Miami Dolphins Unveil New Nike Uniforms

When the NFL switched its official apparel contract from Reebok to Nike, fans naturally began to wonder what changes Nike would make to their teams' uniform.

Dolphins fans were being pitched ideas like this which would give the team a completely new and modern look. Even though the orange helmet doesn't seem to fit here, it wouldn't be too bad of a change.

We also saw ideas like this one. I'm a big fan of this design, but I just don't know where the dark blue comes from. This would be a great addition to the Dolphins wardrobe to maybe wear once a year, like the orange uniforms.

There were even designs that would make them look like a high school team. These are just plain bad. There's no flow to them and the logo looks weird.

We also saw designs that blended the old school with the new school in these uniforms. These were probably my favorite combination. The all white uniform does an excellent job of mixing the two concepts, and the gray looks like it would also be used about once a year, like the orange uniforms.

Given these possible designs, I expected a lot of changes to the uniform but was surprised when I saw the uniforms unveiled. I do like the the design, but there's no change that really stands out. The area around the neck has a new design that I think gives it a nice look. 

Nike will also implement their new gloves with the logo on the inside. Hopefully Dolphins' receivers will be able to put them to good use this season.

Overall I was content with the new design. They kept the old look, which I think is still current enough, and gave it some more modern details without changing much.

2012 NFL Draft: 3 Possible Quarterback Options for the Miami Dolphins

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Most Dolphins fans expected their team to go out and sign a quarterback during free agency. There was the possibility of signing Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn, but the Dolphins came up short. 

They will now switch gears and focus on the quarterback position through the draft. Joe Philbin has said that he will build this team through the draft and what better way to start than addressing the most important position on the team.

This class is not one of the strongest at the position and aside from Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, there's not much to drool about.

However, the Dolphins do need a franchise quarterback and they need one sooner rather than later. With Matt Moore projected as the starter as of right now, the fan base is increasingly growing impatient.

There's no quarterback outside the top two that jumps out, but Miami does have some choices with the potential of becoming something special.

Let's look at some options the Dolphins have at the quarterback position.

Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M

Some may say that he's a reach at No. 8. Others may say that given time to develop, Tannehill will prove to be a value pick. Whatever it is, if the Dolphins want to draft him, they will have to pull the trigger in the first round.                                                            The Dolphins are desperate for a franchise quarterback and he may turn out to be just that. He's not ready to start yet, but sitting out for a year or two will give him all the experience needed to prove he's capable of leading a team.                  Aside from his throwing ability, Tannehill also has the ability to run when the pocket collapses. He can avoid rushers and gain yards if there is nothing downfield. He has good footwork and a quick release that is vital for the west coast offense.

He also has great arm strength and can make any throw he's asked to make. If he can improve his accuracy, he has the makings of a quarterback the Dolphins can finally count on for years to come.

Projection: Top 20 

Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma St.

Brandon Weeden would probably sneak into the first round if it weren't for his age. He also fits the mold to play quarterback for a west coast offense. He has a quick release and good arm strength. 

He will most likely be available when the Dolphins are on the clock in the second round. If they decide to go with a position other than quarterback in the first round, they should take a hard look at Weeden.

His throws tend to get away from him at times, but he has plenty of room for improvement. He probably won't have to sit out two years or even all of his first year.

He is more NFL-ready than Tannehill and any other quarterback ranked below him.

The Dolphins might be hesitant to take a 28-year-old quarterback since they don't want to be looking for another one in less than 10 years. Youth is what Joe Philbin has in mind and Weeden doesn't fit the bill.

Projection: Middle to late second round

Kirk Cousins, Michigan St.

Kirk Cousins is one of the safer quarterbacks in this draft. He may not wow you with his physical skills or with throws rarely seen in a college quarterback, but he will make all the safe throws to help the team win the game. 

Cousins tends to lock into his receivers and at times fails to go through his progressions. He doesn't have great arm strength or accuracy (except for his Hail Mary against Wisconsin).

However, what he does bring is his leadership. He will be the hardest working player on the team and will command the respect of the locker room by how hard he works and plays.

He doesn't have the game-changing ability that Tannehill or Weeden have, but he will work his butt off to help the team win.

Projection: Late second to early third round

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Possible Options for the Miami Dolphins

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Free agency sure hasn't been friendly to us Dolphins fans. Most of us find ourselves blaming everything on Jeff Ireland, even if it's not even football related.

For example: "I have a flat tire. It's all Jeff Ireland's fault!" 

With Joe Philbin, the Dolphins are expected to improve through the draft rather than through free agency. With that in mind, the Dolphins will need to accumulate as many draft picks as possible. They clearly proved their point when they traded Brandon Marshall for two third-round picks.

They might also look for trade partners in order to move back from the eighth spot in the first round. This would be ideal for Miami in order to get a better value on quarterback Ryan Tannehill if they are willing to draft him. 

Some draft analysts have him going at No.8 to Miami, but if they can move back, they would be able to possibly receive a second-round pick and draft Tannehill later in the first round.

Without Peyton Manning or Matt Flynn, the Dolphins will most likely start the season with Matt Moore. They may possibly look for their quarterback in the draft. If teams like the San Diego Chargers or Cincinnati Bengals are willing to move up, the Dolphins can get their quarterback of the future. If Miami stays at eight, they are better off going with another position.

Let's take a look at what could possibly go down on draft day.

First Round

Miami Dolphins trade their eighth pick to the San Diego Chargers for the Chargers' 18th and 49th picks. 

With Miami moving down to No.18 and adding a second-round pick, I would feel more comfortable with them drafting Tannehill here.

Tannehill can become Miami's quarterback of the future if he is given enough time to develop. Mike Sherman knows exactly what he is getting and this pick might solve Miami's quarterback problem of the last decade.

Second Round

Miami would have some more ammunition here with the 42nd and 49th picks. With the departure of Brandon Marshall, the Fins need a legitimate wide receiver and they could select him in the second round.

Alshon Jeffery has been on a consistent drop through the draft boards, but could be a steal in the second round. If he is able to run a good 40 at his pro day, he will find himself in the first round. He has all the skills to be a Pro Bowler in the NFL and could give Miami and Tannehill a legitimate target for years to come.

With their second pick in the second round, Miami will most likely address their pass-rushing problems. Vinny Curry is able to play in both a 4-3 and 3-4 scheme, which would allow Kevin Coyle to be extremely flexible with his defense. Cameron Wake wouldn't be too disappointed with this pick either.

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Third Round

With the Brandon Marshall trade, the Dolphins received the Bears' 74th pick. With back-to-back picks in the third round, the Dolphins can address their offensive line and tight end issues. 

With the first of these picks, the Dolphins may have a shot at drafting tight end Orson Charles. He recently had an off-the-field issue that may cause his draft stock to drop, but drafting him in the third round is a great value pick. He has the ability to stretch the field and give Moore or Tannehill some more options.

With the pick that follows, the Dolphins can take Brandon Washington. He can step in and play either right tackle or guard. With Lydon Murtha getting a lot of hype to start at right tackle, Washington might slide in and play guard to replace Vernon Carey. 

Fourth Round

With a young quarterback on the roster, the Dolphins need to make his life a lot easier. Tommy Streeter is a raw but talented receiver. He has elite speed and if he can polish his route running he can be an elite receiver in the league.

A pairing of Alshon Jeffery and Tommy Streeter has the potential to scare any defense.

Fifth Round

Safety has now become a major issue for Miami. With Yeremiah Bell being released and the free safety spot up for grabs, Miami needs to improve this position as soon as possible.

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Antonio Allen comes to the NFL after playing the spur linebacker position at South Carolina. He will probably need a year to adjust and learn the position since he hasn't played the safety position exclusively, but he is a smart player that has the physical tools to succeed in the NFL.

Sixth Round

Cliff Harris has the type of athleticism that is very rare to find. He has plenty of speed, as anyone that plays at Oregon does, and can help the Dolphins with depth at cornerback, but especially on special teams. He does have character concerns, but a sixth-round pick is good value for Harris. With him playing special teams, Clyde Gates can focus all his energy on learning how to play the wide receiver position.

Seventh Round

Jacquies Smith was a solid player for Missouri that had some good games against very good teams. He is not considered an elite pass-rusher, but he can develop into a very serviceable backup. It is never a problem to have too many pass-rushers.

Summary

1st round: Trade back, draft Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

2nd round: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Vinny Curry, DE/OLB, Marshall

3rd round: Orson Charles, TE, Georgia

Brandon Washington, OG, Miami

4th round: Tommy Streeter, WR, Miami

5th round: Antonio Allen, SS, South Carolina

6th round: Cliff Harris, CB, Oregon

7th round: Jacquies Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri