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Laremy Tunsil

Two Reasons the Dolphins Return to a Winning Culture

by Jermaine Lockett February 9, 2020

Can Flores & Grier Return the Dolphins to a Winning Culture?

With Tom Brady finally looking human and only the Buffalo Bills looking to have improved in the last season, the AFC East is wide open. Who is up to claim it? Dolphins fans are hopeful. But they always are. However, there is a reason to have some hope this year, and I believe the answers to that question are Head Coach Brian Flores and GM Chris Grier.

Bred in a winning culture?

Flores has been around winning football since 2004. The New England Patriots scooped him up as a scouting assistant, and he has worked his way up since. He has been exposed to the deepest of coaching strategies as some of the league’s most prestigious coordinators have come out of the Bill Belichick coaching tree. Names like Dean Pees, Bill Obrien, Romeo Crennel, Josh McDaniels (came back 2012) Matt Patricia and many others have dropped nuggets of knowledge off to Flores before moving on to head coaching jobs.

Flashes of fight?

We all saw the beatdown the Baltimore Ravens put on the Dolphins at the beginning of the season. I believe that learning experience was valuable for Flores, who was raised in a winning football culture. Sure, he caught a couple more beatdowns as the season went on, but there were some games like the Pittsburgh Steelers’ game that let the NFL world know what this team was capable of. Miami had Pittsburgh shook for a quarter, and a half (14-0) before Pitt even got on the board. It was only one first quarter and a half of flashiness, but the message was clear. You still have to do your homework when it comes to these Dolphins.

Week 17 showed a game of expectation and desire. The New England Patriots expected to beat the Dolphins and secure a first-round bye. However, the Dolphins desired the W more. 27-24 would have been a fair projection but the winner was a surprise. Was this a sign of things to come?

Flores was determined to turn this team into a winner. However, it doesn’t help when the front office was dealing away pieces of the franchise to other teams. Big pieces like Laremy Tunsil and Minkah Fitzpatrick were dealt away to the Steelers and Texans, but I believe the team got otherworldly compensation for these players.

I believe Chris Grier is looking at this year’s draft as a significant opportunity to build this team for the future. Having 14-total-picks should help with that plan. I am curious as to what those three first-round selections will be considering their team needs. It appears they require a QB, Edge Rusher, any Offensive-Linemen, and an RB.

I can’t believe I did not mention the cap space rolling into Free Agency. Grier is about to build a monster with $93M to play with.

I’ll probably be one of the first to say this, but if the Miami Dolphins play this offseason right, they will be in a position to take the AFC East Crown. The days of the South Beach dumpster fire might be over. Look out NFL.

Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter

February 9, 2020 0 comment

Underrated Breakthroughs?

by Damian Parson June 10, 2016

written by Damian Parson

Underrated

Underrated?

In April 2015 the NFL brought in the newest class of inductees into their fraternity. We saw young players drafted and they displayed their greatness on the field this past season. We saw the likes of Amari Cooper, Todd Gurley, Jameis Winston, and Marcus Mariota just to name a few. There are a number of players that are under the radar. The question arises, which under the radar players will make a big impact in year 2?

#5 Landon Collins–New York Giants: The young stud Free Safety coming out of Alabama is a thumping, hard hitting Safety. He finished the year with 112 combined tackles, 1 forced fumble, 9 pass deflections, and 1-interception. He played well in his rookie campaign playing. Unfortunately, he was a part of a horrendous defense that was ranked 30^th in points allowed and 32^nd in yards allowed per game. The only way to go, Is Up from those statistics. The Giants did find help, by spending 200 million dollars this off-season to bring in pieces such as: Janoris Jenkins, Damon “Snacks” Harrison, Oliver Vernon, and Keenan Robinson. Those are some pretty good pieces for a struggling defense. With the great additions, Landon Collins could be given the availability to roam the middle of the field (i.e. Kam Chancellor) as a robber or enforcer. After a decent rookie campaign, Collins could be in for a bigger and better year.

#4 Jay Ajayi–Miami Dolphins: This young running back was drafted out of Boise State to bring a powerful presence to the backfield. Unfortunately on September 6^th, 2015 Jay was placed on injury reserved designated to return. He suffered a broken rib in the fourth preseason game and was sidelined until after week 6 of the regular season. This offseason Lamar Miller, signed with the Houston Texans during the free agency period. That left a hole for Jay Ajayi to fill. The team passed on drafting a running back, which proved they have trust in Jay and his health. He has a new tackle blocking for him in Laremy Tunsil and a new head coach Adam Gase. Gase has a very good offensive mind and did wonders with Chicago’s offense last season. A healthy Ajayi with Gases’ scheme can be very effective. The team ranked 23^rd rushing in the league last season. While under Gases’ offensive scheme, the Chicago Bears ranked 11^th rushing in the league. That should be viewed as positive sign for the Miami Dolphins’ offense. I am expecting a good season for the former Boise State Bronco.

#3 Matt Jones–Washington Redskins: This former Florida Gator assumed the role as the back up to starting running back (Now Dallas Cowboy) Alfred Morris. I hear some of the grumbling now, the Redskins were ranked 20^th in the league in rushing. The rookie RB stat line consisted of: 144-rushes, 490-yards, and 3-tds on the season. Allow me to play devil’s advocate here, if we double the rookie’s attempts his stat line would like more like: 288-rushes, 980-yards, and 6-tds. This shows he can produce with the right amount of touches. Jones ran for more tds than the incumbent starter Morris. Now with Morris in Dallas, the former Gator will assume the starting role. Jones also displayed strength running up the middle taking contact, but good hands in the passing game as well. He averaged 16 yards per reception on limited touches. He does need to improve on his ball security, he had 5 fumbles with 4 lost. If there is one thing that can keep you from staying on the field it is ball security. As the starter in a rising offense, Matt Jones can truly have a breakout season with his chances increasing as a versatile running back.

#2 Sammi Coates-Pittsburgh Steelers: After being selected in the 3^rd round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Sammi Coates came in as a developmental WR project. Coming out of Auburn, Sammi had an issues with drops and trusting his quarterback. Those characteristics contributed to him being a developmental project. The former Auburn Eagle was fourth on the depth chart behind Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton, Martavis Bryant, and Darius Heyward-Bey. Coates only recorded one catch on the entire season. With Martavis serving a yearlong suspension, it opens a vacancy for an athletic playmaker. Coates will move past Heyward-Bey to assume the Martavis role in the Steelers’ offense. Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley has expressed pleasure in the offseason Coates is currently having. Haley said:

“He’s had a tremendous offseason,”. “A guy that any day you were in here, he was in here.”

Coates is working hard to have a faster start than his rookie season. “I can’t come in slow,” Coates said about this season. “I have to come in fast and ready to go.” He is in a great position with the offensive weapons alongside him, he will draw plenty of single coverage against the teams 3^rd/4^th corners. I predict a potential breakout year for the speedy 2^nd year Steeler.

#1 Kevin White-Chicago Bears: This young receiver was projected and hyped to be a better offensive weapon than Oakland Raiders stud wide out Amari Cooper. After being selected after him in the first round, the world was ready to see him attempt to dominate the league. A bad shin injury sidelined the first round wr for his entire rookie campaign. This offseason the word out of Chicago is their young WR is COMPLETELY healthy and preparing for his “rookie” season. He has attended route-running seasons with QB Jay Cutler. The former number 7 overall pick in last year’s draft will be a huge part of the Bear’s offense. He has star wr Alshon Jeffery, tight end Zach Miller, and young rb Jeremy Langford as his running mates. White is not a proven commodity in this league, meaning he will facing single coverages. The 6’4 215 lbs wr is on the path to have a breakout year in his true rookie season.

Damian Parson is an Analyst for Couch Rider Report. Follow him on Facebook and Follow/Like us on Facebook or twitter.

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June 10, 2016 0 comment

New 1-10 Mock and Podcast Here!

by Jermaine Lockett April 17, 2016

written by Jermaine Lockett

So this is normally the place to go for Original Sports Perspective. However, today I wanted to speak on the NFL Draft and give my Mock of this years draft, considering the recent trade that put the Los Angeles Rams in place to make the first selection. Of course my views still differ majorly from the crowd, so stay tuned into the below. I am about to either blow your mind or you are about to say “this guy don’t know **** about draft analysis.” Picks 1-10, here we go!

#1. Los Angeles Rams – Positions of need: QB, WR, CB, OL – Pick – QB Jared Goff – Cal

Method behind the madness: The Rams missed big last year on QBs. Nick Foles was a terrible pickup and additionally the Rams selected Sean Mannion in the third round last year. They desperately need help at the position. Jared Goff makes big throws, and has great pocket awareness. He has potential to be one of the great QBs and will be thankful he does not have to start his career in Cleveland.

#2. Cleveland Browns – Positions of need: QB, WR, S, OL, DT – Pick – T Laremy Tunsil – Ole Miss

Method behind the madness: After losing C Alex Mack and RT Mitchell Swartz, the team is in need of a big boy to bolster this line and protect RGIII or whoever gets this starting QB job. Tunsil is too talented of a lineman for the Browns to pass on. He is the best overall player in the draft and will solidify the line for Cleveland for years to come.

#3. San Diego Chargers – Positions of need: WR, OG, QB, DE, S C – Pick – DT DeForest Buckner – Oregon

Method behind the madness: Sheer dominance is the reason behind this pick. Sure he’s no DE but he can be on some downs. This guy has the size and the maneuverability to make a QB’s life hell. SD would be foolish to let this one slide.

#4. Dallas Cowboys – Positions of Need: WR, DE, RB – Pick –DE Joey Bosa – Ohio State

Method behind the madness: I was so close to saying Laquon Treadwell here because Jerry Jones loves the flashy player. However, he has been making smart picks as of late. Bosa fills the need and is a top-5 player in this draft.

#5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Positions of need: CB, DE, OL, OLB – Pick – CB Jalen Ramsey – Florida State

Method behind the madness: This team gave up “the cookies” (TDs) 29 times via the air in 2015. Ramsey staying in Florida will sure that up.

#6. Baltimore Ravens – Positions of need: CB, WR, OL, FS, OLB, – Pick – OLB Myles Jack – UCLA

Method behind the madness: Suggs is getting old. Jack can bring the beast back into the Ravens front 7.

#7. San Francisco 49ers – Positions of need: WR, DL, DB, QB, OL – Pick – QB Carson Wentz – Memphis

Method behind the madness: The Colin Kaepernick era is a thing of the past. He will be gone on draft day to another team for the right price. Wentz has been rated by Pro Football Focus as the top QB. Lets hope he plays like one in 2016. Good luck with that receiving corps or lack thereof.

#8. Miami Dolphins – Positions of need: OL, CB, LB, S, DL – Pick – CB Vernon Hargreaves – Florida

Method behind the madness: Brent Grimes is gone. Probably because of his wife’s twitter rants. Florida boys stay home.

#9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Positions of need: WR, OL, S, DE, LB – Pick – WR Laquon Treadwell – Ole Miss

Method behind the madness: This is a desperation move, due to having no talent at the WR position. Don’t give me the Mike Evans spill. He and Ted Ginn Jr. led the league in drops in 2015. Treadwell is still a bust in my opinion. But yall drink that Kool-Aid if you want to.

#10. New York Giants – Positions of Need: DB, DL, OL, RB, LB – Pick – LB Reggie Ragland – Alabama

Method behind the madness: NYG needs a defensive identity and no better place to start than with a talented LB, formed in the Nick Saban football factory.

If you would like to read or hear more from Jermaine or fellow Couch Riders, please Subscribe to our RSS feed and like us on Facebook.

Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Facebook or twitter.

April 17, 2016 0 comment

Mock Draft; Picks 1 – 10.

by Andrew Goettman April 3, 2016

written by Andrew Goettman

Mock Draft

This is more of a projection of the top ten picks, without trades involved, but I’ll discuss possibilities within each pick.

Tennessee Titans – Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss. Let’s not kid ourselves. Tennessee has their future quarterback. It’s now time to build around him and find him some protection. Tunsil solidifies the rebuild of that offensive line.
Cleveland Browns – Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State. The Browns, in my opinion, continue their annual first round selection of a quarterback. Wentz looks like the real deal, no gimmicky tricks up his sleeves, and doesn’t rely on his athleticism to win. Tall standing, pocket throwing quarterback. (Ramsey could go here if they really believe RGIII can play)
San Diego Chargers – Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State. Best player in the draft, simple as that. After losing Eric Weddle to the Ravens, the Chargers need a day one starter. His talent, size and play-making ability make him a one of a kind prospect.
Dallas Cowboys – Joey Bosa, DL, Ohio State. With Jalen Ramsey gone, the Cowboys snap up the top edge rusher in the class. I’m not on the “Bosa’s not a top pick anymore” narrative; he is. After losing Greg Hardy and with Randy Gregory being suspended for 4 games to start the season, the Cowboys need an edge rusher.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Myles Jack, LB, UCLA. Bosa and Ramsey both being gone, Jaguars still have a real need at LB. Jack is a 4.4, 230-pound rocket who has great instincts, reacts quickly and is great in coverage. He’s not the best pass rusher, but the Jaguars will have Malik Jackson and are getting last year’s #3 pick back with Dante Fowler. Best comparison I can put him next to is Navorro Bowman.
Baltimore Ravens – DeForest Buckner, DL, Oregon. At 6’7 and nearing 300-pounds, Buckner can play anywhere on the line. I’m betting the Ravens trade back here, and stock up on picks but they do have a need on the Defensive Line, and DeForest Buckner fits perfectly into their style of 3-4 Defense. It’s a BPA pick if they can’t get a trade together.
San Francisco 49ers – Jared Goff, QB, California. San Francisco has to address the quarterback position with Colin Kaepernick looking to be traded. Having Blaine Gabbert as the day one starter isn’t ideal. Goff is mobile, has a decent arm and resets in the pocket easily. His mechanics could use work, but not having him start day one would be great for him to develop.
Philadelphia Eagles – Ezekiel Elliot, RB, Ohio State. Elliot is the best running back in the draft and while a top 10 pick on a RB isn’t a common occurence anymore, the Eagles trading DeMarco Murray and hinting at trading Ryan Mathews, they could potentially grab Ezekiel Elliot here.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida. The Bucs have a gaping hole in the secondary, and will address it in the draft. A trade could likely happen here, possibly with the Miami Dolphins after losing Brent Grimes, but Hargreaves is an athletic prospect with an explosive ability to change directions. Early on could become a kick/punt returner, but look for him to develop across newly acquired Brent Grimes.
New York Giants – Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame. Stanley, 6’5 and 320-pounds is athletic and can move to the second level naturally and quickly. His footwork could use some improvement, but overall a great fit for the Giants here. At #10, the Giants have a lot of needs on the defensive side of the ball but have to go BPA in order to keep from reaching on someone like Jaylon Smith. If Myles Jack somehow falls to 10, expect the Giants to move in on him.

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Andrew Goettman is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on twitter and like us on Facebook.

April 3, 2016 0 comment