Unheralded Dolphins could make a difference

By Adam Best  |   Thursday, August 09, 2007  |  Comments( 8 )

Miami Dolphins
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Every year - particularly as training camp advances into its later stages and the regular season grows near - NFL fans want to know about unheralded new additions that have a chance to make an impact for their teams. I'm sure Miami's fans are no different, especially considering the Dolphins' recent struggles and playoff drought.

Here is a list of some of the late-round draft picks, little-used holdovers and waiver-wire pickups who could make a difference for the Dolphins during the upcoming season:

Drew Mormino, guard:

Mormino was Miami's second sixth-round pick, but the early signs indicate that he might end up eventually performing more like a second-rounder. Currently the starter at left guard, there seems to be a good chance that he could assume that role all season long. Mormino did get pulled earlier in camp because of too many false starts, but he has managed to fight his way back onto the first unit. Another encouraging sign is that he seems fired up about this Saturday's game at Dolphins Stadium against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and possibly the NFL's best defensive tackle tandem - John Henderson and Marcus Stroud. Hopefully for the Dolphins, he can continue bringing both the desire and strong play.

Anthony Alabi, offensive tackle:

Alabi is a 2005 fifth-round pick from TCU who has been seldom used up to this point. That could change this season, as the third-year pro has been running with the first-team offensive line at right tackle for much of training camp. The O-line has been extremely disappointing the past few years, so this infusion of young talent that Alabi is a part of could help turn things around. He is definitely a Dolphin to keep an eye on during the upcoming season.

David Sutton, wide receiver:

This undrafted rookie wide receiver out of UTEP continues to make a name for himself. The most amazing thing about Sutton is that he didn't play organized football until his freshman year in college, and he didn't face top-notch talent until his junior season. He was actually a high and long jumper as well as a volleyball player in high school. That being said, he has amazing hops. If Sutton can put his size (6-foot-6, 222 pounds), speed and leaping ability together, and start to pick up the intricacies of the game, who knows what he can be.

Considering that Marty Booker has been hurt, Ted Ginn has looked somewhat raw (although less so recently) and Derek Hagan and the other young receivers have failed to impress, Sutton is a darkhorse to make a splash in the regular season. Sutton definitely has a shot at playing some, however, especially if he makes an impact during the preseason. He's a lot like former Cam Cameron favorite Vincent Jackson, an emerging stud WR for the San Diego Chargers.
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CommentsComments: 8  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
Chris		11:07 AM
08/09/2007
I think it's time to say bye-bye to mr. booker. I understand that he is a talented player. But talent does not get you anywhere...
No.2
rob		12:43 PM
08/09/2007
chris, I checked, m. booker played 14 games last year and 15 the year before. That is not bench warming. We don't have a...
No.3
dave		01:49 PM
08/09/2007
Other than Wes Welker, Marty Booker had the best stats of any Phins receiver last year. He is as good as we have right now....how...
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