By: NYF

Although a win over the Steelers in Week 17 would’ve given Tony Sparano consecutive .500+ seasons to start his regime, it would’ve come at a heavy price: a drop the from #12 to #17 in the first-round.

First, lets look at 3 pre-combine truths for the Miami Dolphins.
1) Forget about DT’s Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy.
Suh and McCoy are the two players we can point at and say “no chance”. The Seahawks, Raiders, Bills, and Jaguars will be salivating at the mouth for them even if either one escapes the Rams, Lions, and Bucs .
2) The Dolphins won’t draft a QB.
The future of the Miami Dolphins’ offense will live and die with Chad Henne. Even if Sam Bradford suffers a Brady Quinn-like fall into the teens, he won’t be a consideration at #12.
3) The Dolphins won’t draft an OT.
Expect 3-5 OT’s (Russell Okung, Anthony Davis, Brian Bulaga, Trent Williams) to be off the board before our pick. This is good news.

Having said that, I’m looking at these 6 players before the combine…

1) WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma St – 6’2, 234*
Bryant combines elite leaping ability on deep routes with YAC skills in the 10-20 yard range. Adding Dez Bryant frees up Davone Bess in the slot, leaves Hartline and Camarillo battling for #2 position, and (rubbing hands together) pits Ted Ginn in a roster spot battle for his life.

2) RB C.J. Spiller, Clemson – 5’11, 195
Lets FF to 2012 when Ronnie Brown is 30 and Ricky is retired. In a league where speed kills, Spiller turns the corner and accelerates at an elite level and could even be an upgrade over Ricky Williams in the Wildcat.

3) LB Rolando McClain, Alabama* - 6’4, 258*
Unlike James Laurinaitus and Ray Maualuga, who were projected in the Top-15 at this point last year, McClain can play 3 downs with no argument. Think of a more finesse version of Patrick Willis.

4) S Eric Berry, Tennessee* - 5’11, 203
Every team picking in the #4 - #11 range needs QB, DL, or OL, and thus, don’t be surprised if Berry unexpectadly falls to #12. A secondary featuring Eric Berry, Vontae Davis, and Sean Smith gives the Dolphins a much-needed identity on defense.

5) DT Dan Williams, Tennessee – 6’3, 327
Although Williams’ quick feet make him an ideal fit in a 43 scheme, nobody would disagree if the Dolphins turned in a card with his name on it after showing great run-stuffing ability at the Senior Bowl.

6) LB Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech* - 6’4, 272
Productive 4-3 DE who needs to drop 10-15 pounds before moving OLB Mike Nolan’s 3-4 defense.

Comments? Criticisms?

NYF.

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By: James Lancaster

Per the official Miami Dolphin website, "Mike Nolan has been named defensive coordinator by the Miami Dolphins.

One of the most veteran defensive coordinators in the NFL, Nolan has 12 years of experience in that capacity with five different teams: Denver (2009), Baltimore (2002-04), the New York Jets (2000), Washington (1997-99) and the New York Giants (1993-96)."

Nolan Hired as DC

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