Brimar_Stu
04-15-2011, 09:33 AM
It was no secret that when the Dolphins announced GM Guard-Ward was taking over the reigns that the cupboard was looking pretty empty.
Qb Marino was on the books but nearing the end of his career and there was a lack of any other real talent on the roster, meaning not only was the route likely to be a long one but it was going to be one fuelled without the ability to trade out veterans for much in the way of picks.
The decision was taken that Free Agency and Trades would be the way forward and the process began. Along the way the record has progressed (1-15, 3-13, 7-9, 7-9, 8-8 and finally 11-5) and there have some big trades and picks along the way.
The offence got stronger and stronger with the drafting of WR Keyshawn Johnson, RB Ricky Williams, G Mo Collins and TE Cameron Cleeland, whilst trades brought in QB Kerry Collins, WR Terrell Fletcher, TE Eric Bjornson and C Curtis Whitley amongst others.
The defence got a big shake up in the last few seasons with deals bringing in CB's Blaine Bishop and Chad Scott, S John Lynch, LB's Mark Fields and Brett Wyatt, DE Keith McKenzie and DT Kimo Von Oelhoffen all arriving.
What could the Dolphins pull out this year having used so many of their picks already in putting this squad together, well we had one more big move up our sleeves.
With the Vikings looking to get value for one of their wideouts as they looked to put together a move that would bring QB Favre to them, the Fins were quick to move in and offer two 1st round picks for wideout Anotionio Freeman.
There were some of were questioning if he was worth two first given it's his 7th season, but the Fins were quick to squash those thoughts. GM Guard-Ward explained:
"you have to look at the value of the 1st rounders, we are talking 1.25 here and if we get another good season the same or better again next year then you are realistically looking at a 1st round pick of around 1.7 to 1.10 value. Freeman is rated amongst the toop 5 receivers in the league and is only about to start his 7th season, he could easily have 6-7 seasons in him yet.
In addition to that look at the age of all the players that we have acquired in our rebuild. It's a case of just adding a extra threat to a team that has comined well with most of the players in a prime time career wise.
We have talent across the offece and will be looking to score points, whilst we have enough on defence I think to give us a chance against almost any opposition. It's a move that makes sense for us and we look forward to seeing Antonio lined up on the field."
Qb Marino was on the books but nearing the end of his career and there was a lack of any other real talent on the roster, meaning not only was the route likely to be a long one but it was going to be one fuelled without the ability to trade out veterans for much in the way of picks.
The decision was taken that Free Agency and Trades would be the way forward and the process began. Along the way the record has progressed (1-15, 3-13, 7-9, 7-9, 8-8 and finally 11-5) and there have some big trades and picks along the way.
The offence got stronger and stronger with the drafting of WR Keyshawn Johnson, RB Ricky Williams, G Mo Collins and TE Cameron Cleeland, whilst trades brought in QB Kerry Collins, WR Terrell Fletcher, TE Eric Bjornson and C Curtis Whitley amongst others.
The defence got a big shake up in the last few seasons with deals bringing in CB's Blaine Bishop and Chad Scott, S John Lynch, LB's Mark Fields and Brett Wyatt, DE Keith McKenzie and DT Kimo Von Oelhoffen all arriving.
What could the Dolphins pull out this year having used so many of their picks already in putting this squad together, well we had one more big move up our sleeves.
With the Vikings looking to get value for one of their wideouts as they looked to put together a move that would bring QB Favre to them, the Fins were quick to move in and offer two 1st round picks for wideout Anotionio Freeman.
There were some of were questioning if he was worth two first given it's his 7th season, but the Fins were quick to squash those thoughts. GM Guard-Ward explained:
"you have to look at the value of the 1st rounders, we are talking 1.25 here and if we get another good season the same or better again next year then you are realistically looking at a 1st round pick of around 1.7 to 1.10 value. Freeman is rated amongst the toop 5 receivers in the league and is only about to start his 7th season, he could easily have 6-7 seasons in him yet.
In addition to that look at the age of all the players that we have acquired in our rebuild. It's a case of just adding a extra threat to a team that has comined well with most of the players in a prime time career wise.
We have talent across the offece and will be looking to score points, whilst we have enough on defence I think to give us a chance against almost any opposition. It's a move that makes sense for us and we look forward to seeing Antonio lined up on the field."