Draft Day

Today is one of those days in the off season that NFL football fans can their fix - the draft!

The draft is important because this is the way successful franchises get talent. One of acronyms for the NFL is "Not For Long" because of the short careers players can have. It is the best way to add depth and fill holes.

The brain trust of Parcell, Ireland, and Sparano have done a good job so far. Parcells and Ireland have a history of picking the right players (when the ownership does not interfere).

The re-signings of Vernon Carey RT, Yeremiah Bell S, and Channing Crowder ILB keep some key positions filled with good talent. This help keeps the nucleus intact. The free agent signs of Jake Grove C, Gabriel Wilson S, and Eric Green CB and trading for Tony McDaniel DT help improve positions or provide depth. Free agents can address some needs but it is hard to build a championship this way.

Rounds one and two will be picked today with five more rounds on Sunday. The Dolphins hold the #25 pick in first round and #44 and #56 in the second round. These are the picks people expect to have an impact this season. So what do I think the Dolphins need this weekend:

• WR - This was the most glaring need last year and continues to be. We need another play maker to go with Ted Ginn. Greg Camarillo and Devone Bess are nice slot receivers, but not the game breakers. We need a big physical receiver who will go get the ball. This can be addressed in the first or second round. Percy Harvin, Kenny Britt, Brandon Tate, Hakeem Hicks, or Brian Robiskie could be picked today. Rumors have been thrown around about trading for Anquan Boldin of the Cardinals or Braylon Edwards of the Browns, but both have baggage, injury history. and big contracts which does not sit well with Parcells or Ireland. Harvin scares me because he never played a full season without injuries.
• CB - The AFC East is rich in WR talent (Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Wes Welker, Lee Evans) and teams need to have depth at CB to cover them. The Dolphins have one very solid corner but need more talent. Teams will take advantage of this. This position could be addressed in the first or second round. The class this is not elite but very solid. Michael Jenkins, Alphonso Smith, Coye Francies, and Cory Harris are possible picks.
• LB - This is not a glaring need, but the draft is stocked with high quality players. Joey Porter is getting up in years and faded late last season. Plus the 3-4 needs active OLBs. I could see the Dolphins taking Ray Maualugua (if he falls), Brian Cushing, Clay Matthews, Robert Ayers, or Larry English. I think one of these players will be the first round pick for the Dolphins.
• DL - The NT is the important piece in the 3-4. You need to solid 330lb+ body to occupy 2 (or 3) opposing lineman. Jason Ferguson fit perfectly but will turn 35 during the season. His replacement is probably not on the roster today. Look for the Dolphins to pick someone in the second or third round especially if somebody slips.

In the later rounds the Dolphins will look to add depth across the other positions and for special teams. Parcells values depth on the lines so I expect to see depth added the offensive line even though that is our best unit.

Next week I will give my thoughts on the picks. However, it takes time with drafted players. You may not see the full impact for a couple years.