THE EXTRA YARD: 2020 NFL DRAFT Top 5 RB’s

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Welcome to the Five Reasons Sports 2020 NFL Draft Guide.

We will be bringing you a top 5 list compiled by Alfredo Arteaga (@Alf_Arteaga), and a counter list by Simon Clancy (@SiClancy) for each position, for the 2020 NFL Draft. By offering you rankings of prospects 1 thru 5 for each position, we hope you will better understand this most important draft. Enjoy!

 

Miami Dolphins Picks:
Round1· Pick 5(5)
Round1· Pick 18(18)PIT > MIA
Round1· Pick 26(26)HOU > MIA
Round2· Pick 7(39)
Round2· Pick 24(56)NO > MIA
Round3· Pick 6(70)
Round4· Pick 35(141)Compensatory
Round5· Pick 7(153)
Round5· Pick 9(154)JAX > PIT > MIS
Round5· Pick 28(173)BAL > LA > MIN
Round6· Pick 6(185)
Round7· Pick 13(227)IND > MIA
Round7· Pick 32(246)KC > MIA
Round7· Pick 37(251)Compensatory

 

RUNNINGBACKS

1. J.K. DOBBINS- Ohio State-5’-10” 209 lbs.

Dobbins didn’t run at the combine, but did meet with Dolphins RB’s coach Eric Studesville for close to two hours. J.K. Dobbins is the best one cut RB in this draft for a team that has Chan Gailey, so it’s hard to find a better fit than Dobbins for the system they are running. Dobbins has a strong, squat build that powers through grab tackles. His one cut ability allows for further acceleration in the hole, and makes every carry that gets past the first level an opportunity for a house call. His transition from catch to carry is not as clean as you would like, and he is more of a positional pass blocker than a punishing one.

 

2. JONATHAN TAYLOR- Wisconsin-5’-10” 226 lbs.

Jonathan Taylor has the size, speed, production combination that usually lands a RB in the first round. His 4.39 forty yard dash time at the combine was an eye popping one in the sense of how smooth he was moving at 226 lbs. Taylor is a patient runner, but also has considerable one cut ability. In the passing game, he has displayed a care for and attention to route running which is nice to see. A bit more of a punisher than his colleagues as a pass protector. The fear with Taylor is that he was over-used at Wisconsin, and that the tread on the tire is a bit thin. Had 18 fumbles in 3 seasons at Wisconsin with 15 of them lost. That is a problem.

 

3. D’ANDRE SWIFT- Georgia-5’-8” 212 lbs.

The latest in very successful Georgia backs. Swift is quick to get to top speed and is rather intelligent as a runner, pass protector. Not too many wasted motions, when setting up blocks. One of the better perimeter runners in this draft. Best adept at zone running, but is not hopeless in one cut lead schemes. The smoothest of the top 5 as a pass catcher, as he transitions easily from the catch to ball security. Has been accused of being a bit too cavalier with how he totes the ball, and transitioning from left to right carry. Tends to drop his head in pass pro, but has been effective in the past.

4. CAM AKERS- FSU- 5’-10” 217 lbs.

Cam has consistently shown top end speed when loose, and very good balance when receiving contact. Akers playing on bad FSU teams and remaining productive has to be taken into consideration. Very good body build consistent with those successful in the NFL. Good definition and full lower body build which NFL scouts like in high draft pick RB’s. Hard to project as a pass catcher and protector due to his team’s failings, but the film suggests that he recognizes nano blitzes, and has a good sense for plugging the A gap. Can be a bit of a dancer and not very decisive when presented with options. Very much a zone runner, and has shown little as far as pressing the hole, cinching blocks for his guys and then taking open run lanes. Poor supporting cast makes him hard to project.

 

5. CLYDE EDWARDS-HELAIRE- LSU-5’-7” 207 lbs.

A bowling ball. Main criticism is that he seeks contact instead of avoiding it. Plays with a mean streak rarely seen in guys his size. Yes, he sometimes seeks contact, but his jump cut is as good as any in this draft. He does make people miss. Smart in option route running and a killer in pass pro. You are not gonna get many home runs with him, but you will get steady work. Film shows a propensity to seek daylight to the perimeter after breaking tackles. It’s an instinct that has been rather consistent. Would rather he be more vision conscience, than instinct based.

 

SIMON CLANCY’S (@SiClancy) VIEW:

1. D’Andre Swift – Georgia
2. Clyde Edwards-Helaire – LSU
3. Jonathan Taylor – Wisconsin
4. J.K. Dobbins – Ohio State
5. Cam Akers – Florida State

 

Alfredo Arteaga (@Alf_Arteaga) and Simon Clancy (SiClancy) are two-thirds of the trio that does the Three Yards Per Carry (@3YardsPerCarry) podcast.

Miami Hurricanes

The South Florida Ravens Continue To Put In Work In Our Backyard

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As the south Florida native, Antonio Brown, continues to try and make his way on a roster, he is working out here in South Florida. Today on Wednesday, April 1st, he worked out with the Ravens stars Lamar Jackson and Hollywood Brown.

Lamar grew up in Pompano Beach and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, Antonio’s cousin, grew up in Hollywood Florida. Alabama’s star receiver, Jerry Jeudy, was also working out with them who grew up in Deerfield beach Florida.

The Ravens also have guys like Calais Campbell and Gus Edwards who each played for the Miami Hurricanes. Baltimore’s star running back Mark Ingram also spends a lot of time in the offseason in South Florida.

With all of these South Florida ties, are the Ravens trying to add Antonio Brown or move up to draft Jerry Jeudy? Time can only tell if the South Florida Ravens will make it happen. The Miami Dolphins may not be on top, but South Florida players are.

Know Your Enemy: Overview of the 2020 Buffalo Bills

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The 2020 Buffalo Bills could emerge as the new favorites in the AFC East

A lot has changed in the AFC East in the offseason.

This could finally be the year where a changing of the guard also takes place.

In the first installment of our series “Know Your Enemy”, we take a look at the Buffalo Bills.

Buffalo finished the 2019 regular season at 10-6 before an exit in the Wildcard Round versus Houston.

They added several pieces on both sides of the football, particularly on defense – while also parting ways with some established veterans.

Sean McDermott enters his fourth year (25-23, 0-2) calling the shots in Buffalo, having made the playoffs twice over his first three seasons.

Expectations will be high for the Bills in the new look AFC East, their overall profile is on the rise.

They caught some breaks in 2019, such as avoiding voluminous injuries as the Bills had a league-low 57 different players see action.

Taking all that into account, Buffalo is a sexy pick to make a significant run into the postseason.

Key Departures:

DT Jordan Phillips

EDGE Shaq Lawson

Key Arrivals: 

WR Stefon Diggs

OLB Mario Addison

CB Josh Norman

DT Vernon Butler

OLB A.J. Klein

OT Daryl Williams

 

Bills Keep Depth on Defense

The Bills added a lot of depth to an already superb defense.

Buffalo finished second in the NFL surrendering just 16.2 points per game in 2019, and third in yards allowed at just 298.2.

The Bills were a middle of the pack defense in terms of sacks, finishing 12th with 44 on the year.

Jordan Phillips is a big loss as he cashed in on a career high 9.5 sacks at the right time, signing a 3-year 30M deal in Arizona.

To replace him the Bills brought in Vernon Butler, who at age 25 is coming off his best year.

Bulter had six sacks in 2019 for Carolina after just 1.5 in his first three years combined.

Outside linebackers Mario Addison and A.J. Klein are nice additions to a young linebacker group that lost Shaq Lawson to Miami.

Lawson is also coming off a career year as he finished with 6.5 sacks.

Phillips and Jordan accounted for over a third of Buffalo’s sacks last season, the new players will have to make up a lot of ground.

On the outside the Buffalo Bills secondary is one of the better groups in the NFL.

Tre’Davious White tied for the league high with six interceptions and has emerged as one of the top corners in the game.

While they may not be full of household names, the Bills’ defense has solid depth and talent at all three levels.

Much Needed Help Arrives Outside

Stefon Diggs is the highest profile free agent signing and gives Buffalo a true No. 1 receiver.

Pairing Diggs with speedster John Brown will give opposing secondaries a lot to think about at all levels.

Brown tied for the team lead with six touchdowns and led the team with 72 receptions and 1060 yards.

While Diggs is joining Buffalo after his second consecutive 1000-yard season, he had a career high 1130 yards and 17.9 yards per reception last year.

Cole Beasley was surprisingly effective, joining Brown with six scores and finishing second with 778 yards.

Perhaps the biggest question surrounding Buffalo is how quarterback Josh Allen progresses in a key third season.

 

Allen has been much maligned for his accuracy as shown by his 56.3% completion rate, however he did show significant growth from his rookie season.

His ability outside the pocket makes him ever-dangerous, just ask any fan of the Miami Dolphins.

Allen has three of his four highest quarterback ratings against Miami and gashed the Dolphins’ defense for a career high 135 yards rushing in 2018.

Couple that with his 11 touchdowns and just two interceptions in four games against Miami, Allen seems to save his best for the Dolphins

He can make all the throws necessary and with the addition of Diggs, Allen has someone who runs crisp routes and can get separation which will help the erratic signal caller.

That being said, teams will still try to force Allen beat them more often than not.

FAU grad Devin Singletary looks to build off a solid rookie season and expand his role both on the ground and in the passing game.

 

Singletary finished 2019 with 151 carries for 775 yards and two touchdowns. His 5.1 yards-per-carry ranked seventh in the NFL last year.

So far Frank Gore remains a free agent and a return to Buffalo seems unlikely. T.J Yeldon will likely see some reps as a change of pace, but Buffalo may be one team that utilizes a feature back. Allen was second on the team in 2019 with 510 rushing yards, he could exceed that total this season.

Singletary can stay on the field on all downs and is a great option out of the backfield. He caught 29 passes for 194 yards last year but did struggle at times with drops. Singletary seems to always be moving in the right direction, his 2.7 yards-before-contact was a top-10 mark last year.

Buffalo will need to find a way to bolster an offense that ranked 23rd in the NFL scoring 19.6PPG last year, a mark just .5 points better than the Dolphins.

The addition of Diggs will surely help an offense that finished 26th in yards-per-game (201.8), and if Allen can get his completion percentage over 60% the passing game could become serviceable.

With McDermott at the helm you know the formula will be to control the ball on offense with the run game and play sound defense.

Buffalo is a team with few glaring weaknesses but also few marquee names, a lot of analysis is based on potential.

Time will tell and fans of the Dolphins will get their annual double dose of the Bills, who have won five of their last six games against Miami.

Subscribe to the 3 Yards per Carry podcast here for the latest Miami Dolphins news and follow them on Twitter @3YardsPerCarry.

 

The Dolphins' free agent signings fit into coach Brian Flores' scheme. (Tony Capobianco for Five Reasons Sports)

Brian Flores has chance to separate himself from Belichick disciples

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There is no doubt that Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores is trying to build a culture of winning and success. Just look at the free agency hauls for the organization over the past week or so. Furthermore, Flores is trying to break a trend with Belichick assistants. He is trying to come out on top.

When you look at the list of former Patriots assistant coaches who went on to become head coaches, the resume is not overly impressive in terms of winning.

Eric Mangini had marginal success, coaching the New York Jets from 2006-2008 and Cleveland Browns from 2009-2010. Although he finished with a career head coaching record of 33-48, he did win the Coach of the Year Award in 2006. That year, he was the head man for the New York Jets, compiling a 10-6 record. They lost to the Patriots in the AFC Wild Card Game, ending an otherwise great season. It was a crowning achievement for the coaching career of Mangini. He would never achieve that level of success again.

Looking at the Belichick disciples recently, Flores has a chance to stand out from the pack. Mike Vrabel did a great job with the Tennessee Titans this past year, leading them to the AFC Championship Game. Time will tell exactly how he does the rest of the way, but it seems as though he has a bright future.

Bill O’ Brien has had an interesting couple of months. The Houston Texans did well for themselves in 2019. They went 10-6 and finished first in the AFC South. Ultimately, they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional Game. It wasn’t even the on-field results that were the most interesting part of all this. It’s what happened off the field.

O’Brien traded star receiver DeAndre Hopkins away for essentially a bag of peanuts. In actuality, Houston received running back David Johnson, a 2022nd-round pick and a 2021 fourth-round pick. Although Houston may have not been able to afford Hopkins’ asking price for a new contract, Houston should have been able to receive more than that in a trade.

In the meantime, Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia is coming off a 3-12-1 season. Good enough for fourth place in the NFC North, he hasn’t exactly been leading the Lions to success right now. Detroit certainly has pieces to be successful. Whether they will be able to reach a level of success with Patricia remains to be seen.

Brian Flores can be ahead of the pack

In any event, this is a chance for Flores to shine. He has a ton of talent at his disposal, and that does not even include the fifth overall pick in next month’s draft. Here is where he can separate himself from the rest of the Belichick disciples. Sustained success is certainly a viable option in 2020. The Dolphins have made several solid moves in free agency, and they still hold the fifth overall pick. That is certainly impressive. Undoubtedly, that should help them accelerate the rebuild.

When you take a look at the type of players the Miami Dolphins want onthier roster, look no further than this latest free agency. The New England Patriots Miami signed  are all gritty players. Ted Karras was a solid depth piece on the line for the Patriots last season. Both Roberts and Van Noy are linebackers that can produce consistently. You know what type of production you’re going to get out of them. they will play hard game in and game out.

This offseason could be a key moment in helping Brian Flores stand out from the rest of the pack. He has a chance to be successful for a long time, something that no other former New England assistant has ever been. There is a blueprint in place. Flores once this team to play physical, smart football, as well as being disciplined to boot. Now, Brian Flores has to take the next step. Execution is critical, and it’s something that has held up the others in their quest for greatness.

Cornerback Byron Jones became the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL when he signed with the Dolphins. (Craig Davis for Fivereasonssports.com)

Newest Dolphins discuss why they signed with Miami

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They are the new faces on the Miami Dolphins, and they are excited to be coming to South Florida.

That’s what newly signed cornerback Byron Jones, running back Jordan Howard, versatile defender Kyle Van Noy and the other players who joined the Dolphins via free agency last week said Thursday on a media teleconference call.

“What really brought me to Miami was the idea of joining a young team and being a leader on that team. Being a catalyst for cultural change and helping this team,” said Jones, the most notable of the newcomers. “They’ve got a bunch of ballers on that roster.

“I am fired up to play for Miami. This is a young team that is going in the right direction.”

Defensive lineman Emmanual Ogbah, who last played for the Kansas City Chiefs, said coach Brian Flores reputation as a leader of defense was a big draw for him.

“He’s a defensive coach and he inspires his players. He came from the Patriots, so he knows to win,” Ogbah said. “So I’m just excited to come out here and do my part to help the team win. I’m excited to be coached up by one of the best.”

Flores attracted free agents

Jones also made it clear that Flores was a big reason why he chose the Dolphins:

“In talking with him on the phone after I signed, he’s a young coach and I love that. He’s got young energy. I hear he’s intense and likes to create competitive scenarios and situations. It’s just something that I like and want to be a part of it.”

“I heard a lot of good things about him throughout the league. I spoke to a couple of coaches and players and they had nothing but good things to say about him. So that’s exciting for me, just to be on the team that he’s leading.”

Jones said he is looking forward to pair with Xavien Howard, the most expensive cornerback duo in the NFL.

“The most important part is just really having no weak links,” Jones said. “Teams don’t just have one good receiver, they have multiple. We just want to be able to match up to some of their best assets and disrupt that as much as we can.”

Howard set to power running game

Among the additions on offense, former Eagle Jordan Howard said he can bring an essential element that was missing from the Dolphins’ running game last season.

“I’m rugged,” Howard said. “I’m physical. I like to make the defenders feel me. I’d rather hit them then have then hit me. I definitely try to make them quit. That way in the fourth quarter, they don’t really want to tackle me.”

Howard played only one snap in the final seven games with Philadelphia because of a shoulder injury. He said he is healthy now.

“It took a while but finally back to 100. Can’t wait to get back to playing football,” he said.

Howard, who has 3,895 yards in four NFL seasons (three with the Bears, one with the Eagles), spoke about his influence as a ball carrier

“I’ve always liked watching Marshawn Lynch,” Howard said. “The way he ran. He never gave up. And he fought for every yard. He made it a struggle for the defenders to bring him down.”

That was conspicuously lacking from the Dolphins’ running backs in 2019, when veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick led the team in rushing.

Influx of former Patriots

The Dolphins’ free agent signings have gotten mixed reviews nationally. But the additions of veteran players who are under 30 and in the prime of their careers has significantly upgrade the talent on the roster even before the upcoming draft, in which Miami has 14 picks.

Many of them bring the experience of playing on winning teams, including several former New England Patriots: Van Noy, linebacker Elandon Roberts and center Ted Karras.

Van Noy said he anticipated playing a similar role as he did in New England when Flores dirfectred the defense before moving to the Dolphins in 2019.

“I envision that I’ll be playing everywhere like I have been. I don’t really consider myself having a position. I don’t like being called a D-end or a linebacker. I’m just a football player. You roll the ball out onto the field, I’m showing up.

“I feel like my versatility will be able to be a matchup problem for any coach because you never know where I’m going to line up and match up against. And I feel like I can be a leader to this team. I just want to win.”

A shift in the East

Regarding his former team, Van Noy said, “I think they’ll always be the Patriots with the kind of players they have up there. Obviously, losing a quarterback is tough, but they still have a really good set of football players up there that are going to be hungry to prove to a lot of people that they’re still in it. That’s what they do up there.”

As for that quarterback, Van Noy said he wasn’t surprised to see Tom Brady leave New England for Tampa Bay.

“I feel like he got what he deserves,” Van Noy said. “I hope the best for him. I think he’s going to be good in Tampa. I’m just glad he’s in the NFC.”

Craig Davis has covered South Florida sports and teams, including the Dolphins, for four decades. Follow him on Twitter @CraigDavisRuns.

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THE EXTRA YARD: Under Construction, The Dolphins Offensive Line

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With the first wave of free agency essentially over, we are left to examine the one unit that everybody that watched the Miami Dolphins last year thought needed the most attention.

Most Dolphins fans expected a move that could land an Andrus Peat, Graham Glasgow, and/or a big ticket item such as Joe Thuney or Jack Conklin. Of them all, there is only some circumstantial evidence that they approached Glasgow (he was locked into Denver early) and that interest in Thuney was strong till the Patriots tagged him.

So we were left with the signings of Ereck Flowers to play left guard, and Ted Karras to play center. A modest improvement, but these are moves that are based on hope /projection rather than accolades and reputation. Ereck Flowers, as has been said in print on these pages, and on the Three Yards Per Carry Podcast, is a guy that has essentially played a very good 8 games in his 5 year career. Karras is a guy who found himself at center for 15 games for the 2019 New England Patriots, and has remarkable “counting stats” (2 penalties, and 1 sack allowed in 15 starts for the Patriots). Both can be good, if all goes well, but we know it hardly ever works out that way.

So what do they have in house as of now, and what do they need? Let’s start with the two signees. If these two are not hopeless busts they are at the very least, upgrades over what they had there before, so lets pencil in Flowers at LG and Karras at Center. That leaves Jesse Davis as the possible RG, or even the returning starter at Right Tackle. Michael Dieter is now displaced from his LG spot, and is now interior line depth and the likely backup at center, where he can receive further development. Shaq Calhoun, Julian Davenport, and Danny Isidora can only be considered camp bodies and bottom of the roster guys, so let’s go shopping shall we?

TRADE FOR ONE

Trade for Trent Williams. He’s available. You have the assets. So what’s the holdup? Well, it is as easy as snapping your fingers, since his agent is requesting that Washington release him, so if you pony up an asset, the Redskins will likely part with him. The Dolphins had inquired this past season, and no deal could be had due to what was reported to be a pretty fat ask of what was at the very least a 2nd round pick. The other hold up I can foresee is that he wants to get paid. $20 million a year on a 3 year deal is not out of the question. You can make the case that (if healthy), Trent Williams is easily a top 3 Tackle in the NFL, and you can make a pretty good case that he might be the very best at left tackle. Trent is also versatile, and capable of making a switch to Right Tackle, just in case Miami drafts a left handed Quarterback in the first round. At #5 or higher. From Alabama. Via ‘Ewa Beach, Hawaii. Trent makes too much sense.


DRAFT ONE, OR TWO, OR THREE.

This is the harder part of the equation. There are 4 strong tackle prospects in this draft that all figure to go before the Dolphins use their 2nd pick of the first round at #18. They are, in no particular order: Andrew Thomas (Georgia, LT), Mekhi Becton (Louisville, LT), Tristan Wirfs (Iowa, RT), Jedrick Wills (Alabama, RT). You gotta think that the decision is made rather easy at #18 if any of these four drop to you. But let’s operate on the assumption that all four get taken before #18 (likely), and the Dolphins don’t have the appetite to package picks to move up (also likely). I have two “VONTAE MACK, NO MATTER WHAT” guys. One for the first round, and one for the second round, and possibly for that #26 pick.

 

JOSH JONES, HOUSTON LT, 6′-5″ 319 lbs.

Josh Jones is a dancer, and an athlete playing tackle in the mold of former Miami standout Laremy Tunsil. The advanced metrics love him as evidenced by the video above, and his senior bowl week was top notch. Jones has consistently improved almost game for game leading up to his last at Houston, despite having 4 Offensive Line coaches in 4 years. He is quick out of his stance, and moves effortlessly to the second level in the run game. A tell tale sign for these guys on tape in the run game is if they can find guys to hit, or do they tend to wander aimlessly when they are asked to make those reach blocks. Jones always seems to find his man. Jones is asking for coaching, as his technique is not as polished as you would like for a day 1 starter, but if his current “arrow up” trajectory means anything, he will take to NFL coaching and be a starter in year 1 in the NFL. I take him at #18 without hesitation (if the “big 4” are gone).

 

LUCAS NIANG, TCU RT, 6′-6″ 315 lbs.

Ok, this is probably a reach at #26, but in the 2nd round, you can find yourself regretting it down the road if you pass on him at #39 or #56. Now, he is coming off a Hip Injury/Surgery as he only played in 7 games in 2019. I can hear you grumbling. He is expected to make a complete recovery and be ready for workouts as soon as this summer. Niang is a very aware people mover, that plays with a great deal of intelligence and technique. He drops to anchor and stonewall the bull rush consistently on tape. He is also the type to find people to hit and he finishes blocks in space which is impressive for such a big man. He has had success against the bigger names he has faced throughout his career. What pops immediately as you watch Niang is how aware he is, and his professional demeanor. The best way I can put it is this: “Lucas Niang, plays like an adult.” Easy take for me with either pick in the 2nd round, strong debate at #26 if there is a run on tackles.

 

Alfredo Arteaga (@Alf_Arteaga) is one-third of the trio that hosts the Three Yards Per Carry (@3YardsPerCarry) podcast.

2020 Miami Dolphins Free Agency Tracker

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Despite everything going on in the world, the new NFL league year will begin as planned and NFL Free agency has begun! Which means, the start of the most important offseason in Miami Dolphins history is upon us. Lucky for you, we will take all of the news, rumors, and free-agent signing from around the internet and bring them to you in one place-HERE.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy.

This is the official 2020 Miami Dolphins Free Agency Tracker.

Signings

Miami adds linebacker depth with Kamu Grugier-Hill

Dolphins re-sign Safety Adrian Colbert

Miami Patriots sign another former New England Captain

 

Dolphins poach Ted Karras from New England

The Dolphins add another special teams captain 

Miami gets someone better than Kallen Ballage for their backfield

 

Dolphins start to build out the trenches with a short deal

 

Dolphins make Byron Jones highest-paid cornerback in NFL

 

Miami signs Safety Clayton Fejedelem

 

Dolphins agree to terms with OG Ereck Flowers

 

Dolphins agree to terms with DE Shaq Lawson

Wide Receiver Isaiah Ford, Linebacker Trent Harris, and Defensive Tackle Zach Sieler have been tendered.

 

Rumors

Is Byron Jones a possibility? 

 

Dolphins have interest in EDGE Shaq Lawson

Cuts

Safety Reshad Jones

Center Daniel Kilgore

Miami Dolphins sign ex-Patriot linebacker Elandon Roberts

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The Miami Dolphins are continuing to restock their roster during free agency. Wednesday, they signed another former New England Patriot to the roster. Linebacker Elandon Roberts is coming to the team per multiple media reports.

Roberts has spent the last four seasons with New England. His best season came in the 2017 campaign. He proved to be a sturdy linebacker for the Patriots that year. Recording 67 tackles and two sacks, he also managed to tally a pass deflection and fumble recovery.

Roberts proved very adept at getting to the quarterback, recording six quarterback hits on the year.

In four seasons with the Patriots, Roberts recorded 206 combined tackles and 14 quarterback hits for the Patriots.

He will bring experience and stability to the Miami linebacking group. Already, we have seen the likes of Kyle Van Noy come to the Miami linebacker group. Brian Flores worked with both of these guys as a member of the New England coaching staff. He knows what these two can produce.

As far as Roberts is concerned, he is a sure tackler who is not afraid to play with aggression and break up a play. He is not going to go to a Pro Bowl anytime soon. However, he is a player that is going to give it his all every single snap. These are the types of players that Flores wants to put on this football team.

The signing of Roberts on Wednesday signifies that Flores wants to build his roster similar to New England. Given how much the Patriots have gotten out of tough, grind-it-out type of players, that may not be a bad thing. One thing is for certain. Miami has a plan about how they want to construct their roster.

It will be interesting to see what the Miami Dolphins do the rest of the way. They still have the NFL Draft. Now, they are in a much better position and have flexibility when selecting.

Miami Dolphins: Jordan Howard scampers his way into town

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The Miami Dolphins have been busy in free agency, and Tuesday was no exception. They signed former Philadelphia Eagles running back Jordan Howard to a two-year deal worth north of $10 million.

Howard played with the Philadelphia Eagles last season. He carried the ball 119 times for 525 yards and six touchdowns. Averaging 52.5 yards per contest, he was splitting carries with rookie Miles Sanders.

His best years to this point in his career came with the Chicago Bears. Howard rushed for over 1,000 yards in the 2016 and 2017 seasons. He made the Pro Bowl in 2016 after rushing for 1,313 yards and six touchdowns. He also proved to be extremely durable in Chicago. Howard started in all 16 games in 2017, and started in 15 out of 16 games in 2018.

The Eagles had Howard play in 10 games, four of which he started.

Howard gives boost to Miami Dolphins rushing game

This is a solid pickup for a Miami Dolphins rushing attack that struggled last season. The Miami Dolphins ranked last in the entire National Football League in rushing. They recorded 305 total points on the season via the running game. Rushing for 1,156 yards on the season, they averaged 3.3 yards per carry.

Howard is definitely an upgrade for a Miami Dolphins rushing attack that needs a boost. This was a terrific signing for the team, considering they did all of their big spending earlier in the process of free agency. He is a veteran pickup that should be able to help them right away. I would not expect a Pro bowl performance from him in 2020, but you never know.

It will be interesting to see if the Miami Dolphins make more moves over the course of free agency. They have done a solid job identifying needs for their team. Not only that, we have yet to see what is going to happen in the Draft.

CORONAVIRUS Sports Tracker: Frequent Updates

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The widespread coronavirus outbreak has impacted professional and collegiate sports across the nation.

Most recent at the top….

Hey, finally some good news!

—-
THE MASTERS is now postponed. Could mark first time in history that the tournament is not played in April.


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THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP is now cancelled, along with every PGA event till the first week of April.

…..

Charles Barkley is among the latest to self-quarantine.

 

The Heat are working on something to help arena workers. More details to come.

 

Some NBA teams are doing the right thing.

 

Dwyane Wade doesn’t understand what the local school officials here are doing.

 

The XFL has caved. So much for the rebirth… for now.

 

It’s now infecting international soccer.

 

NBA will be suspended for 30 days.

Essentially that means the regular season is over.

 

Goodbye March Madness.

 

More details on the NBA coming soon.

 

Dan Gilbert is ahead of Micky Arison on something.

One league seems intent on outlasting all the others.

The entire ACC has postponed spring practice for all teams, which may also put the Hurricanes spring game in jeopardy.

 

Fans of the Marlins will have to wait a few extra weeks…

The American Airlines Arena has canceled all major events for the rest of March.

 

There will also be no NFL Spring meeting in Palm Beach for the time being.

 

 

The National Hockey League has suspended their season as well.

 

 

 

The Florida Atlantic University basketball season is over….

NFL now headed for a shutdown. Hard to see how free agency proceeds as scheduled…

So much for that InterMiami home debut.

Yes, it is already affecting prep for the NFL draft.

We are now waiting on the NHL.

A second NBA star has been diagnosed.

 

After it was learned Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the virus, the NBA has suspended the season indefinitely.

 

The NCAA had already announced that all men’s and women’s basketball tournaments would be held without fans.

 

Locally, besides the Miami Heat other sporting events are being cancelled or postponed including the upcoming Miami Open.