Who will Miami’s playmakers be?

By Dan Davis  |   Wednesday, June 25, 2008  |  Comments( 13 )

Miami Dolphins
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Building a successful roster in the NFL is among the most difficult tasks for both front-office executives and head coach. Few coaches (if any) have the whereabouts and know-how to coach inferior rosters to dramatic success. Fact is, you need talent to get the job done in pro football. And it doesn’t take Don Shula to glance up and down the Miami Dolphins' roster and realize they have plenty of building left to do.

In fact, they clearly lack depth, skill, and playmakers. However, that doesn’t mean all is lost for the 2008 season; after all, the Dolphins have building blocks. With that said, let’s take a brief look at who the major playmakers will be for the Dolphins both in '08 and the near future.

Ted Ginn Jr.

Ginn, a first-round wide receiver in 2007 and former Ohio State star, came on slowly at the end of his rookie season. Although his numbers weren’t mind-blowing (34 catches for 420 yards and two touchdowns), his impact is undeniable. Ginn provides the Dolphins a true vertical threat and a chance to score after every defensive stop with his punt returning abilities. The Dolphins need a playmaking receiver in the wake of last October's Chris Chambers trade, and Ginn should be that threat. Though there are still some questions about his strength and ability to get off jams at the line of scrimmage, Ginn looks to be the real deal and should make a lot of believers out of Dolphins fans this year.


Ronnie Brown

Miami's starting running back is an absolute no-brainer for the list, but he must stay healthy. No one knows how Brown will return from the torn ACL he suffered last season; it could take awhile before he returns to the elite-level form he demonstrated early in 2007. Brown gives the Dolphins a dynamic back, and with Ricky Williams spelling him, he should prove even more effective. Brown has the ability to make the offense go, and the threat of Ginn should open up running lanes he likely didn’t experience in his first three years in the league.

Phillip Merling

Merling, a second-round pick who received a first-round grade among many sources, is the versatile type of defensive end/rush linebacker who can really throw a wrench in opponents' game plans. Although he likely won’t begin the season as a starter, he should see his playing time increase as the year progresses; perhaps even a position switch will be in order if Jason Taylor is dealt to the reportedly interested Packers. Former Clemson standout Merling, who provides an attacking, powerful, and athletic force off the edge, could really help propel the Dolphins' defense to another level in future years.

Joey Porter

Porter wanted the Dolphins to switch to a 3-4, and he received his request. Throughout his career with the Steelers, Porter was a playmaking OLB who provided outstanding pass rush and turnover potential from the outside. Playing in the 3-4 suits his strengths well, and although he still racked up 5.5 sacks last year, his impact didn’t seem to be as significant as it was with Pittsburgh. With Porter back on the right side, Channing Crowder and Reggie Torbor in the middle and possibly Taylor on the left, the Dolphins have the makings of a sound LB corps in 2008.

Jason Allen

The Dolphins’ front seven should be the strong point of their defense. But their secondary needs a viable playmaker. Yeremiah Bell looked to be emerging two seasons ago, but no one knows how he will return from his torn Achilles’ tendon (early OTA reports say he’s looking well). Allen must elevate his game if he is to equal the merit of being a onetime first-round pick. Though Allen played well at the end of last year, he must take another step and establish himself as a true playmaker on Miami's defense.

The Dolphins obviously have enough building blocks to be a moderately successful team this year. They aren’t going to compete for the AFC East, but they stand a decent shot at recovering well from their 1-15 disaster of 2007.
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About Dan Davis

I'm a 23 year professional camel trainer, well exercised in the disciplines of pass rushing and mass texting. I'm an avid fan NAIA Men's Lacrosse, and I regularly paratroop on the weekend. Any questions feel free to ask.
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