Miami Dolphins

Quickie Dolphins Camp Notes Day 2

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DAY 2

– Glorious day today. Clear skies. Not too hot.
– Ok, forget that, It’s like the 7th ring of hell out here.
– “Allen Hurns is here to bring competition.”- Coach Flores.
– Allen Hurns is also necessary. As our own Chris Kouffman pointed out (@ckparrot), they need a true slot guy, and they had nobody on the roster that did what a true slot has done for the New England Patriots all these years.
– Albert Wilson not limited. Will not practice.
– Pads come on tomorrow (Saturday).
– Excited to see Chris Reed. Excited to see Woodard, Carradine. Some physicality.
– Players will get tested on recall from day 1 install on day 2 and so forth.- Coach Flores

– TJ McDonald is off PUP. The Rest remain. TJ McDonald looks pretty good out there. Slim. Sleek. He had a “bloated” heavy look last year in camp. He showed up in shape this year. Will say this. Further review of his 2018 film reveals a very good NFL player on a friendly contract.
– Charles Harris has lined up wide on each side of the formation. Going to be interesting to see how it translates when people actually try to block you.
– The Team stretch is unlike any team stretch I’ve seen before. You gotta see it to understand. Perpetual motion. Emphasis on staying loose, Hydration.
– QB’s warming up. Rosen never drives it during warmups. He is today. On Day 1, it was lolly pops. He is showing some power today.
– Mike Gesicki might have the best hands on the team. I don’t remember his last drop.
– He just dropped one.
– Goal line work with the QB’s. Rosen displays some touch.
– Rosen being bad throwing on the run, is a thing.
– We are not allowed to talk about what they are specifically doing, but the run game is going to be completely different in every aspect, from play call, alignment, even cadence
– This DJ is on FIYAH. That was Biggie, Wu-Tang Clan, and Busta Rhymes, back to back to back. I was tempted to perform on press row, and then I came face to face with my own mortality as I realized that most of these players were not born when these artists were at the peak of their powers.

Header for first day of training camp

– DeVante Parker, well. He’s good. Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah. I get it.
– Josh Rosen has some moments. Good on an over route. Fast on an option route. Quick to recognize the back in the flat.
– Good for Josh Rosen, but he is not the best QB on this field, and it’s obvious.
– Some 11v11 here….Rosen threw late on a cross. You can see he wanted the guy to clear the zone…good idea, bad execution. Incomplete.
– Uneventful practice today. A lot of Indy drills. Pads come on tomorrow, so it makes sense that they have a lite practice.
– Pads tomorrow. We get to learn MUCH MORE.

Practice MVP: Preston Williams, Brice Butler
Struggled: NOBODY

 

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

Why do you hate the Heat, America?

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The NBA’s best legal tampering period is right around the corner and Miami is being left out.

USA Basketball Men’s National Team Training Camp opens in Las Vegas on August 5th. And so far, there’s been zero mention of any Miami Heat players – specifically Bam Adebayo and Justise Winslow – being invited to participate. Now, that could change. Guys are seemingly dropping out every second.

But we all know the national biased against Heat players.

A month ago, Josh Richardson was just “a nice player” to some. Yet the second he’s traded to Philly everybody loves him, even Team USA apparently. So, it feels safe to say the roster will pretty much remain as it currently stands. And that is a damn shame. Not just for Bam and Justise, who deserve to be in Vegas, but for the Miami Heat organization.

USA Basketball isn’t just patriotic, it’s strategic. Besides All-Star weekend, where else can you find the game’s best talents training together, in a single gym? And fans in Miami know all about the benefits of great players spending ample time together, on and off the court. Yes, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James were friends before USA Basketball. But it was the Gold-Medal winning Redeam Team that really strengthened their bond. It also served as a trial run for what would become the eventual Big 3 in Miami with Chris Bosh, another USA Basketball running mate.

Great players want to play with other great players. They notice who gets the accolades and attention. That stuff matters. That’s why when Jerry Colangelo (Director of USA Basketball) calls, players should ALWAYS answer.

Now I’m not saying that if you send Bam and Winslow to Vegas for practice they’re coming back to Miami with another All-Star. But I am saying that putting them in a competitive environment amongst elite talent, will only further elevate their game. More importantly, their contacts around the league. If I’m the Miami Heat, I want Justise to go to Team USA practice and prove that his PointGOD skills have gotten much #Better. And just imagine the OoooooooOOOOooooo echoing around the gym as Bam throws down a breakaway dunk.

Everyone in the gym will walk away saying – I need to go to Miami and play with those guys!

So fine, have it your way America. Bam and Justise will sit this one out while Marcus Smart and Thaddeus Young represent our country.

Hopefully USA Basketball will have a brighter future.

Important Update: WE DID IT!!!

 

Allen Hurns signing story

Dolphins sign WR Allen Hurns to one-year, $3 million dollar deal

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Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, after a successful tryout, the Miami Dolphins are signing veteran wide receiver Allen Hurns to a one-year, $3 million dollar contract.

This comes only days after the Dallas Cowboys released Hurns after he refused to take a pay cut and chose to test the free agent market.

“I’m good,” Hurns said during an interview with NFL Network. “Just wished they did this earlier, they asked me for a pay cut Monday, couple days before camp.”

Hurns, 27, spent the offseason recovering from a serious ankle injury he suffered in the Wild Card round of the playoffs last season against the Seattle Seahawks. Hurns is ready to play, and he’s a productive wide receiver when healthy.

“No limitations,” Hurns said. “I was set to be full go for camp, so I’m ready.”

Now, Hurns will be dressing in aqua and orange instead of Cowboy colors. He joins a crowded WR room that includes Kenny Stills, Albert Wilson, Jakeem Grant, DeVante Parker, Brice Butler, Isaiah Ford, and more.

“We saw a player who we thought was a good player,” said head coach Brian Flores during a press conference. “Could add some value to our roster, and that’s kinda how we’ll do business moving forward. If there’s a good player out there we feel like adds value to our team, we’ll try to add that player … that was the case here.”

Listed at 6’3″, 201 pounds, Hurns can line up outside and on the slot, adding more versatility. Hurns originally signed with the Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2014. He has a career total 209 receptions for 2,964 yards and 23 touchdowns. 2015 was his best year, where he eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving, catching passes from Blake Bortles.

While Allen Hurns doesn’t necessarily bring something new to the table, he’s another solid option to compete in camp. The offense Miami has in mind thrives on players being versatile. More players who can do it all gives offensive coordinator Chad O’Shea more wiggle room. As training camp continues, Hurns will get a chance to prove he can be a top performer. His first practice starts immediately.

Header for Ryan Fitzpatrick Story

Dolphins QB Ryan Fitzpatrick focusing on himself amid camp competition

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Dolphins QB Ryan Fitzpatrick is in a very unique situation at this stage in his career. On the one hand, he’s in Miami to be the starter for the 2019 season. He signed his contract expecting that to be the case.

On the other hand, Fitzpatrick is expected to take young players under his wing. That’s what 15-year veterans should do. The Dolphins traded for QB Josh Rosen during the draft. Rosen is only a second-year player and has a lot of learning to do still. Fitzpatrick’s knowledge and experience would be invaluable to a young QB still figuring out the nuances of the NFL.

But Rosen is also Fitzpatrick’s main competition in training camp. Whatever knowledge he passes onto Rosen will technically be used against him as they both compete for the starting job. So how is Fitzpatrick handling this situation?

He’s focusing on improving his own game.

“I’m just trying to be the best version of me that I can be. That really is it.” Fitzpatrick said Thursday. “There are so many things that I’ve just continued to get better at in my game. Knowing who I am as a player and working on my deficiencies, communication is something I try to pride myself on. Just the communication with the guys and making sure we’re on the same page.”

So Fitzpatrick is still gunning for the starting job. So far, he’s doing an excellent job, as Fitzpatrick has outperformed Rosen in nearly every practice they’ve had together prior to training camp. He continued that trend on day one of camp.

But does this mean Fitzpatrick is leaving Rosen to fend for himself? Is he forgoing his veteran duties and forcing the young player to stumble along with no guidance?

The answer, simply, is no. However, he’s taking a more demonstrative approach than anything.

“We spend so much time together – me, Josh and Jake (Rudock) and (Assistant Quarterbacks Coach) Jerry (Schuplinski) in that room as well.” He said. “There’s a lot of stuff that we’ll discuss in that room and some of it is me and my experience and maybe, as a quarterback, you develop scars, bad plays, things that you want to try to avoid.

“A lot of what I do is just offer information and if people want to take the information and go with it, they can. There’s been a lot of situations that I’ve been in – good ones and bad ones – that I try to share with them and pass on. Again, one of my things with that is to work as hard as I can and focus on me, and then hopefully that rubs off on everybody.”

It’s a very delicate balancing act Ryan Fitzpatrick is doing. He wants to help Rosen. He also wants to be the starter. At 36 years old, realistically he doesn’t have much football left. It makes sense that wants to spend his last years actually playing the game he loves. He doesn’t want to sit on the sidelines.

“I hate just giving the same answer but I enjoy being out here and playing football, and try to take advantage of every rep I get.” He said. “I know in this league it’s hard to come by opportunities and you just do the best you can and take advantage of each one that you get.”

So far, he’s on track to get exactly what he wants.

Header for Laremy Tunsil story

Dolphins LT Laremy Tunsil expresses desire to stay in Miami

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It’s quickly becoming evident that Dolphins left tackle Laremy Tunsil is a rising star. He rarely allows sacks, he’s improving in the run game, and he’s still under contract for the next two seasons thanks to the NFL’s fifth-year option. However, it would be wise for Miami to lock him up before it gets to that point.

True, Tunsil is not the kind of person who will show up to camp in an armored truck to express his desire to get paid. That distinction lays solely on the shoulder of Jaguars defensive back Jalen Ramsey.

But this does not mean that leaving Tunsil without a long-term contract is a smart move. Tunsil would earn a pretty penny on the free agent market, and the longer he goes without a new contract, the more expensive he projects to be.

This is precisely why the Dolphins made an excellent move locking up star cornerback Xavien Howard before his contract ran out. As a core member of the team, Howard is expected to be a staple of the defense for years to come. And while he’s the highest paid corner in football right now, that easily could change in 2020. Young stars Trae Waynes and Marcus Peters are set to be free agents in 2020. Between the two of them, they’re bound to command at least as much as Howard, if not more. If they had signed first, it would have increased Howard’s price by default.

Fortunately, Tunsil seems focused on football now that camp is in session.

“That’s not a concern for me right now.” He said Thursday after practice. “I’m trying to be the best that I can be and help the team any way I can, and just keep it going day-by-day.”

Day by day, he’s proving to everyone he’s worth the title of franchise left tackle, in spite of certain assumptions. NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger recently called Tunsil the best young left tackle in football. High praise, given how many excellent left tackles there are in the league.

But does Tunsil want to be paid like he’s the best?

“Day-by-day, man.” He said. “We’ll see. I’m going to let my actions talk.”

Noncommittal to be sure, but that’s to be expected from the low-key Tunsil. One thing he did say though is that he would love to remain in Miami for the rest of his career.

“I would love that.” He said. “I would love to be with one organization for the rest of my career. That’s just a goal for everybody. Nobody wants to leave.”

The stability of staying with one organization for a whole career is a rarity to be sure. With any luck, Tunsil will get his wish. Which means the Dolphins, who want to keep Laremy Tunsil for a long time, will get theirs as well.

Quickie Miami Dolphins Camp Notes (Day 1)

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DAY 1

– Hot day for sure, but not muggy. It’s bearable.
– Full house for the media. Haven’t seen this many media members since Flores was hired. Even Greg Cote is here. Standing room only.
– Brian Flores availability runs 10 minutes late.
– Flores remarks’ was basically boiler plate stuff, but he did make some news by saying he had no timetable for determining who the starter at Quarterback will be.
– TJ McDonald, Dwayne Allen, Cordrea Tankersley, Mike Hull on the PUP. Will not participate. Albert Wilson limited.
– More News? Flores alludes to the Captains being chosen by coaches this year.
– Availability ends, Flores came in after a workout, and made good work of his press time. Growing into job.
– Stills and Grant warm up together. Parker joins the group.
– Practice kicks off for first time in forever with individual warmups, then move into some goal line work, then a team stretch.
– 1st Team OL is: Tunsil, Reed, Kilgore, Davis, Mills.
– DeVante Parker is bigger. Looks different this year. Yeah, I know…*drink*
– Laremy Tunsil, and Chris Reed really look the part. Stout, slim, solid athletes. High hopes for Reed, Just pay Laremy already.
– Oh, there goes Jakeem Grant. Day 1 of camp might as well be the Super Bowl for him. Effort will never be a problem with him.
– On effort…Preston Williams. Kinda lackadaisical. Takes it easy in warm ups. Would like to see a stronger sense of urgency.
– Both QB’s display remarkable touch throwing the fade in drills. A skill that was lost under past signal callers.
– Jakeem Grant puts Jomal Wiltz in the “popcorn machine”. goes out, in, out, spins….Wiltz does the Macarena…TD Grant.
– Wiltz is getting plenty of reps, and you can see why they would like him. Plays low. Twitchy.
– It’s July! Mike Gesicki MOSSES Bobby McCain.
– Jalen Davis on the boundary alert. Jalen Davis gets beat bad by Jakeem Grant.
– Parker makes the catch of the day on a deep in-cut from Ryan Fitzpatrick.
– Fitzpatrick deep ball to Preston Williams,incomplete, but a perfect ball. Williams tangles his feet with Eric Rowe.
– Eric Rowe seems to start camp as the top boundary Corner opposite of Xavien Howard.
– Josh Rosen has the worst rep of the day. Sails a swing pass over Ballage’ head into the sideline.
– Parker beats Rowe and Fitzpatrick seems to have a favorite receiver early on.
– Last year, Mike Gesicki abused Reshad Jones on goal line drills. This year, Reshad wins the two battles they had.
– Josh Rosen Red Zone interception. *drink*
– Isaiah Prince works at RG and RT.
– Rosen makes his first good throw late in practice. a perfect dime to the back of the end zone into a void in the zone. Nick O’Leary TD.

 

Practice MVP: Jakeem Grant, Ryan Fitzpatrick
Struggled: Jomal Wiltz, Josh Rosen, Eric Rowe.

 

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

Miami Hurricanes – QB’s in Spotlight as Camp Nears

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The 2019 Miami Hurricanes football team will kick off Fall Camp this Friday, and one group in particular is in the spotlight.

It’s no secret there is open competition in the quarterback room, with three main contenders.

N’Kosi Perry, Tate Martell, and Jarren Williams are the three to watch, each has their own intriguing storyline.

Who Steps up?

There is no clear favorite one month from the regular season, so whoever emerges first may get the call in week one.

Jarren Williams has all the athletic tools and skills you look for at the position.

A top ranked recruit entering college, the 6-foot-2 red shirt freshman should get equal run in camp with his competitors under a new coaching staff.

Williams has great feet and a strong arm with solid fundamentals and footwork, and may be the most well-rounded of the three.

It remains to be seen where he lands on the depth chart, and that could determine his long term future with the program as well.

Incumbent Perry at no Advantage

N’Kosi Perry comes off of a 2018 season where he showed flashes, yet struggled with consistency.

Accuracy was the real problem for Perry as he completed just 50.8% of his attempts (97 out of 191) as a redshirt freshman.

There were a few highs during the season. In his first sustained game action in week three against FIU, he notched a career high 224 yards to go along with three touchdowns.

Perry and the team were riding high after a 5-0 start, but the wheels fell off for the quarterback in the second half.

Miami dropped three straight in ACC play and Perry managed only two touchdown passes in his final six games.

Perry has had some off field concerns as well which have called his maturity into question.

He did have a solid spring so it will be important for him to show continued poise and leadership, along with improved performance if he wants to secure the starting gig.

Martell the Wildcard

Adding competition and complication to the mix is Ohio State transfer Tate Martell, whose journey to Miami is well known.

Martell joined the Hurricanes via the transfer portal, something that sounds like a time machine.

It was suspenseful leading up to his arrival due to his transfer status, with that behind him he must prove he can take control and be the alpha.

One of the most hyped prospects nationally out of high school, Martell spent two years in Columbus but never took hold of the starting job.

His vocal leadership style and intensity are a breath of fresh air for the quarterback group and his teammates alike.

Martell seems like the type of personality that could galvanize a team. He doesn’t possess the same arm talent as Williams or Perry but has great mobility and excels outside of the pocket, traits that may suit him well under new OC Dan Enos.

 

In one of the more wide open quarterback competitions in recent memory, each player brings his own strengths and weaknesses to the table.

On an even playing field, it may come down to intangibles to determine who wins the starting job.

Chemistry and leadership will be a factor.

It should be an interesting battle, and one that could determine the fate of the 2019 Miami Hurricanes.

Follow us on Twitter @5ReasonsSports and @SportsWaveDave.

Check out the 5 Rings Canes podcast for exclusive Miami Hurricanes content all year long.

 

Header for story of Jayrone Elliott release

Dolphins release LB Jayrone Elliott, place T.J. McDonald on PUP

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Prior to the first day that training camp is open to the public, the Miami Dolphins made two surprising roster moves. Star AAF pass rusher Jayrone Elliott was waived, and veteran safety T.J. McDonald was added to the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.

The move to waive Elliott is particularly surprising. Miami gave the young pass rusher one of the largest signing bonuses of any AAF signee. Elliott racked up 7.5 sacks in eight games while in the AAF, and with the Dolphins short on pass rushers, one has to wonder what the mindset behind the move is. Miami’s front office is well aware that Elliott is something of a one-trick pony, but he is good at that trick. He was always a dark horse, but it’s surprising that he didn’t even make it to camp.

This may indicate that the Dolphins are looking for players who offer more versatility. As head coach Brian Flores comes from New England, players who resemble the likes of Trey Flowers may receive priority. Bulkier types who are strong and good with their hands. Elliott did not project as such.

With Jayrone Elliott gone, perhaps the Dolphins are exploring other options for pass rusher. Veteran Nick Perry is still available on the open market, as well as recently released DT Mike Daniels. Either player could boost Miami’s defensive line.

Safety T.J. McDonald was placed on the PUP list due to an undisclosed injury. Though it is not expected to be serious, it is somewhat sudden to hear that McDonald won’t be on the field for the start of camp. This will give extra opportunities for some younger players though. Maurice Smith, another dark horse, has flashed talent numerous times but there’s never been space for him on the roster. With McDonald out for the foreseeable future, this gives Smith a chance to display his continuing development.

Already training camp is proving to be eventful, and it hasn’t even begun.

UM Fall Camp 2019: Offensive Superlatives

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Thursday is the first day of fall camp for Manny Diaz and the Miami Hurricanes as they are less than one month away from reviving their rivalry against Dan Mullen’s Florida Gators. That means the clock is ticking for the Canes to figure out who their starting quarterback is as well as finding out the right combination of big men up front to protect the quarterback. Here’s my prediction on who are my projected starters for this season as well as players that have something to prove, and a few guys you should not sleep on.

 

Quarterback

 

Projected Starter: RS sophomore N’Kosi Perry

 

Of course, it’s no secret that Perry holds the edge coming into fall camp due to his experience and pedigree. He has the arm and dual-threat ability that coach Diaz covets in a quarterback. The only thing downfall Perry has is his consistency and his maturity (noted by a couple of suspensions stemming from the off-the-field incidents. N’Kosi went 4-2 as a starter last season, throwing for 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. He can make all the throws but his accuracy can be slightly off at times, as noted by his 51% completion percentage last season. An improved offensive line as well as a new offensive scheme could prove to work in Perry’s favor should he have an amazing camp performance. 

 

Something to Prove: RS sophomore Tate Martell

 

When Manny Diaz hit the transfer portal in search of more talent, Martell was one of his biggest hauls. He was recruited by Miami in 2017 but ultimately chose to play at Ohio State and chose to transfer after the arrival of Justin Fields. He received real playing time in only one game during his time in Colombus (10-10, 121 yards, 47-yard TD run) and there were definitely a lot of positives on the tape, like his ability to tuck the ball and run when plays break down. However, he is not full polished as a passer, as he is more comfortable in the shotgun formation than under center. His play in the spring was very up-and-down as he is still trying to get acclimated with offensive coordinator Dan Enos’ system. On the bright side, the coaching staff seems very keen on giving each guy an equal opportunity at becoming the starter and Martell running onto the field on the opening drive on 8/24 is still a possibility. 

 

Sleeper: RS freshman Jarren Williams

 

To some, Williams may be 3rd on the hypothetical depth chart but his ability should not be overlooked. As a passer, he’s more advanced than Martell and has solid footwork with a solid arm and is not afraid to go through his progressions when looking for an open receiver. There were rumors about Williams considering a transfer earlier this year but he has reconsidered and seems more than willing to risk all the marbles for a shot at the starting quarterback position. 

 

Running Back

 

Starter: Junior Deejay Dallas

 

Dallas has been a very reliable running back for Miami over the past couple of seasons and that does not change heading into 2019. It’s looking like the Dallas is the presumable starter for 2019 after Travis Homer declared for the NFL Draft and while serving as Homer’s backup, he still found a way to find the endzone six times with 617 yards on 5.7 yards/carry. 

 

Something to Prove: Sophomore Lorenzo Lingard

 

The highest-rated recruit in Miami’s 2018 class, expectations were sky high for Lingard in his freshman campaign. Lingard flashed some of his ability in the blowout win against Savannah State with 4 carries for 82 yards that included a 64-yard touchdown run. Unfortunately, a season-ending knee injury derailed his freshman season. Nagging injuries have followed Lingard into the spring and he may not be ready to hit the field until October. Lingard needs a solid season, especially with 2020 recruit Don Chaney waiting in the wings. 

 

Sleeper: Sophomore Cam Harris

 

Formerly known as Cameron Davis, Harris got plenty of playing time towards the end of last season and he took full advantage of it. In the two matchups versus Georgia Tech, the Carol City product had six carries for 48 yards and seven carries for 77 yards, respectively, while adding a rushing touchdown in both games. Harris added 13 carries for 57 yards in the Orlando spring game as well. He is the clear-cut backup heading into the season and it would be no surprise should he overtake Dallas as the starter this season and beyond. 

 

Wide Receiver

 

Projected Starters: Junior Jeff Thomas and senior KJ Osborn 

 

What’s crazy about Thomas and Osborn is that at one point in December, it looked like neither of them would even be on Miami’s roster, let alone start. Thomas initially “transferred” to Illinois, but Diaz’s first order of business once he got hired was to convince Thomas that #TheNewMiami was going to be something special. The skillset and ability of Thomas has to be accounted for by opposing defenses. Don’t forget, Jeff had five receptions for 132 yards against a talented LSU secondary in the season opener. Much has been said about Osborn and his maturity from the day he stepped foot on campus. Osborn is a grad transfer arriving via Buffalo to play out his final year of eligibility, finishing second on the team in 2018 with 892 yards on 53 receptions. A prominent role on Miami’s offense awaits Osborn in 2019. 

 

Something to Prove: Sophomore Mark Pope

 

Like Lingard, expectations were extremely high for Pope in his freshman season. He admitted earlier this spring that he did not study the playbook well enough in 2018, which led to his limited playing time. With a new wide receivers coach in Taylor Stubblefield as well as the receiver room getting much more crowded this season, there will most certainly be a sense of urgency for Mark to not only show why he was highly-recruited coming out of high school but also to prove he belongs in the receiver rotation. 

 

Sleepers: Sophomores Dee Wiggins and Brian Hightower, freshman Jeremiah Payton

 

There’s really no shortage of talent at the position that any of the younger players has the ability to break out at any time. In the 2018 spring game, Brian Hightower wowed with two touchdowns and Dee Wiggins was able to earn more playing time last season than Pope. The Canes are also bringing in freshman Jeremiah Payton and he has already impressed in spring workouts and should see the field at some point in 2019.

 

Tight End

 

Star: Sophomore Brevin Jordan

 

After a sensational freshman season that earned him All-ACC 2nd team honors, Brevin Jordan looks to build on that success in 2019. Jordan caught 32 passes for 287 yards and four touchdowns, which is very impressive considering Miami often shuffled the quarterback position last season. 

 

Something to Prove: RS junior Michael Irvin Jr.

 

Irvin has had the classic case of “butterfingers” for much of his career as he’s been very inconsistent with his ability to catch the ball. Irvin hasn’t really seen game action since 2017 as he suffered a season-ending knee injury in fall camp last year. His injury resulted in the breakout season of Jordan. Reports are that he’s had a tremendous spring so he will absolutely be in the tight end rotation but his sense of urgency must be high with the taller and younger Will Mallory trailing right behind him. 

 

Sleeper: Sophomore Will Mallory

 

Speaking of Mallory, the 6’5” 235 lb. sophomore appeared in ten games as a true freshman, finishing with five catches for 37 yards and a touchdown. The Jacksonville product should see an increase his production, assuming there is more consistent QB play and Dan Enos’ utilization of the tight end. Enos likes running two-tight end sets so while defenses may be worried about the big-play ability of Jordan, that should free up opportunities for Mallory.

 

Offensive Line

 

Projected Starters: Your guess is as good as mine

 

Outside of DJ Scaife at left tackle, Navaughn Donaldson on the left side, and Corey Gaynor at center, there’s really not that much clarity on the offensive line as there’s still shuffling to be made to find out the right combination. Gaynor spent most of spring practice hurt so Donaldson even got some burn at center. At RG, John Campbell may get his chance at getting valuable playing time, if not starting. Kai-Leon Herbert is a redshirt sophomore who could also get a look and see the field this season. Past that, depth is still lacking and one injury could set the Canes back by a lot. 

 

Something to Prove: RS senior Tommy Kennedy

 

When Kennedy committed to transfer to Miami over Oklahoma and Texas in December, many thought that he would be the answer at left tackle for 2019. Fast forward through spring and it’s looking a little bleak for him. The Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson reported that the previous coaching staff may have overestimated Kennedy’s talent level and his body may still need some reshaping. The Butler transfer has had his ups and downs through spring practice as it is clear he is still getting used to the type of talent level he is facing in practices. Kennedy came to Coral Gables because he believed it gave him the best shot at preparing himself for the NFL but after his underwhelming performance in the spring, the hope is that Kennedy will at least find a spot in the rotation as Enos and offensive line coach Butch Barry value his versatility. 

 

Sleeper: Zion Nelson

 

Nelson was one of the late pickups of the 2019 recruiting class as he fit the mold of the tall but lean linemen that Barry sought. Arriving on campus at  230 lbs. in January, it did not seem like Nelson would see the field in 2019 but as of April, he’s already up to 270 and with an incredible spring, he’s got a wee bit of a shot at starting at left tackle, if not right tackle. 

 

Marlins Best Trade Assets

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The July 31st trade deadline is only a week away and the Marlins are clearly sellers. The possibility of Miami trading one of their starting pitchers is now nothing but a memory. Trevor Richards was the most likely to be traded but a string of bad starts has deteriorated his value. In July, Richards is 0-3 with a 8.40 ERA. He has allowed 14 earned runs in 15 innings pitched while being struck for four home runs. His future is likely in the bullpen for the Marlins.

With Richards no longer having trade value, who is next up? Well there a few and they’re all veterans. Starlin Castro, Neil Walker, Curtis Granderson, Sergio Romo are among players who are more than likely gone by the deadline. I would have included Miguel Rojas in the list but I don’t see Miami trading him, his leadership is his greatest trait for the young core.

Starlin Castro

Starlin Castro has been on an absolute tear in July. Through 17 games in July, Castro is hitting for a .333 average with three home runs, nine RBIs and a .912 OPS. By far his best month to this point. He’s also hitting better during away games than he does at home, so a change of scenery could also be a factor in his value. Castro is hitting for a .265 average with five home runs and 22 BRIs in away games, clearly would play better away from unforgiving Marlins Park.

Neil Walker

Neil Walker was the Marlins’ best hitter before having a stint on the injured list. July hasn’t been his best month but his season hasn’t been terrible. Hitting for a .266 average with five home runs, 19 RBIs and a .730 OPS. He can play multiple positions and is a switch hitter. His ability to play multiple positions and to be able to hit from both sides of the plate will be nice a addition to a contender’s bench during a playoff run.

Curtis Granderson

To be quite honest, Granderson might be the toughest to trade besides Castro and his contract. Granderson has massively underperformed this year. Through 86 games this season, he is hitting for a .181 average with nine home runs and 26 RBIs in 237 at-bats. Not very good value with Granderson, but a contender may have a need for a lefty bench bat with a history of playoff experience.

Sergio Romo

Sergio Romo may have the best trade value of the four veterans. He has playoff and World Series experience under his belt as well as three World Series Championships. Through 36 games so far for the Marlins, Romo has a 2-0 record with a 3.68 ERA and 16 saves. A contending team that has had bullpen issues this year such as the Nationals, Brewers, Red Sox, Twins, Phillies, and maybe the Dodgers who are looking to solidify their already decent bullpen may inquire about Romo and give up a pretty decent prospect for him. The July 31st Trade Deadline should be fun.