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 NBA Mock Draft Plus Possible Miami Heat Picks

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There are many players drawing uncertainties as they enter the NBA draft this coming year. Since teams are unable to see the players true colors during March Madness, everything seems up in the air about guys. Even though it seems as if the draft will most likely be pushed back, here’s a mock draft using the current standings.

1. Golden State Warriors: Anthony Edwards

  (Georgia, SG, 19 PPG)

Anthony Edwards is the best prospect by far in this draft since he already has a polished game that’ll translate well into the NBA.

 

2. Cleveland Cavaliers: LaMelo Ball

(Illawarra Hawks, PG, 17 PPG)

LaMelo Ball has the most potential out of any prospect in this draft, while being such a confident scorer, he has great vision averaging 8 assists per game.

 

3. Minnesota Timberwolves: Obi Toppin

(Dayton, PF, 20 PPG)

Obi Toppin is a high flying and super athletic player, who is most known for his vertical and dunk packages, while his shooting has gone majorly underrated after he improved his three ball in his last ten games.

 

4. Atlanta Hawks: Deni Avdija

(Maccabi Tel Aviv, SF, 12 PPG)

Deni is an outstanding shooter and has a great IQ for the game, and would fit in nicely next to Trae Young to try and make a Curry and Klay type of backcourt.

 

5. Detroit Pistons: James Wiseman

(Memphis, C, 20 PPG)

James Wiseman has a great feel once he gets the ball in his hands inside the paint, and would replace Drummond perfect as they can build around an improving 20 year old center.

 

6. New York Knicks: Cole Anthony

(North Carolina, PG, 19 PPG)

Cole Anthony is a very explosive point guard that would give the Knicks a fun young player to watch, who has the guts to play in a city like New York.

 

7. Chicago Bulls: RJ Hampton

(New Zealand Breakers, SG, 9 PPG)

RJ Hampton is another all around player with great scoring and passing ability, but his draft stock fell once he didn’t get as many minutes as he would’ve liked overseas.

 

8. Charlotte Hornets: Killian Hayes

(France, PG, 13 PPG)

Killian Hayes has major upside and has an opportunity to get even drafted higher with his slashing and passing abilities, and while Devonta Graham has had a great year, moving him to the 2 might be better as he has been a great three point shooter the past year.

 

9. Washington Wizards: Onyeka Okongwu

(USC, C, 16 PPG)

Okongwu has been turning heads since he played with the Ball brothers in high school, and putting his athleticism and defensive versatilities next to Wall and Beal would be a great start for the next couple of years.

 

10. Phoenix Suns: Tyrese Haliburton

(Iowa State, PG, 15 PPG)

Tyrese Haliburton has unbelievable passing abilities, and is able to play off the ball which would complement Devin Booker perfectly, and give them a young PG which is what they need.

 

11. San Antonio Spurs: Issac Okoro

(Auburn, SF, 13 PPG)

Issac Okoro is by far the best defensive wing in this draft and can guard all 5 positions at times, which will fit into the Spurs system perfectly.

 

12. Sacramento Kings: Tyrese Maxey

(Kentucky, SG, 14 PPG)

Tyrese Maxey is a player that doesn’t lack an ounce of confidence on the court with the ball in his hands, while he is streaky with his shooting ability, he would be a great spark off the bench for the Kings to replace Fox or Hield.

 

13. New Orleans Pelicans: Precious Achiuwa 

(Memphis, PF/C, 16 PPG)

Precious Achiuwa likes to establish himself in the paint at all times which causes him to draw many fouls by the basket, and he is also one of the best rebounders in this draft at only 6’9.

 

14. Portland Trail Blazers: Devin Vassell

(Florida State, SF, 13 PPG)

Devin Vassell is one of the top shooters in this draft class and can defend both the perimeter and paint at a high level, which will entice the Blazers to put him next to Lillard and McCollum.

And….

23. Miami Heat: Vernon Carey Jr

(Duke, C, 18 PPG)

Vernon Carey is a South Florida native who grew up around the Heat as he turned heads constantly in high school. He uses his size inside the paint to score, but has one of the best big man passing abilities in the draft. Having a center come off the bench who can rebound at a high level would be perfect for Miami, which is where they struggle at times.

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

THE EXTRA YARD: Fins remain interested in Gurley, Gordon.

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Fivereasonssports and Three Yards per Carry have learned that the Miami Dolphins have an interest in acquiring former Rams running back Todd Gurley, according to a league source.

We can also corroborate the Adam Schefter report of the Dolphins being interested in acquiring Gurley via trade.

As a fall back position, or an either/or strategy, We have also learned that Miami has not closed the door on being able to sign Melvin Gordon, although efforts have proved difficult so far.

With the acquisition of Jordan Howard, any of these combinations would give the Dolphins a formidable one /two punch in the backfield.

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.

 

Heat Fall To Hornets Before NBA Season Suspended

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The Miami Heat fall to the Charlotte Hornets 109-98, which might’ve been the last game of the season for the Miami Heat and the rest of the NBA. The news broke that the NBA season has officially been suspended due to Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz testing positive for the Corona Virus.


Well, here’s how the game played out…

The Heat came out in the first with a similar energy they usually play with at home. Miami came out hot behind Derrick Jones Jr’s 13 point first quarter, going 3/3 from the three point line in this span. Kendrick Nunn also contributed 10 points on 4/4 shooting. The Heat only missed 3 shots in the first quarter. Miami led 40-22 at the end of the first quarter, which looked like it was heading towards a blowout.

The second and third quarters were a total nightmare for Miami. The Heat totally fell apart on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Miami played the exact opposite type of basketball that they played in the first quarter. When you live and die by the three point line, some nights aren’t going to go your way. The Heat couldn’t hit shots after the first quarter, which went from the Heat being up 20 to down 10 at the end of the third.

The Heat tried to make a late fourth quarter run behind Bam Adebayo’s big night. Bam scored 21 points along with 10 assists and 6 rebounds. Devonte Graham hit some big shots down the stretch on a 30 point night. This led to a 109-98 Miami loss on a tough night for the whole NBA.

 

Reshad Jones

Miami Dolphins: Reshad Jones set to hit free agency

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The Miami Dolphins and a Pro Bowl player are parting ways. The team is releasing Reshad Jones. In a move that will become official March 18, this will free up $5.3 million in salary cap.

It is very clear that the Miami Dolphins are going in a new direction. For his part last season, Jones played in four games, recording 27 tackles and a pass deflection.

He dealt with injuries last year, having been placed on the injured reserve  November 20 with an undisclosed injury.

Jones also dealt with rib and chest injuries. This is something that he struggled with throughout most of October and into November. To be clear, his  stint on the injured reserve was separate from the rib and chest injuries.

Jones made the Pro Bowl in the 2015 and 2017 seasons. He put up tremendous numbers in both of those years. In 2015, he tallied five interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. The two touchdowns via interception the league.

In 2017, he recorded two interceptions, and recovered two fumbles four touchdowns. He has been an explosive playmaker for the Miami Dolphins ever since he came into the league in 2010.

He finishes his Miami career playing in 128 games. In addition, he recorded 21 interceptions and 55 pass deflections. He also proved to be a decent pass-rusher for Miami, recording 10.5 sacks in his Miami career.

Now at age 31, he is set to hit the market. The Miami Dolphins certainly got some of his most productive years. Jones would be an asset to any secondary.

This is certainly another move that indicates the Miami Dolphins are trying to rebuild their organization a bit. We have seen coaches come and go quite a bit this offseason, and it’s all part of the retooling the Dolphins are doing to try and compete.