AFC East: Mike Sherman
AFC East links: Reggie Bush mesmerizes
May, 19, 2012
May 19
10:00
AM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
Buffalo Bills
The Bills signed second-round pick Cordy Glenn, an offensive tackle from Georgia; the move leaves only one of the team's nine draft picks -- third-round receiver T.J. Graham -- unsigned, Chris Brown reported.
Miami Dolphins
Lydon Murtha told the Sun-Sentinel that he's not ready to cede the starting right tackle job to second-round draft pick Jonathan Martin, the former Stanford left tackle whom the team aims to switch to the right side to challenge Murtha.
On the day he picked up the 2011 MVP from the Miami Dolphins Foundation, quarterback Matt Moore sang the praises of the West Coast offense new coordinator Mike Sherman is installing. And of comments that he's not starter material, Moore said Friday, "When I hear it over and over 100 times it gets a little annoying. I just try to win ballgames and do my best. They'll talk about me when they need to talk about me."
In his second turn as a guest host on her nationally syndicated talk show, running back Reggie Bush "mesmerized" Kelly Ripa on Friday. After Bush presented Ripa with a customized jersey -- his number, her name on the back -- during Friday's "LIVE! with Kelly" taping, Ripa gushed, "I will worship this jersey. I will wear this to bed every night ... think about our time together."
New England Patriots
The Patriots were just doing their due diligence in bringing tight end Dallas Clark, late of the Indianapolis Colts, in for a workout, writes Mike Reiss for ESPNBoston.com. The team already has three tight ends, one of whom -- Daniel Fells -- it signed in March, when Clark was on the market.
Former Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson said the recent death of Junior Seau caused him to reflect on his own post-concussion struggles after his 2005 retirement. "If that can happen to him," Johnson told a conference on pediatric concussions, "I've got to be more diligent in how I live my life."
Boston.com columnist Tony Massarotti wonders whether the Patriots are trying to keep Wes Welker, or drive him away.
New York Jets
The Tebow Takeover -- Tim taking over the starting quarterback's job from Mark Sanchez, that is -- is happening, Jeff Darlington writes, with the ongoing Phase 2 a charm offensive that's winning over veteran Jets like Bart Scott and Darrell Revis.
The team made a pair of moves in its scouting department, ESPNNewYork.com reports, promoting Midwest scout Jeff Bauer to director of college scouting; he replaces Joey Clinkscales, who left for the Oakland Raiders. Kevin Kelly, meanwhile, was named an area scout.
The Bills signed second-round pick Cordy Glenn, an offensive tackle from Georgia; the move leaves only one of the team's nine draft picks -- third-round receiver T.J. Graham -- unsigned, Chris Brown reported.
Miami Dolphins
Lydon Murtha told the Sun-Sentinel that he's not ready to cede the starting right tackle job to second-round draft pick Jonathan Martin, the former Stanford left tackle whom the team aims to switch to the right side to challenge Murtha.
On the day he picked up the 2011 MVP from the Miami Dolphins Foundation, quarterback Matt Moore sang the praises of the West Coast offense new coordinator Mike Sherman is installing. And of comments that he's not starter material, Moore said Friday, "When I hear it over and over 100 times it gets a little annoying. I just try to win ballgames and do my best. They'll talk about me when they need to talk about me."
In his second turn as a guest host on her nationally syndicated talk show, running back Reggie Bush "mesmerized" Kelly Ripa on Friday. After Bush presented Ripa with a customized jersey -- his number, her name on the back -- during Friday's "LIVE! with Kelly" taping, Ripa gushed, "I will worship this jersey. I will wear this to bed every night ... think about our time together."
New England Patriots
The Patriots were just doing their due diligence in bringing tight end Dallas Clark, late of the Indianapolis Colts, in for a workout, writes Mike Reiss for ESPNBoston.com. The team already has three tight ends, one of whom -- Daniel Fells -- it signed in March, when Clark was on the market.
Former Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson said the recent death of Junior Seau caused him to reflect on his own post-concussion struggles after his 2005 retirement. "If that can happen to him," Johnson told a conference on pediatric concussions, "I've got to be more diligent in how I live my life."
Boston.com columnist Tony Massarotti wonders whether the Patriots are trying to keep Wes Welker, or drive him away.
New York Jets
The Tebow Takeover -- Tim taking over the starting quarterback's job from Mark Sanchez, that is -- is happening, Jeff Darlington writes, with the ongoing Phase 2 a charm offensive that's winning over veteran Jets like Bart Scott and Darrell Revis.
The team made a pair of moves in its scouting department, ESPNNewYork.com reports, promoting Midwest scout Jeff Bauer to director of college scouting; he replaces Joey Clinkscales, who left for the Oakland Raiders. Kevin Kelly, meanwhile, was named an area scout.
Joel Auerbach/Getty ImagesDolphins owner Stephen Ross, right, said he hopes to retire Ryan Tannehill's jersey someday.The Miami Dolphins believe they have found their quarterback of the future in first-round pick Ryan Tannehill. Miami took Tannehill with the No. 8 overall pick in last week's NFL draft.
Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland called it an "all-in" decision by the entire organization. In many ways, this is a signature moment for Ireland, rookie head coach Joe Philbin and Miami's current regime.
If Tannehill develops into a stud NFL quarterback, Miami has a good chance to turn the organization around and become a force in the AFC East. If he's a first-round bust, the Dolphins can expect several more years of misery.
But Tannehill's success or failure is not totally up to him. There is a lot the Dolphins must do to ensure their prized rookie has the best chance possible to succeed at the next level.
Here is the AFC East blog's four-step plan that Miami should follow with Tannehill.
Step No. 1: Lower expectations
Miami is already failing in this department. I cringed over the weekend when Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said he hoped to retire Tannehill's No. 17 jersey someday. This was during Tannehill's introductory news conference. You don't put that kind of pressure on a rookie before his first NFL snap.
It also doesn't help that Tannehill is the first quarterback taken by Miami in the opening round since Dan Marino in 1983. In fact, Tannehill (No. 8) was taken much higher than Marino (No. 27). The pressure to fill those shoes has been immense for a long time. Miami hasn't had a legitimate, franchise quarterback since Marino retired in 2000. Fans expect Tannehill to be that player.
The good news is it's not too late to temper expectations. Tannehill will take the practice field for the first time this weekend during rookie minicamp. It's a chance for the media and coaches to see Tannehill in action and set the bar for where he really stands at the pro level.
For now, one of the best things Miami can do is stop talking about retiring jerseys, winning championships and filling Marino's shoes when it comes to Tannehill. Let the rookie develop his own identity with the team at his own pace.
Step No. 2: Sit Tannehill for a year
That brings me to my next point: Do not, under any circumstances, make Tannehill the starter this year. That would be the biggest mistake Miami could make.
The Dolphins have two veteran quarterbacks ahead of the rookie -- David Garrard and Matt Moore -- and a new scheme on offense. Let Garrard and Moore battle it out this year, while Tannehill holds a clipboard and gets ready for 2013.
Miami's offense is too fragile right now for a rookie quarterback, especially one with just 19 collegiate starts. Everyone is learning first-year head coach Joe Philbin's West Coast offense this year, and there aren't enough quality personnel in place to make the scheme successful.
Tannehill shouldn't be subjected to that right away. The strange thing is the rookie quarterback is probably the most knowledgeable about Miami's offense, considering his strong ties with Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman, who coached Tannehill in college.
This is a rebuilding year for the Dolphins and they know it. The sooner Tannehill plays, the better the chance he looks like Blaine Gabbert. That would be disastrous for Miami.
The Dolphins should put Tannehill on ice for a year. The only circumstance in which he should play is if Garrard and Moore get injured. Perhaps one exception is starting Tannehill in Week 16 or 17 if Miami has nothing to play for and wants to get Tannehill's feet wet for 2013.
Otherwise, Miami should keep Tannehill on the bench and resist the temptation of short-term buzz and excitement. Tannehill should be treated with the long haul in mind.
Step No. 3: Use Dan Marino as a mentor
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Malcolm Emmons/US PresswireThe Dolphins had not selected a quarterback in the first round of the draft since taking Dan Marino in 1983.
Malcolm Emmons/US PresswireThe Dolphins had not selected a quarterback in the first round of the draft since taking Dan Marino in 1983.Marino, a Hall of Famer, is royalty in Miami. I've said several times in the AFC East blog that Marino is an underused commodity by the Dolphins organization. This is the perfect time and situation to tap into that resource.
Marino has already accomplished what Tannehill dreams of doing. Marino also speaks the same language and can relate to Tannehill in ways that the coaching staff and front office cannot.
If Tannehill is trying to fill Marino's shoes, it makes sense for Marino to be in Tannehill's corner throughout the process to provide support. It may not seem like a big thing, but this could go a long way for the rookie quarterback.
Step No. 4: Get better wide receivers
We alluded to the personnel in Step No. 2. The Dolphins aren't ready at receiver to make things easy on Tannehill.
Philbin says the team's doesn't need a No. 1 receiver, but you do need good receivers who can makes plays and get open. A Tannehill-to-Brian Hartline connection is not all that attractive this year. Hartline is Miami's top receiver and he caught just 35 passes in 2011. Davone Bess is a solid slot receiver but may be asked to take on a bigger role due to lack of competition. The other receiver positions are wide open.
I was surprised Miami didn't take a receiver higher in this draft. The Dolphins waited until the sixth and seventh rounds, despite the position being one of the team's biggest needs. You're not going to plug every hole in the draft, but this is one more reason to keep Tannehill on the bench this year.
If the Dolphins follow this four-step plan, Miami has a good chance to get the best out of Tannehill. He has all the physical tools and potential to be a solid NFL quarterback. But it is very important that Miami does whatever it takes to give Tannehill a fair shot.
QB Ryan Tannehill: 'I want to compete'
April, 28, 2012
Apr 28
10:52
AM ET
By
James Walker | ESPN.com
DAVIE, Fla. -- Rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill just wrapped up his first news conference with the Miami Dolphins. He is the new face of the Dolphins' franchise and a player they think can turn the team around.
Here are some notes from Tannehill's news conference at Dolphins headquarters:
- The major question is how long will it take for Tannehill to see the field as a top-10 quarterback. Tannehill is not expected to play this season. But he's taking the right approach by not resigning himself to backup status behind Matt Moore and David Garrard. "I'm a football player and I'm a competitor," Tannehill said. "I want to be on the field and I want to compete. But I also realize that I'm coming in and there's veteran quarterbacks on this team that I can learn from."
- Tannehill has good measurables. He's big and rangy. He looks the part of an NFL quarterback in person, which is important. Tannehill will take the field for the first time in rookie mini-camp next week.
- I asked Tannehill about his leadership ability, because I think that's so important for the quarterback position. I was particularly curious about how he plans to lead despite being a rookie and working his way up the depth chart. "First of all, you got to get the respect of your teammates," Tannehill explained. "I've done it in a lot of different ways. But I want to get to know the guys. This is a new locker room and I have to get to know everyone. ... And your performance on the field is a big part of that. You have to be able to make plays on the field to get that respect."
- Tannehill was happy to get his hands on Miami's playbook. He said many things looked familiar from the one he had in college. Tannehill played under Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman at Texas A&M. Sherman played a major role in bringing Tannehill to Miami.
Dolphins gushing over QB Ryan Tannehill
April, 27, 2012
Apr 27
12:27
PM ET
By
James Walker | ESPN.com
The Miami Dolphins cannot stop gushing over their first-round pick: Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill. He is considered one of the biggest boom-or-bust prospects in this year's draft. Yet, Miami is confident that Tannehill has a bright future.
Tannehill Here are some additional quotes from the various people within the Dolphins organization on Tannehill:
Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman: "Ryan Tannehill is a unique individual. Much has been said about his intellect and athleticism. What hasn't been discussed is his unselfish nature and his 'team first' mentality, which fits in with coach [Joe] Philbin's philosophy."
Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland: "I didn't take him as the eighth pick in the draft to be a backup quarterback. I picked him to be a starting quarterback in this league at some point, to have an impact on this football team, to help us win games and championships. That's the expectation that I have going down the line."
Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin: "He's a team-first player. He's smart. He has a tremendous work ethic. He's the kind of guy I interviewed for the position and talked to Jeff about the kind of men we wanted to bring to this organization, and he's a perfect fit. Besides the fact he's 6-4 and runs a 4.6 (in the 40-yard dash), has long arms, throws well on the move. He's got a lot of skill."
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross: "You have your chances and your odds of getting a franchise quarterback and a real starting quarterback in the first round. Historically, you see those who become that mostly come out the first round. That tells you an awful lot. I've always said once we can identify a franchise quarterback, let's go get him. And I think that's what we found."
The Dolphins are sure Tannehill will be Miami's next great quarterback. Do you agree or disagree?
Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman: "Ryan Tannehill is a unique individual. Much has been said about his intellect and athleticism. What hasn't been discussed is his unselfish nature and his 'team first' mentality, which fits in with coach [Joe] Philbin's philosophy."
Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland: "I didn't take him as the eighth pick in the draft to be a backup quarterback. I picked him to be a starting quarterback in this league at some point, to have an impact on this football team, to help us win games and championships. That's the expectation that I have going down the line."
Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin: "He's a team-first player. He's smart. He has a tremendous work ethic. He's the kind of guy I interviewed for the position and talked to Jeff about the kind of men we wanted to bring to this organization, and he's a perfect fit. Besides the fact he's 6-4 and runs a 4.6 (in the 40-yard dash), has long arms, throws well on the move. He's got a lot of skill."
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross: "You have your chances and your odds of getting a franchise quarterback and a real starting quarterback in the first round. Historically, you see those who become that mostly come out the first round. That tells you an awful lot. I've always said once we can identify a franchise quarterback, let's go get him. And I think that's what we found."
The Dolphins are sure Tannehill will be Miami's next great quarterback. Do you agree or disagree?
Dolphins are 'all-in' with Ryan Tannehill
April, 26, 2012
Apr 26
11:03
PM ET
By
James Walker | ESPN.com
DAVIE, Fla. -- There is no bigger boom-or-bust prospect in the 2012 draft than former Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Is he the next prolific NFL quarterback, or simply a product of pre-draft hype that led to becoming a top-10 pick?
Opinions vary. But the Miami Dolphins believe they have the answers to the Tannehill question. Miami has more inside knowledge on Tannehill than any other team and drafted its quarterback of the future with the No. 8 overall pick Thursday night.
Tannehill will rejoin Dolphins offensive coordinator and former Aggies coach Mike Sherman, who says Tannehill is a star in the making. There are many critics who believe Tannehill is fool's gold, but the Dolphins are very confident they made the right choice.
"This was an all-in decision," Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland said firmly. "From the football side, our scouts, our coaches ... we all felt very, very good about it."
Ireland hit the nail on the head. The Dolphins are betting the foreseeable future of the franchise on Tannehill -- for better or for worse.
If Tannehill develops into an upper-echelon quarterback, the Dolphins finally have the biggest piece to change their misfortunes. If Tannehill is a bust, it will set Miami back another three or four years.
"We're excited and thrilled," Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said of their first-round pick. "I've always said you need to be strong at the quarterback position, and now that's one of the strengths of this team. So I couldn't be happier."
The pick doesn't come without pressure. It's been 29 years since the Dolphins drafted a quarterback in the first round: Dan Marino in 1983. Those are some big shoes to fill.
It's also no coincidence Miami hasn't had a legitimate, franchise quarterback since Marino retired in 2000. The list of mediocre starting quarterbacks since included Cleo Lemon, Joey Harrington, Trent Green, Jay Fiedler, A.J. Feeley, John Beck and most recently Chad Henne. Tannehill will try to avoid being the next name on this infamous list.
Tannehill had only 19 career starts in college. There is a learning curve with Tannehill that isn't as steep for other top quarterback prospects like Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, who went No. 1 and No. 2 to the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Redskins, respectively.
The good news is Tannehill is not expected to play in 2012. Barring unexpected injuries to Miami veteran quarterbacks Matt Moore and David Garrard, Tannehill probably will hold a clipboard next season. This will provide Tannehill ample time to learn the NFL game.
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Icon SMIRyan Tannehill will be reunited with former Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman.
Icon SMIRyan Tannehill will be reunited with former Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman."I want to compete, that's just the competitor in me," Tannehill said in a conference call with the South Florida media. "Obviously with competition comes learning. It doesn't have to be a hostile competition. It's just competing."
Ireland said he’s going to leave Tannehill's playing time next season up to the coaching staff. But chances are, we won't know much about Tannehill until 2013. The boom-or-bust talk will have to wait for at least a year.
But Tannehill's ceiling is high if things go right in Miami. It also doesn't hurt that the quarterback competition in the AFC East is not very stout. It's pretty much Tom Brady, and then there's everyone else.
Tannehill has the physical ability to potentially rise above the struggling quarterback pile in the division that includes Mark Sanchez, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tim Tebow. If Tannehill becomes the second-best quarterback in the AFC East over the next two or three years, that's a huge advantage for the rebuilding Dolphins.
Remember this day, Dolphins fans. Tannehill is the draft pick that will either change Miami's misfortunes or extend the team's misery for several more years. The Tannehill mystery won't be solved overnight, but Miami feels it found the piece to eventually build this struggling franchise into a winner.
"I don't know if this energizes the fan base. What energizes the fan base is winning," Ross said. "I'm looking to field a winning team, because energizing a fan base only lasts a very short period of time.
"We're talking about winning in the long haul."
As long as the Cleveland Browns don't snatch him up first, the Miami Dolphins are projected by many to draft Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill with the No. 8 overall pick in the first round.
There has been much debate about Tannehill's draft stock and readiness. Some feel it's overvalued because quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III will likely be taken with the first two picks. Others feel Tannehill is a legit top-10 pick.
Miami has been clear that veterans Matt Moore and David Garrard will compete for the starting job in training camp. But if the Dolphins draft Tannehill -- especially at such a high spot -- should he be allowed to compete?
Ironically, Tannehill would know Miami's offense better than Moore and Garrard, because Tannehill played under Miami offensive coordinator Mike Sherman in college. Many of the concepts and verbiage will be the same.
Could Tannehill beat out Moore and Garrard as a rookie? It wouldn't seem likely. Tannehill is raw. He's a former receiver who converted to quarterback and didn't start a ton of games in college. It appears more likely the Dolphins would want Tannehill to hold a clipboard for a year and get ready for 2013.
In addition, this Dolphins offense isn't very talented. Drafting Tannehill to play right away could be a mistake if Miami doesn't get a stronger offensive line on the right side and supporting cast of receivers.
Ireland, Philbin watch QB Ryan Tannehill
March, 29, 2012
Mar 29
6:04
PM ET
By
James Walker | ESPN.com
The Miami Dolphins appear serious about the possibility of drafting Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
Tannehill According to Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland, head coach Joe Philbin and player personnel director Brian Gaine were in attendance for Tannehill's pro day Thursday. Miami holds the No. 8 overall pick.
The early reports were good. Tannehill threw the ball well and moved well. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.62 seconds, showing his speed as a former wide receiver. Tannehill is one of the fastest-rising prospects in this year's NFL draft.
With Stanford's Andrew Luck and Baylor's Robert Griffin III expected to go with the top two picks, Tannehill is now considered a top-10 prospect. Miami is sitting at No. 8 and is in need of a long-term solution at QB. Veterans Matt Moore and David Garrard both have one year left on their contracts.
Miami offensive coordinator Mike Sherman, who was not in attendance, coached Tannehill in college. Sherman is already convinced Tannehill can play quarterback in the NFL. Perhaps Ireland and Philbin needed one more look up close.
The early reports were good. Tannehill threw the ball well and moved well. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.62 seconds, showing his speed as a former wide receiver. Tannehill is one of the fastest-rising prospects in this year's NFL draft.
With Stanford's Andrew Luck and Baylor's Robert Griffin III expected to go with the top two picks, Tannehill is now considered a top-10 prospect. Miami is sitting at No. 8 and is in need of a long-term solution at QB. Veterans Matt Moore and David Garrard both have one year left on their contracts.
Miami offensive coordinator Mike Sherman, who was not in attendance, coached Tannehill in college. Sherman is already convinced Tannehill can play quarterback in the NFL. Perhaps Ireland and Philbin needed one more look up close.
The Miami Dolphins cannot help themselves. The Tim Tebow temptation is just too strong.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Miami is one of four teams expressing interest in the popular Broncos quarterback. As we mentioned Monday in the AFC East blog, this move would make little sense in terms of Xs and Os. But the Dolphins' front office has proved this offseason that logic rarely applies.
Going after Tebow is strictly a public relations move for the Dolphins. Tebow, who played for the University of Florida, would quickly put fans in the seats at Sun Life Stadium. But Tebow running a precision passing, West Coast offense on the field would be a train wreck waiting to happen.
If Tebow would have any success in Miami, the team would have to go away from the West Coast principles rookie coach Joe Philbin and first-year offensive coordinator Mike Sherman were brought to Miami to implement. Is it worth undermining your entire coaching staff for Tebow?
An educated guess is this interest has owner Stephen Ross' fingerprints on it. It hurts Ross to go to games and see so many orange, empty seats. Based on the moves and non-moves the team made this offseason, Ross is probably anticipating more empty seats this year and desperately wants to change it.
Tebow would provide a short-term buzz, but eventually Miami has to win to keep fans interested. That is where Miami's thought of adding Tebow should stop.
The New York Jets are also mentioned as one of four interested suitors for Tebow. But Schefter reports Tebow to the Jets is a "long shot." New York just gave starter Mark Sanchez a $58.25 million extension that ensures he will be the starter for at least the next two years.
Dolphins better be right about Matt Flynn
March, 20, 2012
Mar 20
11:00
AM ET
By
James Walker | ESPN.com
AP Photo/Morry GashCoach Joe Philbin and the Dolphins missed their chance at Matt Flynn. Will they come to regret it?Seattle is where quarterback Matt Flynn will resume his NFL career after a four-year stint as a backup with the Green Bay Packers. The same Matt Flynn the Dolphins didn't think highly enough to come up with a three-year, $26 million contract he received in Seattle.
The Dolphins had every opportunity to land Flynn. Miami had the strong connection of Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin, who helped develop Flynn in Green Bay. Miami also had the perfect offensive system for Flynn and even had him in for a visit last weekend. The Dolphins could've made sure Flynn didn't leave their facilities without becoming Miami's next starting quarterback. Instead, the Dolphins let Flynn slip away.
Miami's regime, led by owner Stephen Ross, general manager Jeff Ireland and Philbin, didn't think Flynn was worth the investment. That's fine, but they better be right.
Miami supposedly knows Flynn better than any team outside the Packers. If Flynn turns out to be the next great starting quarterback, that stain will stick with the Dolphins. Miami should have been the last team fooled by this. The Dolphins have intimate knowledge of what Flynn can and cannot do.
With just two career starts, Flynn may become the next Matt Schaub (a top-12 quarterback) or the next Kevin Kolb (a bust). The Dolphins can only hope it's the latter.
Remember Drew Brees? He became a free agent in 2006 and was looking for a team after injuring his shoulder late in the season with the San Diego Chargers.
The Dolphins were considered the favorites to get Brees and were very close to making it a reality. But after sending Brees through a round of physicals, Miami was scared away. The Dolphins instead traded a draft pick to the Minnesota Vikings for quarterback Daunte Culpepper. Brees later signed with the New Orleans Saints, his second choice behind Miami.
We all know how that turned out.
This offseason could be a case of history repeating itself in Miami, albeit probably to a lesser degree. After missing out on Flynn, who also came with risks, the Dolphins signed David Garrard. The 34-year old quarterback has been out of football since 2010 and will compete with Matt Moore for the starting job. This is a quarterback situation that is going nowhere fast.
Miami also has a good shot to add former Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill to the mix. Miami holds the No. 8 overall pick and Tannehill played for Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman. Although Tannehill was once considered a late first-round pick, his stock is on the rise and seems like a logical fit for Miami. But Tannehill would most likely hold a clipboard next year if he goes to Miami.
The Dolphins have gone from a team of promise to a team of despair in a matter of weeks. The offseason began with the chance of landing the top coach on the market (Jeff Fisher) and one of the top free-agent quarterbacks (Peyton Manning or Flynn). It ended with Miami coming up empty-handed at both. The Dolphins also gutted the roster by trading Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall for pennies on the dollar and cutting leading tackler and safety Yeremiah Bell.
Miami looks like a team that is not only rebuilding, but tearing down the walls from within thanks to head-scratching decisions. The draft remains, but the Dolphins appear hard-pressed to better last year's record of 6-10. An 8-8 season would be considered a big upset with the way this roster currently stands.
Perhaps one of the biggest mistakes Dolphins ownership made this offseason was selling their fans on false hopes and empty promises. Ross has very deep pockets and wanted to make a splash. But all we've seen is belly flops.
Who knows if Flynn could have solved Miami's quarterback dilemma and prevented this tailspin. The Dolphins obviously pegged Flynn as a big question mark, and their evaluation better be more accurate than the injury concerns six years ago with Brees.
Maybe this time the Dolphins dodged a bullet. Or maybe they shot themselves in the foot once again.
If Flynn proves to be a good quarterback in 2012 -- while Miami is still toiling with the David Garrards and Matt Moores of the world -- the Dolphins have no one to blame but themselves.
There has been plenty of offseason speculation that the Miami Dolphins would be interested in trading up from the No. 8 overall pick, presumably to land Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III.
But something that hasn't been discussed nearly as much in this draft is the idea of Miami trading down. Should the Dolphins consider it?
I think it makes a lot of sense. Miami's needs in the first round (quarterback, right tackle, safety) may not be available or too high for the No. 8 overall pick.
For example, quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Griffin III would both be targets of interest for the Dolphins. But both are expected to go within the top two picks. Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill also could be of interest, considering his ties with Miami offensive coordinator Mike Sherman, but not at No. 8. If Miami trades back, the interest in Tannehill would increase.
Right tackle is a huge position of need for Miami with starter and pending free agent Marc Colombo not expected back. But smart teams do not draft right tackles in the top eight. Left tackles are much more valuable.
Also, is there a safety worthy of the eighth pick in this draft? I don’t see it.
If Miami uses the pick, I think the team should look at the best pass-rusher on the board at No. 8. The Dolphins have outside linebacker Cameron Wake (8.5 sacks), but I don’t think you can ever stockpile enough pass-rushers in today’s NFL. The Super Bowl champion New York Giants are a great example.
But taking a pass-rusher wouldn’t fill Miami’s biggest needs, which is why the team should also consider trading out of the No. 8 pick in April.
Dolphins hire Kevin Coyle, Mike Sherman
January, 27, 2012
Jan 27
5:41
PM ET
By
James Walker | ESPN.com
The Miami Dolphins are filling out their staff under new head coach Joe Philbin. The team announced Friday evening the hires of offensive coordinator Mike Sherman and defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle.
Sherman was a predictable hire for Miami, consider his strong roots in the West Coast offense and the Green Bay Packers. Philbin will run an offense similar to the one he ran with quarterback Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay, and Sherman should make for a good transition.
Coyle comes to Miami as a longtime defense backs coach with the Cincinnati Bengals. Coyle has done a good job over the years developing players such as Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph. Coyle's hire also means the likely exit of Todd Bowles, who was the interim head coach for the Dolphins.
Sherman and Coyle inherit some talented players. A franchise quarterback is needed on offense. But Sherman has skill players such as 1,000-yard rusher Reggie Bush, Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall and Pro Bowl left tackle Jake Long. Defense has been the strength of the Dolphins the past few seasons. It will be Coyle’s job to keep it that way with players like cornerback Vontae Davis and linebacker Karlos Dansby.
"I'm excited that Mike Sherman and Kevin Coyle have decided to accept the positions of Offensive and Defensive Coordinator of the Miami Dolphins, respectively,” Philbin said in a statement released by the team. "They are exactly what I am looking for in terms of leadership, character, and teaching ability. They are both very passionate about the game of football and the players they coach, and that enthusiasm is evident in the meetings rooms and on the field. They are excellent family men, and I’m thrilled they are joining the Dolphins’ football family. I can’t wait to get started to work with them."
Here are the most interesting stories Friday morning in the AFC East:
- New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis wants to end the team's internal conflict next season.
- New England Patriots players are speaking very highly of New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning.
- The Miami Dolphins reportedly are in talks with Mike Sherman over their vacant offensive-coordinator spot.
- Are the Buffalo Bills interested in San Diego Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson?
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