2018 Dolphins: Back to Gasics

[pdaj]

I hate the fact they are even trying to compete with these moves. Just admit you suck and dump anyone over 28 years old. It’s not tough. Trade respected veterans like Wake accumulate as many draft picks as you can.

I'm going to respectfully disagree.

Miami has:

1) Gotten their starting QB back.
2) Appear to be close to signing Sitton to play LG. That's Tunsil-Litton-Pouncey-Davis-James.
3) Replaced Landry with Amendola and Wilson, who join Stills, Parker, and Grant.
4) Now have a DE rotation of Quinn, Wake, Branch, Hayes, Harris.
5) Boast a fairly talented young trio at DT -- Godchaux, Phillips, Taylor.
6) Lippett returns next season, joining Howard, Tankersley, and McCain.

With a focus on improving the back-end of this defense in the draft (LB/S), and improved coaching from Matt Burke, this team isn't looking so bad. Certainly not one worthy of being blown up.

Things left to do:

- Backup QB (Draft?)
- Add a RB (CJ? Woody?)
- Sign/draft a TE
- Upgrade at LB

 

[sodenj5]

I'm going to respectfully disagree.

Miami has:

1) Gotten their starting QB back.
2) Appear to be close to signing Sitton to play LG. That's Tunsil-Litton-Pouncey-Davis-James.
3) Replaced Landry with Amendola and Wilson, who join Stills, Parker, and Grant.
4) Now have a DE rotation of Quinn, Wake, Branch, Hayes, Harris.
5) Boast a fairly talented young trio at DT -- Godchaux, Phillips, Taylor.
6) Lippett returns next season, joining Howard, Tankersley, and McCain.

With a focus on improving the back-end of this defense in the draft (LB/S), and improved coaching from Matt Burke, this team isn't looking so bad. Certainly not one worthy of being blown up.

Things left to do:

- Backup QB (Draft?)
- Add a RB (CJ? Woody?)
- Sign/draft a TE
- Upgrade at LB

I'm going to respectfully disagree.

Miami has:

1) Gotten their starting QB back.
2) Appear to be close to signing Sitton to play LG. That's Tunsil-Litton-Pouncey-Davis-James.
3) Replaced Landry with Amendola and Wilson, who join Stills, Parker, and Grant.
4) Now have a DE rotation of Quinn, Wake, Branch, Hayes, Harris.
5) Boast a fairly talented young trio at DT -- Godchaux, Phillips, Taylor.
6) Lippett returns next season, joining Howard, Tankersley, and McCain.

With a focus on improving the back-end of this defense in the draft (LB/S), and improved coaching from Matt Burke, this team isn't looking so bad. Certainly not one worthy of being blown up.

Things left to do:

- Backup QB (Draft?)
- Add a RB (CJ? Woody?)
- Sign/draft a TE
- Upgrade at LB

I’m leaning in this direction as well. I know it’s partly trying to be optimistic about Miami, but all the points you just outlined are very valid.

I think cutting Suh and letting Landry walk were huge steps in the right direction to reconstructing the roster. They’re certainly talented players, but Miami can get similar production from far cheaper options, even if it takes 2-3 players taking up the additional slack. I also love bringing back Hayes. The guy is an absolute grown man against the run, and gives them a true edge setting DE, which none of Branch, Harris, or Quinn are great at.

I would like to think guys like Derwin James, Roquan Smith, or even Vita Vea are on their short list for pick 11. I think Derwin or Roquan bring speed, which is something Miami very badly needs. They also get Raekwon McMillan back, so the defense could get a shot in the arm with two quality additions that weren’t there last season.

 

[sodenj5]

 

[Clears Cleaver]

You listed a lot of guys, but there just a bunch of JAGs. There’s not one unit on this team that is top 10, never mind top 5. What’s your identity? What can you hang your hat on as a coach? It’s a lot better to go 3-13 than 7-9 or 6-10

At least they continue to dump the old guys. Pouncey gone today. Wake maybe traded? Kiko needs to be dumped.

I’m fine with signing young cheap players to short money and accumulating draft picks. Draft a QB. Bringing in Henne? Lolol.

 

[nattysez]

Dolphins just traded with the Niners for C Daniel Kilgore in what appears to be a salary dump by the Niners.

 

[sodenj5]

Dolphins just traded with the Niners for C Daniel Kilgore in what appears to be a salary dump by the Niners.

After signing him to an extension in February.

They went out and signed Richburg in free agency after giving Kilgore an extension. He struggled earlier in the season, but played very well down the stretch when Jimmy G came to town. Seems like a very capable starter for about ⅓ of Pouncey’s money.

 

[pdaj]

You listed a lot of guys, but there just a bunch of JAGs.

What's the name given to players who are less than JAGs? Whatever that label is, you can assign it to Cutler and Pouncey. The Cutler to Tannehill upgrade can not be understated. Look at what happened when the Texans promoted Watson and the 49ers started Garoppolo. Night and day. Meanwhile, Pouncey was atrocious last year. While I was feeling more optimistic about Miami's moves prior to today, the fact that the Dolphins had still held onto Pouncey made me apprehensive. My biggest issue with Gase up until today was the evaluation of "his guys" appeared to be skewed. After this year, he told the media Pouncey had played well, which just wasn't true; and to keep him at his present salary just didn't make sense.

And now Pouncey's gone, the position upgraded to "very solid," for an amount that's reasonable.

I have some more hard news for you. Landry's not a Pro Bowl talent. He isn't a "JAG," but if he's a key cog in your offense, you just won't be dynamic. If it wasn't for Amendola's injury history, I'd consider him an outright upgrade; and, boy, Wilson looks to have exciting potential.

The only loss that stings, for me, is Suh -- and the break was unavoidable. Miami had far too many holes to be paying 26 million for a DT. But with a better built team, better constructed depth, and a huge upgrade at QB, I'm hopeful that the playoffs are a possibility.

Not sure we can afford it, but I'd love to see a "splurge" signing of the Honey Badger. That's the type of difference maker we need on the defensive end. The draft needs to supply a couple more.

 

[Clears Cleaver]

I wasn’t a proponent of keep Landry at all. I’m note sure there’s more than 6-8 guys who I think matters if they keep or not. In the nfl you need a good+ QB, a very good line, a front four that can get to WB and a couple of good corners. Rest is whatever. Miami doesn’t really have any of those components

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

I wasn’t a proponent of keep Landry at all. I’m note sure there’s more than 6-8 guys who I think matters if they keep or not. In the nfl you need a good+ QB, a very good line, a front four that can get to WB and a couple of good corners. Rest is whatever. Miami doesn’t really have any of those components

What you just described what be the hands on SB favorite. Most team's - even the best - are missing some of those things.

 

[rymflaherty]

Just saw the Pouncey news.
The article that I was reading seemed to insinuate that Pouncey was asking for a raise?!? That just seems so ridiculous, unless he was trying to get them to release him.
I’m glad they are parting ways with him.

Hopefully the two new guys can bring some stability to he line. I’m not going to pretend like I’ve watched those two in any meaningful way to have an opinion, but the things I’ve read/heard at least sound promising, so happy about that.

 

[sodenj5]

Just saw the Pouncey news.
The article that I was reading seemed to insinuate that Pouncey was asking for a raise?!? That just seems so ridiculous, unless he was trying to get them to release him.
I’m glad they are parting ways with him.

Hopefully the two new guys can bring some stability to he line. I’m not going to pretend like I’ve watched those two in any meaningful way to have an opinion, but the things I’ve read/heard at least sound promising, so happy about that.

I 100% believe Pouncey asked for an extension and a raise. Miami will be basically paying Sitton and Kilgore Pouncey’s money this year. Same for Wilson and Amendola with Landry’s proposed money.

A huge factor in Miami’s struggles the last several years has been an expensive, top heavy roster with zero depth. I would say Miami has gotten both better and deeper the last few days.

 

[tims4wins]

 

[sodenj5]

Gore is a decent guy to pair with Kenyan Drake as well as a guy they hopefully draft. He’s a solid vet that won’t be asked to carry the load and not a serious threat to rob Drake of carries. Hopefully a tiny amount of his work ethic rubs off on KD in the process.

 

[tims4wins]

Gore is a decent guy to pair with Kenyan Drake as well as a guy they hopefully draft. He’s a solid vet that won’t be asked to carry the load and not a serious threat to rob Drake of carries. Hopefully a tiny amount of his work ethic rubs off on KD in the process.

He's got a lot of wear and tear and was below 4.0 YPC each of his 3 seasons in Indy, but that was at ~260 carries per season. Who knows how much of his poor stint there was related to age / wear & tear, the shitty Indy O-Line, the shittiness of Indy in general, having Jacoby Brissett as the QB, etc. If they limit him to say ~160 carries as a backup maybe he does a little better and as you said could be a positive influence on younger players. But this guy is well past his prime.

 

[sodenj5]

He's got a lot of wear and tear and was below 4.0 YPC each of his 3 seasons in Indy, but that was at ~260 carries per season. Who knows how much of his poor stint there was related to age / wear & tear, the shitty Indy O-Line, the shittiness of Indy in general, having Jacoby Brissett as the QB, etc. If they limit him to say ~160 carries as a backup maybe he does a little better and as you said could be a positive influence on younger players. But this guy is well past his prime.

No question. He’s hopefully going to be the clear cut RB2 behind Drake. I like this because Gore is clearly not a threat to take major carries away from Drake. Drake flashed major star potential last year behind a terrible offensive line.

A true running back by committee approach would be a bad thing in my opinion. Drake is entering his third season. It’s time to see if he can do what he did down the stretch over a full season.

 

[tims4wins]

 

[sodenj5]

I’m actually kind of a fan of this. I hope he never plays a snap in the regular season, but we all just watched an entire season go down the drain when Gase called Cutler off his couch for 10 million.

Osweiler played his best, which admittedly was maybe average to slightly above average, filling in for Manning when Gase was calling the shots. Gase was his QB coach and then offensive coordinator. On a one year deal for hopefully cheap money, I prefer this to another 2017 redux.

 

[tims4wins]

I agree smart signing for a backup

 

[shawnrbu]

If Gase was calling the shots when Brock filled in for Peyton during 2015, then the Bears or the NFL may want to investigate all of that.

 

[sodenj5]

If Gase was calling the shots when Brock filled in for Peyton during 2015, then the Bears or the NFL may want to investigate all of that.

You’re 100% right. Gase was his coordinator and QB coach, but when he went 5-2 as a starter, Rick Dennison was the coordinator the season after Fox and Gase went to the Bears.

I still like the concept. Gase certainly knows him. Miami could do worse and I would guess Osweiler would be a better bet to perform over an extended period than Moore, Cutler, or David Fales. I would still expect Miami to draft someone to compete with Fales and Osweiler for the backup job in camp.

 

[sodenj5]

Gase had a long session with the media today and my biggest takeaway was the “culture change” is more than just a tag line.

He compared Amendola to Welker when Gase was in Denver. Thinks Amendola is a guy with a ton of experience that can really be an example for the younger guys on offense.

Same thing with Frank Gore. Gase specifically cited Gore’s preparation and professionalism as things he wants Kenyan Drake to absorb to help him take the next step.

He also sounded excited that William Hayes was coming back. He was a guy that made a big impact and he took on a leadership role in his short time with the team. Hayes certainly is Miami’s best run stuffer.

Gase also mentioned that he would like to add a QB via the draft and would consider keeping a third QB on the roster if they draft one.

 

[tims4wins]

ESPN has Miami at #32 in its post-FA, pre-draft Power Rankings. For context they were at 27 the day after the season

http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/NFLpowerrankingsx180327/2018-nfl-power-rankings-risers-fallers-free-agency

This probably means they will make the playoffs.

 

[sodenj5]

ESPN has Miami at #32 in its post-FA, pre-draft Power Rankings. For context they were at 27 the day after the season

http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/NFLpowerrankingsx180327/2018-nfl-power-rankings-risers-fallers-free-agency

This probably means they will make the playoffs.

Year to year it’s so hard to predict where teams will end up. Broncos, Indy, TB, Giants are all teams drafting inside the top 10 that are likely going to improve. Jags made a huge leap that no one saw coming.

Regarding Miami, it’s laughable to say that cutting Pouncey, Julius Thomas, and Lawrence Timmons is “losing a lot of talent” when three months ago they were grossly overpaid and washed up. Pouncey leaves and all of a sudden he’s “three time Pro Bowler” Mike Pouncey and LA’s offensive line is amazing.

I would say as a team, Miami is going to have a better and deeper roster across the board than in 2017. I also think people are grossly underestimating the leap from Jay Cutler to Ryan Tannehill this year.

 

[tims4wins]

I almost completely agree. You also can’t measure attitude.

 

[rymflaherty]

It’s going to suck when all the QB’s Gase reportedly loves wind up going to Division Rivals.

 

[sodenj5]

It’s going to suck when all the QB’s Gase reportedly loves wind up going to Division Rivals.

Bills and Jets are getting someone. I’ve seen about 1,000 mocks at this point. Seems like Miami’s short list looks like:

Roquan Smith
Tremaine Edmunds
Minkah Fitzpatrick
Derwin James
Baker Mayfield
Josh Rosen
Vita Vea

Mayfield is being linked pretty heavily with the Jets now and Rosen is being mocked as the QB likely to slip lately.

I would be really happy with Roquan, Derwin, or Minkah. If Rosen falls into their lap at 11, I would absolutely pull the trigger.

Vea fills a need but I just feel like there are bigger holes and better players than him at 11.

 

[Rudy's Curve]

The Dolphins will be in Cincinnati Week 5 (10/7).

 

[Clears Cleaver]

Man, I just re-read this thread. I think you guys are delusional. You are pinning your hopes that Tannehill is good, which he isn't. he's average at best. The o-line went from horrific to average at best. the d-line got worse. the linebackers are still bad despite mcmillion returning. They are looking at safeties and CBs in the draft despite that being perhaps the best unit the team has. The WRs got worse. there is still no TE.

I know wants to win, but allowing this roster to band aid over and over without a real plan is just so stupid. I was for getting rid of Landry and suh and pouncey and Timmons and Thomas. I just hope they don't sign anyone over 25 to more than a one-year deal. they are NEVER going to win big with Tannehill at QB, especially now with him getting veteran starter money. Should they trade up to get one of these QBs? I have no idea. But don't deluded yourself into thinking what you have in a contender for anything

 

[Clears Cleaver]

The Dolphins will be in Cincinnati Week 5 (10/7).

and they finish the season at Buffalo as Miami requested a road game week 17 due to the timing of Orange Bowl and Jets are playing the Pats. and evidently play the Jets week 2 and week 9

 

[sodenj5]

http://miamidolphinsuniform.com/

Miami updated their unis and they look roughly 500% better. They basically look like the throwbacks and the current uniforms had a baby. Cleaner, bolder orange outline like the throwbacks. I still think the throwbacks are one of the best looking unis in the entire league, but this is a decent compromise.

 

[sodenj5]

Man, I just re-read this thread. I think you guys are delusional. You are pinning your hopes that Tannehill is good, which he isn't. he's average at best. The o-line went from horrific to average at best. the d-line got worse. the linebackers are still bad despite mcmillion returning. They are looking at safeties and CBs in the draft despite that being perhaps the best unit the team has. The WRs got worse. there is still no TE.

I know wants to win, but allowing this roster to band aid over and over without a real plan is just so stupid. I was for getting rid of Landry and suh and pouncey and Timmons and Thomas. I just hope they don't sign anyone over 25 to more than a one-year deal. they are NEVER going to win big with Tannehill at QB, especially now with him getting veteran starter money. Should they trade up to get one of these QBs? I have no idea. But don't deluded yourself into thinking what you have in a contender for anything

Nickel is the base defense in the NFL now. That’s why they’re looking at safeties and DBs. TJ McDonald is not good enough to prevent them from drafting James or Minkah, two hybrid DB/Safeties that are going to be the epitome of do-it-all defenders in a few years. Even if they don’t draft a safety in Round 1, they should be looking at someone like Justin Reid or Jessie Bates or Fred Warner a little later. They need either a really good coverage LB or safety to matchup against RBs and TEs.

 

[rymflaherty]

I was reading some analyst reports on the Defensive players Miami will likely be selecting from and I’m seeing words like “underachiever” “overweight” and “not motivated” attached to Vea.
Not sure if I’m being overly cynical, or if it’s completely justified by being a fan of this team, but I’m now expecting this to be the guy they’ll take.
Plus side, I’ve now set my expectations pretty low, so maybe I won’t be disappointed come Thursday.

 

[sodenj5]

I was reading some analyst reports on the Defensive players Miami will likely be selecting from and I’m seeing words like “underachiever” “overweight” and “not motivated” attached to Vea.
Not sure if I’m being overly cynical, or if it’s completely justified by being a fan of this team, but I’m now expecting this to be the guy they’ll take.
Plus side, I’ve now set my expectations pretty low, so maybe I won’t be disappointed come Thursday.

Vea is the guy I hope they take the least. In fact, I would match rather trade back into the mid to late first round and select Maurice Hurst, who I think is flat out better and a better scheme fit for Miami if they go the DT route.

It seems unlikely that Miami gets completely shutout from one of their guys, if you lump a Rosen or Mayfield in there as well. A best case scenario is all of the QBs get picked before 11 and Miami gets to choose someone like James or Fitzpatrick.

A second best scenario is maybe all of the defensive studs are gone but Josh Rosen falls into their laps at 11.

The worst scenario is all of the QBs and defensive stars are gone, Vea is the last man standing, and they select him or trade back.

 

[pdaj]

Vea is the guy I hope they take the least. In fact, I would match rather trade back into the mid to late first round and select Maurice Hurst, who I think is flat out better and a better scheme fit for Miami if they go the DT route.

It seems unlikely that Miami gets completely shutout from one of their guys, if you lump a Rosen or Mayfield in there as well. A best case scenario is all of the QBs get picked before 11 and Miami gets to choose someone like James or Fitzpatrick.

A second best scenario is maybe all of the defensive studs are gone but Josh Rosen falls into their laps at 11.

The worst scenario is all of the QBs and defensive stars are gone, Vea is the last man standing, and they select him or trade back.

We're on the same page, man. Miami needs a defensive difference-maker in the back-end more than anything. If Derwin or Minkah somehow get to 11, that has to be the pick, though Edmunds or Ward would also call for celebration. I think the "Could Lamar Jackson land in Miami?" talk that recently sprung is all about getting as many QB picked as possible prior to 11.

I'd be okay with Miami drafting Rosen if he falls, but I'm hoping all 4 (and possibly 5) QBs are drafted inside the Top 10.

Anyway, it's about time the NFL Draft got here. Boy, do they draft this shit out now.

 

[pdaj]

The day is FINALLY here!

If any of you haven’t had the chance to check out the new Dolphins podcast, 3 Yards Per Carry, I encourage you to give it a listen. It’s done by a really smart, informative group.

In their latest ‘cast, the group thinks Roquan Smith is the primary target, with an aggressive trade-up as a possibility. As expected, Derwin and Minkah are the other 2 guys Miami really likes.

 

[sodenj5]

The day is FINALLY here!

If any of you haven’t had the chance to check out the new Dolphins podcast, 3 Yards Per Carry, I encourage you to give it a listen. It’s done by a really smart, informative group.

In their latest ‘cast, the group thinks Roquan Smith is the primary target, with an aggressive trade-up as a possibility. As expected, Derwin and Minkah are the other 2 guys Miami really likes.

I have been listening and CK and Simon are both smart, plugged in guys when it comes to Miami.

I’ve gone back and forth over who would be my dream draft pick at 11. I saw a video of Roquan and he struggled against Oklahoma because they ran the ball directly at him and he had a hard time getting off the blocks of pulling guards to make the tackle. They made the point that if he has a true Mike to play next to (hint: Raekwon McMillan) to take on those pulling guards it frees him up to do his thing, which is fly to the ball and make plays.

I would be extremely happy with any of Roquan, Derwin or Minkah. They are all three elite prospects, and each have their own strengths. I tend to gravitate more towards Minkah and Derwin because they are matchup erasers. They can cover a TE, they can match up with a receiver in the slot, they can play the run, they can play true safety. Those two guys to me epitomize what the NFL is becoming. Any leak in the dam, so to speak, they can plug it.

 

[pdaj]

And it's Minkah! Man, what an addition for this defense -- exactly what this team needed.

 

[sodenj5]

Fuck yes. Minkah and Derwin both on the board, and Miami takes Minkah. I have a ton of faith in the Gase-Saban connection. Saban talks about Minkah like his son. I think Minkah fits what Miami needs slightly better than Derwin, even though Derwin has a potentially higher ceiling.

 

[sodenj5]

And it's Minkah! Man, what an addition for this defense -- exactly what this team needed.

Couldn’t agree more. Roquan maybe fits the positional hole of LB, but I would argue Minkah fills more holes in defense than Roquan. Like I said, he’s an eraser. Really thrilled with the pick.

 

[rymflaherty]

I hate that ARZ jumped ahead of Miami because it makes it feel like they took something from Miami, but honestly I wasn’t 100% behind Rosen, it was more that I just wanted him there so they could make the choice.
I’m not going to complain about Fitzpatrick and going Defense was most likely the best strategy all along.

I am happy that it was Darnold and Allen that wound up in Buffalo and NY. I may end up eating those words, but those two impressed me least of the top 5 QB’s.

 

[sodenj5]

I hate that ARZ jumped ahead of Miami because it makes it feel like they took something from Miami, but honestly I wasn’t 100% behind Rosen, it was more that I just wanted him there so they could make the choice.
I’m not going to complain about Fitzpatrick and going Defense was most likely the best strategy all along.

I am happy that it was Darnold and Allen that wound up in Buffalo and NY. I may end up eating those words, but those two impressed me least of the top 5 QB’s.

I love it because Miami never has to answer the, “why didn’t you draft Josh Rosen” question. Ever.

I love the pick because it’s a giant middle finger to everyone on Twitter and even the beat writers that were saying Miami wouldn’t draft a safety because they already have two. This is what the league is now. TJ McDonald is also not nearly good enough to justify not taking a player of Minkah’s caliber.

For day two, I would love to see them somehow draft Mo Hurst and get a TE in round 3, however I fear they miss out in their pick of the TE litter if they go that route.

I would say Goedert or Andrews is firmly in their crosshairs with a DT or LB in mind for the third round.

 

[rymflaherty]

^
That’s a good way to look at it, although if Rosen turns out to be great I’m sure people will still hold it against the team.
Upon further reflection I feel fairly confident assuming they didn’t love Rosen. I’m sure they had a chance to move up a spot, it wouldn’t have been a crippling cost, and they chose not to.
Maybe I’m crazy, but some of the second tier QB’s, like Falk, seem intriguing and not that far from the guys taken in the Top 10, so maybe the team feels the same.

Or they simply are confident in Tannehill and continue to go best player available, which is more than fine by me.
I’ll shut up about QB now, because really it wasn’t even something I was thinking about until the last couple weeks when the media/dan speculation started going in that direction and started to let my imagination run wild.

 

[pdaj]

Personally, I think Rosen has the least chance to bust -- assuming he stays healthy -- so I'm glad he won't be playing in the AFC East. Once Mayfield entered the 1-3 discussion, there was no way Miami was getting him. Generally, I like Mayfield, but I don't think he's a "no doubter," as it seems to me that the league may be over-valuing his "intangibles". Regardless, I'm also glad to see him outside the conference. If I had to pick 2, Darnold and Allen were the guys I wanted leading the competition into the future. Both are talented, but there are legitimate concerns about decision-making and ball security. I'm really intrigued to see how it all plays out.

I still like Ryan Tannehill. A lot. We've got 6 seasons to play with between his age of 30-35. Well before that time, I expect Miami to draft the next QB to compete with him and/or definitely be "the next guy." I think Tanny deserves this year to show what he can do.

Meanwhile, Miami added one of the most dynamic, impactful defensive players in the draft; a guy who plays the exact type of role they desperately need. Overall, I think things are shaping up nicely.

Edited for clarity.

 

[dwainw]

Personally, I liked Baker the most -- so I'm glad he won't be playing in the AFC East. Once Mayfield entered the 1-3 discussion, there was no way Miami was getting him. I also liked Rosen, but he's a bit of a Cutler clone above the shoulders, and the concussions are a bit of a concern. Regardless, I'm also glad to see him outside the conference. If I had to pick 2, Darnold and Allen were the guys I wanted leading the competition into the future. I'm really intrigued to see how it all plays out.

I still like Ryan Tannehill. A lot. We've got 6 seasons to play with between his age of 30-35. Well before that time, I expect Miami to draft the next QB to compete with him and/or definitely be "the next guy." I think Tanny deserves this year to show what he can do.

Meanwhile, Miami added one of the most dynamic, impactful defensive players in the draft; a guy who plays the exact type of role they desperately need. Overall, I think things are shaping up nicely.

I'd be curious to hear you expand on this a bit. Not that I disagree, but the wildly varying opinions about Tanny, really going all the way back to his rookie season, make my head spin. I was cautiously optimistic about his development until he was de-railed, but in the ensuing year(s), I just don't know what to think.

Regarding the draft, my gut says they have too many holes to fill not to go all in on Tanny, so it makes sense that their strategy is to shore up as much up of the roster as they can while taking the calculated risk on his upside. I just wish I knew why the organization's faith in Tanny seems so much deeper than most everyone else, aside from the dreaded possibility of sheer desperation.

 

[sodenj5]

I'd be curious to hear you expand on this a bit. Not that I disagree, but the wildly varying opinions about Tanny, really going all the way back to his rookie season, make my head spin. I was cautiously optimistic about his development until he was de-railed, but in the ensuing year(s), I just don't know what to think.

Regarding the draft, my gut says they have too many holes to fill not to go all in on Tanny, so it makes sense that their strategy is to shore up as much up of the roster as they can while taking the calculated risk on his upside. I just wish I knew why the organization's faith in Tanny seems so much deeper than most everyone else, aside from the dreaded possibility of sheer desperation.

The only people deeper in Tannehill’s corner than Adam Gase might be Tannehill’s parents and his wife and kid. The franchise was at a crossroads and they sort of tipped their hand by restructuring Tannehill, but making zero effort to reach out and grab someone like Rosen confirms that Tannehill has been their guy and will continue to be their guy.

It’s been a long time, so it’s easy to forget, but it isn’t hyperbole to say Tannehill was playing the best football of his career right before he got hurt. And then you saw the offense basically do next to nothing for a full season with him out last year. Tannehill may never be a top 5 QB. His ceiling may never be Andrew Luck or Aaron Rodgers. But he is good enough to be a playoff QB. He’s better than Blake Bortles. He’s better than Case Keenum. He is better than every single QB in the draft this year in 2018. Maybe one will develop into a star eventually, but no one was coming in as a challenger to start over Tannehill this year or even next year.

He’s thrown for over 4000 yards twice and he basically never missed a snap before his knee injury. He’s not some scrub that everyone paints him as. He might legitimately be one of the best passers in the league on the move and off of playaction.

He’s going to be 30 and he’s still signed to a very reasonable contract. You don’t just flush guys like that down the toilet, because someone would snatch him up in a heartbeat.

 

[rymflaherty]

I’m fine sticking with Tannehill too, but if he’s your guy I think you have to take the Atlanta approach and continually surround him with as many weapons as possible.
I don’t think guys like Ryan or Goff are much better than Tannehill, they are just in much better situations. It’s why I’ve never gotten upset about the whole Long over Ryan debate when it comes up in fan circles. If Ryan was drafted by Miami and playing for those crap teams I’m not sure he’s still in the league much less an MVP candidate.

I hear lots of talk about TE in the second round, so maybe their thinking what I just stated above too. A TE that needs to be accounted for would go a long way toward helping Tannehill and the Offense.

Coming away with a legit TE and a guy who can finally cover Te’s (what excites me most in all the Fitzpatrick write ups) would be a godsend considering those have been atop the pile of issues that haven’t been fixed in what seems like over a decade.

 

[sodenj5]

I think having a TE helps Tannehill tremendously and is the biggest missing piece to Gase’s offense. He tried to make it work with retreads like Cameron and Thomas. This is the year they get “their guy” and finally give Gase that mismatch he can move around and run his Y ISO stuff with.

Imagine Goedert going out wide and Van Noy jogging out there to cover him. Tannehill is going to light that up like the Vegas strip. I’m lower on Gesicki and I like Mark Andrews, but he isn’t quite the perfect round peg-round hole fit like Goedert is for what Gase wants. I would be very surprised if Goedert is on the board at 42 and he isn’t Miami’s pick.

 

[sodenj5]

Mike Gesicki and Miami turned in that card QUICK. With Goedert on the board, this was their guy.

The guy can’t block. At all. Even a little. But he does fit the mold for what Gase wants. The guy is an absolute freak of nature. Tested off the charts at the combine. I think his route running is meh, but there’s no denying the guy is a monster down the middle and on 50-50 balls in the red zone.

 

[sodenj5]

Miami took Jerome Baker in Round 3. Physically, he’s a near carbon copy of Roquan Smith. Smaller, but fast as hell and excels at coverage. We now live in a world where the Patriots have Sony Michel and James White on the roster. I personally don’t want to see Kiko on the field in third downs, and Baker certainly makes that a possibility.

He also played his best season in 2016 playing alongside Raekwon McMillan. Much like Smith, he likely needs a good Mike to take on lead blockers to allow him to zoom around the second level.

Maurice Hurst is still on the board and there are rumblings that his heart condition may cause him to go undrafted. Miami is still likely in the market for a QB and a RB, but they have crossed three gigantic needs off of their list in the first two days and have added very significant speed and athleticism to both sides of the ball.

 

[pdaj]

I'd be curious to hear you expand on this a bit. Not that I disagree, but the wildly varying opinions about Tanny, really going all the way back to his rookie season, make my head spin. I was cautiously optimistic about his development until he was de-railed, but in the ensuing year(s), I just don't know what to think.

It’s been a long time, so it’s easy to forget, but it isn’t hyperbole to say Tannehill was playing the best football of his career right before he got hurt. And then you saw the offense basically do next to nothing for a full season with him out last year. Tannehill may never be a top 5 QB. His ceiling may never be Andrew Luck or Aaron Rodgers. But he is good enough to be a playoff QB. He’s better than Blake Bortles. He’s better than Case Keenum. He is better than every single QB in the draft this year in 2018. Maybe one will develop into a star eventually, but no one was coming in as a challenger to start over Tannehill this year or even next year.

He’s thrown for over 4000 yards twice and he basically never missed a snap before his knee injury. He’s not some scrub that everyone paints him as. He might legitimately be one of the best passers in the league on the move and off of playaction.

He’s going to be 30 and he’s still signed to a very reasonable contract. You don’t just flush guys like that down the toilet, because someone would snatch him up in a heartbeat.

You beat me to the punch with your response, but I don't mind at all. Our view of Tannehill and the Miami QB situation headed into this season are align; I couldn't have detailed the points any better. Tanny got unlucky with a very ill-timed injury as he was clearly ascending, playing his best football. Add the coaching changes during his tenure, and it's understandable why it hasn't "clicked" for a full season yet.

Those who are arguing that he's an "injury concern" now, don't seem to be doing so for players like DeShaun Watson. It's an ACL injury, not an amputated leg; he's going to be ready to roll. There's been "rumblings" of Tannehill having a bit of an evolved demeanor since working to get back to 100%. Typically known as a laid back guy, he's a little more ... chippy, with a lot to prove. I'm all-in on the pissed-off Tannehill in '18.