2008 Off Season - Free Agency Part 2

With most of the big name free agents already signed to contracts, the Dolphins will focus on filling out their roster with depth in free agency. This is also the time of year that scouts arrive on college campuses to get an inside look at players on their pro days.

Miami continues to focus on rebuilding the offensive line by signing tackle Roman Oben 0:46. A smart veteran who has the ability to play from day 1, Oben can immediately man the left tackle position, but you have to wonder how many  years the vet has left. Coach Phillips sent the scout to the LSU Pro Day. It appears the Dolphins are interested in looking at the wide receivers, because after leaving LSU the scouts next stop was Houston to look at 1st round prospect WR Donnie Avery. Scouts also attended pro days at Clemson, and Arizona State.

4:04 Kicker Jay Feely, who has openly questioned the number of players replaced by the front office, found himself headed to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 5th round draft pick. When asked Sam Phillips advised the media, that "Feely's job is to kick field goals, not run his mouth. If I wanted to listen to someone bitch, I would get married." Phillips is drawing a lot of criticism for his remarks, when asked the coach stated "This isn't a 53 man hugging contest, this is football, you will be lucky if all that gets hurt is your feelings."

With 33.32 million in cap space, the Dolphins have plenty of room to make a few moves. Miami's scout showed up at the Boston College Pro Day continuing to fuel speculation that QB Matt Ryan could be the number one pick in the draft this spring. Dolphin fans, who are excited about the team picking Matt Ryan, believe the Dolphins have the backup QB of the future when the team traded CB Travis Daniels for QB A.J. Feely and a couple late round draft picks 7:28.

Sam Phillips sent scouts to Arkansas, Toledo, Florida State, Tennessee, Rutgers, and Louisville. Players receiving high marks at their pro days were RT John Greico of Toledo and QB Brian Brohm of Louisville. One scout told us confidentially, that he bumped into Ray Rice at the bar after his pro day. Rice didn't recognize the scout, but the scout reported that Ray Rice was arguing with his girlfriend and the altercation was rather physical. Crash Blacksmear, the scout in question, says it wasn't  domestic abuse, but he feared the situation might have escalated when the couple left the bar. While the Dolphins like Ray Rice on tape, scouts are telling Coach Phillips they should not draft Rice, unless they are prepared to deal with his baggage.

14:20 the Dolphins signed John Hall today, who will replace Jay Feely as the Dolphins kicker. Miami Dolphins scouts also visited North Western State, Kansas, and Bloomsburg, they specifically watched offensive lineman, cornerbacks, and were surprised by a runningback they thought might be special. In a move to add depth to the linebacking corps, the front office signed LOLB Boss Bailey 18:42. Coach Phillips raved about Boss saying he is an all around linebacker has good speed, coverage skills, and can rush the passer. Phillips anticipates moving him to the right side. Right tackle Jon Dunn was signed today to provide added depth on the offensive line 20:24.

As the last moth of free agency closes out the Dolphins are fleshing out the roster with depth. Coach Sam Phillips personally requested the front office sign ROLB Dallas Sartz. Coach Phillips is touting Sartz as one of the few remaining linebackers with the ability to rush the passer. Dolphins fans are excited to see the linebacker inked to a long term contract 22:00.

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