NFL Offseason Roadmap is a series focused on the needs of NFL teams as they begin the offseason. The Miami Dolphins are coming off their worst season in franchise history. You don't go 1-15 and expect a quick turnaround. But it can happen. The early 1990s Cowboys and mid-2000s Panthers each reached that low and went on to reach Super Bowls. Adding Bill Parcells to the mix of running things and this isn't a lost cause. There is a lot that needs to be addressed (sorry secondary and Ricky Williams), so, what are they looking to do?
1. Coaching Staff – Well, hiring Tony Sparano is the main jumping off point. Now, it is just bringing in the rest of his staff ... including an offensive coordinator. From there, the Dolphins can try to figure out what kind of roster they want.
2. Quarterback – This has been a sore spot for the last few seasons. The plan last year was to have Trent Green (who they acquired in an offseason trade) run things with rookie John Beck (a second round pick) slated for the future. Green suffered a season-ending concussion and former coach Cam Cameron mucked everything else up. There needs to be some sort of definitive plan here. Cleo Lemon is a free agent so Miami needs to add here from somewhere, most likely an experienced player. Beck will most likely get the starting job and must have the organization's full support.
3. Wide Receiver – Miami drafted Ted Ginn with the #9 pick but didn't get much from him on the receiving front. They dealt their best talent, Chris Chambers, at the trading deadline. Marty Booker is getting older and more expensive. They need help here. Ginn has the ability to be a big play guy but won't get close to doing that if there isn't anyone else out there.
4. Linebacker – Joey Porter showed that Pittsburgh was wise to let him go. Zach Thomas is getting old as well. The Phins need to start looking for guys to replace these two.
5. #1 Pick in the Draft – With the #1 draft pick, there comes a lot of criticism and optimism. Whomever they select will be counted on to be the cornerstone of the rebuilding project. It looks like LSU defensive lineman Glenn Dorsey gets the nod but there is a lot of time for that to change. With their needs so plentiful, they may elect to deal the pick. Still, this is one of the biggest decisions everyone associated with this franchise will make.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
U on the Yay or something? You're blogging at a high rate, absolutely carrying the NFL Fanhouse.
Dorsey will not be the pick. He may very well have been if Cameron and Mueller were still in charge, but Parcells likes a 3-4 defense. Chris Long is a better #1 overall pick for a 3-4 than Glenn Dorsey, unless you think a Vince Wilfork-like nose tackle is worth the #1 overall pick.
Though if by some miracle of clarity Parcells decides to dig out Nick Saban's hybrid defense playbook, Dorsey will not only be the pick, but thrive.