Submitted by darnell w from los angeles cali

Q: im a dolphin fan in la iv been a fan 4 years me i like ted ginn as a player he has his good days and his bad days but i dont want 2 give up on him yet he is still young so what im saing do u think that he is a total bust.also do u think he will ever be at least a good number two wr..also i have a comment to make you can give a view on it..i see fans going hard on ginn and other players but what the dont under stand is football is complex and if they ever played foot ball at any level they would know that and not every one develops as fast as they want like drew brees he was not the best in sd but look at him now

Answered 02/09/10 15:37:14 by Jeff Darlington

A: Is Ginn a bust? Yes, as a ninth-overall pick, he is a bust. Is he incapable of being a decent pro? That remains to be seen. If he can overcome a clear fear of contact (Can you learn how to be tough?), perhaps he still has some hope. My problem with Ginn's role with the Dolphins isn't as much his long-term potential as it is his immediate impact. The Dolphins can only bring four pass catchers to games. Camarillo, Bess and Hartline all serve important roles, and the Dolphins still need to add a No. 1 receiver (Ginn is not) into that mix. So how do you solve that problem? Do you continue to hope Ginn can become something other than a mediocre, one-dimensional pass catcher? I don't know. I really don't. (Comparing Ginn to Brees is not a worthy analogy. Brees' potential has always been far superior.)

Submitted by darnell w from los angeles cali

Q: to me i think if the dolphins dont bring ronnie brown back that would be the dumbest thing they will ever do i mean hes the only pro bowler we drafted it about 10 years besides y.bell but it took him about seven years 2 get there what do you think?

Answered 02/09/10 15:30:29 by Jeff Darlington

A: Ronnie is coming back next year barring some major, major change in negotiations for a new CBA. There's a clause in his contract that extends his contract an additional year if the league goes into an uncapped year. He'll make $5 million next season. Beyond then, his performance will dictate his next contract. If he can prove capable of staying healthy for a full season, it would greatly help his cause.

Submitted by Coach from Lumberton, TX

Q: What have you heard regarding Miami's interest in free agency, Jeff? There are quite a few "big" names floating around out there (most of which I can see Miami easily passing on) but a few that might be of real interest...most recently Wilfork from NE and Rolle from Arizona being a couple of them. Are we ready to spend the big bucks or are we going to stick to our "build through the draft" philosophy come what may? If ever there was a year to spend the money, this is gonna be it! Thanks. Go Fins!!

Answered 02/09/10 15:26:41 by Jeff Darlington

A: The Dolphins proved willing to spend some decent money last year when they invested $8 million guaranteed in Gibril Wilson. I'm hopeful they'd be willing to spend greater money on a greater player, like Rolle. But we'll see. I like Rolle. And I like Wilfork. I think both are worthy of a high bid, for sure. But like you said, the Dolphins prefer to build through youth -- whether with draft picks or low-money, undiscovered free agents.

Submitted by Chris from Erie, PA

Q: After reading Armando's article about Joey Porter, I would have to agree that Porter's days in Miami are over. The Dolphins realistically can only keep either Porter or Taylor, and Taylor has shown interest in coming back next year and finishing his career as a Dolphin, but Porter wants to be a starter and win. What I don't agree with is that there is no team that is willing to trade for Porter. I think a team would trade us a 5th round pick for Porter. He would come cheaper than any free agent, he still has a couple more good years if he stays healthy. For a team that is close to getting to a championship and needs a LB, I think they would trade for Porter rather than drafting a LB in the 5th round and hoping they pan out. What do you think? There must be at least two teams interested.

Answered 02/09/10 15:24:07 by Jeff Darlington

A: Porter or Taylor? Not even a question. Even if JT cost $1 million more (and he doesn't), I'd rather JT than Porter.

Submitted by DC from Charlotte, NC

Q: Jeff, This is all the Dolphins need to do to get to the Super Bowl. 1. Draft Dan Williams, NT 2. Sign Antrel Rolle, FS 3. Sign Carolos Dansby, ILB 4. Trade for Anquan Boldin, WR. Then hire me as the assistant GM. You agree with these moves? If you do, I will give you a job when I take over! DC

Answered 02/09/10 15:14:46 by Jeff Darlington

A: Forget hiring me! When you get the job, I'll just call you Deepthroat.

Submitted by mark from Tulsa

Q: Hey Jeff, in your opinion, should the Dolphins take Dan Williams at #12 or is that too high for him? If so, do you think either Dez Bryant or Rolando McClain if both are available? Thanks.

Answered 02/09/10 15:09:29 by Jeff Darlington

A: Outlanders currently projects Williams to go to the Dolphins at No. 12, so obviously, some mockers already believe that's a possibility. Dez Bryant and McClain -- if available -- are also worthy options. I know I'm not helping you much here, but I can only say I can't rule out any of those possibilities. All three, for one reason or another, make good sense. Three much-needed positions.

Submitted by Rod from Phoenix

Q: The Dolphins need a Receiver, the cardinals need an OLB. It seems like a deal waiting to happen... Boldin for Porter. Both players seem to want a trade, this ones seems to easy. So why wont it happen? Thanks. Rod

Answered 02/09/10 15:07:20 by Jeff Darlington

A: Because Boldin is a high-end wide receiver with years of great play ahead of him and Porter is a regressing, troublesome linebacker who isn't willing to play for a team unless they put him in a starting role.

Submitted by Graham from Halifax, NS (Can)

Q: Though I'm not privy to the inner-musings of the trifecta, I was a bit surprised that there wasn't much chatter about the Phins (re)-picking up Chris Chambers when he was available earlier this past season. Do you think it was because his performance had been lackluster? Because of the price tag? Just not a good fit? What I am trying to get at is, was the lack of movement on Chambers an indication that Parcells and Co. are more interested in drafting a young talent at receiver as opposed to a veteran…or am I way off on this one?

Answered 02/09/10 15:03:46 by Jeff Darlington

A: You're not way off, Graham. Although using Chambers as your example might not be the best indicator of the team's philosophy. A lot of Dolphins fans found the idea of Chambers as intriguing because of a familiarity with the player, but it's important to remember that Chambers is just another guy to the Dolphins regime. In some ways, we can at least use Chambers to support the notion that Miami wants to find the perfect fit at the position. Whether picking up a veteran or a rookie, the Dolphins just want a player that's going to be the explosive, big, aggressive pass catcher that fits their make-up. In other words, I still have no idea why the team didn't make more of an effort to lock up Anquan Boldin last season, who seems to fit all of those qualities. Aside from Boldin, though, I've mostly been on board with the Dolphins' patience when it comes to the position. But I'll say this: It's time to make a move. At some point, you've got to focus on the present as much as the future -- or the future will never arrive. I think the Dolphins know this, which makes me think they'll make a sound decision this off-season, even if it they are unable to find the absolute perfect fit.

Submitted by Ray Feld from Port St. Lucie, Fl

Q: Which teams will the Dolphins be playing next season? I know it was published, but I forgot to save the list. Thank you. RF

Answered 01/14/10 15:09:53 by Jeff Darlington

A: Here ya go, Ray. HOME: Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions; AWAY: Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Oakland Raiders, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings

Submitted by NAX from LAMHAM, MD

Q: What do you think of trying to go after Michael Vick, or not a big name receiver, but a receiver who we can count on.

Answered 01/14/10 14:46:57 by Jeff Darlington

A: No on Vick. Yes on a receiver they can count on -- whether a big name or not. At this point, though, I think finding a legitimate, proven pass catcher is probably the way to go.

Submitted by Keith from Brick, NJ

Q: How is Pat White doing? Really haven't heard much about him

Answered 01/14/10 14:45:48 by Jeff Darlington

A: Oh, he's fine, Keith. He suffered a pretty nasty concussion, but he was back to being in good spirits on the day after the game. He did spend that night in the hospital, but only for precautionary measures. I don't suspect he would have suited up for any of the next few games if the Dolphins' season extended beyond that week. Then again, the way Thigpen played, his absense might have been as much to do with his skills than it did with his concussion. No doubt, it's time to hope Pat has a good, solid offseason and can come back with a better grasp of the NFL game.

Submitted by dji from n.ft. myers fl

Q: my question is........what are they going to do with joey porter? this guy runs his mouth way to much and his skills are diminished. are they going to trade or cut him. this guy is taking up a spot that a good player can take.

Answered 01/14/10 14:35:39 by Jeff Darlington

A: Contrary to a report in "another" newspaper, it actually makes financial sense to hold onto Porter beyond this year. That report in "another" newspaper had it wrong when it suggested otherwise. Keep in mind, Porter is still guaranteed $2.4 million of his $3.6 base salary for 2010. So you're already throwing down a big chunk of change for him. From a financial standpoint, the question is: Do you throw down another small chunk to keep him? Now, that "other" paper did have something right: He is due a $1 million bonus in March. But that only means the Dolphins are likely to make their decision about him by then. That bonus, however, is not a reason to cut him. It's only a reason to force Miami to make its decision. So does that mean Porter will be back? Not necessarily. Just because it might be a financial bargain to hold onto him (the money owed to him beyond his already guaranteed salary isn't all that significant), the Dolphins aren't interested in simply keeping players around for those reasons. Here's what we've learned from this regime: They covet youth. They covet roster spots. And they covet players who do more than they say. Those might be more appropriate reasons why the Dolphins could choose to dismiss Porter. I'm not saying Miami won't bring him back. But I'm saying they've got a very serious decision to make. A trade, by the way, will require a buyer. That's another market that might or might not exist.

Submitted by George from Hampton, VA

Q: What is the number one positon to address this off season? And was it a blessing in disguise to lose the last 3 games of the year to better our draft position? We weren't going to win the super bowl anyway.

Answered 01/14/10 14:28:55 by Jeff Darlington

A: In my personal opinion, it's never a blessing to lose -- especially in a situation when any one win could have vaulted the Dolphins into the postseason. Alas, you're correct: Miami did at least assist its draft positioning by dropping those games. I also think the 12th spot is a very nice place to be picking. You've got a lot of opportunities at that spot to land a true impact player, and you aren't required to pay top dollar for a Top 10 selection. As for the No. 1 position to address? You're going to get tired of hearing me say this, but it's no mystery. Wide receiver. Wide receiver. Wide receiver. No question about it. It was the biggest priority last year, and it's the biggest priority this year. Then, you've got to look for a big nose tackle, a safety and an inside linebacker.

Submitted by Keith from St. Charles, IL

Q: Jeff, Do you think Jake Long will eventually be recognized as the best left tackle in the league?

Answered 12/21/09 20:40:58 by Jeff Darlington

A: I think he'll probably be recognized as the best left tackle in the AFC on Dec. 29 when the Pro Bowl rosters are announced. Now, I also think Long has a long way to go before reaching his full potential -- and I think future Pro Bowls will be the result of his talent as much as his name recognition. So will he eventually be recognized as the best in the NFL? It wouldn't surprise me, Keith. The dude really is a beast.

Submitted by James from St. Augustine

Q: JEFF, YOUR OPINION? TED GINN, JR - DONE - SOFT SOFT SOFT GIBRIL WILSON - DONE - TERRIBLE COVERAGE/TACKLING VONTAE DAVIS - DONE - SEE GIBRIL SPECIAL TEAMS - WEAK COACHING 1) TEDDY STILL SLIDING TO THE 20 OR OUT OF BOUNDS EVERY RETURN 2) DAVONE LETTING THE BALL BOUNCE AT THE END OF REGULATION INSTEAD OF FAIR CATCHING AT THE 10 OR RUNNING IT BACK - WOULDA GIVEN A CHANCE TO TRY TO DRIVE WITH 3 TIMEOUTS AT THE END INSTEAD OF STARTING AT THE 2 AND HAVING TO BANK ON OVERTIME

Answered 12/21/09 20:38:58 by Jeff Darlington

A: I agree about Ginn's need to improve his aggressive nature to prosper in this league. I agree Gibril Wilson needs to improve his tackling to keep his job in this league. I don't, for a second, agree that Vontae Davis shares any of those qualities. In fact, I'd argue Davis' raw skills suggest this guy will be a star in this league for quite a while. Davis is a great tackler. Far better than Wilson. So I've got to disagree on that one. As for blaming Ginn's affinity for the sidelines on the coaching staff, I also have to respectfully disagree with that one, too. Fair compromise?