Evaluating the Dolphins’ veterans: Part II - defense

By Hugo Guzman  |   Thursday, December 20, 2007  |  Comments( 1 )

Miami Dolphins
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Well, it looks as if Bill Parcells is on his way to Miami. However, I promised a follow-up to yesterday's piece on offensive veterans, and I'm a man of my word.

However, I will say this about the Big Tuna. Whatever he says goes. Cam Cameron deserves another season and Randy Mueller looks to have pulled off a very solid draft class, but if Parcells says that they have to go, then they have to go.

When you have two Super Bowl rings and four franchise turnarounds under your belt, your word ought to be gospel.

Anyhow, back to evaluating the Dolphins and their defensive veterans:

Jason Taylor: Fresh off another Pro Bowl berth, Taylor is still a very valuable commodity. So while fans would love to see Taylor retire as a Dolphin, it's much more likely that he will be traded away for a first-day draft pick this offseason.

Keith Traylor: Can you say retirement?

Vonnie Holliday: Though he's a bit injury prone, the 32-year-old is still a productive member of the defense. Parcells will ultimately decide if Holliday still has a place on the 53-man roster going into 2008.

Zach Thomas: The concussed Thomas wants to return to football, but he really should rethink that stance and instead choose to retire. The concussion-prone 34-year-old has already cemented a permanent place in Dolphins history, so it's likely in his best interest to ride off into the sunset.

Joey Porter: Despite the opinions of many Dolphin fans, Porter has actually played extremely well in the second half of this season. The 30-year-old might very well have several solid seasons left in the tank, but if Parcells decides that Porter has seen his best days, then so be it.

Will Allen: Yes, the 29-year-old has had one of his best years as a pro, but he has never been a ballhawk and is inevitably headed toward the twilight of his career as a cover corner. If the price is right, he may stay on, but it's time to start looking for an upgrade.

As far as Parcells is concerned, keep this in mind: He loves size. Therefore, those of you who like tall receivers, big linebackers and mammoth offensive linemen are in for the ultimate in wish fulfillment.

Parcells is also into top-flight quarterback play, so John Beck's audition could be short-lived if his new supervisor determines that the 26-year-old is not up to snuff.

One final note to Dolphins fans: While you should be excited about the prospect of having Bill Parcells take over the organization's reins, don't count your chickens before they hatch.

After all, Parcells is not exactly known for keeping his word or staying in one place for long.
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About Hugo Guzman

Trying to bring an objective approach to NFL analysis.
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