Mark My Words...5 Bold Predictions About our Draftees - Page 2

mia4ever · 05-05-2008, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vinivedivichi

Just to clarify, I don't necessarily think Merling will be a bust, but he was drafted awfully high to require so much work to nail down a starting position. I like him as a player, but it's unclear how he fits our base 3/4 defense (as a starter) without going through a bit of a reformation.

He will be a valuable player for us, but unless he either gains some weight or loses some weight, it's hard to envision him starting as a 3 down player. But then again, the more I look at our D-Line depth, the more I think all of our linemen will essentially be role players.
Last, but certainly not least, I had to pick somebody to be a bust or the list would be no fun

i concur

Bill and our gm will continue to draft DL ,DE, OLB next season as well
until the Fins find that super star player

utahphinsfan · 05-06-2008, 04:29 PM

It was stated by Al Groh that, in the NFL, Chris Long would fill the same role as Mike Vrabel.

Perhaps Tuna & co thought Merling was a fit to be the DE/OLB hybrid in S Fla.

Lee2000 · 05-06-2008, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vinivedivichi

1). Kendall Langford becomes a stalwart of our defense - the guy is perfectly suited to play end in a 3/4 defense. He's got rare size/athleticism and he is in the perfect situation to succeed. Make no mistake; Langford was targeted by the 3/4 teams and would not have been available in the fourth round. In fact, some thought that he would be drafted sometime in the second round. Great pick.

2). Phillip Merling will be a disappointment - Although we got good value by picking up Merling @ 32, it's already a mystery as to how he fits our defensive scheme. The guy has all kinds of ability, but can you pencil him in at DE in the 3/4 right now? I don't think so. Could he play OLB in a 3/4 right now? Again, probably not. Without projecting weight gain/loss, he was probably a better fit for a 3/4 team as a DE on 1st and 2nd downs and maybe a tackle on 3rd down. Can he be a good player for us? Of course, but he's going to have to work at it. If I had to predict a "bust," relative to draft position, this would be my pick.

3). Jalen Parmale becomes a valuable insurance policy - I think Dolfans are pretty much united behind Ronnie and Ricky. However, though both runners have been around and have had success, it would be naive to depend on both to be productive all year. Ronnie is coming off ACL surgery and history says it really takes 2 years to get the burst back. Ricky is Ricky. He is a positive test away from being out of the NFL, and how much can we depend on a guy that hasn't really played NFL football in 3 years? Parmale has pedigree, good size and good speed/quickness. He's a Marion Barber type that really fits well into a ball control offense. I really, really like this pick for our offense. I think we got a real steal here.

4). Jake Long is as advertised - A #1 overall pick can't really surprise...he really either plays as expected, or is worse than expected. I love Long's makeup. I'll take a huge, nimble linemen that probably is a top 5 run blocking tackle from day one any day. Will he "struggle" with speed rushers? It's possible, but this guy is athletic enough to be an elite LT. Once he gets his technique fine-tuned, this is a position we don't have to worry about for 10 years. His run blocking ability will be a huge plus for this offense - he and Smiley on the left will open up huge holes for our talented runners. Having Carey on the other side means that defenses have to stay honest and can't focus on just the left side. This was the only logical choice at #1, but that doesn't mean it wasn't a great pick.

5). Dotson and Hilliard are Practice Squaders - This is not necessarily an indictment of the players, it's more a numbers game. Hilliard wouldn't be our best short yardage RB (Ronnie and Ricky both are probably better) and he probably wouldn't be the best blocking FB due to his lack of size. He's got a chance to be our 4th RB/3rd FB, but it depends on how other positions pan out. Dotson probably needs to get bigger and stronger before he can be a player for us. Ferguson, Starks and Solail are probably better NT than Dotson at the moment, and depth all of a sudden is not a real concern on the DL. I think he gets stashed on the PS with hopes that he can get bigger and develop into rotational NT.

Thoughts? Feel free to make your own bold predictions.

I think Dotson will be a de in the 3-4. I know he was mentioned as a potential nt, but he was discussed as a de in the 3-4 now. IF he is half way decent I doubt he goes to the practice squad. I could see something happening to others before him. I don't think Merling is going to disappoint because they will find a decent way to use him. Tony himself said this in his intial interview. They will adapt to the strengths of the players on the team. Do I think they will go 3-4. Yes. But they will find a way for Merling to contribute. Otherwise, good predictions.

Lee2000 (remember, someone unexpected will always contribute year to year. Who will it be this year? ).

DevereauxWilson · 05-06-2008, 05:16 PM

I think Merling will be a good player for us, I just think it will take a year before he contributes at his position. That being said, he would be an awesome start for any 4-3 team. I wish my Titans had picked him.

BlueFin · 05-06-2008, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vinivedivichi

1). Kendall Langford becomes a stalwart of our defense - the guy is perfectly suited to play end in a 3/4 defense. He's got rare size/athleticism and he is in the perfect situation to succeed. Make no mistake; Langford was targeted by the 3/4 teams and would not have been available in the fourth round. In fact, some thought that he would be drafted sometime in the second round. Great pick.

2). Phillip Merling will be a disappointment - Although we got good value by picking up Merling @ 32, it's already a mystery as to how he fits our defensive scheme. The guy has all kinds of ability, but can you pencil him in at DE in the 3/4 right now? I don't think so. Could he play OLB in a 3/4 right now? Again, probably not. Without projecting weight gain/loss, he was probably a better fit for a 3/4 team as a DE on 1st and 2nd downs and maybe a tackle on 3rd down. Can he be a good player for us? Of course, but he's going to have to work at it. If I had to predict a "bust," relative to draft position, this would be my pick.

3). Jalen Parmale becomes a valuable insurance policy - I think Dolfans are pretty much united behind Ronnie and Ricky. However, though both runners have been around and have had success, it would be naive to depend on both to be productive all year. Ronnie is coming off ACL surgery and history says it really takes 2 years to get the burst back. Ricky is Ricky. He is a positive test away from being out of the NFL, and how much can we depend on a guy that hasn't really played NFL football in 3 years? Parmale has pedigree, good size and good speed/quickness. He's a Marion Barber type that really fits well into a ball control offense. I really, really like this pick for our offense. I think we got a real steal here.

4). Jake Long is as advertised - A #1 overall pick can't really surprise...he really either plays as expected, or is worse than expected. I love Long's makeup. I'll take a huge, nimble linemen that probably is a top 5 run blocking tackle from day one any day. Will he "struggle" with speed rushers? It's possible, but this guy is athletic enough to be an elite LT. Once he gets his technique fine-tuned, this is a position we don't have to worry about for 10 years. His run blocking ability will be a huge plus for this offense - he and Smiley on the left will open up huge holes for our talented runners. Having Carey on the other side means that defenses have to stay honest and can't focus on just the left side. This was the only logical choice at #1, but that doesn't mean it wasn't a great pick.

5). Dotson and Hilliard are Practice Squaders - This is not necessarily an indictment of the players, it's more a numbers game. Hilliard wouldn't be our best short yardage RB (Ronnie and Ricky both are probably better) and he probably wouldn't be the best blocking FB due to his lack of size. He's got a chance to be our 4th RB/3rd FB, but it depends on how other positions pan out. Dotson probably needs to get bigger and stronger before he can be a player for us. Ferguson, Starks and Solail are probably better NT than Dotson at the moment, and depth all of a sudden is not a real concern on the DL. I think he gets stashed on the PS with hopes that he can get bigger and develop into rotational NT.

Thoughts? Feel free to make your own bold predictions.

The only bold prediction I see here is #2, and I disagree.

MiamiDolfan85 · 05-06-2008, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m i n o

even if langsford becomes our next jeff zgoninia i'lll be happy with the pick. he should do well in a rotation and on certain downs. can't ask for much more for where we drafted him. as far as the others i am still scratching my head on taking 2 rb's late in the draft. we could do without lex who may have gone undrafted alot like the gaurd we moved up 2 spots to get. we needed another gaurd though so it made more since than picking lex.

lol....Murphy was not going to get Undrafted.....lol,he would have been gone if not we moved up...thats the reason we moved up....

XXXSURTAINXXX · 05-06-2008, 06:39 PM

My prediction:

Murphy, Long, Smiley, Satele and Carey will dominate opposing lines this year and the years to come. All RB's will look like all pros behind our line.

COMEBACKRICKY · 05-06-2008, 06:43 PM

^^ Ill be so damn happy if thats how things turn out. It would be nice if we get surtain back too, I love that guy!

Myles Fynch · 05-06-2008, 07:14 PM

I don't think Merling will be a bust, but it may be a while before he finds his natural position. I've seen people argue he's a DE and others argue he's an OLB. Both sides make a good case, but I could see him at ILB within 3 years, if not sooner. Good against the run, solid tackler. Not sure about his speed to get to the QB, or his coverage skills at OLB, so...

We'll be drafting more defensive help again next year, so wherever it looks like he'll stick we'll just plan around it. Parcells will figure it out.

PZ73 · 05-06-2008, 07:56 PM

I hope Merling is as good as you guys make him to be. I was really hoping we were going to get some DB's at that spot. After last years injuries, I thought we were pretty then there. That draft pick and the trading of Lorenzo Booker are the two biggest question marks so far this year.
Last year was releasing McMichael and picking up Martin?????

WaxOn WaxOff · 05-06-2008, 11:08 PM

Clemson fan who has watched Merling closely here. Merling will not be a bust, no worries here. One Clemson fan posted earlier that he would take Merling over Gaines Adams, and I concur. I find it amusing that you pick Langford to be the star over Merling. Parcells didn't think that way or he would have drafted Langford first. I'll trust the GM on this one.

BobDole · 05-07-2008, 10:03 AM

to make any sort of bold predictions about our draft you needed to include henne in there and what you think. that's the big one.

Myles Fynch · 05-07-2008, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobDole

to make any sort of bold predictions about our draft you needed to include henne in there and what you think. that's the big one.

True.

It hasn't gotten as much attention as I thought it would, but the fact that Beck & Henne have the same agent could play a large part in their future as it relates to playing in Miami.

Gardenhead · 05-07-2008, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myles Fynch

True.

It hasn't gotten as much attention as I thought it would, but the fact that Beck & Henne have the same agent could play a large part in their future as it relates to playing in Miami.

I disagree about the agent issue. You've been reading too much profootballtalk. They'll both be locked into their rookie contracts for the next 3 years or so. The best player will see the field.

kpcane · 05-07-2008, 07:08 PM

Merling will find the field, and find it early, don't worry about him. I'd hold back on the coronation of Kendall Langford though. He may be great, but didn't he play at Hampton? He has tangibles, but does he have what it takes to succeed at the pro level? He might, and I hope he does. But I'm much more worried about him than Merling.

05-06-2008, 04:29 PM	#17
utahphinsfan A is A Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: 6.5 hrs to Vegas Posts: 833 Credits: 1,918 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts	It was stated by Al Groh that, in the NFL, Chris Long would fill the same role as Mike Vrabel. Perhaps Tuna & co thought Merling was a fit to be the DE/OLB hybrid in S Fla. __________________ Conventional people are roused to fury by departure from convention, largely because they regard such departure as a criticism of themselves. -- Bertrand Russell Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend. Non-being is the greatest joy. -- Lao Tzu

05-06-2008, 06:43 PM	#23
COMEBACKRICKY Superbowl MVP Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: College Station, TX Posts: 722 Credits: 88 Thanks: 46 Thanked 23 Times in 18 Posts	^^ Ill be so damn happy if thats how things turn out. It would be nice if we get surtain back too, I love that guy! __________________ God Bless Palestine

05-07-2008, 10:03 AM	#27
BobDole Bon Jon Bovi Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: casselberry Posts: 1,912 Credits: 8,247 Thanks: 191 Thanked 213 Times in 173 Posts FH Badges Total Awards: 1	to make any sort of bold predictions about our draft you needed to include henne in there and what you think. that's the big one. __________________

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05-06-2008, 05:16 PM	#19
DevereauxWilson Rookie Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 67 Credits: 1,043 Thanks: 1 Thanked 5 Times in 4 Posts	I think Merling will be a good player for us, I just think it will take a year before he contributes at his position. That being said, he would be an awesome start for any 4-3 team. I wish my Titans had picked him.

05-06-2008, 06:39 PM	#22
XXXSURTAINXXX THE SACRIFICIAL DOLPHIN Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Lawrence, KS Age: 35 Posts: 2,303 Credits: 17 Thanks: 74 Thanked 134 Times in 78 Posts	My prediction: Murphy, Long, Smiley, Satele and Carey will dominate opposing lines this year and the years to come. All RB's will look like all pros behind our line.

05-06-2008, 07:14 PM	#24
Myles Fynch Straight Shooter Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,513 Credits: 837 Thanks: 669 Thanked 326 Times in 190 Posts	I don't think Merling will be a bust, but it may be a while before he finds his natural position. I've seen people argue he's a DE and others argue he's an OLB. Both sides make a good case, but I could see him at ILB within 3 years, if not sooner. Good against the run, solid tackler. Not sure about his speed to get to the QB, or his coverage skills at OLB, so... We'll be drafting more defensive help again next year, so wherever it looks like he'll stick we'll just plan around it. Parcells will figure it out.

05-06-2008, 07:56 PM	#25
PZ73 Rookie Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 19 Credits: 1,001 Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I hope Merling is as good as you guys make him to be. I was really hoping we were going to get some DB's at that spot. After last years injuries, I thought we were pretty then there. That draft pick and the trading of Lorenzo Booker are the two biggest question marks so far this year. Last year was releasing McMichael and picking up Martin?????

05-06-2008, 11:08 PM	#26
WaxOn WaxOff Starter Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 241 Credits: 1,086 Thanks: 20 Thanked 12 Times in 11 Posts	Clemson fan who has watched Merling closely here. Merling will not be a bust, no worries here. One Clemson fan posted earlier that he would take Merling over Gaines Adams, and I concur. I find it amusing that you pick Langford to be the star over Merling. Parcells didn't think that way or he would have drafted Langford first. I'll trust the GM on this one.

05-07-2008, 07:08 PM	#30
kpcane you shouldn't want a notre dame QB kid Join Date: May 2005 Location: the grove Age: 24 Posts: 1,292 Credits: 2,883 Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Merling will find the field, and find it early, don't worry about him. I'd hold back on the coronation of Kendall Langford though. He may be great, but didn't he play at Hampton? He has tangibles, but does he have what it takes to succeed at the pro level? He might, and I hope he does. But I'm much more worried about him than Merling.