*** DOLPHINS NEWS ***
Apr 11, 1997: -- 20 College Players Visit --
** 20 College Players Visit
The Dolphins hosted 20 college players for interviews and
workouts last Sunday, in preparation for the NFL draft. The team is
allowed by the NFL to fly in 20 players from outside the local area to
interview with the team before the draft.
Players that the Dolphins interviewed include Florida State
defensive end Reinard Wilson; Arizona State defensive end/linebacker
Derrick Rodgers and offensive lineman Juan Roque; Kansas State
cornerback Chris Canty and wide receiver Kevin Lockett; James Madison
wide receiver Macey Brooks and tight end Ed Perry; Central State wide
receiver Alonzo Johnson; Winston-Salem State defensive tackle Latori
Workman; and Appalachian State linebacker Dexter Coakley.
** Yatil Green Gets Individual Attention
The Dolphins had Miami wide receiver Yatil Green in for a 2
hour individual interview and workout on Monday, fueling speculation
that the Dolphins may be interested in drafting Green. So far, Green
is the only college player that the Dolphins have had in for an
individual interview.
Even though Green is a junior, he is widely regarded as the
best wide receiver in the draft and is expected to be drafted long
before the Dolphins' #15 pick. However, the Dolphins may be able to
trade up to take him if they really felt he would be an asset to their
team.
Despite Green's obvious talent, there are serious questions
about his durability. Green has spent much of his college career on
the injured list and has had chronic problems with hamstring pulls and
other small, nagging injuries.
** Bernie Parmalee visits Vikings
Unrestricted free agent Bernie Parmalee talked with the
Minnesota Vikings this week, as he shops his services around the
league in search of a contract. The Vikes are apparently concerned
about having a backup for Robert Smith.
The Dolphins would like to get Parmalee back at the league
minimum salary, which is around $275,000.
** Derrick Atterberry waived
Free agent cornerback Derrick Atterberry was waived by the
Dolphins earlier this week after having been with the team for just
under 2 months. He was signed by the Dolphins back in February and
has been playing with the WLAF in Amsterdam.
My Comments:
It's important to remember at this point that just because the
Dolphins have players in to visit, it doesn't mean that they will be
drafted. Last year, Anthony Harris was invited for a visit and
wasn't drafted - of course, he was later signed as a free agent and
ended up starting with the team by the end of the year.
Of the players listed for a visit, your best bet is to check
my listing of player profiles below. However, besides Wilson, the ones
that catch my eye include Juan Roque of Arizona State and Dexter
Coakley of Appalachian State.
Roque is listed as 6'8" and 333 pounds. Because he's so big,
he mere physical presence on the field can be intimidating. And we
all know that JJ likes BIG offensive linemen.
Dexter Coakley was brought to my attention by Joshua Coplen,
who is one of the many fans that writes to me (Thanks, Joshua!). I
looked up Coakley and he's another small guy who plays much bigger
than he is. He had 166 tackles in 11 games in 1996 and Pro Football
weekly says that he "Could be the Zach Thomas of the outside
linebackers if he gets into the right situation." PFW also says that
he needs to play in a "Jimmy Johnson-type scheme". I think I know
just the team for this guy....
As far as Yatil Green is concerned, I still don't think that
the Dolphins will draft him. First of all, they'd have to trade up,
which they don't want to do. And Green is a another talented guy with
some questions about his dedication and durability.
My fondness for the underdog makes me hope that Parmalee stays
in Miami. He already has contributed much more to the team than
anyone had any right to expect and if there was any justice in the
world, Parmalee would have had a 1000 yard season 2 years ago.
But the truth is that there may not be a place on the team for
him and he might not be around next year.
Atterberry was a long shot to begin with and the only
surprising thing about his being waived is that it happened so soon.
He must not be playing very well in Amsterdam.
Related Info:
PLAYER PROFILES:
[Return to Dolphins News]
Curt Fennell,
curt@phins.com, DOLFAN in New England
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