Countdown to Miami Dolphins Training Camp 2008: 25 Topics, 25 Days

[fyo]

I have to agree with Tony. Satele (and Brandon Fields) already showed a high level of play last year, so it's much harder to show great improvement from that base.

Ginn showed flashes, but still has plenty of room. Beck showed nothing. Typical rookie performance on a terrible team. It was a bad decision to put him out there. Cam said he wouldn't, but apparently cracked under pressure (fans? Wayne?).

With Henne on the roster, Beck pretty much needs to win the job this year to become anything other than a backup in Miami. He's put in the work, no question, but does he have the talent?

I think he does, based solely on my gut.

Beck will start from day 1, show great poise and decision making in the pocket - and thereby prove his detractors wrong ;-)

[YoFuggedaboutit]

T MINUS 17 AND COUNTING

Issue of the day- Jason Taylor.

It is clear that Jason Taylor is not getting along with the new regime.  Rather than participate in the offseason workouts, he chose to go on TV on Dancing With The Stars.  This infuriated the new regime as Taylor is supposed to be a locker room leader and what type of example is that setting.  The rift went so far as to coach Sparano announcing Taylor will not be at any minicamps or at training camp. 

Will JT be in a Dolphins uniform in 2008?  If not, will he retire or be traded?  Discuss. 

[YoFuggedaboutit]

  Welcome, to Day 8 of "25 Topics, 25 Days."  Today, we're talking rookies.  Wait, you know what?  Scratch that.  We've talked enough about the rookies, let's talk about the sophmore class instead.  Here are the players that remain from the 2007 Draft Class: WR Ted Ginn Jr, QB John Beck, C Samson Satele, NT Paul Soliai, LB Kelvin Smith, and P Brandon Fields.  The question is, by the end of the 2008 season, which one of these 2007 Draftees will show the most improvement?

You forgot Regan "The Juggernaut" Mauia..... although I think he'll be released by the end of camp.

[Phishfan]

I think Dolphin fans will perceive Ginn as the most improved by the time the season ends.

[DolFan619]

  I'm going to have to agree with Phishfan, and say that it will be Ted Ginn Jr.  Also, I'll give some Honorable Mention to P Brandon Fields.  With a better coverage unit, his punts inside the 20 and net average will look a lot better than last year's numbers.

[DolFan619]

I have to agree with Tony. Satele (and Brandon Fields) already showed a high level of play last year, so it's much harder to show great improvement from that base.

Ginn showed flashes, but still has plenty of room. Beck showed nothing. Typical rookie performance on a terrible team. It was a bad decision to put him out there. Cam said he wouldn't, but apparently cracked under pressure (fans? Wayne?).

With Henne on the roster, Beck pretty much needs to win the job this year to become anything other than a backup in Miami. He's put in the work, no question, but does he have the talent?

I think he does, based solely on my gut.

Beck will start from day 1, show great poise and decision making in the pocket - and thereby prove his detractors wrong ;-)

  It's definately a make or break year for Beck.  The regime that drafted him is gone, and Chad Henne was brought in by the new regime as "their guy."  Thus, it's created a sense of urgency for Beck.  8,000+ throws in this offseason in an effort to get better and heighten his release point.  He's added some bulk to his frame, and has probably been one of the hardest workers on the team.  It'll be interesting too see how he's developed once Training Camp and Preseason starts.

[Rick]

  I will have to go with the Punter Brandon Fields, as the most improved rookie from last season.  The special teams unit will be much improved from last season.....like Dolfan619 said, with a better coverage unit, his net average and punts downed inside the 20 will be much improved.  As of right now, he is the only punter on the roster, so the new regime must like what they see from Fields so far.  All good signs Brandon will not have a sophomore slump booming the ball in 08.
  
  John Beck...... Do we really think Ireland/Parcells/Sparano would have drafted Henne in the 2nd round if they think Beck has a future as a starting QB?

[DolFan619]

 I will have to go with the Punter Brandon Fields, as the most improved rookie from last season.  The special teams unit will be much improved from last season.....like Dolfan619 said, with a better coverage unit, his net average and punts downed inside the 20 will be much improved from last season.  As of right now, he is the only punter on the roster, so the new regime must like what they see from Fields so far.  All good signs Brandon will not have a sophomore slump booming the ball in 08.
  
  John Beck...... Do we really think Ireland/Parcells/Sparano would have drafted Henne in the 2nd round if they think Beck has a future as a starting QB?

  This regime does like what they have with Brandon Fields.  Bill Parcells, had this to say about Brandon's abilities and potential:

''I think our punter has the potential to be outstanding,'' Parcells said. ``I think that's almost an understatement. This is a very powerful, gifted player and that weapon is a very important weapon in football -- being able to change [field position] on one play. And this kid can do it.''

[Sunstroke]

I thought about going with Ginn or Beck, because if they stay on the field, I think they can't help but improve...

But instead, I think I'll go with Samson Satele. Yes, he had an excellent rookie season, but I think he'll step up to another level this season as he continues to develop. Last year he was a solid player, and an outstanding rookie center. By the end of this season, I think he'll be considered one of the top young centers in the league.

[Rick]

  This regime does like what they have with Brandon Fields.  Bill Parcells, had this to say about Brandon's abilities and potential:

 Field's definitely has the leg and talent to be an All-Pro punter ( sorry Stroke) if he gets good kick coverage and can straighten out some of his kicks.....also, he should learn the art of the coffin corner kick which is not used enough anymore in the NFL....way too many touchbacks happen because punters do not use the "coffin corner".

   I love the quote from Parcell's about Brandon Fields.  It speaks highly of this kids ability.  

[DolFan619]

 Field's definitely has the leg and talent to be an All-Pro punter ( sorry Stroke) if he gets good kick coverage and can straighten out some of his kicks.....also, he should learn the art of the coffin corner kick which is not used enough anymore in the NFL....way too many touchbacks happen because punters do not use the "coffin corner".

   I love the quote from Parcell's about Brandon Fields.  It speaks highly of this kids ability.  

  Yeah, the "Coffin Corner" method you don't see a lot of anymore.  Jeff Feagles of the Giants is one of the few punters in the NFL that's still pretty good at it.

[Dave Gray]

I think that Taylor may very well end up playing for us.

[DolFan619]

I thought about going with Ginn or Beck, because if they stay on the field, I think they can't help but improve...

But instead, I think I'll go with Samson Satele. Yes, he had an excellent rookie season, but I think he'll step up to another level this season as he continues to develop. Last year he was a solid player, and an outstanding rookie center. By the end of this season, I think he'll be considered one of the top young centers in the league.

  The only reason I didn't pick Satele, because I figured he was pretty much a given.  However, I think Satele's game is really going to go up several notches by practicing against a quality NT in Jason Ferguson.

[dolphins4life]

He'll play at the start of the season, although he might be traded midway through

[YoFuggedaboutit]

He'll play at the start of the season, although he might be traded midway through

I'm going out on a limb here and saying he'll be traded midway thru the preseason when a contending team's star DE goes down with a season ending injury.