Players invited to Miami Dolphins rookie mini camps are scheduled to arrive Thursday before Friday’s workouts begin.

Each day this week we’ve brought information on the undrafted free agents set to joing Dolphins’ rookie minicamp.
* Monday’s entry
* Tuesday’s entry

Now it’s time for today’s entry. Below are six additional UFA’s set to join Dolphins’ rookie minicamp this weekend.

Cameron Collins (No. 5) will be at Miami Dolphins rookie minicamp this weekend.

Cameron Collins
LB (6-2, 238 pounds)
Oregon State
On Twitter: N/A
Notable: Collins logged 24 starts for the Beavers during his collegiate career, which began as a safety before later moving to linebacker. Also considered a strong presence on special teams. After adjusting to outside linebacker in 2010, he underwent abdominal surgery last summer. He was later hobbled by a groin injury last season, and after missing a game returned for a career-high 11 tackles against Utah. Collins was named a member of the Pac-12 Conference All-Academic first team four times, only the ninth student-athlete in league history to do so. He graduated with a degree in business finance.

Albert Evans
FS (6-0, 208 pounds)
Purdue
On Twitter: @Shwaggin32
Notable: Evans reunites with Dolphins assistant Lou Anarumo, a former Purdue defensive backs coach. Played linebacker in 2008, then returned to safety in 2009. Evans had a career-high 73 tackles last season, including two interceptions. He had a career-high 11 tackles against Notre Dame last season. Anarumo described him this way in an interview with The Journal and Courier last year: “He’s like a judge in some regard,” Anarumo said. “The lawyers do most of the talking, but when the judge says something — generally speaking — everybody listens. That’s Albert.
“He has good timing and he says important things at the right time with substance. When you have a guy like that, everybody listens.”

Joe Wylie
DB (6-3, 215 pounds)
Tennessee State
On Twitter: @iJOEhard_19
Notable: Recorded one tackle for the Miami Hurricanes in 2008 before he transferred to Tennessee State to find more playing time. Played his high school football at Boyd Anderson. Finished his collegiate career with 29 games for the Tigers where he compiled 113 tackles, six pass breakups, three quarterback hurries, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and an interception returned 59 yards for a touchdown. His father, Joe Wylie Sr., was a basketball standout for the Hurricanes.

Dustin Waldron
OT (6-5, 305 pounds)
Portland State
On Twitter: N/A
Notable: Four-year starter at offensive left tackle for the Vikings. Last season, he earned honorable mention all-Big Sky honors. He was named Portland State’s Outstanding Offensive Lineman in December at the team’s annual banquet. Considered to have good athleticism and speed. One concerns is the lack of competition he saw playing for Portland State. At Marist High School, his football team won state championships in 2005 and 2007. Hobbies according to his college biography include “trap shooting, chess, hunting, camping, boating and music.”

Terence Brown
C (6-3, 331 pounds)
BYU
On Twitter: N/A
Notable: Reportedly dropped 25 pounds since the NFL Scouting Combine in February, which would put him at 306 pounds. He also grew a beard. A leaner Brown would fit the more athletic offensive line the Dolphins are looking to configure for their West Coast offense. A three-year starter at center for the Cougars. Named to the Rimington Trophy preseason watch list last season. Before moving to center, Brown started 13 games at right guard in 2008. Brown, a South Carolina native, was an Eagle Scout, and is one of seven children. He speaks Portuguese, and was married in 2009. Earned his degree in physical education.

Josh Samuda
OG (6-3, 312 pounds)
Massachusetts
On Twitter: @Josh_YM_Samuda
Notable: A Hollywood High alumnus, was born in Birmingham, England. A consistent starter at left guard, he played 45 games in four seasons starting all 11 games in 2011. In 2010, was part of a line that allowed a mere six sacks – tops in the CCA.

Twitter | @IzzyGould
Email | igould@sunsentinel.com
Facebook | facebook.com/dolphinsbeat
Phone | 954.372.5504

Jim “Mad Dog” Mandich was a part of the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins team. Now, his son Nick has been invited to try out for the same franchise.

Nick Mandich, a tight end, the same position as his father, played at Southern Connecticut State University, where he collected 37 catches for 303 yards over three seasons and impressed the team during Miami’s workout day before the draft.

“It means everything in the world to me,” Nick Mandich said. “I feel very fortunate that the Dolphins are giving me such a great opportunity to prove myself. It means the world to my family. I’m very thankful. … I don’t want to take any handouts. I want to earn everything by hard work and determination.”

Jim Mandich played for the Dolphins from 1970 to 1977 and later became the team’s broadcaster and color commentator for more than 27 years. “Mad Dog” had 121 career catches for 23 touchdowns and 1,406 yards while winning two Super Bowls.

“He basically gave his life and soul to the Dolphins,” Nick Mandich told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel on Monday. “That was something he wore with pride.”

At the Dolphins’ pro day workouts at the University of Miami, Nick Mandich was given his father’s number to wear, 88.

“I’ve got my father’s number,” Nick said. “At first I felt a little nervous to put it on, but as the workout went on I was very comfortable. I was told I did a very good job. At the end I was proud of myself, and even more proud I had that number on.”

The Miami Dolphins addressed its needs on the offensive line selecting Stanford’s Jonathan Martin in the third round of the NFL draft.

Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Jonathan Martin (No. 55)

After protecting Andrew Luck’s blind side, he’ll learn a new role with the Dolphins competing at right tackle.

Here’s what he had to say after joining the Dolphins:

(On being happy to come to Florida) – “Yeah, real excited (laughing).”

(On have you visited Florida before) – “Yeah, I was down there for the Orange Bowl.”

(On who called you to break the news) – “Jeff Ireland called me and put me on in front of all the coaches, told me that they were going to take me.”

(On what was your reaction once you found out Miami selected you) – “I’m about to see my name across the screen in a couple minutes here. It will hit me in a second.”

(On which position did you play, left or right tackle) – “Played the left for three years, started 37 games, played (in) 39 on the left side. I haven’t played right tackle, but I have the ability to play right tackle.”

(On how does it feel to get your name called by a Hall of Famer, Dwight Stephenson) – “It’s amazing. I’m just so excited to be a member of the Miami Dolphins. It’s a dream come true. It’s an amazing city, an amazing fan base, an amazing history on the team and I can’t wait to get down there and work.”

(On how much pre-draft contact did you have with the Miami Dolphins) – “Not much, I talked to them at the combine, but I really didn’t talk to them much after that. I’m just excited.”

(On being okay to play at right tackle instead of left tackle) – “Absolutely, I’m so excited to play the opposite of him. He’s going to be a Hall of Fame left tackle. He’s someone I model my game after for years. I’ve been a fan. I’m excited to play. I’ll play left. I’ll play right, wherever the team needs me.”

(On what type of blocking scheme did Stanford utilize) – “Yeah, we did zone. We did power. We did a lotS of different blocking schemes.”

(On being comfortable with zone blocking) – “Yes, I am.”

(On how tough was it not to see your name selected last night) – “At the time, it’s frustrating. I can’t lie to myself and say it wasn’t, but I’m so excited right now. I finally have the pressure off my back. I’m happy to be in Miami and I really don’t think it could have worked out any better for me.”

(On how did blocking for Andrew Luck help your development) – “I think it helps you learn how to play with the spotlight on you. Playing with the back to back Heisman finalist, the best quarterback in Stanford history, being on the national stage for the last couple of games. I think it really prepared you really well for the NFL.”

(On how did you end up at Stanford) – “I saw what Coach (Jim) Harbaugh did with the program. I saw the energy that he was bringing and I just wanted to be a part of that and I wanted to play in BCS bowl games. I wanted to be in the national championship. I think I’ve accomplished all those goals while there at Stanford.”

(On what does it say about the program with four players from Stanford were selected in the first two rounds) – “I think it’s a real testament to where we come from. We were 1-11 not too long ago. We didn’t have anyone drafted for maybe two years and now we have four guys in the first two rounds is amazing.”

(On what was your major if you were not preparing to play football) – “I haven’t really thought about that. My goal all along has been to get to the NFL. To compete on the greatest stage on Earth. I’m majoring in Classics, but that’s something I’ll think about after football what I’m going to do.”

(On what do you mean by Classics, is it Literature) – “No, history, ancient Greek and Roman History.”

(On when was the last time you played right tackle) – “Played a little bit in high school. I played strong tackle. Both sides. I haven’t played in college much, maybe a couple snaps. But I can play either one.”

(On where are you watching the draft, are you home) – “At my home.”

(On how many people are there) – “Yeah, a lot of people going crazy (laughing).”

(On an estimate of how many people are there) – “Just some family and friends, not too many, maybe 15.”

(On what did playing for Jim Harbaugh did in preparing you for the NFL) – “I think being in a pro style offense helps you a lot. You get use to having the big playbooks. You make adjustments on the run. We have a bunch of different plays every time we break the huddle so to be able to deal with all that prepared you well.”

(On meeting Owner Stephen Ross or General Manager Jeff Ireland at the Orange Bowl) – “No, I didn’t.”

(On your intelligence being your strength) – “I think definitely. Like I said, just having to deal with that large playbook. I think it really sets you up well.”

Twitter | @IzzyGould
Email | igould@sunsentinel.com
Facebook | facebook.com/dolphinsbeat
Phone | 954.372.5504

Olivier Vernon is staying in South Florida after the Miami Dolphins picked him Friday night in the third round of the NFL draft.

The former Hurricane spoke briefly about his collegiate career, and was candid about his assessment of his time at The U.

(On how does it feel to be drafted by Miami) – “I really can’t explain it right now. I’m excited. I’m excited to be a Dolphin.”

(On having contact with the Dolphins prior to today) – “No. I just worked out for the Dolphins during Miami Day so it was only from pro day and then when we had a private workout. That was the last time I met with the Dolphins.”

(On what are your strengths) – “I feel like I can bring a person that wants to win. Another winning mindset to the team. We need to get back on track.”

(On how would you characterize your career at the University of Miami) – “I would characterize as not fulfilled. I didn’t get to fulfill everything I wanted at UM, but everything moves on and I feel like everything happens for a reason and it’s my time to start a new chapter in my life on track right now with the Dolphins.”

(On what factors keep you from fulfilling your goals) – “Just a little minor setbacks with the suspensions and everything, but I feel like we have to move pass that and just start a new chapter with the Dolphins.”

(On when you were on the field, how do you think you played) – “Every time I play on the field, I play to compete. I play to dominate my opponent every time I step on the field in front of somebody.”

(On where did you expected to be selected) – “Honestly, I really didn’t know where I was going to go honestly. I was hoping to get an opportunity just to get picked on a team.”

(On what areas do you need to improve) – “I would say learning more of the game and working on my technique.”

(On what do you expect your role will be with the Dolphins) – “Honestly, I don’t know. I really don’t know. Just being a team player right now from what I know.”

(On the team informing him about playing more 4-3 defense this season) – “Yes.”

Twitter | @IzzyGould
Email | igould@sunsentinel.com
Facebook | facebook.com/dolphinsbeat
Phone | 954.372.5504

DAVIE—

Exactly 29 years passed since the Miami Dolphins used a first-round pick in the NFL draft on a quarterback.

The last two times the Dolphins have drafted a quarterback in the first round, they have ultimately landed in the Hall of Fame.

Can Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill follow in the same mold? The Dolphins believed in him enough to draft him Thursday with the eighth pick in the 2012 NFL draft.

Tannehill’s task: Help lead the Dolphins out of the darkest period in franchise history including three straight losing seasons.

“I didn’t take him with the eighth pick in the draft to be a backup quarterback,” Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland said. “I picked him to be a starting quarterback in this league at some point, to have an impact in this league, to help us win games and championships.”

Tannehill, 23, comes to Miami heading into a storm of doubt.

To many, he is a consolation prize after failed pursuits of former free agent quarterbacks Peyton Manning, Matt Flynn and Alex Smith. Tannehill (6-4, 222 pounds) is widely considered a project after just 19 starts as a quarterback for the Aggies.

Now he’ll compete to become the starter against Matt Moore, who led the Dolphins to a 6-3 finish last season, and former Pro Bowler David Garrard, who signed with the Dolphins as a free agent.

“This kind of finalizes a plan that we’ve put in place several months ago when we started with the free agency process,” Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland said. “This kind of solidifies the quarterback position. …We wanted depth at the position. This bring a new young face in there.”

The No. 1 overall pick was Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck to the Indianapolis Colts followed by 2011 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Robert Griffin III to the Washington Redskins at No. 2.

Tannehill was widely considered the next best available quarterback.

A flurry of trades before the Dolphins’ pick did not derail Miami’s pursuit of Tannehill, who became the fourth quarterback taken by the Dolphins in the first round (Rick Norton went second overall in 1966). The next year, the Dolphins picked Bob Griese, who led the team to its two Super Bowl victories. Then in 1983 came Dan Marino, who led the Dolphins to a Super Bowl berth.

The Dolphins have used 16 starting quarterbacks since Marino’s retirement after the 1999 season, and all have failed to escape Marino’s shadow.

“I’m excited to reach out to him, and hopefully learn from him,” Tannehill said of Marino. “He’s been around a long time, and played a lot of football.”

Tannehill first played wide receiver at Texas A&M under then-head coach Mike Sherman, now the Dolphins’ offensive coordinator. Their pre-existing relationship offers a glimmer of hope for Dolphins’ fans.

“I definitely think it will help just playing under him for four years … learning the game,” Tannehill said. “He’s a great coach, and a great teacher, and also coach (Joe) Philbin. He did a great job in Green Bay, and looking forward to working with both of them.”

Tannehill played just one full season as the Aggies’ quarterback. When Sherman moved Tannehill to wide receiver as a freshman, Tannehill told him, “I thought he was making a mistake, and I was the best quarterback he had on the roster.”

Tannehill said the decision Sherman made to move him back to quarterback was one he had longed for. Tannehill, who threw for 3,744 yards, 29 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 13 games last season, said he always wanted to play quarterback.

“When he finally called me up to his office and said get ready to play this week, that was the moment I’d been waiting for,” Tannehill said. “To finally get in there, and get in the action, i wasn’t going to let that opportunity slip.”

Story Created:
Apr 20, 2012 at 1:19 PM PDT

Story Updated:
Apr 20, 2012 at 1:36 PM PDT

Koa Misi, a linebacker for the Miami Dolphins, appeared in Santa Barbara Superior Court Friday morning in connection with a fight in Isla Vista, a year ago.

Tune in tonight for KEY News at 5:00 and 6:00 for Beth Farnsworth’s report on Misi’s arraignment, and insight as to why the 6′ 3″ football player allegedly turned violent that night. Plus, reaction from the Miami Dolphins.

As a huge fan of the Miami Dolphins it’s hard to watch the games sometimes, especially with the quarterbacks that the Dolphins have had since Dan Marino retired back in 1999. This is likely why a lot of the hype surrounding the Dolphins heading into the 2012 NFL Draft is on finding a quarterback. While it is certainly hard to compete with the achievements that Marino had while with the Dolphins there have been five quarterbacks in particular who landed in Miami with high hopes, only to become big busts.

Bust #1: Brian Griese

When the Miami Dolphins got Brian Griese in 2003 I was personally excited as I’m sure many other Dolphins fans were. After all, his father, Bob Griese, played for the Dolphins for many years and is a beloved icon of the Dolphins. But, in this case, father is not like son and the Brian Griese era came and went in a hurry with Griese only compiling a 3-2 record as a starter and throwing one more interception, at six, than he had touchdowns.

Bust #2: A.J. Feeley

After showing some sparks of genius in Philadelphia, the Miami Dolphins signed A.J. Feeley for the 2004 season. What was supposed to be great for the Fins ended in a terrible year and Feeley only started eight games going just 3-5. During his short stint as a starter for the Dolphins he threw 11 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.

Bust #3: Daunte Culpepper

In 2006 the Miami Dolphins, led by former head coach Nick Saban, made arguably the biggest mistake in franchise history. Instead of signing Drew Brees, who has since won a Super Bowl with the New Orleans Saints, Saban and the team went after Daunte Culpepper. The reason given was that Saban didn’t like the report on Brees’ former injury to his shoulder. But Culpepper was coming off an injury to his knee. In the end Culpepper started just four games for the Fins and only managed to win one of them. Oh, what could have been.

Bust #4: John Beck

John Beck was drafted by the Miami Dolphins out of BYU back in 2007. While many felt he had tons of potential I had barely heard of him before he was drafted. However, I remember thinking that the Dolphins brass knew more than I did about players. Well, it turns out Beck only got four starts with the Dolphins and was 0-4. In his four games he managed only 559 passing yards, which was hardly becoming of a player that was supposed to be the future of the franchise.

Bust #5: Chad Henne

In 2008 the Miami Dolphins selected Chad Henne in the second round of the NFL Draft and I was elated. I had watched him play at Michigan and I thought he would finally be the answer to the Dolphins’ quarterback woes. But, in the end he was 13-18 as a starter and has now gone north to play for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Help Wanted

Now the Dolphins are in the same spot they seem to always be in and are searching for the next great quarterback to lead the team. They failed this offseason in free agency, but maybe the NFL Draft will prove fruitful. Then again, maybe all us Dolfans will have to wait until cloning is perfected so we can bring Dan Marino back.

Jimmy Collins has been a loyal “Dolfan” and fan of the NFL since he was six years old when he met Dan Marino and several other Miami Dolphins players. Still a resident of South Florida, he attends numerous Miami Dolphins games each season and enjoys writing about the NFL and the Miami Dolphins in particular.

More from this contributor:

Do the Miami Dolphins Have a Dan Marino Curse? Fan Perspective

Tim Tebow to the Jets Just Might Help the Miami Dolphins: A Fan’s View

2012 Miami Dolphins Schedule Features Tim Tebow and Vengeance Opportunities: Fan Reaction

The Miami Dolphins’ bizarre offseason just got a little bit stranger. They announced the signing of Les Brown, a 26-year-old former college basketball player who hasn’t played competitive sports since he dropped out of college to work for a private equity firm.

Brown will compete in Dolphins camp with Anthony Fasano, Charles Clay, Jeron Mastrud and Will Yeatman for one of three tight end slots on the 53-man roster, despite not having played football since he was 18-years-old.

Brown was recruited out of high school to BYU for football and Harvard for basketball; he was also an excellent baseball player. He chose basketball in the end, but after a late decision not to go on his Moron mission trip he enrolled at Westminster College, a small liberal arts school in Utah.

He played for three seasons for the Griffins, before an internship at Huntsman Gay Global Capital turned into a full time job offer and so he left college early.

Fast forward three years, and the 6’4″ Brown is now a flabby 215, up from the 190 pounds he was during his playing days. He had returned to Utah, and was helping his younger brother try to find a professional trainer as he attempted to get to the NFL when things changed.

His brother had a meeting with Chad Ikei, a trainer based in Honolulu, when Ikei suggested that the elder Brown would make a great NFL tight end if he was willing to work with Ikei.

Brown rebuffed him initially, but eventually moved to Hawaii to train full time under Ikei with 11 other NFL prospects. In six weeks, Brown transformed from a flabby 215, to the 240 pounds of NFL player that his is now. The change is documented in an incredible video.

BYU allowed Brown to participate in their pro-day where he ran a 4.43, jumped a 39-inch vertical and maxed out at 365 on the bench press. It obviously impressed the Dolphins enough to extend him the invitation to camp.

While Brown was an excellent high school player, it is a long way from the Utah state tournament to an NFL regular season game. It remains to be seen if Brown has the ball-skills and football I.Q. needed to play at the NFL level, but he certainly looks like a great story in the making.

To report problems or to leave feedback about this article, e-mail:
To contact the editor, e-mail:

DAVIE—

Jeff Ireland prefers to be coy during his annual pre-draft press conference, and finds enjoyment in sending out smoke screens that throw other NFL executives off the scent of his true intentions.

That’s why the Miami Dolphins’ General Manager opened his press conference by saying “you can think what you want to think,” when asked about trading Miami’s first-round pick. “I like the speculation!”

When asked about offering up the No. 8 pick and possibly extras to acquire a draft pick that’s earlier, or possibly moving down to pick up extra selections, Ireland gave his typical message that Miami’s open for business.

“Anything is possible,” said Ireland, who has made at least one draft day trade since joining the franchise in 2008. “Trading back, trading up.”

Ireland believes there are elite players available within the top 10 picks, which puts Miami in an ideal spot.

However, there’s widespread speculation Cleveland might pick Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill with the fourth pick in next week’s draft, or a team like Minnesota (which possesses pick No. 3) or Jacksonville (No. 7) might trade their first-round selection to another club pursuing Tannehill.

Ireland didn’t seem too fazed by the elevated draft stock of Tannehill, the draft’s third-best quarterback, whom the Dolphins are high on.

Ireland labeled Tannehill “a great kid. Smart, tough,” and pointed out he comes from a good family. But his comment Thursday about the team’s draft needs didn’t make it sound like taking a quarterback with the No. 8 pick was a lock.

“I’m certainly not going to get into that decision here today from a strategy standpoint,” Ireland said. “There are times that you should try to go after one, but I certainly don’t feel like you should be pressured into doing that either.”

Ireland said the Dolphins’ draft board is set, and the team has a list of possibilities with the No. 8 pick. The goal is to take the highest rated player who fits a team need. Ireland said Miami has contingency plans for their contingency plans.

“Depends on if the guy you think is going to be there,” Ireland said. “Obviously there could be a scramble. I’ve been in a couple of scrambles before and it is always interesting. When you’re picking high in the draft every pick leading up to that is anticipation.”

According to Ireland, the trade value chart most teams use as a framework for draft day-trades “is really ambiguous,” and should be used as a starting point for discussions. But Ireland points out that a pick’s value typically depends on the team that wants to move up “and what they are willing to give up, and how bad they want it.

“How bad do you want to keep it? If you’re trading back you’re looking for value,” Ireland said. “You’re trying to get more than what you think the pick is worth. Sometimes it is for the future. … The circumstance has to be the right circumstance.”

There’s also a possibility that the Dolphins could trade back into the first round using the team’s second round pick (No. 42), and possibly one of a combination of Miami’s two third-round selections, which are picks No. 72 and 73. Ireland labeled the back-to-back third-rounders “extremely valuable.”

Home opener moved up

To accommodate the start of Rosh Hashana, a Jewish holiday, the NFL has moved the Dolphins’ home-opener against the Oakland Raiders to a 1 p.m. kickoff.

When the NFL schedule was released earlier this week, the Sept. 16 game against the Raiders was the only home contest on the schedule that started at 4:15 p.m.

The ONLY mock drafts I personally put ANY stock into are those done by NFL beat writers.

Can the Dolphins survive another draft that lacks sex appeal?

Guys like myself spent hours, weeks, years….and sometimes decades….studying a particular franchise’s history and habits.

I can tell you the 53th best player on the Dolphins roster, and break his game down. I can also share with you how the team feels about Mr. Long Shot, guys like Julius Pruitt. Most fans can’t do that, and other analysts certainly can’t.

Beat writers also study the habits of executives like General Manager Jeff Ireland, the prototypes of coaches like Joe Philbin and Mike Sherman, and tracking the word on the street regarding the team’s we cover, and the prospects they might like.

It’s unrealistic to think the Mike McShay Jr’s of the world – yes I combined their names – know what’s best for all 32 teams. That’s why having a beat writer pick for the team he covers during a mock draft makes the most sense.

I once did a first-round mock with every beat writer, but I stopped because it required too much work (and for me to be too friendly).

However, I do participate in a few on-the-beat mocks, which an executive from one team told me they actually monitor just to get a pulse of what’s the buzz.

This week I’ll be making the Miami Dolphins’ selection at No. 8 for Pro Football Weekly, which I believe produces the best draft guide (no offense to any other draft guides out there. I read them all. But PFW gives me the dirt, and I cross check it with the stuff I know about prospects on my own, and it is usually on-point).

For the PFW mock I’ll be on the clock once the seven teams ahead of Miami make their selection. I have no clue how long that will take, but it shouldn’t take THAT long considering the first two picks of the 2012 draft (Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III) are already written in pen.

Here’s what I’ll be considering as the fill-in for Jeff Ireland.

1. The Dolphins have four MUSTS when it come to team needs, which is how Ireland usually attacks the draft. The Dolphins must add a pressure player because the only way to beat Tom Brady is to get pressure on him, and Miami doesn’t have enough pass rushers.

Miami must also add a big receiver with deep speed, a starting caliber offensive lineman (either tackle or guard for the vacant right side), and a quarterback suited to play in the west coast offense, and has the potential to become a franchise player.

2. Will QUALITY draft prospects be available in the second round for WHATEVER position I decide not to selection in the first. If Miami doesn’t select Tannehill at No.8, how comfortable are they with the quarterback options – Brandon Weeden, Brock Osweiler and Kirk Cousin – available at pick No. 42. If Miami doesn’t take a pass rusher, how certain are we that a player like Marshall’s Vinny Curry or Syracuse’s Chandler Jones will be there at 42?

3. Does the franchise’s lust for a first-round quarterback overshadow Ireland’s desire to stick to his draft board. This decision will become a factor if Tannehill isn’t selected by the Cleveland Browns with the No. 4 pick. Could/should the Dolphins pass on Tannehill to take one of the elite pass rushers?

4. Even though Stanford guard David DeCastro is a top 10 prospect, and does indeed fill a major need for Miami, he won’t be considered because the Dolphins have already invested a great deal of assets (four first round picks this decade) in the offensive line, and Miami needs young impact players. Impact players are those who produce touchdowns, sacks or turnovers.

5. As enticing as drafting a receiver early might be (think Ted Ginn Jr.) the difference between Notre Dame’s Michael Floyd and LSU’s Rueben Randle, who might be there in the second round, isn’t much. Therefore, it is better to wait on a receiver.

The Dolphins have taken few chances early in the draft since the Trifecta arrived in 2008, and as a result they’ll landed solid players, but no stars, no difference makers via the draft.

It is time for Ireland to make a bold move, putting his stamp on this franchise because that’s the only way he’ll silence his critics, which already have their stones in hand and are prepared to throw it no matter the selection.

So, what other factors do you think should be debated when making the first-round selection?

G.G.G.

SALT LAKE CITY — Former Westminster College men’s basketball player Les Brown has signed a contract to play with the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League.

Brown spent three years playing basketball for Westminster from 2006-2009. He left after his junior year to take a job with private equity firm Huntsman Gay Global Capital. He returned to Westminster to finish his degree before leaving in October to work toward a shot in the NFL. Brown participated in BYU’s last month where he was seen by scouts from around the NFL, including the Dolphins.

Brown played in 91 games as a Griffin, including 34 starts in his junior year during the 2008-09 season. He averaged 1.8 points and 2.3 rebounds in his career and he ranks eighth in school history with 23 blocked shots. Brown made one of the most memorable shots in school history when he tipped in a rebound before the buzzer to defeat Carroll in a Frontier Conference Tournament game in 2009.

Football was played at Westminster from 1929-1978 except during a five year span from 1943-47. Westminster has had a few players make it into the NFL, but Brown is the first to make it since athletics was fully reinstated in 1999.

Miami Dolphins have reportedly signed a former college basketball player with the intentions of turning him into a tight end.

According to Sports Illustrated draft guru Tony Pauline, the Dolphins have signed Les Brown to a future’s contract. The Dolphins have not confirmed the signing.

Brown never played college basketball, but he did play hoops at NAIA Westminster College in Utah.

Brown, who is 6-foot-4, reportedly impressed NFL scouts at BYU’s Pro Day two weeks ago.

Brown, who weighs 238 pounds, played small forward for Westminster.

With a sprained ankle, Brown reportedly ran a 4.44 in the 40-yard dash, measured a 39-inch vertical jump and posted a 10-3 broad jump. All those measureables are extremely good, no matter the position.

The past two years Brown has reportedly worked in the accounting department for Huntsman Gay Global Capital.

Brown should be able to join the team for their OTA work next week. He’ll become the fifth tight end on the roster, which features Anthony Fasano, Charles Clay, Will Yeatman and Jeron Mastrud.

The Dolphins would like to add depth at the position for training camp purposes, but the team feels they are set at tight end considering Clay and Yeatman possess some upside.

The Dolphins typically keep three tight ends on the 53-man roster, and at least one on the practice squad. However, all four returning tight ends spent all season on the 53-man roster last year.

Considering his level of experience, it is more realistic that Brown is competing for a spot on the practice squad than a role on the 53-man roster, unless he impresses during training camp and the exhibition season.

The last successful basketball to football convert in the NFL was former UM tight end Jimmy Graham, who was taken in the third-round by the New Orleans Saints. But Graham played one season of football for the Hurricanes before entering the draft, and he also started as a power forward in the ACC.

G.G.G.