Insider:
 

–An impressive 43 of Gibson’s 51 catches last year went for first downs, per Stats.com. That 84.3 percent rate was the third-highest in the league behind Vincent Jackson of Tampa Bay and Lance Moore of New Orleans.
 
–Along similar lines, the ratio of Gibson’s first-down receptions to times he was targeted overall was 43 out of 82. That 52.4 percent rate was fourth-highest in the league.
–Gibson had seven catches with his team facing third and over seven yards, a figure that left him tied for 14th in the league, per Stats.com.
 
–In the last two minutes of the half in 2012, Gibson posted 12 catches (10 for first downs) for 167 yards and a touchdown. Washington, just for comparison’s sake, had two catches (one first down) for 17 yards and a TD in the final two minutes of the half last year.

 

[mcaqua]

I'm struggling to envision what he could possibly bring to the offense that Brian Hartline doesn't already provide. 
 
And this undoubtedly takes Patterson/Austin off Miami's radar on draft day.

 

[pdaj]

I'm struggling to envision what he could possibly bring to the offense that Brian Hartline doesn't already provide. 
 
And this undoubtedly takes Patterson/Austin off Miami's radar on draft day.

 
A positive: He did have 5 TD receptions last season.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrM4nIvEe1c
 
The video has Gibson MIC'd up vs. the Redskins last season. He looks to be an above average route-runner and redzone target, as well as a pretty cool guy. I can see him fitting in well. Amendola makes a few appearances.
 
Wallace/Hartline/Gibson/Bess/Keller
 
I could get used to that.

 

[sodenj5]

I'm struggling to envision what he could possibly bring to the offense that Brian Hartline doesn't already provide. 
 
And this undoubtedly takes Patterson/Austin off Miami's radar on draft day.

It's not necessarily about bringing something else to the offense, it's a lot more about depth. Think about Green Bay when Philbin was there. Jennings, Driver, Nelson, Jones, Cobb, Finley. Just a tremendously deep group of receivers.

I would agree that this likely takes Austin off their radar and they address something else in the first round, unless they cut or trade Bess before the draft. It wouldn't shock me to see them target Swope in the second round as Bess' eventual replacement.

How can you not be excited about what they're going to do on offense this season?

 

[pdaj]

It's not necessarily about bringing something else to the offense, it's a lot more about depth. Think about Green Bay when Philbin was there. Jennings, Driver, Nelson, Jones, Cobb, Finley. Just a tremendously deep group of receivers.

I would agree that this likely takes Austin off their radar and they address something else in the first round, unless they cut or trade Bess before the draft.

 
I agree. I think the only way that Bess is cut or traded is if Austin (or another 1st year impact receiver) is drafted. The goal on offense is to be the Miami Packers, perhaps with a little more running game.

 

[pdaj]

 
Pertinent tweets:
 

Dave Hyde ‏@davehydesports
Dolphins sign CB Brent Grimes, according to agent @davidcanter. So Jeff Ireland filling more holes.

 
Haven't seen this confirmed yet.
 
 
And then there's this ...
 

Richie incognito ‏@68INCOGNITO
Lets get everybody out to the airport to meet Jake and @jackielong_17 !! Lets welcome our boy HOME!

 

[Clears Cleaver]

the guys on the NFL sirius station were saying this am that the Fish should sign Grimes, most upside of anyone out there if he can come back healthy.
 
I would love to see them use their draft picks to get a pass rusher, a CB, a safety (unless they sign Woodson), a Guard and another TE. They may also draft a RB

 

[pdaj]

the guys on the NFL sirius station were saying this am that the Fish should sign Grimes, most upside of anyone out there if he can come back healthy.
 
I would love to see them use their draft picks to get a pass rusher, a CB, a safety (unless they sign Woodson), a Guard and another TE. They may also draft a RB

 
I wonder if safety, Vaccaro, will be targeted in the 1st. He's a talent. Agree that CB/G/TE/RB should be other targets, assuming Long is re-signed. 

 

[pdaj]

Got 30 minutes to burn? Here's every Gibson target of the '12 season. There's a lot to like about this kid.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9AvwKIJMHH8

 

[pdaj]

Jason La Canfora@JasonLaCanfora
Buzz I am hearing among GMs is that Jake Long will end up back in Miami.
Rams still in the hunt but this isn't wreaking of a bidding war

 
You can argue that Miami overpaid for Wallace, Dellerbe, and Wheeler; but if Ireland brings back Long for 6-7 per, this will be quite an off-season for Ireland.

 

[Tim Naehrings Girl]

Sports talk down here mostly feels that the Dolphins won't get anywhere as long as Ireland is in charge.  It will be interesting to see if this offseason will change that perception.

 

[CaptainLaddie]

@ProFootballTalk: Jake Long agrees to terms with Rams, per league source. Chooses St. Louis over Dolphins.

 

[pdaj]

@ProFootballTalk: Jake Long agrees to terms with Rams, per league source. Chooses St. Louis over Dolphins.

 
So much for his return. La Confora hasn't made one accurate prediction all off-season.
 
I'm curious to find out what the Fins offered. Seemed like from the start that Long was going wherever he was offered a penny more.
 
Who's next? Vollmer? Winston? If the latter, Martin most likely stays at LT. That makes me a little nervous.

 

[sodenj5]

4 years/36 million for Long. My guess is the Fins were at 4years/32 million.

Oh well. I'd say they move on Winston pretty quickly now.

 

[sodenj5]

Also, I may be in the minority, but I'm less worried about Martin than a lot of other people. He seems like a better fit for a zone blocking scheme than Jake Long does.

Granted, Martin is never going to replicate Long in his prime first few years, but I feel he'll be an above average left tackle. I think having the whole offseason to prepare for LT will make a difference as well.

 

[Clears Cleaver]

So they will likely sign a FA pass rusher and either a CB or an OT.

 

[mcaqua]

Daniel Eliesen ‏@PhinsDaniel

The #Dolphins were given compensatory picks in the 5th and
7th round

#Dolphins get 5th and 7th round compensatory picks for
losing Allen, Henne, Langford (gained Marshall). No other AFC East team received picks.

                             
 

 

[Shelterdog]

Also, I may be in the minority, but I'm less worried about Martin than a lot of other people. He seems like a better fit for a zone blocking scheme than Jake Long does.

Granted, Martin is never going to replicate Long in his prime first few years, but I feel he'll be an above average left tackle. I think having the whole offseason to prepare for LT will make a difference as well.

 
Martin played in a power scheme his entire time at Stanford.  He's not quick on his feet.  If you see him as a good zone blocker, well you're just seeing something I missed.
 
Also, do you really mean he's going to be abover average? By definition that makes him a top fifteen or even top ten left tackle--would you go that far? I think there's a Lake Wobegone effect when fans look at their own teams--all our draft picks are good looking and our players above average.

 

[pdaj]

Miami has done too much this off-season to trust the LT position to a second year player who Philbin mentioned (yesterday) "needs to get stronger". Martin really got pushed around at times in Long's absence. That said, overall, I think he played relatively well on the right side for a rookie. I'm optimistic that he'll improve in '13.
 
I think Martin at LT is a possibility, but most likely a last resort. I fully expect the Dolphins to address the left-side via FA or the draft. How has Vollmer played at LT? Perhaps Albert via a trade? I don't think a trade-up for one of the top 3 LT in the draft is out of the question, either.

 

[pdaj]

 

Free agent RT Eric Winston is visiting the Dolphins Wednesday.

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter   Mar 20 - 9:00 AM

 
If Winston signs, I'd imagine that Martin stays on the left side.
 
More news per Rotoworld:
 

The Miami Herald reports the Dolphins have spent "considerable time" studying free agent Osi Umenyiora and called his reps about the possibility of signing.
Umenyiora would make sense for the Fins because he's a right-side pass rusher and Cam Wake is most effective at left end. Per the Herald, fellow free agent Elvis Dumervil is not on the "front-burner" and the Dolphins have determined John Abraham is "not a fit" for them. Reporter Armando Salguero expects the Dolphins to use a draft pick or free-agent signing to supplement their pass rush. If they go the latter route, it sounds like Umenyiora would be the most likely target.

Related: Dolphins
Source: Miami Herald    Mar 20 - 1:06 AM

 

Having both Wake and Osi rushing the QB on passing downs would be a lot of fun. I wonder what it'll take money-wise to bring him in. Is a 1-year-deal possible?

 

[Clears Cleaver]

I think they can get Osi for 1 year deal. and I'd be very excited. Winston makes sense, too and I bet they draft an OL early with two CBs

 

[pdaj]

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3648/eric-winston
 
 

Free agent RT Eric Winston's agent says he would "really like to play for the Miami Dolphins," but calls talks a "fluid situation."
"I can’t really get into a lot of the details as far as the Dolphins," Winston's rep said. "I don’t want to speak for them." It seemed logical to think Winston would become a Dolphin soon after his Wednesday visit, but a deal hasn't seemed close since. It's unclear what the hang up is, but it's unlikely a player who's been released twice in the past two years is overplaying his hand. The Dolphins may be insisting Winston plays for close to the minimum. Winston's only other visit was to San Diego. Mar 25 - 9:21 AM

Source: Palm Beach Post

 

 

 

[dwainw]

I think they can get Osi for 1 year deal. and I'd be very excited. Winston makes sense, too and I bet they draft an OL early with two CBs

 
I see that Mando in today's Miami Herald is beating the sign-Brent-Grimes-NOW drum:
 
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolphins_in_depth/2013/03/sign-brent-grimes-because-cb-is-a-problem.html 
 
Any thoughts on Grimes? 

In the same blog he does raise legitimate concerns about thinness at that position.  If they wind up drafting more than one as it appears they're likely to do, how comfortable would folks be with rookie CBs making up a substantial part of the depth in the Dolphins' secondary?

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

Fins' new logo is leaked:
 

 
That's one cross-eyed, grumpy looking dolphin. 

 

[CaptainLaddie]

Wasn't it leaked months ago?

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

Wasn't it leaked months ago?

 
I got the fax late.

 

[dynomite]

Hideous. EDIT: Hideous might be overstating things.  But it's just so... bleh.  It feels so corporate and polished, while the old logo was such a trademark symbol of South Florida silliness, from the aqua to the helmet on the dolphin.  Eh. 
 
Feels like the logo for a spa or a computer company.  Generic, vague, boring.
 

 
Also vaguely reminds me of the "Dolphin Safe" logo.
 

 

[pdaj]

 
My initial reaction? I'm not a huge fan -- but I'm I'll wait to see how it fits within the new uniform/color scheme before reaching a final conclusion. Either way, I'm sure I'll force myself to dig it over time. After all, this funny logo somehow never seemed to bother me.
 
 
 

 
 

 

[pdaj]

 
Per Rotoworld:

 

 

Dolphins agreed to terms with OG Lance Louis, formerly of the Bears.

It's a strong signing for the free-spending Dolphins, and could be an indication RG John Jerry's time in the starting lineup — or perhaps even team — is through. Save for Brandon Moore, Louis was the top guard still on the market. Louis is recovering from a torn left ACL, but is expected to be ready for training camp. With their interior line now set, the Dolphins need to figure out what they're going to do at tackle.

Related: Bears
 

 

[Clears Cleaver]

Great signing. Louis was the best olineman out there and gives the team a ton of flexibility with John Jerry, who was ill suited for OG but could play RT. My guess is they will draft a OT and keep Jerry, who can back up both guard positions. Nice job.
 
Grimes is skilled and I advocated for him earlier. Not sure they still go that route, but they need CBs desperately

 

[sodenj5]

Fins' new logo is leaked:
 
That's one cross-eyed, grumpy looking dolphin. 

 
If you look at a bigger version, it become more obvious the the blue isn't the dolphin's pupil, but it's just a shadow/accent.
 

 
If that were the dolphin's pupil, his eye would be disproportionately too large for the rest of his head, and it would also clash with the whole minimalist design. The white only is the eye, the blue is an accent. 
 
I'm actually a fan, and it's been rumored that the helmets will be equipped with white facemasks to further their throwback look. Can't wait to see what the rest of the gear looks like.

 

[pdaj]

Great signing. Louis was the best olineman out there and gives the team a ton of flexibility with John Jerry, who was ill suited for OG but could play RT. My guess is they will draft a OT and keep Jerry, who can back up both guard positions. Nice job.
 
Grimes is skilled and I advocated for him earlier. Not sure they still go that route, but they need CBs desperately

 
I also like the Louis signing. I think adding Grimes would be a no-brainer ... the contract $$/length is probably the hold-up right now.

 

[soxfan121]

Louis was the best olineman out there 

 
Really? Did Brandon Moore and/or Andre Smith die recently?

 

[Clears Cleaver]

Really? Did Brandon Moore and/or Andre Smith die recently?

 
I meant guard. Andre Smith had a great year at RT and wants big $$ but good luck signing that guy to a big guaranteed deal. Louis supposedly graded out better than Moore, especially as a run blocker, but you can go either way I suppose

 

[ragnarok725]

I meant guard. Andre Smith had a great year at RT and wants big $$ but good luck signing that guy to a big guaranteed deal. Louis supposedly graded out better than Moore, especially as a run blocker, but you can go either way I suppose

Graded by who? Louis had the 6th worst run block grade of any guard last year by PFF (-8.0). They had Moore as 5th best at +12.8.

 

[pdaj]

Graded by who? Louis had the 6th worst run block grade of any guard last year by PFF (-8.0). They had Moore as 5th best at +12.8.

 
If I recall correctly, I had read on PFF that Moore's high overall ranking was due to his "elite" pass-blocking; and that he did not rate very highly in run blocking.

 

[dwainw]

Grimes on board.  1 year/5.5 mil.  I'm real curious to see what they'll do in the draft regarding the CB position.  Not that I wasn't before, but now I'm extra real curious.

http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/03/30/3314873/ex-falcon-cornerback-brent-grimes.html

 

[sodenj5]

Excellent move by Ireland. It basically allows Miami to take the BPA at 12, seeing as all of their glaring holes are plugged. They still need some help at DE, TE, CB, and OT, but none of them are huge, must draft weaknesses.

 

[Mystic Merlin]

Must be a fun offseason for Bills and Jets fans.

 

[Clears Cleaver]

Grimes before he was hurt was better than S. Smith. a one-year deal is awesome and only $3M is guarnateed. Little downside to this deal. I bet they go OT or DE in first round and then draft two CBs, a FS and a LB.
 
Or they draft Tayvon Austin in the first round and trade/drop Bess. so many options.
 
Game on. The success of the season hinges on Tannehill getting better and the o-line blocking better, but if those things happen this could be a playoff team

 

[pdaj]

Ireland has done well to secure starters/depth at key positions on 1-year deals, as to not have to depend on the '13 class in their first season. Starks, Clemons, Keller, Louis, and now Grimes. He's created the "bridge year", while still putting the Dolphins in position to complete for the playoffs.
 
Whether drafting Warmack/Cooper and/or bringing in 2 young CB, the rookies can compete for PT; and then following year, supplant the more expensive veterans if deemed capable. In addition, if guys like Keller and Grimes stay healthy and produce, they'll surely be in the discussion to come back.
 
Right now, the 1 glaring hole is at tackle. If a guy like Winston isn't signed on 1-year deal, you have to think Johnson (trade-up?) or Fluker could be targeted.

 

[pdaj]

Must be a fun offseason for Bills and Jets fans.

 
A few writers at rotoworld must be Jets fans. Nearly every Miami signing this off-season is met with a snarky tone.
 

 

Dolphins signed CB Brent Grimes to a one-year, $5.5 million contract.

 
The best remaining free agent cornerback is now off the board. Despite turning 30 later this year and coming off a torn Achilles' tendon, Grimes actually got one of the better contracts in this year's pathetic cornerback market. (To no one's surprise, the Dolphins paid above market value -- again.) The deal includes $3 million in guaranteed money. When healthy, Grimes is one of the league's better cover corners and is a much needed upgrade for a Dolphins secondary that ranked 27th against the pass in 2012.
Related: Falcons

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

 

Isn't it typical to pay above market value in order to secure a quality player for a 1 year deal? (Yes.) And at this point in the off-season, how does an overpay affect the Dolphins going forward? (It doesn't.) In addition, considering the Fins secondary, there wasn't (arguably) a single better way to spend 5+ million.

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

A few writers at rotoworld must be Jets fans. Nearly every Miami signing this off-season is met with a snarky tone.

 
...which is why they're Rotoworld. PFF has its faults, but generally do not show bias as much as the RW does.
 
Speaking of PFF, Grimes was #1 FA CB:
 
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2013/02/22/ranking-the-2013-free-agents-cornerbacks-2/
 

Summary: While the 2012 free agent cornerback class may not have any star names, it more than makes up for that with depth. This was an extremely tough list to pare down to just 10 names, with another half a dozen that could still help teams in need of an upgrade in the secondary. The group is led by Brent Grimes, a player that was on the cusp of becoming one of the league’s best cover corners before an Achilles injury put pay to his 2012 season just 52 snaps into it.
 
Grimes shows a fantastic instinct for zone coverage and reminds me a little of Asante Samuel without the lapses and questionable desire for contact. He has fantastic fundamentals, quick reactions and a pretty good set of ball skills when the ball is in the air. Along with everybody else on this list, however, he comes with some risk attached. He will be 30 years old by the time he next sees the field, and is coming off a season-ending injury.
 
In the 2011 season he got his hands to 13 passes while allowing just 25 to be completed all year, and QBs had a rating of only 62.9 when targeting him, but this offseason he might have to accept a short-term ‘prove it’ contract to see a more healthy return a year from now.

 

[sodenj5]

 
...which is why they're Rotoworld. PFF has its faults, but generally do not show bias as much as the RW does.
 
Speaking of PFF, Grimes was #1 FA CB:
 
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2013/02/22/ranking-the-2013-free-agents-cornerbacks-2/
 

Good to see they think he's a good zone CB. Miami primarily runs zone coverage, and Sean Smith is definitely better suited to be a physical man coverage corner.

I would be pretty happy if they landed Cooper, Warmack, or if they took one of the top 3 tackles. If Tannehill is the key to the season, keeping him upright is going to be as important as his development. I trust Ireland's judgement.

Pouncey may have been a "reach" in the first round, but he's one of the best young centers in the league and a cornerstone.

 

[pdaj]

Per Grimes' interview today, his wife posts videos of his rehab.
 
http://www.youtube.com/user/iHeartMiko?feature=watch
 
He looks like he's progressing very, very well.
 
Edit: Video link