The Trifecta came into South Florida in early 2008 and said, you know what, we've gotta turn this team around, and we've got to start in the middle and work our way outward. They sacked a lot of has-beens, no-beens, and never-willl-beens, and replaced them with a high-priced Guard, a number one draft pick Tackle, and a darkhorse with the strength of a horse.
In 2009, they have so far continued the alterations by switching Centers with the Raiders, and hanging on to the lone bright spot from the previous regime, in their starting Right Tackle.
Very few questions remain among the starting line. I think most fans are anxious to see these guys gel and get nasty 'int the trenches'.
But there are a few other guys who want a chance at proving themselves as well. And some of them might make it. Let's take a look at who's in the competition.
Joe Berger, # 67.Berger has the strange honor of being both a Saban guy and a Trifecta guy all rolled into one. Saban brought him in in 2005, where he played in 3 games but was injured in camp the following year and waived. The Trifecta then picked him off of waivers in Dallas. Once he became an unrestricted free agent, the Trifecta signed him for his second stint with the Dolphins. He has played all positions but right now seems penciled in as the back-up Center.
Jake Long, # 77.
I heard he's the favorite to start at Left Tackle. My source is good, so let's stick with that.
Andrew Gardner, #63.
He just signed a 4 year, $1.65 Million contract with a $75,000 bonus.
Some people are saying he's the 2nd string LT right now. Others are saying Nate Garner is. I think based on physicality, Garner beats out Gardner, and that is likely what we'll see in training camp.
Brandon Frye, #76.
Frye got work with the first teamers after Donald Thomas hurt his man-boob. Frye definitely has size and seems to be athletic, but does he have what it takes skills-wise?
Andy Alleman, # 57.
Alleman was impressive last year to me because he sort of got thrown to the wolves and he didn't embarass himself. He played FOUR positions in 2008, I mean actual game reps. If he could take that experience and couple it with a mighty off-season training regimen, he would be right there with that 6th man lapel sticker. But alas, he has a back injury. If he doesn't get on the field on August 1st, he's done.
Ike Ndukwe, # 68.
Ike took over for the downed Donald Thomas in 2008 and has the most experience of any of the backups. It was funny when a reporter asked him about being a rookie, and Ndukwe, got angry and blasted back, I'm not a rookie, it's my third year! The man gets no respect at all. At this point he should be able to blow the competition away and it looks like he isn't so far. Waiting for the pads though.
Donald Thomas, # 66.
I'll admit, the only thing I know about this guy as far as the NFL goes is what I've heard about him. I saw him play in College and he was very good on that level. As far as the NFL goes, I only know that he's an 82 on Madden '08. an 82 rating for a rookie means he's pro-bowl caliber. At least thats what EA sports thinks! He seems on pace to be ready fro training camp. Bottom line is, despite his injury issues, Sparano still considers him the incumbent starter. That's saying a lot.
Sir Vincent Rogers and m'lord Mark Lewis. These guys are camp fodder. They will not make it past the first cuts.
Vernon Carey, #72.
He really needs that RG position to be locked up, because he needs to be able to focus on what he needs to do. I have to say I was extremely disappointed in Carey for 75% of the 2008 season. But with that experience under his belt, his cash in the bank, and an overal improved O-line, things are looking up for this gentle giant.
Jake Grove, # 64.It's going to take some time to get used to seeing #64 at Center for the Dolphins....ok, maybe not, but it will take some time to get used to a 6'4", 300lb....oh nevermind. Truth is, you're not going to notice any difference on the field at center between 2008 and 2009, until Ronnie Brown gets his hands on the ball and runs it up the middle. Then you will see the difference. Remember Justin Fargas running all over us? Remember all thos other Raider backs easily running over us up the middle? That all started with Grove getting his blocks to the second level immediately. He flattens guys. Anyway, with the money he's getting, he's the starter.
Shawn Murphy, # 61.A lot has been made of Murphy's rise to first-team reps from the disappointment of the previous year. But I've read that Murphy didn't do well when he had those reps. The Dolphins simply won't have the luxury of keeping a project o-lineman this year. If he doesn't show up in TC, he will be stashed on the PS, where he may be poached.
Nate Garner, #75.
If there's one guy who's appeared to take a step to the next level, it's Garner. He has definitely put in the work during the offseason, and has impressed coaches with his improved athleticism. I want to see him get some reps with that first team in pads to see if he's really ready to be trusted should Long or Carey go down during the season.
Justin Smiley, #65.
Smiley is back. At last count he had 3 surgeries during the off-season, dating back to December. His shoulder injury should be behind him now, and the only question is will his legs be balanced and strong enough for the season.
JD Quinn, #69.
Definitely got the best jersey number in camp, but does this party-boy have what it takes to play in the NFL? My guess is no, and the fact no ones heard a peep about this kid since OTAs started does not bode well. Still, with others like Lewis, Rogers, and Ndukwe failing to impress, he might still have practice squad in his future.
So there you have it, fifteen guys. 5 are safe. 10 of them are fighting for likely 3 more roster spots.
Who do you think has shown enough to be a favorite? Who do you think makes it and who goes back to school?
