Alex Mack

[mdbw]

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afceast/0-5-62/Hot-Button--AFC-East.html

Tim Graham seems to agree with my prediction that the Dolphins should (and will) go after center Alex Mack from Cal with the 25th overall pick in the draft in 2 months.

Does anyone have an argument against this (assuming he is still on the board at #25 which he most likely will be)?

[FinsFan]

I agree we need to continue to build the OLine so while I don't know Mack I think spending our first pick on a lineman is a good decision.

I also like the comment "Leave him alone, Steve". Can I get an Amen for that one?

[mdbw]

Yeah, let Parcells do what he wants. You just deal with money and signatures!

[fishface]

Is Alex Mack any relation to Johnny Mack?

I agree that we have to continue to beef up both lines, and we need a bigger, tougher center, but maybe we already have one. With free agency yet to sort itself out it's hard to say what Miami's draft needs will be, but right now it's both lines, CB, DB and WR. in my opinion, and maybe FB.

[mdbw]

It seems so slow now. This isn't the worst part of the year though, the worst part is in May after the draft is over and between mini-camps and training camp. There is nothing going on! So, there doesn't seem to be much happening right now, but at least there is speculation and discussion.

[fishface]

This is what the NFL.com's Pat Kirwan has to say about Alex Mack:

"Alex Mack, C, California: I've had the pleasure of interviewing Mack twice, once at the Under Armour Senior Bowl and once on my radio show. His interviews at the combine will excite coaches and general managers. Mack is all ball, all the time. Some people compare him to Nick Mangold, but Mack reminds me more of Casey Wiegmann and Ryan Kalil.

A strong Senior Bowl performance pushed Mack to the top of the list at his position, but it's tough for a center to go in the first round. However, if Mack moves well in the short shuttle, runs close to a five-second 40-yard dash and throws his weight around, it will be hard for teams in need of a center to pass on this guy."

[FinsFan]

So it is possible that he may not be available when it's our turn to pick.

[mdbw]

It is possible. Buffalo needs a center, but some are higher on the C from Oregon than Mack (which I personally am not). However, there is also the fact that centers are usually not first round picks, so Buffalo might go with a skill position at where they are picking as their might be a quality DB or WR available.

[fishface]

There's a good selection of centers in this draft, and Parcells & Co want to build through the draft, so I'll be surprised if we don't pick up one of them, with Mack or Unger being the top choices IMO..

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-0220-dolphins-center,0,634989.story

[FinsFan]

So we know that the Phins want a new center, but rumor says we are working on Jason Brown with the Ravens. So while that doesn't mean we will get him, it also means we are not necessarily building through the draft too.

[mdbw]

Where did you read/hear that? Is Jason brown a center?

[fishface]

http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_football_dolphins/2009/02/can-dolphins-afford-jason-brown.html

http://www.thephinsider.com/2009/2/17/762444/dolphins-interested-in-cen

Here's a couple of links. I guess they are considering it along with everything else. Do you spend the money now on a relatively young top free agent center, or do you spend it on the guys who benefit from his work in the trenches (quarterbacks, receivers and backs), or do you draft a good college center in the hopes that it won't take a year or two to make him into a top NFL center? Of course the Tunameister and his troops know what they are doing, so I guess I'll just wait and see what they come up with. Personally, if they could get Jason Brown at a reasonable price, I would go for that.

[mdbw]

Well Alex Mack is back in the picture... Jason Brown just signed a big contract with the Rams

Soooo do we draft someone like Mack at #25, or do we draft Heyward-Bey, or another receiver, OR so we pick up an ILB like one of those guys from USC.

[fishface]

Well, they picked up Berger, so maybe they feel that he is the answer. But it wouldn't surprise me if they take Mack in Round 1.

[mdbw]

Well, they picked up Berger, so maybe they feel that he is the answer. But it wouldn't surprise me if they take Mack in Round 1.

Berger is definitely depth...