FLORIDA SPORTS BUZZ

Assessing the Fins' new acquisitions

By BARRY JACKSON

bjackson@MiamiHerald.com

The Dolphins aren't talking about their new players, but others who watched them closely are. Chatter on the newcomers, and how the team shapes up at their positions, many of which also will be addressed in the draft:

• Defensive front seven: The Randy Starks contract (five years, $21 million -- $7 million guaranteed) raised eyebrows in Tennessee -- he comes off the least productive of his four-year career (16 tackles, no sacks).

''Surprising he got that kind of money,'' Titans radio analyst Frank Wycheck said. ``He shows flashes but has never been consistent. Jim Washburn is one of the NFL's best defensive-line coaches, and he couldn't get it from Randy. The potential is there -- huge guy, strong. But it's a matter of him keeping the switch on.''

Miami has several intriguing tackle prospects behind 33-year-old Jason Ferguson -- Starks, Paul Soliai (disappointed as a rookie but will get a fresh chance) and Rod Wright (showed flashes in 2007).

Starks also is expected to play a lot at defensive end (at 312, he's 40 pounds heavier than Matt Roth), with Vonnie Holliday at the other end spot in a 3-4 defense. Jason Taylor, if he isn't traded, would play a hybrid linebacker/end position, lining up at outside linebacker in a 3-4, which Miami will use heavily.

Joey Porter would be the other outside linebacker. Virginia's Chris Long could play a hybrid role like Taylor's if Miami drafts him No. 1 -- which ESPN's Mel Kiper now projects. So can Quentin Moses, who intrigues the Dolphins. Former Houston special-teams standout Charlie Anderson has "a lot of range and speed and can definitely contribute" at outside linebacker, Texans radio analyst Andre Ware said.

Meanwhile, Reggie Torbor and Channing Crowder would fit the two inside linebacker spots when Miami is in a 3-4. ''Torbor showed he can be a starter -- he's very good at the point of attack,'' Giants radio analyst Dave Jennings said. ''But he played in a 4-3, and it's difficult to say if he can play inside in a 3-4.'' . . . Miami said it hasn't signed former Denver starter Ian Gold, listed as a Dolphin by wikipedia.com.

• Receiver: The Dolphins did not tell Ernest Wilford ($6 million signing bonus) whether he would start (opposite Ted Ginn Jr.), but that's the expectation. That leaves Derek Hagan likely No. 3, and David Kircus, Greg Camarillo and presumably, a draft pick, among those battling for two other spots. Miami has inquired about Bears free agent slot receiver Rashied Davis, his agent said, but hasn't pursued D.J. Hackett, the top remaining free agent receiver.

'' Bill Parcells is going to love Ernest,'' Jaguars radio analyst Jeff Lageman said. ``He's not a quick guy, but he's got dependable hands and makes tough catches.''

• Safety: Special teams ace Keith Davis, who started 15 games at safety for Dallas in 2005 (under Parcells) but seven the past two years, was told he will play there (competing with Yeremiah Bell, Jason Allen and Renaldo Hill). ''He can be a solid, workingman's NFL safety,'' Cowboys radio analyst Babe Laufenberg said. But another Cowboys person said he didn't make enough plays in the passing game (no career interceptions).

• Guard: Ex-49er Justin Smiley, who will be more mobile than predecessor Rex Hadnot at right guard, didn't allow a sack in 2006 (he had three last year) and has committed just seven penalties in four years. ''He doesn't have great size [311 pounds] for a guard but has great quickness,'' said 49ers radio analyst Gary Plummer. Expect Miami to draft a guard and add a veteran at left guard. ( Drew Mormino could be a factor there.)

• Quarterback: The book on Josh McCown, according to Raiders radio analyst/former coach Tom Flores: He's best when he rolls out but takes chances he shouldn't (11 interceptions in '07). ''He's a little like Rich Gannon'' before he blossomed, Flores said.

McCown and John Beck will compete for the starting job. Miami continues to monitor several draft-eligible QBs, including BC's Matt Ryan, Michigan's Chad Henne, Delaware's Joe Flacco and Kentucky's Andre Woodson.

• The Dolphins hope tight end Sean Ryan -- who caught just three passes for the Jets in '07 -- can challenge David Martin and Justin Peelle. ''I was impressed with his hands and blocking,'' Jets radio analyst Marty Lyons said.

• One reason Chiefs special-teams ace Boomer Grigsby signed with Miami: He was assured a chance to play fullback (competing with Reagan Mauia).

CHATTER

• Heat coach Pat Riley, asked about ABC's Jeff Van Gundy excluding Dwyane Wade from the five best shooting guards (he was listed 5 ½): ``It's easy to knock somebody when you're down, have no compassion for what he's going through. It's so easy to criticize people. But one day, he'll silence all these guys.''

• Though Robert Marve is the front-runner to start, word is UM plans on giving playing time to a second quarterback in '08 ( Jacory Harris or Cannon Smith) to make sure the backup has some game experience if the starter is injured. . . . Harris -- looking thin at 6-4, 180 pounds -- doesn't believe he needs to add more than 10 pounds ``because I don't plan on taking hits. That's what I have an offensive line for.''

• Jon Sciambi is leaving his 790 The Ticket talk show next month instead of juggling it with ESPN and Braves play-by-play.

• Sightings: Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. (who likes to be called ''Money'') shocking and delighting people at club Mansion by throwing $100 bills into the air.