The Miami Dolphins had an amazing 2008-09 season. Coming off a 1-15 season they shocked both Brett Farve and the NFL world as a whole. Now the hard work begins, no one will be surprised by the play of the Dolphins and will be ready for them every week.
The Draft
With the Bill Parcells and Co. back in the war room ready to better equip their team for the upcoming season, they began with the secondary. Selecting the CB Vontae Davis and following that pick with a gifted QB/ATH Pat White. In the third round they selected a personal favorite, CB Sean Smith from Utah. This draft will allow the Phins to further develop the wildcat formation that has been now dubbed the “WildPat” offense. By drafting two of the better corner backs in the draft, they will create heavy competition in the secondary. Sean Smith is a player that when developed, can cover the likes of Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, and Lee Evans. Parcells and Sparano continue to try to turn this team into a well disciplined, big, strong machine that will be able to play in the months of November and December when softer teams fold.
Free Agency
The Phins began free agency early by going out and signing the Cameron Wake for the CFL. Wake is a hybrid OLB/DE who is expected to create havoc in the backfield for unsuspecting quarterbacks. The solidified the offensive line by signing Joe Berger and trading for former Oakland C Jake Grove and sending C Samson Satele. To replace the loss of Randal Hill the Phins signed safety Gibril Wilson to a five-year contract; signed safety Yeremiah Bell to a four-year contract. Vernon Carey was also received a new multi-year deal. Both Bell and Carey were critical pieces that were needed to keep continuity. DE/OLB Jason Taylor has danced his way back into a Dolphins uniform after a unsuccessful stint in Washington.
Outlook
The Dolphins will start the 2009 campaign off certainly better equipped than last season, however as the defending AFC East champions, the target is on their backs and teams are ready. With the reliable Chad Pennington starting his second season under the helm of the offense, Sparano has an accurate passer who rarely makes mistakes. Disciplined as he may be, getting the ball down the field to WR Ted Ginn Jr., will be important to allow Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams to have some area to move. TE Anthony Fasano is highly skilled and his ready for a breakout season to follow last season’s success. With the addition of QB Pat White to run wildcat, and allow this formation to be both a passing and running option, teams will have a new wrinkle to worry about. This confusion will allow the offense to put up enough points to give there dynamic defense room to work with.
Joey Porter and company created pressure and turnovers throughout the season. Without much pass rush from Mr. Porter’s colleagues, Jason Taylor’s return will be a welcomed addition. Sean Smith and Vontae Davis are coming along nicely during OTA’s and training camp, showing the athletic abitlity to play in the NFL. This defense should be a major strength for the team and keep the team competitive in every game.
Dolphins should finish with the season around 10-6 on the strength of the defense and new wrinkles to the wildcat offense.
Draft
1 - Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois (5-11, 203)
2 - Pat White, QB/WR, West Virginia (6-0, 197)
2 - Sean Smith, CB, Utah (6-3, 214)
3 - Patrick Turner, WR, USC (6-5, 223)
4 - Brian Hartline, WR, Ohio State (6-2, 195)
5 - John Nalbone, TE, Monmouth (6-4, 251)
5 - Chris Clemons, S, Clemson (6-0, 208)
6 - Andrew Gardner, T, Georgia Tech (6-6, 305)
7 - J.D. Folsom, OLB, Weber State (6-3, 230)
Free Agent Additions
Joe Berger ,G,Dallas
Jason Taylor,DE,WAS
Tony McDaniel,DT,JAC
Eric Green,CB,ARI
Jake Grove,C,OAK
Gibril Wilson,S,OAK
