Part 1 of a Miami Dolphins Q&A session from SI on the first weekend of training camp:
From The_Finsider:
How probable is it that the dolphins are involved in the recent signing of Christian Wilkins?
From Quarter Century:
Wilkins SIGNING?????????
From E Nice:
Wilkins, your take?
From Edward Augustine II:
Is there a possibility the Dolphins evaluate Christian Wilkins following his release?
From Giorgio Phins Fan Porch:
It’s evident that the notion of re-signing Wilkins is a widely discussed subject, but before any consideration can take place, the initial requirement is for the former Dolphins first-round selection to successfully pass a medical examination. If that occurs, he is undeniably a top-tier player who could benefit any team. However, would he truly wish to return to Miami after not receiving the significant contract he sought from the organization? Furthermore, would the Dolphins be interested in bringing him back, especially since they have already invested in Kenneth Grant as their future Christian Wilkins?Miami Dolphins: SI Deputy Editor Dante Collinelli published an analytical article outlining all the advantages and disadvantages,and I agree with his concluding opinion that I would likely skip the idea — unless the Dolphins were in serious competition.
From Chris Shields:
I’m clearly in the minority, I just don’t understand the need to sign Douglas at cornerback. It feels similar to Poyer’s situation. I don’t believe he’s a crucial addition or something that significantly impacts the team’s success each year. Therefore, I suggest saving the cap space and going with the younger players. What’s your opinion after a few days of training camp?
An brief editorial note here: I skipped over many questions regarding the cornerback situation as they were asked before the team signed Jack Jones and Mike Hilton. I chose to keep this one to focus on Douglas specifically, and I agree with your point — to some extent. I didn’t mind the signing of Poyer last year if the Dolphins weren’t planning for him to start, as he clearly had lost a step. I somewhat feel the same about Douglas. He wasn’t impressive last year with Buffalo and remains a questionable option for any team considering him as a full-time starter.
From rjgrosso:
During these initial practice sessions without pads, when a practice rep describes how someone set the edge well or created an opening, what actual insights can be gained from that?
Hello Richard, it’s a valid question, and the answer is that the defensive player intentionally positioned himself outside the blocker to make it harder for the running back to reach the edge. This can be done during practice, even without pads or at lower speeds. It’s about consistently applying fundamental techniques at every position, specifically for the defender to remain outside the blocker.
From SciGuy17:
How does the QB’s performance so far compare to previous seasons under McD?
It was better; actually, significantly better. Although Tua continues to look the same as usual, Zach Wilson and Quinn Ewers have shown much greater efficiency compared to Skylar Thompson and Mike White, which is quite remarkable. Ewers has made a significant improvement from how he performed during the spring.
From Chris Roney:
With Darren Waller’s limited blocking capabilities, do you see a tight end receiving more than 40% of the snaps, or will it be a rotation involving Waller, Brown, Hill, and Conner depending on the situation or formation?
Hi Chris, yeah, I believe it’s reasonable to anticipate a varied workload at tight end since Waller and Conner are primarily pass-catching specialists, while Brown and Hill are more focused on blocking. Injuries will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the final number of plays.
From JM_FL2NY:
If we assume that Kohou is CB1 (though it’s a bit odd to say), who is CB2 at the moment?
Perhaps circumstances will improve following the signings of Jack Jones and Mike Hilton, but I believe we’ll have to settle for Storm Duck. He made an impression as a rookie free agent last year and continues to show progress as he enters his second season.
From Harry:
Rookie defensive lineman and young cornerback aside……are there any other positions to keep an eye on during training camp?
Hi Harry, the position that really catches attention after defensive line and cornerback is the offensive line, featuring young players Jonah Savaiinaea and Patrick Paul, as well as new starting guard James Daniels.
From Orlando Aloisi:
Greer keeping Zach waiting is quite common; why wouldn’t he sign a team player like him?
Hey Orlando, this always boils down to the same issue whenever a player seeks an extension, which is determining a fair contract for both parties. This is where the team and the player (through their agent) often, if not always, have differing opinions on what constitutes fairness.I have previously stated that the Dolphins definitely need to accomplish this.but they also can’t just agree to every request made by Sieler, through agent Drew Rosenhaus. I still believe this will be finalized.
From Jake McVay:
Hi Alain, I know it’s still early, but have you observed any differences in how the head coach is running practices and managing the players?
Hello Jake, I’d be dishonest if I claimed I’ve noticed anything major other than the fact that practices are beginning much earlier these days. Mike McDaniel mentions there have been other adjustments, but once again, nothing I’ve been able to detect.
From Bag of Donuts:
Who will be our starting three center backs?
My response would now be significantly different from what it was before Saturday, but if Kohou’s injury isn’t too severe, I believe we’d see Kohou and Jack Jones on the outside with Mike Hilton in the slot. However, I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of Kohou in the slot alongside Jones and Storm Duck on the outside.
From Ed Helinski:
Who appears incredibly stylish and who seems like a bargain in the Dolphins’ training camp?
Hey Ed, without reaching the same level as you, I’d say some of the early stars for me were Jaylen Waddle and Willie Gay Jr. Despite the missed assignments or poor plays, I don’t think I feel comfortable pointing out anyone as “chump change” because I can’t think of a repeat offender.
More Miami Dolphins Coverage:
This piece was first released onwww.si.com/nfl/dolphins as Dolphins’ Saturday Mailbag: Wilkins, Waller, Sieler, and Others.
