NFL 2006: Miami Dolphins

(This is the Corners look at the upcoming NFL season. For the next 32 days we'll be previewing each team and their prospects for the 2006 season. Today we look at the Miami Dolphins.)

Nick Saban begins year number two with fresh faces and a new offensive coordinator in Mike Mularkey. The former Bills coach takes over for the departed Scott Linehan, the new head coach of the St. Louis Rams. Optimism reigns supreme in Miami as Saban turned a 3-13 team the year before into a 9-7 one last season. With a veteran cast returning, along with key free agent pickups, many feel the Dolphins are legitimate playoff contenders in 2006.

Offense: The biggest acquisition of the off season was grabbing Daunte Culpepper from the Minnesota Vikings. Gone is Gus Frerotte, who did a respectable job as the starter last season and in comes Culpepper. There's no question when he's healthy, Culpepper is one of the best in the game. But a devastating knee injury, where he suffered damage to three ligaments, may keep him off the field on opening day.

To correct that problem the Dolphins made a trade for Joey Harrington (2,021 yards, 12 touchdowns), who wore out his welcome in Detroit. The former number two overall selection hasn't lived up to his draft status, but could be reborn with Saban in Miami. Either way, he'll be an adequate backup and an upgrade over Sage Rosenfels.

Ricky Williams was suspended again so he took his papers and bong to Canada for a year. No matter, second year man Ronnie Brown will be handed the reigns of the feature back role and should do well. The Auburn standout rushed for 907 yards and four scores splitting time with Ricky last season. Travis Minor will be his principle backup. Fred Beasley didn't leave his heart in San Francisco and will help Brown immensely at fullback. Beasley has decent hands and is a solid blocker.

The Dolphins have two good starters, but not much depth after that at the wide receiver position. Chris Chambers (82-1,118-11) had a breakout year last season and Marty Booker is a solid number two guy. Behind them rookies Derek Hagan and Devin Aromashodu will be asked to play key roles.

Randy McMichael is one of the best receiving tight ends in the game and proved it again last season with 60 receptions and five TDs. Justin Peele was brought in from San Diego to be a blocker in running situations.

There is plenty of competition on the offensive line and it's here where the most spirited battles will take place. Rex Hadnot is the incumbent center, but Seth McKinney returns from injury and will challenge. Free agent signee Bennie Anderson (Bills) will team with returner Jeno James at guard, but McKinney could land here as well. Vernon Carey and Damion McIntosh return at tackle but free agents L.J. Shelton (Browns) and Mike Pearson (Jaguars) are in the mix as well.

Defense: This is an aging defense even with Junior Seau gone, particularly on the line. Ageless wonder Jason Taylor (12 sacks) and Kevin Carter (six sacks) return at defensive end, but look out for high energy Matt Roth to get even more playing time in 2006. Vonnie Holliday (five sacks) and Keith Traylor man the tackle spots with Jeff Zgonina providing adequate backup. Manuel Wright and rookie Rodrique Wright provide youthful legs.

Zach Thomas continues to defy father time and looks to put up another outstanding season on the boards. Thomas led the team with 166 tackles from his middle linebacker slot and shows no signs of slowing down. On the outside, emerging star Channing Crowder (90 tackles) could have a break out year and Donnie Spragan is solid if not spectacular. Eddie Moore is a quality backup.

The secondary is in a state of flux after a turbulent off season. Gone are safety Lance Shulters and corners Sam Madison and Reggie Howard. Travis Daniels will man one corner spot while free agent signees Will Allen (Giants), Renaldo Hill (Raiders) and Andre Goodman (Lions) will compete for the other. Tavaris Tillman returns at strong safety, while Yeremiah Bell and number one draft pick, Jason Allen, will battle for the free safety spot.

Special Teams: Olindo Mare had another great season, scoring 108 points on 25-30 field goals and 33-33 on extra points. You can't find many better or more consistent then him. Donnie Jones looks to improve on his solid 43.5 yards per punt last season and Wes Welker is an exciting return man (22.6 KR; 9.1 PR).

Outlook: Nick Saban is one of the best young coaches in the business and he'll have the Dolphins fighting for a playoff spot. The Culpepper injury situation, coupled with an aging defense and instability in the secondary will keep them from catching New England in the division.

Prediction: Saban has picked Miami out of the cellar and restored confidence in the fans, the city and the team. The Dolphins are still a couple of pieces away from being a serious contender, but a wild card berth is not out of the question in 2006. Miami finishes 9-7 or 10-6.

HAVE A HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!

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