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Let’s look closer at what was said at the combine
Lots of things were said by Dolphins general manager Chris Grier and coach Mike McDaniel this week at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, but what was the meaning behind those words?
Here’s my thoughts about a few key topics (questions and answers taken from transcripts provided by the Dolphins).
McDaniel on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s fifth-year option: Are you close to making a decision on the fifth-year option?
“I mean, what is today’s date? It’s in February. Our deadline… so we’d probably be best served utilizing the time…”
My thought: They’re still consulting experts, probably concussion experts, because they haven’t yet heard what they need to hear to make them certain about giving Tagovailoa the fifth-year extension. And they won’t hear such a declaration before the May 1 deadline. We all remember when the Dolphins had to decide between quarterbacks Daunte Culpepper and Drew Brees. The big concern is that this decision has a similar magnitude. Honestly, I go back and forth on this one. Right now I’m in the camp of not giving the fifth-year extension.
Grier on cornerback Byron Jones: Is there confidence CB Byron Jones can play again?
“I’m not a doctor. I don’t know. I don’t want to speak and not — but we’ve seen him. When I last saw him, he was working out, doing everything he can to try and get back.”
My thought: The most significant phrase is the “I don’t know” in response to whether Jones can play again. I’m not sure whether Grier meant that literally, but it seems he did. Combine that with Jones’ tweets saying that he can’t run or jump, and it’s a sad and unfortunate situation. It appears, at the very least, Jones won’t be starting opposite Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard in 2023, and it appears there’s a chance he doesn’t play at all.
McDaniel on quarterback Skylar Thompson serving as the backup to Tagovailoa: Do you think Skylar Thompson is ready to take on the role of being the No. 2 QB?
“I think really when you assess Skylar’s play as a rookie, he did a lot of things to deserve to be in competition and to have an open mind to him being — to winning the backup quarterback role. I don’t foresee that being unchallenged by any stretch.”
My thought: The Dolphins, who are in “win now” mode, don’t plan on opening the season with Thompson as the backup. McDaniel wants a veteran backup quarterback, which still could be free-agent Teddy Bridgewater. It seems the Dolphins think Thompson needs more seasoning and he’ll have to win the backup job from a veteran in training camp. The key phrase, which McDaniel said later, was, “I think there’s some competitive advantages that we can bring to the room through free agency and that’s what we’ll look to do.”
McDaniel, after talking about not making a change with special teams coordinator Danny Crossman, responding to a question about offensive coordinator Frank Smith and dismissing ex-offensive line coach Matt Applebaum: What about the same as it applies to your offensive line
coach? You did make a change there …
“So realistically, the way the staff was orchestrated the previous year, I really needed to get more offensive coordinator work out of Frank Smith and he was devoted a little too much to the offensive line. And I needed more, selfishly, to alleviate some stuff off my plate; and so that was the motivating factor to make that move, was to facilitate Frank Smith being able to appropriate his time more as a coordinator and less in the offensive line room.”
My thought: McDaniel realizes he needs to devote more time to head coach duties, so having Smith take over more offensive coordinator duties frees McDaniel up to do more head coach duties. And they free Smith up by having him spend less time with the offensive line, which is why Applebaum, a relative newcomer, is gone and veteran offensive line coach Butch Barry is in. Barry’s biggest job might be managing Pro Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead, who has missed an average of about 5.5 games in each of the last six seasons, in a way that maximizes his health.
McDaniel on the role of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio:
How do you see the defense fundamentally changing under Vic Fangio?
“…I think having the opportunity to add Vic Fangio is as exciting of an opportunity in the offseason that I could have. I think all players on defense will benefit from it. I know myself included, I’ll benefit from the process of being able to work with him on a daily basis and tap into his infinite wisdom.”
My thought: Fangio is the head coach of the defense and he’ll be able to do practically anything he desires; McDaniel will observe and learn about defense.
McDaniel on free-agent tight end Mike Gesicki possibly returning: Do you see any scenarios where TE Mike Gesicki returns next year?
“There is always a spot for good players . . . we are not in the business of saying no to good players. I wouldn’t close that door at all.” My thought: Gesicki was a good player last season and they didn’t utilize his talents. As the Dolphins said, you never say never, but it’d be a major shock if Gesicki is back, especially because he’d require at least $10 million a year.
Grier on right guard Robert Hunt: Are you guys a little more open-minded about OL Robert Hunt as a tackle or do you still personally believe he has a very high ceiling mostly at guard?
“Yeah, that’s the great thing about Rob, is that he can play both and excel, but I think where he is at guard, he has a potential to be a special player at guard.
My thought: The Dolphins like Hunt, who was drafted as a tackle, at right guard and don’t want to move him, so right tackle Austin Jackson gets a shot at keeping his starting job. But look for the Dolphins to find a starting-caliber right guard in free agency, including re-signing Brandon Shell, or the draft.
Grier on defensive tackle Christian Wilkins:
Have you had discussions with DT Christian Wilkins’ agent about an extension and how much of a priority is that this offseason?
“Christian, ever since we drafted him, has done nothing but get better each year. He is a tireless worker, as we’ve talked about . . . We love him. We’d like to have him here for a long time. But in terms of conversations with agents, we don’t really talk publicly about it, but we would like to have him here a long time.”
My thought: This thing is getting done.