Dolphins rebuild from the inside out

By Joe Mayes  |   Thursday, April 10, 2008  |  Comments( 10 )

Miami Dolphins
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Last year’s dismal performance has left the new Dolphin leadership team of Bill Parcells, general manager Jeff Ireland, and head coach Tony Sparano with the daunting task of turning things around in a big way and in a hurry. A dramatically increased salary cap for the coming year helps since it gives the Dolphins the resources needed to begin adding key players through free-agency and nine draft choices in the upcoming NFL draft means Miami can begin to dig their way out of last year’s 1-15 hole

In looking at last year’s performance, it’s clear that some needs are more pressing than others. While there’s been a lot of discussion about about the quarterback position, adding dynamic playmakers at wide receiver, and the status of defensive stalwarts Zach Thomas (dumped) and Jason Taylor (?), the reality is that the Dolphins two biggest deficiencies -- running the ball and stopping the run -- are fundamentals of Bill Parcells football.

Parcells and crew have already taken some steps to start rebuilding the team from the lines outward. Here’s how the Dolphins have addressed, and will address, these areas in preparation for the upcoming season

PRIORITY #1: UPGRADE THE RUSH OFFENSE:
Bill Parcells likes team who control the game by running the ball. During his 19-year head coaching career, Parcells-let teams ran the ball 46% of the time and if you take out the pass-happy 1994-1996 Patriots (the Drew Bledsoe years, during which the Pats ran less than 40% of the time), the ratio jumps to 48% rush, 52% pass.

Miami ran the ball on just 39% of their offensive plays in 2007. While much of this was situational, it’s still clear that the Dolphins need to revamp the offensive line and solidify the running back position if they’re going to be able to run effectively in 2008.

What they’ve done so far: Miami added guard Justin Smiley whom head coach Tony Sparano has said is already penciled in at right guard. However, Sparano also said that there are holes remaining at left guard and right tackle and while he expects Drew Mormino and Trey Darilek to compete for the left guard position vacated by free-agent Rex Hadnot, he didn’t sound really hopeful about their chances. More significantly, he did not mention any candidates for the still-vacant right tackle spot.

What they’ll do in the draft: The Miami Herald reported yesterday that the Dolphins have begun contract negotiations with Michigan tackle Jake Long. While some doubt whether Long will be able to play left tackle position in the NFL as he did at Michigan, there’s no reason to believe he can’t fill the vacant right tackle spot with Vernon Carey staying on the left side. Even if the Dolphins decide to pass on Jake Long with the number one pick (more on this later), there are another 6 or 7 offensive tackles in this year’s draft who should be able to make the transition to Sunday football and who can fill out the Dolphins offensive line. Likewise, there are probably 6 or 7 guards with NFL potential who will be available on the second day of the draft.

Even though the Dolphins appear set at running back with Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams, and Lorenzo Booker, questions remain about all three. As a result, don’t be surprised to see the Dolphins pick up a running back like Michigan’s Mike Hart or Oklahoma’s Allen Patrick somewhere in rounds 5-7.

PRIORITY #2: UPGRADE THE RUSH DEFENSE:
Despite all the talk about Jason Taylor and drafting pass-rush defensive ends, the Dolphins greatest need on defense is improving their 32nd-ranked rush defense. While Sparano favors the 3-4, he still maintains the Dolphins may run a 4-3 defense, depending on personnel. Whichever way they go, to improve their run defense, the Dolphins need to add bodies on the defensive line who can occupy blockers and linebackers who can stop a running back in his tracks.

What they’ve done so far: The biggest step the Dolphins have taken so far is trading for Jason Ferguson, who will give them the big body to clog the middle of the line. However, with the possible exception of Reggie Torbor who started just five games for the Giants last season, the Dolphins haven’t added any linebackers to help their cause.

What they’ll do in the draft: In addition to Jake Long, there are reports that the Dolphins have also begun contract negotiations with Virginia defensive end Chris Long and LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey.

While some has expressed concern that Dorsey (at 299 pounds) lacks the size to play nose tackle in a 3-4 defense, Ferguson weighs 310 and Dorsey has the frame to easily add another 10-20 pounds without dramatically affecting his quickness. Don’t be surprised to see Dorsey sneak in as the Dolphins #1 pick.

However, Chris Long is quick and athletic enough to play linebacker in a 3-4 and strong enough to play end in the 4-3. This versatility will likely bump him to the top of the Dolphins list of choices, especially since there are fewer players with his skills in the draft than there are at other priority positions (offensive and defensive tackles). If Parcells and Ireland can come to terms with C. Long, expect him to be the number one pick in the draft.
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About Joe Mayes

Joe Mayes is an award-winning writer with credits ranging from national sports columns to local newspapers and commercial and technical writing. Joe is the host of "The Morning Wrap," a morning drive-time sports talk radio show on WTKE-FM in Northwest Florida.
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