ITPV » Heading into the draft, the Dolphins’ odds for winning

Since last season the Miami Dolphins have parted with their top three quarterbacks http://www.seattleseahawksteamonline.com/cody-barton-jersey , their leading rusher and top receiver, three veteran defensive ends and three starting offensive linemen, while adding no marquee free agents.They went 7-9 in 2018 and are widely expected to be worse next season. the Super Bowl are 250 to 1, longest in the NFL.Even so, they say they’re not tanking under new coach Brian Flores, who replaced Adam Gase.“From Day 1, when we made the change, we talked about building the foundation and building it up the right way,” general manager Chris Grier says. “So that’s all it is. There’s no tanking.”Flores bristles at the word.“To disrespect the game and use that term, it stirs something inside of me, to put that nicely http://www.seattleseahawksteamonline.com/phil-haynes-jersey ,” Flores says.So the Dolphins say they want to win now. But as they pare payroll and stockpile 2020 draft picks, personnel decisions are being made with the goal to win later.Here’s how that approach will dictate decisions in the draft:More Miami Dolphins newsDolphins DB Minkah Fitzpatrick will play vs. Patriots despite trade requestDolphins will try to regroup for Patriots after drubbing at the hands of RavensDolphins can’t contain Lamar Jackson, lose big at homeDolphins versatile offensive lineman Jesse Davis signs extension through 2022Dolphins trade Laremy Tunsil, Kenny Stills to Texans for draft picksQUARTERBACKSThe Dolphins haven’t been to the Super Bowl since the 1984 season, and in that time they’ve drafted one quarterback in the first round.Coincidence?Probably not, but the trend is unlikely to change this year.The Dolphins have the 13th pick, which probably puts the potential franchise QBs out of reach. So they’re expected to wait until 2020 to use their top choice on a quarterback, which is why a lot of losses this season could have a huge long-term payoff in the form of a high pick.Well-traveled veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick signed in March, and the Dolphins acknowledge he’s merely a caretaker QB.“At that position, you can never be satisfied until you have the guy you really feel can give you a chance to win a championship,” Grier says.Fitzpatrick replaces Ryan Tannehill, who failed to deliver a playoff win as the only quarterback to be drafted in the first round by Miami since Dan Marino.IN CHARGEGrier joined the Dolphins as a scout in 2000 http://www.tampabaybuccaneersteamonline.com/mike-edwards-jersey , which happens to be the most recent season they won a playoff game.While Miami has been mired in mediocrity, Grier has climbed the company ladder and was promoted in February to oversee football operations. He has had final say on draft choices the past three years, but says he emphasizes collaboration.“I’m not going to force a coach to take a player, because that doesn’t work,” Grier says. “It creates animosity and distrust.”Chances of a war room clash between Grier and Flores are slim because they’ve enjoyed a long friendship. Each started his NFL career as a scout for the Dolphins’ AFC East nemesis, New England.NOT SEXYThe Dolphins will need a lot of bulk to rebuild. Draft prognosticators have listed at least 10 offensive and defensive linemen as potential first-round picks by Miami.The draft is deep in defensive linemen, and the best bet is Miami will take one from Clemson, with former Tigers teammates Clelin Ferrell and tackle Christian Wilkins both possibilities.MOVING DOWN OR UPThe Dolphins might continue their accumulation of 2020 picks �? they now have 10 �? by trading down in the first round.With so many roster holes to fill, it’s unlikely they’ll trade away multiple picks to move up.“If there is a guy there that we like this year that we feel we need to go get, yeah, we will be aggressive trying to get him,” Grier says. “But we’ll also be smart about it. There is a limit to what you should do.”RECENT HISTORYBad draft decisions are a big reason for the Dolphins missing the playoffs 15 of the past 17 seasons. They haven’t had a first-round pick make the Pro Bowl since center Mike Pouncey http://www.tampabaybuccaneersteamonline.com/matt-gay-jersey , who was drafted in 2011. Jameis Winston is back on the job, though the Tampa Bay Buccaneers still aren’t saying if it’s as the team’s starting quarterback.Winston’s three-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy ended Tuesday, the first day the fourth-year pro was permitted to return to the team’s training facility and have contact with coaches and teammates.It was a day off for players following Monday night’s 30-27 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, however coach Dirk Koetter said the first overall pick from the 2015 draft showed up bright and early, ready to begin preparation for the Chicago Bears.What Koetter declined to say was whether Winston or Ryan Fitzpatrick, who has the Bucs off to a 2-1 start while throwing for more than 400 yards in a league-record three consecutive games will start Sunday.More Tampa Bay Buccaneers newsJameis Winston aims to realize potential under guidance of new Buccaneers coach Bruce AriansBuccaneers sign 5th overall selection LB Devin WhiteNdamukong Suh practices with Buccaneers for first time, dons customary No. 93 jerseyNdamukong Suh agrees to terms with Bucs, replaces 6-time Pro Bowler Gerald McCoyBuccaneers release 6-time Pro Bowl DT Gerald McCoy after nine seasons“I know there’s a lot of interest in the quarterback thing. I did talk to both Jameis and Fitz,” Koetter began.“It’s great to see Jameis back in the building. He was here early and working hard. We welcome Jameis back, glad to have him. Short week,” the coach added. “He assured me he was ready to go, which I don’t doubt for a minute that’s he’s been working hard.”Without elaborating http://www.tennesseetitansteamonline.com/a.j.-brown-jersey , Koetter said he shared the team’s plans with both quarterbacks.“We know what we’re going to do. Both guys know what we’re going to do,” the coach said, “I hope everybody can appreciate it doesn’t do us any good to tell our opponents what we’re going to do. That’ll work itself out as the week goes on.”Winston started 45 of 48 games over the past three seasons, going 18-27 while throwing for 11,636 yards, 69 touchdowns and 44 interceptions. The 2013 Heisman Trophy winner has topped 4,000 yards passing twice, but has yet to lead Tampa Bay to the playoffs.Fitzpatrick, a 35-year-old journeyman who played for seven teams in 14 seasons, has thrown for 1,230 yards and 11 touchdowns in Winston’s absence.The Bucs rallied from a 20-point halftime deficit to make Monday night’s game close. Fitzpatrick finished with 411 yards and three TDs, however he also helped dig the hole Tampa Bay couldn’t escape with interceptions on three consecutive pass attempts in the second quarter.Winston is expected to meet with the media on Wednesday http://www.tennesseetitansteamonline.com/amani-hooker-jersey , when team begins preparation for the Bears.Fitzpatrick was asked Monday night about Winston’s impending return and what it might mean for his role moving forward.“You know, I have so much fun playing this game. … I’m here just ready to do whatever it takes to help the team win, and I think that will be my mindset going forward,” Fitzpatrick said.Fitzpatrick also started three games last season, going 2-1 while Winston was sidelined with a shoulder injury.“This quarterback issue we have right now is not an adversity,” Koetter said. “We are blessed. I think we have three good quarterbacks on our roster right now. Not all teams in the league can say that.”