RB Ronnie Brown will shoulder the burden of the Dolphins' running attack.

I do give Mueller credit for guts and a decent draft. Despite passing on Quinn the Dolphins may have their franchise quarterback of the future in John Beck from Brigham Young University. They also drafted Samson Satele from the University of Hawaii who should start at center, and running back Lorenzo Booker from Florida State University who should be a solid compliment to starting running back Ronnie Brown. Ted Ginn Jr. should be solid return man this season replacing Wes Welker, who defected to the New England Patriots.

The Dolphins’ new talent will be in the hands of former San Diego Chargers Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron. Cameron will take the reigns from Nick Saban but he won’t have nearly the same power over personnel that Saban did. Mueller is the guy buying the groceries; Cameron will need to whip up something tasty for the fans in Miami who have been starving for some quality pro-football. Cameron helped turn the Chargers into one of the better offensive teams in the league by building around a stud running back and a young quarterback. Expect the Dolphins to attempt the same transformation with Ronnie Brown and eventually John Beck.

2007 GAME PLAN

Offense: The most crucial element of any team’s offense is its offensive line. The Dolphins have suffered through years of weakness in this area. Finally they seem to have hit upon the key to developing a quality line; draft young talented lineman and let them grow together. It seems pretty simple but having the patience to let young players suffer their bumps along the way can be hard for a coach whose job depends on winning performances. But young players such as Vernon Carey, L.J. Shelton, and Rex Hadnot together with rookie Samson Satele are going to be given a strong opportunity by new head coach Cam Cameron. Other young linemen like Anthony Alibi and Joe Toledo and rookie Drew Mormino will provide solid depth.

The offensive game plan will be very similar to that of the San Diego Chargers. The running game will be emphasized with Ronnie Brown getting the bulk of touches but rookie Lorenzo Booker should get enough carries to be a solid late round fantasy pick. The passing game will be in the solid hands of former Kansas City Chief Trent Green. Green will focus on getting the ball to Chris Chambers in the passing game but the running backs and tight end David Martin should see a fair amount of action as Green will need to be rid of the ball quickly to avoid the concussion inducing hits that could end his career.

Defense: The Dolphins had a solid defense in 2006 and things should not change dramatically this season. The Dolphins should see increased production from their defensive backfield with the expected development and increased roles of players like Yeremiah Bell, Shirdonya Mitchell, Jason Allen and Travis Daniels. The Dolphins also signed former Steeler linebacker Joey Porter. Porter should punish teams that choose to concentrate on 2006 defensive player of the year, Jason Taylor. The 2007 Dolphins will be relying on the defense to keep them in games until their offense gets going.

SPOTLIGHT PLAYERS 

Samson Satele, Center: Samson (and what a great name for a lineman that is) was one of the premiere pass protectors in college football for the University of Hawaii. He is often compared to former 49er Jesse Sapolu. The 320 pound center will move right into the starting lineup for the Dolphins and his impact should be huge. Like the biblical Samson, Satele seems to find strength by not cutting his hair which he did not do the entire time he was at the University of Hawaii.  

Vernon Carey, Left Tackle: Vernon Carey grew up as a Dolphin fan is going to be key in the 2007 season as he makes the move from left guard to left tackle. Carey has been moved around the line quite a bit but he should settle in at left tackle. If Carey continues the development he showed playing guard he should be a very solid part of future Dolphin playoff teams.

Ronnie Brown, Running Back: Huge things were expected of Ronnie Brown as he became the featured back due to former star Ricky Williams being unavailable in more ways than one. Injuries and the poor performance of the offensive line have delayed things but fans should expect to see a huge improvement in 2007. Cam Cameron’s improved offense and the expected development of the offensive line should make things easier in him. The arrival of a talented and effective quarterback like Trent Green should also make defenses a bit more honest.

Yeremiah Bell, Saftey: The defensive backfield seemed to come together in 2006 when Bell was installed as the starter. Bell is a playmaker, the kind that fantasy owners love to see on their team defenses. Look for Bell to become a star this season.

FRANCHISE PLAYER

None

TRANSITION PLAYER

None

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers)

OG, Bennie Anderson (released)

OG, Jeno James (released)

LB, Keith Adams (released)

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

None

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

S, Yeremiah Bell (re-signed to one-year contract)

LB, Donnie Spragan (re-signed to one-year contract)

DT, Keith Traylor (re-signed to one-year contract)

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

K, Jay Feely (UFA, from Giants)

LB, Joey Porter (released from Steelers)

QB, Trent Green (Traded for a fifth-round pick)

PLAYERS LOST

TE, Randy McMichael (released and signed by Rams)

DE, Kevin Carter (released and signed by Buccaneers)

P, Donnie Jones (RFA signed with Rams)

WR, Wes Welker (RFA signed with Patriots)

QB Joey Harrington (released and signed with Falcons)

RB, Sammy Morris (UFA signed with Patriots)