Why the Dolphins passed on Brees...TWICE.

[Brian Fein]

Great Article...  It makes me so mad to hear the reasoning of both Spielman and Satan...err...Saban.

I thought I would give you the benefit of my experience and share with you the circumstances of how and why the Dolphins passed on a player that in turn has passed for 27,658 yards since 2001.

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolphins_in_depth/2009/10/let-me-just-say-this-dolphins-coach-nick-saban-said-wednesday-in-addressing-the-subject-directly-for-the-first-time-it-wa.html

[masterfins]

Spielman should definitely be in the Ring of Dishonor, if it ever gets updated again.

[JVides]

OK, I'll say it.  Back then, I preferred Culpepper, too, because I was afraid Brees would become Pennington (you know, the arm...).  Guess that's why I'm not involved in football operations...

[Dave Gray]

I wanted Brees on both occassions and remember thinking we made a mistake both times.

The first time, I thought we just didn't need another corner, and the second time, I didn't think Culpepper's play style fit into our game -- that his turnover ratio would be too costly for our team to overcome.

[YoFuggedaboutit]

I've heard that Wannstedt and a few assistant coaches got into fisticuffs after he picked Jamar Fletcher over Drew Brees

[Sunstroke]

I've spoken to other TDMMC'ers about how badly I wanted Brees instead of Culpepper ad nauseum... Talk about a move that could have changed things dramatically.

[Philly Fin Fan]

I wanted Brees on both occassions and remember thinking we made a mistake both times.

Talk about a move that could have changed things dramatically.

I wanted him both times as well.

I remember watching the draft with my brother (he was the Steelers fan), and both of us wanted Brees for our team (Steelers went with Polamalu. )

Stroke, it definitely could have changed things dramatically. We might never had to have endured a 1-15 season. But here's some food for thought though-  it also could've meant that Saban would've still been in Miami.

So would you rather have that, or Parcells/ Sparano/ wildcat offense, etc. ?

[YoFuggedaboutit]

So would you rather have that, or Parcells/ Sparano/ wildcat offense, etc. ?

You could have both with Brees in there.  One thing is for sure.  With Brees and a few sure handed receivers, the Wildcat would gain a LOT more yardage.

[DZA]

At the time, Culpepper was on HOT and just as many teams wanted him instead of Brees.  Culpepper just had a leg injury still had an arm.  Brees coming off an   Shoulder injury .   I would have taken Culpepper as well. Hell i still like Culpepper and i hope he does well but unfortunately he is in Detroit.  Also, nick Satan rushed him back way to early.

[Brian Fein]

Here's the thing about Brees vs Culpepper...

Brees was a free agent.  Culpepper was under contract, and thus cost us a 2nd round pick
Brees had a shoulder injury, but was fully recovered and endorsed by James Andrews.  Culpepper had a TOTAL knee reconstruction and tried to rush himself back too quickly.

Given the circumstances, both could be a big risk.  However, the Miami Dolphins' medical staff evaluated both players and determined that Culpepper was the lower risk.

[MaineDolFan]

I wanted Brees as well.  I could envision the headlines after Miami flailed away in December...

"Another Miami playoff runs blows away in the Brees..."

Stuff like that.  Fun.

With the "talent" at the time I am not sure Brees would have made much of a difference.  The guy is a stud.  I won't question that.  But has anyone else noticed that he has an all star cast of WR and RB (and TE) to play around with?  Not to mention an O-line that gives him enough time to drop back, call his wife and say hi, order dinner and then check down to his third receiver?

The year Culpepper was here?  Brees would have gotten mauled behind that line.

[RhodeIslandPhinFan]

Spielman should definitely be in the Ring of Dishonor, if it ever gets updated again.

I 1,000,000 %....... agree if that is possible.