Dolphins and Jets Draft Review
The Unexpected, Ted Ginn Jr. and The Spectacular, Darrelle Revis
The Miami Dolphins upset a lot of fans with the drafting of Ted Ginn Jr. over Brady Quinn as the New York Jets filled a huge hole by drafting Darrelle Revis of Pittsburgh
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins are receiving a lot of unnecessary flack for their first round selection of Ted Ginn Jr. Once the season starts Ginn’s value will be realized, as he brings big-play ability to an offense that had major trouble producing big plays last year. Quarterback John Beck is in the perfect situation, with Trent Green coming in this year the ‘fins can afford to bring Beck along slowly as he is the future at the position, just not this year. The Dolphins’ offensive line was much maligned last season but help is on the way, Samson Satele should solidify one of the guard positions, but the bonus is that he can slide down and play the center position with equal effectiveness.
In drafting running back Lorenzo Booker, Miami added another game breaker to the offense. Booker is skilled at catching passes out of the backfield, and should excel in this role for the Dolphins. Paul Soliai should prove his worth by stuffing up the middle and helping to keep offensive linemen off of Zack Thomas.
Reagan Mauia is strictly a blocker out of the fullback position. Late round picks linebacker, Kelvin Smith and center Drew Mormino both have a chance to stick on the roster as age is beginning to become a factor at both of their positions. Punter Brandon Fields will be bought in to contend for a spot, but the final selection made by the Dolphins, defensive end Abraham Wright reminds many of Jason Taylor in body type, let’s see if his desire and drive is anything like Jason’s.
New York Jets
The Jets only had four picks in this year’s draft and split the picks by selecting two offensive players and two defensive players.
The Jets finished last season knowing that on paper, the defensive unit played a lot better than the talent on that side of the ball. The talent infusion came by the way of the first two draft picks in 2007. Darrelle Revis comes in as a cornerback that is ready to become a starter from day one. Revis has a knack for making the big play on either defense or special teams blocking or returning kicks. David Harris adds size and toughness to the Jets group of linebackers. Harris will fit well in the 3-4 scheme that the Jets employ, taking over the inside spot opposite Jonathan Vilma, bringing to the defense solid tackling and playmaking ability.
On the offensive side of the ball the Jets looked to further strengthen their emerging young offensive line by drafting a prospect tackle from Nicholls State, Jacob Bender. Standing 6-6 and weighing 316 pounds Bender has the body; if his talents can develop, he can become a bookend tackle with last years number one pick D’Brickashaw Ferguson. The final pick of the Jets draft, Chansi Stuckey, didn’t test well at the combine but his college game tape shows that he can be a playmaker. Chansi has exceptional hands and above average speed, as a receiver his route running is still a bit raw, he has to buckle down and work on that skill, along with adding size so that he can battle the more physical defensive backs that will test him at the NFL level.
Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots Preview
