The Next Dolfan Man Crush(es)
Just how much optimism can a fan of the Miami Dolphins have after an 0-3 start? How much hope can we hold out while we watch our team implode? A once great defense is falling apart before our very eyes while the offense is the picture of mediocrity.
But I didn’t come here today to bash Cam Cameron. I’m not out to throw more stones at number nine overall pick Ted Ginn, Jr. And it’s not my intention to announce the demise of every player on the defense.
It’s just hard to keep the faith while the team loses. And many Dolfans are beginning to think it’s time to throw in the towel. They’re hanging onto their love of players like Brady Quinn, Patrick Willis and Amobi Okoye and continuing to bemoan the fact that we passed on all of them while drafting the Ginn Family at number nine overall. So, instead of bashing, I wanted to look ahead to the 2008 NFL Draft to locate the next group of players who will be feeling the warmth of the man crush from Dolfans everywhere. Afterall, we need something to look forward to!
Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville – In the spirit of previous man crushes (Philip Rivers and Brady Quinn most recently), Brohm will be feeling the love from Dolfans. He stands 6’4″, weighs 225 and has lit up the scoreboard at Louisville. Brohm returned for his senior season – something that could either enhance his draft status or hurt him considering that the Cardinals are struggling this season. In his college career to date, he has a 20-5 record as a starter and may likely make a trip to the Downtown Athletic Club as a Heisman finalist. Career Stats: 586 comp., 880 att., 8448 yds., 56 TD’s, 15 int.
Sam Baker, OT, USC – Anthony Munoz, he of the NFL Hall of Fame, has stated that Baker is the best college prospect he has ever seen. That’s indeed high praise for a kid coming from someone who played the position so well for so long. Baker redshirted his freshman year at USC but has been a fixture protecting the blindside since 2004 for the Trojans. He has decent size at 6’5″ 305, but is fast, possesses quick feet and has serious strength. Some scouts consider him to be a guard at the next level.
Jake Long, OT, Michigan – The next in the recent string of can’t miss tackles, Jake Long is considered to be a top 5 pick in the 2008 Draft by many scouts. He is a fifth-year senior who has played in 30 games at Michigan and started 27 prior to this season, splitting time between both tackle positions. Long has the prototypical size for a tackle at the next level (6’6″, 320) and also possesses great feet. He rates highly as both a pass blocker and run blocker who plays mean. The only knock on Long may be durability.
Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas – Talk about a kid making an impact right away at the college level! McFadden gained 1100 yards as a freshman and 1600 yards as a sophomore. He possesses a unique combination of speed and strength and may very well have been considered the number one running back in the ’07 Draft had he declared. His size (6’2″, 215) and speed (estimated 4.45) are a tremendous combination. He also has good hands and is a good target out of the backfield. Despite the struggles for wins this season for the Razorbacks, McFadden has to be a dead cinch lock as a Heisman Trophy finalist. His careers stats: 546 att., 3279 yds., 29 TD’s, 32 rec., 257 yds., 1 TD.
Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU – A dominant defensive tackle, Dorsey passed up the big bucks of the NFL to remain at LSU for his senior season. So far, he hasn’t disappointed anyone in Baton Rouge. He has displayed the ability to get through blocks quickly to disrupt plays in either the passing game or the running game. Through his junior season, Dorsey had 110 tackles, 14.5 for a loss and 6 sacks. His bulk and his strength are excellent but his height is less than ideal (6’2″, 299). Yet he will be a top ten pick come next April.
And there it is! Five players for Dolfans to drool over, to be obsessed over, to target with their next man crush. And with the way this season is going, it may not be too early to start making plans for April 2008.