FanProphet

MIAMI DOLPHINS

With the uncertainty at the quarterback position I find it extremely difficult to rate a Dolphins skill player high on any fantasy draft board. I just witnessed a mock fantasy draft here, and one of the team owners drafted Ronnie Brown 10th overall.

I just don’t see how a person drafts Ronnie Brown 10th ovearall? Here is a runningback that missed 3 games, scored a total of 5 td’s, and barely broke 1,000 rushing yards last season on this struggling offense? Horrible early pick if the ‘Phins’ don’t address the quarterback position.

OFFENSE: According to Aikman’s AER the Dolphins ranked 25 overall during the 2006 season. I don’t see much improvement due to the uncertainty of their quarterback situation. Culpepper isn’t 100% and because he came back too early last season, he will not see the playing field until he shows the athleticism that he has shown in the past. Even if Trent Green ends up in Miami it will still take time to learn the system, work on timing, and develop a rapport or trust from his players. If the Green trade happens, look for Miami to hit a stride mid to late season where you can look to add value to your fantasy roster with players like Ronnie Brown, Chris Chambers and Marty Booker. Not until then is any Dolphin skill player worth drafting in the first round unless you’re in a keeper league where you can snag Brown and protect him for the following years to come.

DEFENSE: The defensive productivity is solely contingent on how the offense performs. With the acquisition of Joey Porter the defensive side of the ball has improved and will continue to post numbers like they have in the past. Miami has always brought intensity with this unit so don’t look for too many changes here. Definitely the best option in terms of fantasy points from this franchise.

Ronnie Brown: Mid second rounder and only because of his future value based on a keeper league. I absolutely love this big, explosive, and powerful back. However, I just don’t favor the situation he’s in and I cannot rely too heavily on much improvement from his previous two seasons. If Brown stays healthy look for his numbers to increase late in the season when either Culpepper is healthy or Trent Green hits stride. (That’s if Green even finds his way to Miami).

Booker/Chambers: Did somebody clone these two players or are they just “brotha’s from two different mutha’s”. You will have to fill your fantasy roster at some point and the later the better with these two. Even if Green does come to Miami don’t look for either player to show great numbers early. Best case scenario is Culpepper or Green show up ready to play, improve all season long, then make a playoff run towards the end of the season where the offense shows that they are capable of winning games. Chambers could show big numbers when you’re making a fantasy playoff push later in the season.

Jay Feely: The Dolphins kicker for now but don’t look for too much production if they can’t move the ball in a tough AFC East division.

Notice I didn’t mention Ted Ginn Jr. or a tight-end. I’ll just blame it on the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome that I’m beginning to suffer from.