Four Waiver Wire Nuggets

NFL teams have made their cuts to get their rosters down to 53 players for the first game.  So, what players could the Dolphins pick up to help the team in 2011?  I took notice of four waiver wire nuggets that the Dolphins may be interested in.

First, it is important to note that the Dolphins concerns with the offensive line just got a little more concerning.  Lydon Murtha, who filled in well for Jake Long at LT during the preseason, was placed on IR and is lost for the season.  This is a big loss.  Murtha did a fairly good job in the preseason and provided depth at the tackle position.  He may have been able to challenge Marco Columbo for the starting RT spot.  Jeff Ireland has to be thinking offensive line when looking at the waiver wire — but, then again, Tony Sparano has said not to worry.

Additionally, The Dolphins only kept two TEs on their 53 man roster — Anthony Fasano and Jeron Mastrud.  So, TE might also be of interest.  And, the Dolphins are pretty thin at the RB position with only Reggie Bush, Daniel Thomas, and Lex Hilliard left on the roster — really thin, if Bush should get injured.  The Dolphins must also be thinking RB — maybe even FB given that Lou Polite was waived.

Second, it is interesting to note what former Phins were cut from their teams.  The list includes: Patrick Turner, Donald Thomas, Andrew Gardner, Joey Haynos, John Nalbone, and Pat McQuistan.  Haynos might be of interest to the Dolphins, as the waiver wire is a little thin at the TE position.  I pray the Dolphins and Tony Sparano are not interested in the former Cowboy, Pat McQuistan.  I think he did not add very much last season.

Here are the four players I thought may be of interest:

Chester Taylor was released by the Chicago Bears.  Taylor is 31 year old running back with 9 seasons of experience with the Ravens, Vikings, and Bears.  In his career, Taylor has rushed 1,140 times for 4,663 yars (4.1 yard average) and has 285 receptions for 2,233 yards.  Taylor is a seasoned vet, well liked in the locker room, and who recently had some good years with the Vikings. 

Desmond Clark was also released by the Chicago Bears.  Clark is a 34 year old tight end with 12 years of experience with the Broncos, Dolphins (2002), and Bears.  In his career, Clark had 323 receptions for 3,591 yards (11.1 yard average).  In 2006, 2007, and 2008, Clark caught more than 40 passes in each year and started in every game for the Bears.

Kyle DeVan was released by the Indianapolis Colts.  Devan is a 26 year old offensive guard with 2 seasons of experience.  He hails from Oregon State and is 6’2″ and 306 pounds.  In two seasons for the Colts, he has played in 31 games with 21 starts.  In 2010, he played in every regular season game, starting in 12.  DeVan is a good young player that was expendable because the Colts picked up Anthony Castanzo and Ben Ijalana in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Reggie Wells was released by the Philadelphia Eagles.  Wells is a 30 year old offensive guard with 8 seasons of experience.  He hails from Clarion State University and is 6’4″ and 318 pounds.  In eight seasons with the Cardinals and Eagles, he has played in 112 games with 91 starts.  In 2006 thru and including 2009, he started in every regular season game for the Cardinals to include the Super Bowl team with Curt Warner.

I know there are other players, cut earlier in the preseason by teams, that are also available like Shaun O’Hara and Andre Gurode.

What do you think?

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