If Parcells is in charge, look for Miami to get defensive in the draft

By Jeff Dickinson  |   Wednesday, January 28, 2009  |  Comments( 4 )

Miami Dolphins
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“As the Tuna Turns” is still being played out with the Miami Dolphins. Miami fans and the team’s owners, coaches and players are still awaiting a decision from Bill Parcells as to whether he will stay or go.

The other major decision that awaits the Dolphins is which player to select with the 25th pick in the first round of April’s NFL draft. Parcells' decision will certainly have a direct impact on Miami’s draft.

In his past seven drafts, Parcells has only gone for offense once with his top pick.

While running the show for the Dallas Cowboys, Parcells used his No. 1 choices on linebackers Bobby Carpenter (2006) and DeMarcus Ware '(05) and cornerback Terrence Newman ('03).

While in charge of the draft for the New York Jets beforehand, Parcells' first selection was used on linebacker James Farrior in 1997 (the team didn't have first-round picks the next two years).

Prior to that, Parcells went for wide receiver Terry Glenn (1996), cornerback Ty Law ('95) and linebacker Willie McGinest ('94) in the first round with New England.

What can we gather from this? If Parcells is still with the Dolphins in late April, it is a safe bet that Miami will shore up its defense. While the Dolphins did fare well last season against the run (10th in the league), they struggled defending the pass (25th).

Defensive talk aside, the Dolphins had a total of 20 touchdown receptions last season, but 11 of those came from tight ends. Thus, Miami would be wise to look for a wide receiver at some point in the draft.

Though premier options like Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin should be off the board at pick No. 25, there are still some solid receivers who will probably be available. All-purpose threat Percy Harvin, an ex-Florida star, is a possibility for the Dolphins. Harvin amassed 1,133 rushing and receiving yards for the Gators last season and scored 16 touchdowns.

Oklahoma receiver Juaquin Iglesias is also another option for Miami. Iglesias caught 69 passes for 1,092 yards for the Sooners last season.

Of course, don’t be surprised to see Parcells go with someone like USC linebacker Brian Cushing or Northern Illinois LB Larry English.

Bottom line: History says that the Big Tuna likes to get defensive when the draft rolls around.
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About Jeff Dickinson

I have been writing and editing professionally for 18 years. I spent the first three years of my career as a sportswriter for a daily newspaper in Alabama and got to cover sports and get paid for it! It was great until I got married and then it wasn't too much fun being away from my wife every ...
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