Line Backer Position

[ATENEARS]

Will Matt Roth remain on the roster? I know that we placed a second-round tender on Roth, and that any team interested in his services would have to give us a second rounder to steal him ... but what exactly does that mean in regard to his term or role here? IS he here to stay or just a stop-gap? I love that guy, and look forward to seeing him play a full season for us.

 

With the acqusistion of Scott Fujita and Chris Gocong, I see that as an upgrade over Kam Wimbley and Alex Hall. However, how much of an upgrade is it? It appears to me that we are assembling a group of versatile LB corps, much better against the run, but not sure I like that we don't have that one 'stud', that one guy in the middle that breaths fire and eats small children for lunch.

 

I know the Browns official site's roster isn't updated, but correct me if I'm wrong, I'm showing; DQ, Fujita, Gocong, Roth, Bowens, Bernard, Barton, Titus Brown, Trusnick, Maivai, and Veikune.

 

Where do we stand on our honey-moon love for DQ? Did Maivai & Titus Brown show enough late in the season? Has Bernard learned the switch now and will his big plays start to be more consistient along with playing time?

 

It appears that there are going to be some great battles for playing time with this group, but why do I get the feeling that we aren't done here? Is it DQ that I just don't feel all warm and fuzzy about and that the youngsters just haven't gotten past a few baby steps enough to sing about?

 

I liked Trusnicks work ethic and wonder if Mangini has the bals to cut ties with Veikune if he isn't going to progress any better than he did last season.

 

It's going to be interesting to say the least.

 

Who are you guys pulling for here?

[ClevelandFanForLife]

i say we keep him. he was really explosive and did a good job when he played last year. i'm not saying he's a hall of famer, but he can definitely play.

[CLEVELandMILIDH]

If they plan on resigning him then I'd be okay with keeping him, but if he's gone next year then we have to get what we can for him this year.

 

As FloridaBrownsFan said in another thread I'd love to see Rennie Curran running around like a mad man, that dude looks like a heat seaking missle.

 

If we can get a 2nd for DQ and pick Curran in the 4th? I'd be a pretty happy camper

[ballpeen]

I don't think the team and DJ's team are going to hold hands and sing "We Are the World" anytime soon. I think there are cool feelings both ways.

 

I would hope we get Roth signed to an extension before we do DJ....I just don't think he is that good to be honest...and the lack of interest in FA seems to indicate others aren't as well.

 

 

I think the group is better, with the possibility the draft is going to make it even better.....if we trade down a bit, possibly McClain enters the picture....that would improve things in a hurry.

[ATENEARS]

I've always felt that the lack of a great Safety here has exposed our LB's as worst than they already were. Having a playmaker come in here and erase mistakes from the Safety position will do wonders for this group. In that regard, I welcome Eric Berry.

[beefjerky]

I had the impression that there was a thread on here that said Roth was signed, maybe that was him signing his tender, but yeah, I agree with you and definitely want him on our team long term, great player.

 

I think now that Fujita is here, D'Qwell is probably gone, but that's just my opinion, I never really thought he was amazing so I wouldn't be too upset about it.

[ATENEARS]

I had the impression that there was a thread on here that said Roth was signed, maybe that was him signing his tender, but yeah, I agree with you and definitely want him on our team long term, great player.

 

I don't think he has been given any new deal, just tendered. I believe this is the thread you are speaking of.

 

I think now that Fujita is here, D'Qwell is probably gone, but that's just my opinion, I never really thought he was amazing so I wouldn't be too upset about it.

 

Remember when Mangini was really high on DQ to start the season last year? We're not hearing so much praise for him anymore. I was liking Mangini's pick-ups in this department last year and although he has again made strides here for some reason I get the feeling we have changed focus a little bit and Mangini doesn't have as much say. We will see if that is a good or bad thing, but I like EM's personel at LB over Crennels.

[mopaji]

I had the impression that there was a thread on here that said Roth was signed, maybe that was him signing his tender, but yeah, I agree with you and definitely want him on our team long term, great player.

 

I think now that Fujita is here, D'Qwell is probably gone, but that's just my opinion, I never really thought he was amazing so I wouldn't be too upset about it.

 

 

It was Trutsnick or whatever his name is, the other white guy on Defense. And I'm with you, I think DQ will be moved on draft day with a 5th round pick to get another 2nd rounder. The 2nd round of this draft is MONEY!! If you have 11 picks in that round, you will get 11 starters. It is stacked! I don't know how Mangini and Heckert will be able to sit still and watch that 2nd round pass them by, it is loaded.

 

 

***EDIT***

 

I see us having at least three 2nd rounders this year. We still have Harrison and Jackson as our ace-in-the-hole. Pocket Rockets if you will.

[mopaji]

I don't think he has been given any new deal, just tendered. I believe this is the thread you are speaking of.

 

 

 

Remember when Mangini was really high on DQ to start the season last year? We're not hearing so much praise for him anymore. I was liking Mangini's pick-ups in this department last year and although he has again made strides here for some reason I get the feeling we have changed focus a little bit and Mangini doesn't have as much say. We will see if that is a good or bad thing, but I like EM's personel at LB over Crennels.

 

 

I agree, but I think the praise for Jackson has dimmed down a little because we now have some viable replacements there. When Mangini came in, DQ was all he had in that group so he was stroking his ego a little bit.

[Dave]

I must have been watching a different guy named McClain because the guy I saw looked dominant in the National Championship game. Reminded me of a young Ray Lewis. How is this guy not higher on the draft boards? Why would we not consider him at #7? I get it that we need a safety, but if the draft is so deep like everyone thinks, there should be a solid one or two available in rounds 2 and 3.

 

What I always found funny is when a draft "guru" says something like "that draft slot is too high to pick him". Last time I checked, teams usually only get one pick in each round, so if a team likes a guy, and he's not going to last till their next round pick, how can it be too high to pick him? This is why you see strange picks in the first round that are not on any mock drafts when the picking starts.

[ballpeen]

I must have been watching a different guy named McClain because the guy I saw looked dominant in the National Championship game. Reminded me of a young Ray Lewis. How is this guy not higher on the draft boards? Why would we not consider him at #7? I get it that we need a safety, but if the draft is so deep like everyone thinks, there should be a solid one or two available in rounds 2 and 3.

 

What I always found funny is when a draft "guru" says something like "that draft slot is too high to pick him". Last time I checked, teams usually only get one pick in each round, so if a team likes a guy, and he's not going to last till their next round pick, how can it be too high to pick him? This is why you see strange picks in the first round that are not on any mock drafts when the picking starts.

 

 

 

Not sure if you were talking to me.....I like McClain...but i like a few players better...the reason i said if we traded down a few slots.

 

For me the first round is all about getting the best player on the board and not so much about addressing a need....obviouisly you use some common sense.

 

 

Hey, if we took McClain at 7, I might feel we could have traded down a bit an got something else, but I wouldn't be in the least disappointed in the player.

 

[choco]

we know....mcclain = ray lewis, bryant = randy moss and bradford is peyton manning. suh is reggie white, okung is joe thmas, and spiller is adrian peterson.

 

 

 

except, they're not.

 

 

more seriously, mcclain has hopkins, and MLB simply isn't a need right now. we're not in need of an immediate impact at LB like we are at DB....its that simple. mcclain may be good, but a guaranteed ray lewis he is not. OL, DL, DB need the most help and youth, as well as QB.

[Dave]

ballpeen, i guess I was just talking aloud, trying to see what others thoughts were on McClain and if anyone else thought this kid looked as dominant as I thought he did. Appreciate your response though, always do.

 

Always seems to be a few obvious guys in every draft that everyone knows is going to be good but are taken lower than I expect them too, either because they aren't the fastest or strongest at the combine or their stock drops leading up to the draft when the media is hyping some strong armed QB. Guys like A.J. Hawk or LeSean McCoy or Ray Rice or Percy Harvin or James Laurinaitis. These guys have miles of football tape from college that shows they can play the game but fall in the draft because of guys with big workout numbers. I see McClain as one of those guys that will dominate at the next level.

[CLEVELandMILIDH]

ballpeen, i guess I was just talking aloud, trying to see what others thoughts were on McClain and if anyone else thought this kid looked as dominant as I thought he did. Appreciate your response though, always do.

 

Always seems to be a few obvious guys in every draft that everyone knows is going to be good but are taken lower than I expect them too, either because they aren't the fastest or strongest at the combine or their stock drops leading up to the draft when the media is hyping some strong armed QB. Guys like A.J. Hawk or LeSean McCoy or Ray Rice or Percy Harvin or James Laurinaitis. These guys have miles of football tape from college that shows they can play the game but fall in the draft because of guys with big workout numbers. I see McClain as one of those guys that will dominate at the next level.

 

Nick Saban said he's the smartest football player he's ever coached. Sometimes teams dont work players out because they dont want anyone to know there interested. Saban and Mangini have a pretty good relationship, maybe they've talked. Imagine Fujita and McClain in the middle, Fujita's like 6'5" McClain 6'4" they'd be beast's in there

[Rooster Dick]

The only people who know who Matt Roth is are Browns and Dolphin Fans. IF you mention his name to anyone else, you will get a blank stare. He's not that special, but yet this place here loves him

[The Gipper]

The only people who know who Matt Roth is are Browns and Dolphin Fans. IF you mention his name to anyone else, you will get a blank stare. He's not that special, but yet this place here loves him

 

And Dolphin fans confuse him with Hyman Roth.

 

(raise your hand if you don't know who Hyman Roth was)

[roach]

I've always felt that the lack of a great Safety here has exposed our LB's as worst than they already were. Having a playmaker come in here and erase mistakes from the Safety position will do wonders for this group. In that regard, I welcome Eric Berry.

 

 

i've heard whiners complain that our lack of talent on the line has put stress on our LB's, but this is a new one. BTW, D'qwell might as well be playing Safety based on where his tackles are made.

 

Roth and Trusnick made plays, and that was a refreshing change. i'm looking forward to this camp and seeing who steps up. i won't be whining for a LB selection during this years draft. (i'm sure many will be view that as refreshing.)

[Mr. T]

IMO show Roth the money and draft Berry.

[Riffer X]

Our backer corps is definitely a helluva lot better now than when Mangie got here. It's system and you need guys to fill the roles of the scheme even moreso than straight up talent. Fujita has been one of my favorite backers in the game for a few years and was a fantastic pickup. He can play in or out and was NO's defensive captain last year, a dude of extremely high character who will be great for the community too.

 

Moving Kam was good, he was a hard worker and great guy but he was maxed out. Brian Cox probably did the best with him last year and actually got him showing improvement, but in the end I think they saw his weaknesses of lack of balance, taking improper angles, being a one trick pony with his speed rush duck and under and overall not worthy of his contract (plus up for renewal next year I believe). That was a good trade for a deep draft like this and there is no guarantee he is any better than David Benard, a guy the staff loves as an UDFA.

 

Trusnick struggled a little down the stretch but showed some promise, and Roth was an absolute steal. To find out why Miami and he split ways read this:

Odd saga comes to an end as Miami Dolphins cut Matt Roth

The Dolphins cut linebacker Matt Roth, but said it was based on performance and not on lingering feelings from an odd training camp situation.

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Miami Dolphins linebacker Matt Roth bumps hands with a fan before the game against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.

Miami Dolphins linebacker Matt Roth bumps hands with a fan before the game against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.

JOE RIMKUS JR. / STAFF PHOTO

 

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BY JEFF DARLINGTON

jdarlington@MiamiHerald.com

 

A strange, four-month span for Dolphins linebacker Matt Roth came to an unexpected conclusion Tuesday -- the team has decided to move forward without him.

 

Roth, who became the center of an odd saga when he missed all of training camp with a groin injury, was released after totaling just four combined tackles during his four games this season.

 

The move was ``strictly a football decision,'' one source said. Although no other outside factors are believed to have contributed to his departure, the drama of training camp surely will follow Roth in the wake of Miami's choice to cut him.

 

It's a saga that has remained mostly unexplained. When Roth arrived for training camp this year, he blamed a failed conditioning test on being ill -- only to later come forward with an admission about a groin injury.

 

After trainers struggled to diagnose the issue, Roth was sent to Philadelphia to meet with a leading groin specialist, Dr. William Meyers. The evaluation did not reveal any significant issues, and Roth returned with what seemed to be an optimistic report.

 

But according to multiple sources at the time, Roth continued to sit out of practice. with no further explanation other than to say his groin was still sore. The strange situation caused the team to go forward without him, moving Jason Taylor into the strong-side linebacker role where Roth served as a starter throughout 2008.

 

On Oct. 31, Roth was reactivated to the 53-man roster, seeming to regain his standing with the team. That decision served as the last formal move until Tuesday's announcement by Miami that he had been cut.

 

The most recent source to speak on the situation stressed that Roth's departure was based strictly on Miami's plans for the future, as well as Roth's performance -- but that it was not a result of any lingering feelings from the training camp situation.

 

PRECEDENT

 

The move makes some sense when considering the past two years of decision-making: The Dolphins, under the current regime, have been an organization that doesn't delay the inevitable when it is financially sound to act.

 

Roth, for instance, is scheduled to become a free agent after this season. If the Dolphins did not expect to sign him to a new contract -- and they also were not getting an adequate performance from him -- the team would rather begin developing and evaluating players who have potential to fit into a long-term plan.

 

Roth's departure also brings to light a few staggering statistics about how dramatically different the team has become over the past two years, while also revealing the bad fortunes Miami endured on draft days during a five-year span between 2003 and 2007.

 

Only eight of 38 players drafted during that span still remain with the team. And only nine of the roster's 53 players hold a rare distinction: They were drafted by the Dolphins -- but not by Bill Parcells and Jeff Ireland.

 

ALL ABOUT THE FIT

 

Roth's departure is still a strange one that doesn't necessarily seem to fit the mold of the many other departures that came before him. During coach Tony Sparano's first season, Roth was viewed as a prime example of the coaching staff's ability to think outside the box when it came to player personnel.

 

With the need for more linebackers in the newly installed 3-4 system, the Dolphins began evaluating which players could make the potential transition. Former defensive end Vonnie Holliday got a look, but it didn't work out.

 

When Miami threw Roth into the role, it seemed as close to a natural fit as anyone could have expected.

 

He would thrive in his new position in 2008, becoming a player that looked like he might have long-term stability at the spot.

 

He finished the season with five sacks, four pass defenses, two forced fumbles and 53 tackles. Less than a year later, as far as the Dolphins are concerned, those days seem to be settled in the very distant past.

 

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2009/11/25/1349...l#ixzz0kMd4joWz

Jackson I think will be moved on draft day, possibly as a part of a trade up for McCoy in the bottom of round one. He is not physical enough and is expendable, plus with him fishing for a new contract for over a year now it could be counter productive to keep him around, especially trying to develop Veikune and Maiava.

 

Gocong could be a huge addition, he is a high motor guy perfect for this system if he can stay healthy, and the 3/4 is definitely his best bet.

 

All in all I think LB is the least of our worries right now, we can focus on Berry being there or a possible trade down. McShay's latest mock has Berry there, and we need him bad. It's possible Sheldon Brown may be moved to safety if we add a corner or two that can really play, Philly was in the process of moving him there this year. In essence, we could shore up safety pretty quick with Brown, Berry, Elam and Adams. Then there is the issue of needing to get younger on the dline......

[Earl34]

My gut feeling is the Jackson is gone-zo. I don't have much to base that on but there's probably still a market for him.

[ATENEARS]

And Dolphin fans confuse him with Hyman Roth.

 

(raise your hand if you don't know who Hyman Roth was)

 

He was the Jew that got all bent over Moe Greene taking a bullet in the eye.

 

"Your father did business with Hyman Roth, your father respected Hyman Roth, but your father never trusted Hyman Roth"

[Zombo]

Picking Matt Roth off of waiver was our best player acquisition since drafting Joe Thomas.

 

Roth was an up-and-coming star in Miami before the contract thing, and he is going to be a rock in Cleveland.

 

Sometimes good things happen to bad teams.

 

Thank God we had the worst record in the league when he was released.

 

Zombo

[The Gipper]

He was the Jew that got all bent over Moe Greene taking a bullet in the eye.

 

"Your father did business with Hyman Roth, your father respected Hyman Roth, but your father never trusted Hyman Roth"

 

 

Right, patterned after Meyer Lansky.

[C.Bridges]

The only people who know who Matt Roth is are Browns and Dolphin Fans. IF you mention his name to anyone else, you will get a blank stare. He's not that special, but yet this place here loves him

 

I disagree, I remember him from his years at Iowa. Had forgotten about him after the 2005 draft, but remember liking him back then.

[ATENEARS]

Picking Matt Roth off of waiver was our best player acquisition since drafting Joe Thomas.

 

Roth was an up-and-coming star in Miami before the contract thing, and he is going to be a rock in Cleveland.

 

Sometimes good things happen to bad teams.

 

Thank God we had the worst record in the league when he was released.

 

Zombo

 

I'm hoping that Sheldon Brown is just as big of acquisition.