offseason2008mia

Miami Dolphins (Last Year: 1-15)

2008 NFL Season Preview:

Veteran Additions:
QB Chad Pennington, QB Josh McCown, FB Boomer Grigsby, WR Ernest Wilford, TE Anthony Fasano, TE Sean Ryan, G Justin Smiley, DE/DT Randy Starks, NT Jason Ferguson, DE/OLB Reggie Torbor, ILB Akin Ayodele, ILB Charlie Anderson, CB Nathan Jones, S Chris Crocker, S Keith Davis.
Draft Picks:
QB Chad Henne, RB Jalen Parmele, RB Lex Hilliard, OT Jake Long, G Shawn Murphy, G Donald Thomas, C Steve McKinney, DE Phillip Merling, DE Kendall Langford, DE Lionel Dotson.
Offseason Losses:
QB Cleo Lemon, QB Josh McCown, QB Trent Green, RB Lorenzo Booker, RB Jesse Chatman, RB Samkon Gado, WR Marty Booker, WR Kerry Reed, WR David Kircus, OT L.J. Shelton, OT Anthony Alabi, OT Marion Dukes, OT Corey Lekkerkerker, OT Mike Rosenthal, OT/G Joe Toledo, G Rex Hadnot, G Drew Mormino, G Chris Liwienski, G Gene Mruczkowski, DE/OLB Jason Taylor, DE Chase Page, DE Derreck Robinson, DT Keith Traylor, DT Anthony Bryant, DT Marquay Love, OLB Derrick Pope, OLB Donnie Spragan, OLB Abraham Wright, ILB Zach Thomas, CB Travis Daniels, S Travares Tillman, S Cameron Worrell, K Jay Feely, K Dave Rayner.

2008 Miami Dolphins Offense:
What’s with all the moves Miami made this offseason? Seriously, just look at them. They even signed a few players like Tab Perry and Dave Rayner, and cut them a month or two later. Whatever. Bill Parcells is a genius, right? Let’s try to sort through this mess and attempt to analyze the 2008 Dolphins.

I suppose starting with the No. 1 overall selection wouldn’t be a bad idea. Was Jake Long the right move? Miami backers seem to think so, but that’s not a surprise because all fans love their draft picks before they take the field. If Long becomes a dominant left tackle in the NFL, taking him over Chris Long was obviously the correct decision. I don’t think Long’s athleticism and pass-blocking ability is good enough to make him an elite left tackle. He’ll be an incredible force on the right side of the front, but drafting a right tackle the top choice is pretty foolish, as it’s not a position of the greatest importance.

I also don’t get the urgency to put Long at left tackle. Vernon Carey played extremely well there last season, yielding just two sacks. Carey can also thrive at right tackle, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see he and Long swap positions sometime in the near future, whether that’s this year or 2009. Meanwhile, one player who won’t be moving out of his slot is center Samson Satele. One of the bright spots in Miami’s dismal 1-15 2007 campaign, Satele played brilliantly as a rookie. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about the two guards. The Dolphins overpaid for Justin Smiley when they gave him $25 million over five years. That’s a lot of money for someone who struggled with performance and injuries with the 49ers last season. Fourth-round rookie Shawn Murphy will start at right guard. That’s not good news for the winner of the quarterback battle.

Speaking of that competition, Tony Sparano will go with the guy who makes the least mistakes and looks most ready for Dan Henning’s offense. It’s been speculated that John Beck will get a chance to prove himself until Chad Henne is ready to play. However, that may not be the case because Josh McCown has looked the most impressive in offseason workouts. And that’s no surprise because McCown not only has the most experience of all the signal callers; he also has more talent than Beck. I’ve been calling Beck a bust from Day 1. He looked lost and confused in four starts in 2007, and showed me no signs that he can play at this level. He sported an even worse deer-in-the-headlights look than David Carr has maintained throughout his miserable career. This from a 26-year-old, who was supposed to be more mature than his rookie peers.

As for Henne, sure, he can make the throws, but he’s one of the most inconsistent quarterbacks I’ve ever seen. He had elite talent by his side at Michigan, but often struggled. He also came up very small in every big game he’s been in. I’d rather have Henne than Beck, but if the Dolphins want to make a big move and double, maybe even triple last year’s win total, they’ll stick with McCown.

That said, we won’t know how good McCown, Beck and Henne are because their supporting cast sucks, excluding the offensive line, of course. Last year’s leading receiver, Marty Booker (50 receptions, 556 yards, one touchdown) is gone. That leaves Ted Ginn and Ernest Wilford as the starters. I don’t believe Ginn is a No. 1 receiver, while Wilford is flat-out horrible. Greg Camarillo showed some signs of being a potent No. 3 wide out late in the year, but I’m not sure what sort of role he’ll have in the new offense. Derek Hagan, meanwhile, has been very inconsistent in his brief NFL career.

The tight end position is void of talent as well. David Martin was an ineffective replacement for Randy McMichael, catching just 34 passes for 303 yards. Miami brought over Anthony Fasano from the Cowboys, but Fasano has yet to do anything in this league. Right now, he’s one of Parcells’ many recent first-day busts.

Speaking of busts, we’ll have to label Ronnie Brown one if he has another injury-plagued year. That may seem odd to say because Brown totaled 1,008 yards in 2006, but he has never played a full season as a lone ball-carrier, dating back to middle school. He’s always been hurt or had someone to share carries with. The one year he wasn’t hurt, 2005, Brown split rushes with Ricky Williams. He did the same with Cadillac Williams at Auburn, and even with a teammate in high school. Unless the Dolphins give Ricky Williams a good amount of carries, which would be foolish, Brown, coming off a torn ACL (major red flag) will undoubtedly suffer another injury.

I really don’t get what the Dolphins are doing. They keep letting talents like Chris Chambers, McMichael and Booker go and fail to properly replace them. Meanwhile, the quarterback situation is a complete mess. Miami was ranked 27th in offense last season. It’ll be lucky to match that in 2008.

2008 Miami Dolphins Defense:
No first-round pick to talk about here, so let’s start with the biggest story pertaining to the Dolphins this offseason. That clearly would be the Jason Taylor saga. First of all, I can’t believe Miami was arrogant enough to ask for a first-round selection for Taylor. The Dancing Dolphin has registered double-digit sacks the past six years, but he turns 34 on Sept. 1. Who knows how effective he’ll be in his mid-30s? Frankly, I’d have reservations dealing a second-round choice for him, let alone a No. 1 pick.

So, either Taylor stays with the team and records less than 10 sacks for the first time since 2001, or gets traded to a contender and becomes a solid rotational rusher for them. Either way, the Dolphins lose.

The Taylor situation is pretty emblematic of Miami’s entire defense. The following words can be used to describe almost every player on the stop unit: old, untalented or injured.

Beginning with Taylor’s teammates in Miami’s 3-4 linebacking corps, Joey Porter will be the squad’s other primary pass-rusher. Porter is a big name, but a very overrated player. Ask any Steelers fan, and they’ll tell you that Porter was a product of Dick LeBeau’s system. It should be no surprise that Porter managed a meager six sacks in 2007, which is a seasonal low since he had five in 2003. He also just turned 31, so it’s very unlikely he posts a double-digit sack total ever again. Meanwhile, promising inside linebacker Channing Crowder is coming off knee surgery and may not be ready for the season opener. Even if he plays, I doubt he’ll be 100 percent until the second half of the year. If Crowder can’t go, Akin Ayodele and Reggie Torbor will play in the middle of the defense. Ayodele isn’t bad, but Torbor isn’t anything but a solid reserve.

The guys supposed to be protecting the linebackers up front will also struggle. Vonnie Holliday is perhaps the most reliable of the three starting linemen, but he’s facing age issues as well. He turns 33 in December and had problems with his ankle last season. The other end, Matt Roth, is very mediocre. There’s a good chance second-round rookie Phillip Merling will take his job by mid-season. Meanwhile, nose tackle Jason Ferguson was acquired from the Cowboys for a sixth-round pick. Ferguson complements the other Dolphins well, as he’s turning 34 soon and recovering from torn biceps.

Miami finished with 30 sacks in 2007, but will have trouble matching that figure with the Dancing Dolphin in limbo. That’ll hurt a putrid secondary that couldn’t cover anyone last year. Will Allen, the team’s only confirmed starting corner, could be suspended because of possible gun and gambling charges. If Allen plays, Michael Lehan, Andre Goodman and Travis Daniels will compete for the other slot. Lehan is the favorite, but all three are pretty pedestrian players.

Strong safety Yeremiah Bell is the best player in Miami’s secondary, though even he matches one of the three words mentioned earlier. Bell tore his Achilles’ tendon in 2007, and was limited to just one start. That said, Bell looks like he’s ready to go. He’s lucky the injury occurred in early September. Free safety Jason Allen, meanwhile, started the final nine contests of his second season, but mysteriously has been running with the second team this summer. I still think Allen wins the job against Chris Crocker and Renaldo Hill, but I would find this situation troublesome if I were a Dolphins fan.

On second thought, if I were a Dolphins fan, this would be pretty low on my radar, considering everything else that has happened the past year.



2008 Miami Dolphins Schedule and Intangibles:
Although the 2006 and 2007 numbers aren’t a good indication, Miami is almost unbeatable in September, as the team is a solid 34-19 since 1992. The Dolphins are nearly invincible in September 1 p.m. home games, thanks to the city’s scorching heat and humidity. Unfortunately, the team gets to enjoy only one such contest (Jets) this season.

Olindo Mare was run out of town last spring and replaced by Jay Feely, who nailed 21-of-23 kicks in 2007. More importantly, he was 8-of-10 from beyond 40 yards.

Punter Brandon Fields maintained a solid average (43.2), but booted only 10-of-77 kicks inside the opposing 20. As a reference, opposing punters had a 43.3 average and nailed 25-of-62 tries inside Miami’s 20.

Ted Ginn had a punt return for a touchdown, but didn’t exactly dazzle on kickoffs. Even worse, Miami surrendered two scores on special teams itself.

Saving the Dolphins from a possible 0-16 campaign is a pretty easy schedule. Winnable contests include: Jets (twice), Cardinals, Ravens, Raiders, Rams, 49ers and Chiefs.

2008 Miami Dolphins Positional Rankings (1-5 stars):
Quarterbacks
Offensive Line
Secondary
Running Backs
Defensive Line
Special Teams
Receivers
Linebackers
Coaching


2008 Miami Dolphins Analysis: I received tons of hate mail from Dolphins fans when I predicted their team to finish with a 2-14 record last year. One e-mailer called 2-14 a “pipe dream.” Apparently, he was correct; Miami was lucky to get that one victory. If Matt Stover hits a 44-yard field goal, the Dolphins would have been the first 0-16 team in NFL history.

Unfortunately, the team isn’t out of the woods yet. A zero-win campaign is yet again a strong possibility because Miami simply did not improve itself this offseason, despite the barrage of moves it made. In a situation like this, you really have to feel sorry for the fans. I don’t get how “experts” who are paid six and seven figures can screw up this badly.

Projection: 2-14 (4th in AFC East)


2008 Fantasy Football Rankings:

Josh McCown: Don’t waste your time. Take Chad Henne in your keeper league if you’re a Michigan alumnus. Otherwise, stay away.
Projected 2008 Fantasy Stats: 1,300 passing yards. 5 passing TDs. 30 rushing yards. 0 rushing TDs.
Projected 2008 Fantasy Points: 98.

Ronnie Brown: Miami should be able to run block, but defenses will continue to stack the line of scrimmage against Ronnie Brown because the Dolphins don’t have an aerial attack. Brown’s fragility is a reason I won’t pick him unless he really falls in my fantasy draft. He’s injury-prone and coming off a torn ACL. Stay away.
Projected 2008 Fantasy Stats: 800 rushing yards. 350 receiving yards. 6 total TDs.
Projected 2008 Fantasy Points: 151.

Ricky Williams: If Ricky Williams scores a touchdown, and doesn’t remember it because he was too high, do you get the fantasy points? I’m not willing to find out.
Projected 2008 Fantasy Stats: 350 rushing yards. 150 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2008 Fantasy Points: 68.

David Martin: Way to replace Randy McMichael with a guy whose career highs are 34 receptions, 303 yards and three touchdowns.
Projected 2008 Fantasy Stats: 325 receiving yards. 2 TDs.
Projected 2008 Fantasy Points: 44.

Anthony Fasano: Anthony Fasano hasn’t done anything in this league… but at least he’s… ummm… friends with the coach and the GM?
Projected 2008 Fantasy Stats: 300 receiving yards. 2 TDs.
Projected 2008 Fantasy Points: 42.

Ted Ginn: Even if Ted Ginn is a legitimate No. 1 receiver, he won’t be able to do anything with Miami’s horrific quarterbacking. Unless you get points for return yardage, there’s no reason to draft Ginn earlier than the 13th round. Ginn did show some promise with a 7-reception, 53-yard performance against the Bengals in Week 17, but that was the only contest where he had more than four catches.
Projected 2008 Fantasy Stats: 650 receiving yards. 2 TDs.
Projected 2008 Fantasy Points: 77.

Ernest Wilford: With an excellent quarterback (David Garrard), Ernest Wilford had 45 receptions, 518 yards and three touchdowns. With Josh McCown, John Beck and Chad Henne…
Projected 2008 Fantasy Stats: 500 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2008 Fantasy Points: 68.

Derek Hagan: Derek Hagan had eight receptions and 93 yards in his only start. That would be promising, except he registered a mere five receptions in the next three contests to close out his second season.
Projected 2008 Fantasy Stats: 425 receiving yards. 2 TDs.
Projected 2008 Fantasy Points: 54.

Jay Feely: Jay Feely is a solid kicker in real life, but the Dolphins’ offense just won’t give him many field-goal and extra-point opportunities.
Projected 2008 Fantasy Stats: 20-23 FG (1-1 50+). 25 XP.
Projected 2008 Fantasy Points: 94.

Miami Defense: Let’s see… about 25 sacks, 14 interceptions and tons of opposing 30-point outputs. No fantasy value here.
Projected Fantasy Ranking: Bottom 10 Defense.



2008 NFL Draft Grade:

Good Moves: Miami could have upgraded its defense more, but the players they obtained are pretty solid. Phillip Merling should have been taken in the first round, while Kendall Langford was solid value in the third Two mid-round picks I was a fan of were Jalen Parmele and Donald Thomas. I have no idea how Thomas slipped down to No. 195; he was projected to go in the fourth round. If he starts for the Dolphins, I wouldn’t be surprised.

Bad Moves: Jake Long wasn’t a terrible pick by any means, but I disagree with it. I’ve harped enough about it, so I’ll just move on Chad Henne – ugh. Being from Big Ten country, I’ve watched almost every game Henne played at Michigan. You’d be hard pressed to find a more erratic quarterback in this class. If Henne was inconsistent surrounded by top-level talent and going against slow Big Ten defenses, how in the world is he going to succeed in the NFL? Shawn Murphy in the fourth round? What was that? I don’t think anyone had him being drafted One of the main reasons I picked Miami to go 2-14 last year was its old defense. Well, Bill Parcells didn’t really do much to fix that; only two of his first eight selections were used on defensive players – and both man the same position.

Grade give on 4/29/08: C+



2008 NFL Draft Picks:

1. Jake Long, OT, Michigan
I don’t like this pick. I don’t think Jake Long can be a great left tackle in the NFL. He’ll be a great run blocker, but as far as pass protection is concerned, he’ll need a lot of work. I just don’t see him making the impact Joe Thomas made for the Browns last year. (Pick Grade: C)

32. Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
Steal. There’s no reason Phillip Merling should have made it past 21. When the Dolphins took him, I forgot he was still on the board. (Pick Grade: A)

57. Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
I don’t like Chad Henne – he’s way too inconsistent – but I thought he was good value at 57. He can’t be any worse than John Beck, right? (Pick Grade: C)

66. Kendall Langford, DE, Hampton
Mike Maylock loves this pick, and so do I. Kendall Langford’s probably the best five-technique available. (Pick Grade: A)

110. Shawn Murphy, G, Utah State
Nice. A seventh-round prospect in the fourth. Good job, Tuna. At least it’s a position of need. (Pick Grade: D)

176. Jalen Parmele, RB, Toledo
I think I had this pick in my mock prior to the Akin Ayodele trade that saw Miami surrender its sixth-round pick. The Dolphins need depth at running back because Ronnie Brown’s always injured and Ricky Williams is always high. (Pick Grade: A)

195. Donald Thomas, G, Connecticut
Steal. Donald Thomas was projected to go in the third round. I wouldn’t be surprised if Thomas starts during the latter stages of the 2008 season. (Pick Grade: A)

204. Lex Hilliard, RB, Montana
More depth at running back is a must, but there are better options. (Pick Grade: C)

245. Lionel Dotson, DE, Arizona
Yet another defensive end for the Dolphins. Is Jason Taylor on the move? (Pick Grade: B)





Season Summary:
When I projected the Dolphins to go 2-14 in last year’s season preview, I received dozens of e-mails from Dolphins fans, all of whom called me a lunatic in one way or another. I didn’t get their optimism. Their defense was old; Trent Green was a dinosaur coming off a concussion; their general manager was an idiot who spoke like a geek from the 1950s; their coach was so disorganized he had to skip the fourth preseason game in order to figure out whom to cut; and their top draft pick was introduced as a kick-returner. I’m shocked Miami didn’t go 0-19.

Offseason Moves:
  • Dolphins trade QB Josh McCown to Panthers for TBA
  • Dolphins cut WR David Kircus
  • Dolphins trade CB Travis Daniels to Browns for undisclosed draft pick
  • Dolphins cut C Steve McKinney
  • Dolphins cut K Jay Feely
  • Dolphins sign QB Chad Pennington
  • Dolphins trade DE/OLB Jason Taylor to the Redskins for a 2009 second-round pick and a 2010 sixth-round choice
  • Dolphins cut K Dave Rayner
  • Dolphins cut WR Tab Perry
  • Dolphins sign C Steve McKinney
  • Dolphins cut G Drew Mormino
  • Dolphins cut OLB Abraham Wright
  • Dolphins cut DE Derreck Robinson
  • Dolphins trade RB Lorenzo Booker to the Eagles for a 2008 pick
  • Dolphins receive TE Anthony Fasano and ILB Akin Ayodele from the Cowboys for a fourth-round pick
  • Dolphins cut S Cameron Worrell
  • Dolphins cut WR Kerry Reed
  • Dolphins sign S Chris Crocker
  • Dolphins sign WR Tab Perry
  • Dolphins sign CB Nathan Jones
  • Dolphins sign FS Keith Davis
  • Dolphins sign K Dave Rayner
  • Dolphins sign FB Boomer Grigsby
  • Dolphins tender WR Greg Camarillo
  • Dolphins re-sign S Yeremiah Bell
  • Dolphins receive NT Jason Ferguson from the Cowboys for an exchange of sixth-round picks and a sixth-rounder in 2009
  • Dolphins sign DE/OLB Reggie Torbor
  • Dolphins sign WR Ernest Wilford
  • Dolphins sign QB Josh McCown
  • Dolphins sign DE/DT Randy Starks
  • Dolphins sign G Justin Smiley
  • Dolphins sign TE Sean Ryan
  • Dolphins sign ILB Charlie Anderson
  • Dolphins tender (low) RB Patrick Cobbs
  • Dolphins re-sign CB Michael Lehan
  • Dolphins cut LB Zach Thomas
  • Dolphins cut QB Trent Green
  • Dolphins cut WR Marty Booker
  • Dolphins cut OT L.J. Shelton
  • Dolphins cut DT Keith Traylor
  • Dolphins cut OT Anthony Alabi
  • Dolphins cut DT Anthony Bryant
  • Dolphins cut G Joe Toledo
  • Dolphins cut OT Marion Dukes
  • Dolphins cut DT Marquay Love


    Offseason Needs:
    1. Nose Tackle: If Bill Parcells plans on bringing his patented 3-4 defense full time to Miami, he’ll have to acquire a massive nose tackle to clog the middle. The Dolphins were ranked dead last against opposing ground attacks, so they’ll need a run-stuffer. Sedrick Ellis could be the answer, though Trevor Laws is more likely atop Round 3. Traded for Jason Ferguson

    2. Cornerback: Miami’s secondary stinks, and one of the reasons is the fact that the team lacks a No. 1 corner. Look out for Aqib Talib with the first selection in the second round. Signed Nathan Jones

    3. Offensive Tackle: No shock that the Dolphins released the overpaid L.J. Shelton recently. I was surprised to see Anthony Alabi go as well. Nevertheless, Vernon Carey will be moved to right tackle, opening up a huge hole on the left side. Jake Long could be an option, but I see Miami drafting one of the second-tier linemen come April. Drafted Jake Long

    4. Quarterback: When John Beck essentially handed the Bengals the ball, which they returned for a touchdown in Week 17, Bill Parcells was caught rolling his eyes. It appeared as though he were thinking, “Man… I don’t know who’s worse – that quarterback who looks like he has no talent whatsoever, or that creepy Randy Mueller guy who always says, ‘Golly gosh darn gee whizz jeepers!’ to me for some reason. Why the heck did I take this job?” There is some speculation that the Dolphins are going to draft Matt Ryan. I don’t buy it. Parcells isn’t planning on hanging around forever like he did in New York and New England. He wants a veteran, although I wouldn’t be surprised if he snags Joe Flacco or John David Booty in the later rounds. Drafted Chad Henne; signed Chad Pennington Josh McCown

    5. Defensive End: More help for Miami’s decrepit defensive front is a must. Chris Long could be taken first overall. Drafted Phillip Merling, Kendall Langford and Lionel Dotson; signed Randy Starks

    6. Inside Linebacker: There’s a chance Zach Thomas, who turns 35 in September, could be cut. His cap charge is $8 million in 2008, so it would make sense for Miami to part ways with the declining linebacker. Even if they keep him around, a young upgrade is needed right next to Channing Crowder in the 3-4. Traded for Akin Ayodele; signed Reggie Torbor and Charlie Anderson

    7. Possession Receiver: The Dolphins have the speed with Ted Ginn and Greg Camarillo. Now they need a replacement for Chris Chambers – someone with a big frame who can go over the middle. Adarius Bowman and Jordy Nelson are among some of the options in the middle rounds. Signed Ernest Wilford and Tab Perry

    8. Strong Safety: Yeremiah Bell was a solid strong safety, but he suffered a torn Achilles’ tendon in September. Given that he turns 30 in March, Bell may never be the same ever again. Regardless, it’s likely the Dolphins will draft someone at this position in the middle of the draft. Re-signed Yeremiah Bell

    9. Tight End: No surprise that Randy Mueller forgot to find a worthy substitute for the recently departed Randy McMichael. David Martin? Justin Peelle? The work of a man who says “gee whiz” every two minutes. Traded for Anthony Fasano; signed TE Sean Ryan

    10. Left Guard: Current starter Chris Liwienski is a free agent this offseason. He turns 33 in August anyway, so there’s no point in bringing him back; it’s not like he “blew” anyone away. Get it? Blew? Zing. Anyway, an upgrade at left guard is needed. Signed Justin Smiley; drafted Shawn Murphy and Donald Thomas

    11. Punter: Brandon Fields nailed just 10 balls inside the 20 despite having tons of opportunities to do so. He was only a rookie, but like all of Randy Mueller’s blunders, he didn’t look too promising.







    Miami Dolphins Free Agents:

    Salary Cap (As of Feb. 13): $31.98 million
    1. Yeremiah Bell, SS. Age: 30.
      Re-signed with Dolphins (1 year, $1.4 million)

      Yeremiah Bell was a bullfr… I mean a talented safety prior to tearing his ACL last year. He’s 30, so there’s a chance he may never be the player he was.

    2. Rex Hadnot, G. Age: 26.
      Signed with Browns (2 years)

      Rex Hadnot is likely to garner plenty of attention this offseason, as he’s a solid starter who can play multiple positions on the front.

    3. Greg Camarillo (ERFA), WR. Age: 26.
      Tendered by Dolphins

      Greg Camarillo really came on during the end of the year. Is he the next Wes Welker?

    4. Zach Thomas, MLB. Age: 35.
      Signed with Cowboys (1 year, $3 million)

      Zach Thomas was cut on Feb. 14, and while there is some speculation that he may retire, I believe he will sign with the Patriots.

    5. Marty Booker, WR. Age: 32.
      Signed with Bears (2 years)

      It doesn’t get more bland than Marty Booker. He won’t do anything great for anyone, but he’ll be a dependable No. 3 wideout.

    6. Jesse Chatman, RB. Age: 28.
      Signed with Jets (1 year)

      At one point during the 2007 season, Jesse Chatmas was averaging five yards per carry. Don’t be surprised if he follows Cam Cameron to Baltimore.

    7. Cleo Lemon, QB. Age: 29.
      Signed with Jaguars (3 years, $8.9 million)

      With barely any help, Cleo Lemon did a solid job taking over at quarterback when Trent Green went down.

    8. Anthony Alabi, OT. Age: 27.
      Of all of Miami’s cuts, this one was most surprising. Anthony Alabi is still young and can be a solid backup.

    9. L.J. Shelton, OT. Age: 32.
      L.J. Shelton is no longer a starter in this league, but he’d make a solid reserve.

    10. Jay Feely, K. Age: 32. – Signed with Chiefs
    11. Michael Lehan, CB. Age: 28. – Re-signed with Dolphins (3 years, $5 million)
    12. Drew Mormino, G. Age: 24.
    13. Samkon Gado (RFA), RB. Age: 25.
    14. Corey Lekkerkerker, OT. Age: 27.
    15. Joe Toledo, G. Age: 25.
    16. Travares Tillman, S. Age: 30.
    17. Cameron Worrell, S. Age: 28. – Signed with Jets
    18. Derrick Pope, OLB. Age: 26. – Signed with Vikings
    19. Mike Rosenthal, OT. Age: 31.
    20. Donnie Spragan, OLB. Age: 32. – Signed with Bills
    21. Patrick Cobbs (RFA), RB. Age: 25. – Tendered (low) by Dolphins
    22. Kerry Reed, WR. Age: 23. – Signed with Ravens
    23. Trent Green, QB. Age: 38. – Signed with Rams (3 years, $8.9 million)
    24. Steve McKinney, C. Age: 32.
    25. Anthony Bryant, DT. Age: 26.
    26. Gene Mruczkowski, G. Age: 28. – Signed with Patriots
    27. Chase Page, DE. Age: 25.
    28. Derreck Robinson, DE. Age: 26.
    29. Ike Ndukwe, G. Age: 26.
    30. Abraham Wright, OLB. Age 23.
    31. Tab Perry, WR. Age: 26.
    32. David Kircus, WR. Age: 28.
    33. Dave Rayner, K. Age: 25. – Signed with Lions






    Divisional Rival History:
    Buffalo Bills: One of the rare rivalries where the better team almost always wins. Sounds weird, doesn’t it? Buffalo has claimed seven of the past eight battles.
    New England Patriots: It’s amazing how much the visiting team struggles in this heated rivalry (host has won nine of 13). New England always melts in the Miami sun, while the Dolphins have a habit of freezing to death at frigid Foxboro.
    New York Jets: The Jets have dominated this series for years. Try 16 of the last 20.



    Features to be Posted This Offseason:
    1. Detailed season preview
    2. Fantasy football projections
    3. Positional rankings
    4. Daily updates on free-agent signings


    More 2008 NFL Offseason Pages:

    DAL / NYG / PHI / WAS
    CHI / DET / GB / MIN
    ATL / CAR / NO / TB
    ARZ / SF / SEA / STL

    BUF / MIA / NE / NYJ
    BAL / CIN / CLE / PIT
    HOU /IND / JAX / TEN
    DEN / KC / OAK / SD
    Playoffs & Regular Season Results


    Back to the 2008 NFL Offseason Page

    Go to Matt McGuire’s 2008 NFL Pre-Draft Analysis – Miami Dolphins

    2008 NFL Mock Draft


    2008 NFL Free Agents


    NFL Mock Draft Database


    2008 NFL Draft Prospects


    2009 NFL Mock Draft