Dolphins list: Irreplaceable players

[DolFan619]

http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_football_dolphins/2008/07/dolphins-list-i.html

Dolphins list: Irreplaceable players

There might be 80 players at training camp when it opens this weekend, but that doesn't mask the fact that the depth on the Dolphins roster is paper thin.

Phillip Daniels' freakish season-ending knee injury in the first drill of Redskins camp, and the numerous other injuries that happened in Washington's first day (what the hell are they doing over there) was a wake up call to me that pointed out how one single injury can change the complexion of a team.

Truth is, I didn't even know Phillip Daniels existed before he prompted the Redskins to give Miami a kings ransom for Jason Taylor. So imagine the panic that might occur if a more important player is lost.

It got me thinking exactly how many players on the Dolphins roster are irreplaceable. Totally healthy, I think at best this assembly of talent is a .500 team. Imagine what might happen if the Dolphins lose some of these players in the same fashion they lost a number of key starters last season.

Here's my Irreplaceable list....

1. NT Jason Ferguson - You guys and gals must think I have an infatuation with this guy but the truth is the 3-4 defense DOESN'T WORK WITHOUT A PRODUCTIVE NOSE TACKLE who can hold his ground, taking on two blockers every play. If you don't believe me think back at the Payless-knockoff version of the 3-4 the Dolphins tried to run last season with a dinosaur like Keith Traylor as the starting nose tackle. Remember that one, the one which had the Dolphins as the NFL's WORSE team against the run? Randy Starks and Paul Soliai are the ONLY possible replacements for Ferguson, and that's not a good thing.

2. CB Will Allen - He might not be a turnover producing machine because of his hands of stone, but his receiver is usually closely defended. Last season Allen was the cornerback used in the most roles and was fairly effective blitzing from the nickel spot. Depth, and the talent level at cornerback, is already thin. Imagine if the Dolphins lose their best one to some kind of season-ending injury.

3. WR Ted Ginn Jr. - There is no other stretch the field receiver on this team, and without Ginn Dan Henning's offense won't work effectively because there's no reason for safeties to stay honest in coverage, roaming deep to protect their cornerbacks facing a vertical threat. Without Ginn who else has the speed to run the 9-route (a deep bomb) effectively, and actually get open? Derek Hagan? Ernest Wilford? Greg Camarillo? David Kircus is the best answer I could come up with based on what I saw during minicamp, and that's not a good thing. This issue must be addressed before the regular season starts. Also, who is going to serve as the kick returner if Ginn goes down?

4. LT Jake Long - Protecting the blindside of your quarterback is no easy task. But that's the assignment the Dolphins No. 1 pick has been handed as a rookie. He's got the size and skill level to do it at a pretty high level eventually. Long just needs to get his feet wet. Wouldn't it be a shame to see some kind of season-ending injury derail the baptism by fire he'll likely receive this season? While Vernon Carey could fill in on the left side, moving him over there would create another hole that Julius Wilson would be best served to fill.

5. OLB Joey Porter - Opposing offenses have to fear someone on the other side of the line of scrimmage and with Taylor gone Porter is the next in line. While Porter had a slow start to 2007 for numerous reasons (knee injury, playing out of his familiar scheme, constant losing) he's still perceived as a dangerous pass rushing threat. It's already hard enough finding a replacement for 99, imagine how impossible it would be to find a suitable fill-in for Porter too.

6. RT Vernon Carey - Carey can play both left and right tackle at a pretty high level, and that versatility should help management sleep a little better at night. Behind him are undrafted players who can only be viewed as developmental projects. Whenever I think of his value I remember the silence that hit Dolphins stadium last exhibition season when Carey took a hit to his knee and had to be helped off the field. Luckily, that time it was only a bruise and he played the entire season without suffering any significant injuries. He's been relatively healthy throughout his entire playing career, college and pros. Is it genetics, or luck?

7. ILB Akin Ayodele - While Channing Crowder and Reggie Torbor can man the two inside linebacker spots without him, Ayodele's ability to play both inside and outside makes his versatility irreplaceable. This former Cowboys' familiarity with the defense the Dolphins will be installing is also detrimental to the flexibility this 3-4 scheme will possess in 2008. He could potentially speed up every other linebacker's learning curve and efficiency because of his experience level.

8. SS Yeremiah Bell - In 2006 Bell proved that he has the athleticism, speed and intellect needed to cover a decent range of the field, and serve as a playmaker. Without a flexible and fluid safeties who is able to handle a constantly changing role (do you really think Jason Allen can do that?) the Dolphins defense will face numerous limitations to what they can do. But Bell's a high risk, high reward kind of player considering he has had trouble staying healthy for an entire season. Knowing this, the coaches might want to get Keith Davis prepared to take over from now.

9. RB Ronnie Brown - While Ricky Williams is back into the fold again....for now (I still don't trust him), before Brown suffering his ACL injury he was on his way to a Pro Bowl season. The former first-round pick was by far the Dolphins most productive offensive weapon. The hope is he picks up where he left off by midseason. Because of how valuable he potentially could be coach Tony Sparano said Brown will be eased into contact work during training camp, and might be held out of the first few exhibition games.

10. TE Anthony Fasano - The tight end position is a critical component to the offense the Dolphins will run because of their dual role as blockers and pass catchers, and how frequently they are used. When Fasano's shoulder finally heals he'll likely be the best blocker of the Dolphins many, and I do mean many, tight ends. David Martin is an efficient down the field receiver, but he was a liability as a blocker late last season. The Dolphins can't afford to put their quarterback - whoever it turns out to be be - at risk like that again.

So, did I miss anyone else?

For argument sake I could have put a quarterback on this list, but which one? And that question right there kept Josh McCown, John Beck and Chad Henne (and yes I do have them in order, and yes I'm sure that order will eventually change as training camp goes on) off my irreplaceable list. But like every other player on the Dolphins roster, each will be given an opportunity to prove they deserve a spot over the next two months.

Tell me, which players do you fear losing the most during the exhibition season, and early on into the regular season because of the Dolphins troublesome lack of depth?

> Posted by Omar Kelly at 9:04:13 AM

[Brian Fein]

I think he missed Jason Allen.  I expect big things out of him this season.

[CF DolFan]

The only thing big about him is his contract.   

I actually don't feel that we have any "Irreplaceable" players.  When I think of irreplaceable, I think of someone who can carry the team or change the game all by theirself and outside of Ricky in his prime ... no one has done that on this roster.  Everyone we have should be made available to trade if it helps the team and I can't see any one person making us that much worse if they get hurt.

[Brian Fein]

I really think our two "irreplaceable" players are both in the NFC East now....

[TonyB0D]

I really think our two "irreplaceable" players are both in the NFC East now....

QFT

[bsmooth]

I think Sataele is pretty important.

[YoFuggedaboutit]

I really think our two "irreplaceable" players are both in the NFC East now....

Agreed.  Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor were both players who, as CF put it, can carry the team or change the game. 

But as the new regime has proven, when you're rebuilding, no player is "irreplaceable"

[Tepop84]

How is being a dinosaur a bad thing?