Miami Dolphins' rookies showing plenty of promise
Dolphins' 2008 class of first-year players showing plenty of promise
By Omar Kelly | South Florida Sun-Sentinel
September 25, 2008
For a team that's had plenty of nightmarish drafts in the past decade, the Dolphins' new decision makers appear to have compiled more hits than misses for once.
Five rookies have started at least one game, and seven are part of the regular rotation or serve as key backups.
Two undrafted rookies -- receiver Davone Bess and kicker Dan Carpenter -- beat out established veterans and play significant roles.
The Sun Sentinel takes an in-depth look at seven of the Dolphins' 18 rookies, examining their contributions, the possible alternatives, and breaks down what NFL scouts, their coaches and teammates think about these newcomers.
OT Jake Long 2008 selection: First overall pick
Contributions: Three starts at left tackle. A little shaky in his first game, allowing one sack, but has improved significantly since.
Second guessing: The Dolphins were considering DE Chris Long, who has contributed 13 tackles and one sack for the Rams, and Jets OLB Vernon Gholston (one tackle in three games) with the No. 1 pick.
What's the word: "I wasn't sold on [Long] being the first pick, but after watching him for a couple of games he's going to be pretty decent. He's still got lots to learn, but plenty of upside," said one NFL scout.
DE Phillip Merling 2008 selection: First pick in the second round (No. 32) Contributions: Two starts, nine tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery
Second guessing: The Dolphins passed up on taking the draft's first receiver to select Merling. That means if Donnie Avery, Devin Thomas, Jordy Nelson, James Hardy, Eddie Royal and DeSean Jackson turn into the next Anquan Boldin it could be trouble.
What's the word: "When you see him sometime in practice you're like [he's alright], but when he gets in the game he turns it loose," said Dolphins defensive end Vonnie Holliday.
QB Chad Henne
2008 selection: Second round (No. 57 overall)
Contributions: Completed 7-of-12 passes for 67 yards in mop-up duty of two games
Second guessing: Passing on Matt Ryan (511 passing yard in three starts, two touchdowns, two interceptions) with the first overall pick could come back and haunt the franchise if Ryan become a franchise quarterback and Henne doesn't.
What's the word: "We had him rated as the third best quarterback in the draft, behind Matt Ryan and Brian Brohm. They were all very comparable, but [Henne's] arm strength presents plenty of upside," said one NFC scout.
DE Kendall Langford
2008 selection: Third round (No. 66 overall)
Contributions: Three starts, eight tackles, two sacks, one pass deflection
Second guessing: While there were more pressing positions to address at the time, Langford presently resides at the top of the pack when comparing the draft's defensive linemen.
What's the word: "He's only a rookie, but we're very pleased with his progress, and obviously he's a big kid who can play physical football," said defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni.
OG Shawn Murphy
2008 selection: Fourth round (No. 110 overall)
Contributions: Inactive for the first three games.
What's the word: "When you see a young guy like Donald do it that fast, the natural question is, 'Why can't he?' It just takes some guys a little bit longer. Murph is coming along fine according to our plan," said coach Tony Sparano.
K Dan Carpenter
2008 selection: Undrafted rookie free agent
Contributions: 2-for-2 on field goals of 32 and 39-yards. Kickoffs have improved drastically since his shaky first game.
Second guessing: Of the two kickers drafted, Taylor Mehlhaff (6th round to the Saints) was cut, and Brandon Coutu (7th round to the Seahawks) is Olindo Mare's backup.
What's the word: "The kid's kicked in Montana. I don't know much about anything, but I know that Montana's not always good weather. So he's kicked in some pretty tough weather," Sparano said.
WR Davone Bess
2008 selection: Undrafted rookie free agent
Contributions: Four catches for 25 yards. One carry for 13 yards. Averaging 17.5 yards on two punt returns, and 21.3 yards on kickoff returns.
Second guessing: Of the 15 receivers drafted in the fifth round or lower only five made a 53-man roster, and none are contributing more in the NFL than Bess.
What's the word: "He's got great body control. Runs great routes. He has a little bit of Az Hakim in him," said Dolphins cornerback Andre' Goodman.
Also in the Dolphins rookie class: DE Lionel Dotson, a seventh-round pick who has been inactive so far.
OT Kirk Barton, a seventh-round pick claimed off the waiver wire after Chicago released him.
OT Nate Garner, a seventh-round pick claimed off the waiver wire after the Jets released him.
TE Joey Haynos, a Maryland product who was claimed off the Green Bay's practice squad, was added to the 53-man roster on Tuesday.
RB Lex Hilliard, the Dolphins' sixth-round pick, is on the practice squad.
WR Anthony Armstrong, CB Will Billingsley, TE Matthew Mulligan, and DT Anthony Toribio, who are all undrafted rookie free agents, are presently on the Dolphins practice squad.
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