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.<\/p>\n
2006 Results:<\/b> 6-10 (4th in AFC East)<\/p>\n
2007 Projected Cap Status:<\/b> $90,300,000 or $18.7 million under the Cap<\/p>\n
2006 Season Recap:<\/b><\/p>\n
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 \u2013 in both cases they were wrong. Miami didn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
Head coach Nick Saban decided he’d had enough and went back to coaching college football.<\/p>\n
Team needs:<\/b><\/p>\n
1. Quarterback
\nNew 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\u2019t get answers or doesn\u2019t like the ones he gets, then Brady Quinn may be available at # 9<\/p>\n
2. Linebacker
\nUpgrading 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.<\/p>\n
3. Offensive Line
\nLast 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.<\/p>\n
2007 draft picks:<\/b>
\nRd. 1 (9th)
\nRd. 2 (40th)
\nRd. 3 (71st)
\nRd. 4 (104th)
\nRd. 6 (166th)
\nRd. 7 (200th)<\/p>\n
Free Agency Status:<\/b><\/p>\n
Exclusive Rights Free Agents:<\/i>
\nOG Joe Berger
\nLS John Denney
\nRB Kyle Eckel
\nDT Kevin Vickerson<\/p>\n
Unrestricted Free Agents:<\/i>
\nLB Keith Adams
\nFB Darian Barnes
\nDE David Bowens
\nOG Toniu Fonoti
\nDT Vonnie Holliday
\nC Kendyl Jacox
\nCB Michael Lehan
\nOT Damion McIntosh
\nRB Travis Minor
\nRB Sammy Morris
\nLB Keith Newman
\nLB Donnie Spragan
\nS Travares Tillman
\nDT Keith Traylor<\/p>\n
Restricted Free Agents:<\/i>
\nS Yeremiah Bell
\nCB Eddie Jackson
\nP Donnie Jones
\nQB Cleo Lemon
\nDT Jeff Zgonina<\/p>\n
Edit: This blog was archived in May of 2016 from our original articles database.It was originally posted by Bernie Marshall<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"