The Dolphins' Ronnie Brown was one of the biggest surprises of the season last year as he was playing at an elite level before suffering a season-ending knee injury against the Patriots. Despite only playing in seven games in 2007, Brown combined for 991 total yards and six touchdowns for the lowly Dolphins. If you factor in that during the team's first two games he only mustered 65 yards and 0 TD's, you get a better gage for the month he was having at the time of the injury.

Brown had his participation limited during team drills that featured limited contact, according to the Sun-Sentinel. However, Brown made sharp cuts on the surgically-repaired right knee he injured against the Patriots back in October. It generally takes nine to 12 months for an ACL injury to fully heal and he seems on schedule.

Where will Brown fall on fantasy cheat sheets heading into this season?

That's the million dollar question. There are so many factors to consider: Bill Parcells arrival, new head coach, Ricky Williams' role, Miami's shaky QB situation, and let's not forget about the ACL he had to have surgically repaired.  With all this in mind, the former No. 2 overall pick appears to be one of fantasy football's biggest enigmas this off-season.

It is a situation that you will want to monitor very closely during training camp and the preseason. If I had to draft today, I look at Brown as late Round 2 or early Round 3 pick and probably put him somewhere between 15 and 20 on my board at the position. Understand though that he comes with high risk and high reward. Brown could easily be a top five fantasy RB if he fully recovers and secures the bulk of the workload in Miami.

Fantasy Football miami, ronnie brown, ricky williams, bill parcells

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.

NFL 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