The NFL Draft is just two weeks away, but the Miami Dolphins are already on the clock. Bill Parcells, who signed a 4-year deal to become the executive vice-president of football operations in the off-season, hands a big challenge ahead.
The Dolphins were a freak play away from 0-16 season last year and there are holes all over the field. Parcells made his biggest move of off-season right off the bat hiring old buddy Tony Sparano, who looks every part the gangster and was with Parcells in Dallas. Beyond that, you can pick the position and you can argue a need to fill. With so many needs, it would be ideal for the Fish to trade down and stockpile picks, but it remains to be seen rather or not there are any suitors for the top pick.
The team opted to part ways with 97-year old Trent Green and currently have journeyman Josh McCown listed as No. 1 on the depth chart at quarterback, and former second-round pick John Beck has not matured. Running back is actually one of the team's more stacked positions with Ronnie Brown (coming off ACL injury) and Ricky Williams (coming off his bong) in the mix. The team added free agent wideout Ernest Wilford, who is expected to start opposite of last year's top pick Ted Ginn Jr. The offensive line is in a bit of disarray, especially on the right side.
On defense the rebuilding continues as evident by the release of long-time staple LB Zack Thomas and Jason Taylor won't be around much longer. The secondary is still a work in progress and the team's depth and experience is minimal.
"We've tried to address some of those needs, but as we go on, we're going to try to fill as many holes as we possibly can," Sparano told the Miami Herald. "We need linebackers, we need secondary players, we need receivers, we need linemen. We need a bunch of things right now."
Let's see what some of the industry experts are saying:
NFLDraftBlitz.com
1. Miami Dolphins - Chris Long (DE) Virginia
The Dolphins’ defense needs new blood and identity. Chris Long can play multiple positions and be equally effective vs the run and the pass. With Zach Thomas out and Jason Taylor either on his way or in his twilight, the Phins need playmakers.
The FootballExpert.com
1. Miami Dolphins - Chris Long (DE) Virginia
If the Dolphins stay at this position there would be only three players I see the Dolphins drafting here: Chris Long, Jake Long, or Glenn Dorsey. For the Dolphins, a team that will utilize a 3-4 defensive scheme, Chris Long is a perfect fit. Long is one of a few defensive ends who actually have experience in a 3-4 and he dominated in it. Glenn Dorsey is a beast in the inside, but his transition to a nose in a 3-4 is questionable. Actually, I see Sedrick Ellis as more of a possibility than Dorsey. Jake Long would anchor the Dolphins' line for years to come, but with great depth at the OT position, the Dolphins can get a solid OT in the second round. 3-4 defensive schemes need three talented men up front to be successful, and Long is certainly a strong start.
DraftInsiders.com
1. Miami Dolphins - Matt Ryan (QB) Boston College
The Dolphins have already added many defensive FA in open market. New boss Parcells will focus on offense with their early selections beginning with their future leader and cornerstone performer.
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nfl draft, dolphins, bill parcells, tony sparano, josh mccown, john beck, ronnie brown, ricky williams, ted ginn jr, ernest wilford, zack thomas, jason taylor, chris long, matt ryan