Sun Sentinel: Miami Dolphins training camp preview: 20 pressing questions

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/sfl-miami-dolphins-training-camp-preview-20-pressing-questions-20150721-photogallery.html

Pretty good read. I don't have time to post about it, but there are definitely some intriguing and interesting questions here. In my view, this article confirms my view that way too many things need to fall just right in order for the Phins to be a playoff team.

Anyway, hopefully this generates some discussion. I won't be posting much in the next few weeks, but I hope you guys can hold down the fort while I'm out of action!

Yeah I enjoyed it also. All good questions. The most intriguing for me - who locks down outside and nickel CB, who locks down the starting guard jobs, and who wins the starting LB spots.

I cannot wait for first preseason game, want to see Suh in action live.

Hell, way too many things have to fall right for the Fins not to finish last in the division!!!

Total collapse to 4 wins or so followed by yet another coach being fired a season too late. The burial ground curse continues.

white1 wrote:The most intriguing for me - who locks down outside and nickel CB, who locks down the starting guard jobs, and who wins the starting LB spots.

Yeah, I think CB is the most intriguing to me.  The fact that we still have no idea who is starting opposite Grimes highlights the fact that it's a pretty mediocre group.  Hopefully someone steps up in pre-season, but that could be a major problem area all season.

At LB, I'm pretty much resigned to the fact that it's a very poor group.  I hope Sheppard gets the MLB job, because even though he's not particularly good he's definitely better than Misi in the middle.  I'd start Misi and Jenkins on the outside, with McCain coming in as a pass rush specialist.

One question I'm wondering about is: Which rookies will find contributing roles right away?
- Parker seemed like an obvious choice for extensive action when he was drafted, but if he misses all of training camp and preseason I can't see him becoming much of a factor, at least not till later in the season.  
- Douglas could win one of the starting jobs at guard, but only because every guard on the roster sucks, and if Douglas is lucky maybe he'll be the shiniest turd in the bunch!
- Phillips will probably see some time as a reserve DT, but with 3 veterans ahead of him, snaps will be hard to come by.
- Maybe Ajayi can get a few touches as a third down receiver, but otherwise I'm not seeing him getting too many opportunities as a rookie.
- McCain and Thompson may see some STs action if they make the final 53.
- Lippett = practice squad

Overall, I'm just not seeing a huge contribution from this year's rookie class.  Hope I'm wrong...

JMP wrote:Yeah, I think CB is the most intriguing to me.  The fact that we still have no idea who is starting opposite Grimes highlights the fact that it's a pretty mediocre group.  Hopefully someone steps up in pre-season, but that could be a major problem area all season.

Bobby McCain will come out of nowhere to save the day, trust me

One question I'm wondering about is: Which rookies will find contributing roles right away?
- Parker seemed like an obvious choice for extensive action when he was drafted, but if he misses all of training camp and preseason I can't seem him becoming much of a factor, at least not till later in the season.  
- Douglas could win one of the starting jobs at guard, but only because every guard on the roster sucks, and if Douglas is lucky maybe he'll be the shiniest turd in the bunch!
- Phillips will probably see some time as a reserve DT, but with 3 veterans ahead of him, snaps will be hard to come by.
- Maybe Ajayi can get a few touches as a third down receiver, but otherwise I'm not seeing him getting too many opportunities as a rookie.
- McCain and Thompson may see some STs action if they make the final 53.
- Lippett = practice squad

Overall, I'm just not seeing a huge contribution from this year's rookie class.  Hope I'm wrong...

Not to mention Philbin has the same attitude towards rookies as George Allen. I'm still amazed Landry was "allowed" to start last season. Then again considering what he's had to work with I almost can't blame him

DolFan316 wrote:Bobby McCain will come out of nowhere to save the day, trust me

Trust me...Bobby McCain will be lucky if he's even allowed to dress on game day.

DolFan 316 wrote:Not to mention Philbin has the same attitude towards rookies as George Allen. I'm still amazed Landry was "allowed" to start last season. Then again considering what he's had to work with I almost can't blame him

Yep, Landry started because we literally had no one else...Gibson was injured and Matthews was in Philbin's doghouse. Barring injury, I just don't see any of these current rookies being good enough to earn any significant playing time.

And if I'm right...then Hickey will be on the unemployment line with Philbin before too long. After all, weren't we told that the draft was all Hickey? If his guys don't contribute in a big way - again - then he's gone. Tannenabum is smartly setting up Hickey amd Philbin to take the fall this season so he can bring in his own guys.