2007 NFL Draft News - Team Needs: Miami Dolphins

Team Needs: Miami Dolphins

By Bernie Marshall | Category: 2007 NFL Draft News
Originally Posted: 2007-02-19

Between now and the 2007 NFL Draft, THN will be taking a look at all of the NFL teams' offseason needs. Up next is the team with the ninth overall pick in the draft, the Miami Dolphins.

2006 Results: 6-10 (4th in AFC East)

2007 Projected Cap Status: $90,300,000 or $18.7 million under the Cap

2006 Season Recap:

The Dolphins traded to acquire Daunte Culpepper in the off-season thinking they had the last piece to their puzzle but they grabbed Joey Harrington just in case – in both cases they were wrong. Miami didn’t win their second game until after the week 8 bye, but they beat the Chicago Bears who were undefeated at the time. The Dolphins played their best game of the year in week nine when RB Ronnie Brown rushed for a career-high 157 yards on 29 carries. Jason Taylor and the defense forced four fumbles (recovered three) and combined with Rex Grossman 's three interceptions, had a +6 turnover outing. The Dolphins went on to win 4 of the next 8 games but still finished the 2006 season 3 games worst than they had the 2005 season.

Head coach Nick Saban decided he'd had enough and went back to coaching college football.

Team needs:

1. Quarterback
New Head Coach Cam Cameron must figure out what the status of the QBs are, Daunte Culpepper should be the starter if his knee has finally healed, but Harrington may be a cap casualty, and Cleo Lemon is a restricted free agent. If he can’t get answers or doesn’t like the ones he gets, then Brady Quinn may be available at # 9

2. Linebacker
Upgrading the linebacker position should be addressed this off-season, MLB Zach Thomas isn't getting any younger at 34 and an eventual replacement should be sought. Channing Crowder improved on his rookie season but is still raw. Donnie Spragan has played well but the Dolphins need more from this spot.

3. Offensive Line
Last year this unit wasn't the worst in the NFL, but there really aren't many linemen on the roster that can say their spot is safe. RT Vernon Carey is their best offensive lineman but the guard position (Kendyl Jacox and L.J. Shelton) can use an upgrade. A player like offensive lineman Levi Brown could be a nice fit in Miami.

2007 draft picks:
Rd. 1 (9th)
Rd. 2 (40th)
Rd. 3 (71st)
Rd. 4 (104th)
Rd. 6 (166th)
Rd. 7 (200th)

Free Agency Status:

Exclusive Rights Free Agents:
OG Joe Berger
LS John Denney
RB Kyle Eckel
DT Kevin Vickerson

Unrestricted Free Agents:
LB Keith Adams
FB Darian Barnes
DE David Bowens
OG Toniu Fonoti
DT Vonnie Holliday
C Kendyl Jacox
CB Michael Lehan
OT Damion McIntosh
RB Travis Minor
RB Sammy Morris
LB Keith Newman
LB Donnie Spragan
S Travares Tillman
DT Keith Traylor

Restricted Free Agents:
S Yeremiah Bell
CB Eddie Jackson
P Donnie Jones
QB Cleo Lemon
DT Jeff Zgonina

This article was released on 2007-02-19.

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