Beware the Ides of March

As the start of free agency, the NFL combine and draft speculation intensify; teams will attempt to supplement or reshape their rosters in hopes of making the great leap to the to the Super Bowl. The Miami Dolphins find themselves caught in a quandary and facing tough decisions on the course of action necessary for success in 2010.

The Trifecta have holes on both offense and defense. The linebacking corps,inside and outside, need improvement and consistency. The free agent signing of Gibril Wilson proved to be as successful as the signing of Ernest Wilford. In all likelihood Wilson finds himself being released and looking for a new employer. The return of LB Jason Taylor remains a question mark. The hope is that promising LBs Charlie Anderson and Cameron Wake take their game to the next level. The receving corps is in need of a booster shot because the Dolphins lack a true threat at TE and WR. Moving on to the Defensive line, NT is a crucial need because Jason Ferguson is 35 and coming off a serious injury. Paul Soliai's play has been too inconsistent to be considered the future.

Exploring all possible options for the Dolphins lead to the assumption that hitting on the early round draft picks and finding some buried treasure on waivers or among the undrafted free agents would surely provide the needed depth. The Nose Tackle position is thin on the free agent market but options exist in former Green Bay tackle Ryan Pickett. Pickett is a proven starter and in his early thirties which makes him a viable option. The impending release of FS Antrel Rolle creates an interesting possibility for replacing Wilson. Wide receiver is the only other position with a few intriguing pass catchers. Antonio Bryant, Kevin Walter and Nate Burelson could provide a veteeran presence but none are a true threat that can keep defenses honest.

The draft brings several possibilities. Depending on how the draft pans out, the Dolphins would be wise to add Alabama ILB Rolando McClain. McClain brings a vocal,instinctive and sure tackling machine that can harass both running backs and quarterbacks alike. Taking the Alabama playmaker in the first round fills one need in the linebacking corps. In the second round the Dolphins could fill the need at receiver and draft Illinois' Aurrelius Benn or South Florida's Carlton Mitchell. Both receivers are the big, speedy receivers capable of opening the offense and giving Chad Henne a much needed weapon.

Moving into the third round, the Dolphins could add pass rushing depth with Murray State DE Austen Lane who has the potential to stand up as a 3-4 linebacker, in the mold of Jason Taylor. Troy's Brandon Lang and USF's George Selvie also provide the Dolphins more options.

In the mid to late rounds tf the Dolphins could find depth at Nose Tackle, linebacker, and tight end. In the fourth round the Dolphins will base their decision on the talent available. Hopefully, UNC mammoth DT Cam Thomas slides into the fourth round but is highly unlikely.
Trying to predict the Dolphins draft is a challenge in itself. Parcells probably will be tempted to draft linebackers in the first two rounds or mix it up with a nose tackle, which is vital to the 3-4 defense. Management will probably go and draft a receiver in the 3rd or 4th rounds but the selection of QB Pat White in 2009 suggests that leaps can be made based on the talent available the the ranking on the Trifecta's draft board.
The free agency period preceeding the draft will help determine the approach the Dolphins take in addressing their need in the draft. Regardless of the players selected the goal is to return to 2008 form, which saw the Dolphins rise to Division Championship and bring a much needed Super Bowl.