*** DOLPHINS NEWS ***
Feb 19, 1998: -- Baker and Cochran Signed --
** Dolphins Sign Baker and Cochran
The Dolphins announced that they have signed kicker Jon Baker
and punter Nate Cochran each to a one year deal. Both players were
signed as free agents and will be sent to participate in the WLAF's
program in Europe this spring.
Baker was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent
by the Dallas Cowboys back in 1995. He played in 3 games for them
before being cut. He spent the summer of 1996 and 1997 in the 49ers
training camp, but was cut each time. He played his college ball at
Arizona State, where he lead the team in scoring during his junior and
senior years. This spring, he will play for the Scottish Claymores.
Cochran spent the summer of 1997 in the St. Louis Rams
training camp after signing as an undrafted rookie free agent. He was
cut by the Rams in August. He punted for Pittsburgh when he was in
college and this spring will punt for the Rhein Fire before returning
to Miami for training camp.
Three other Dolphins' players will play in the WLAF this
spring. Quarterback Damon Huard will play for the Barcelona Dragons,
guard Barry Stokes will join Baker with the Claymores and guard Randy
Wheeler will play for the Rhein Fire along with Cochran.
** Free Agent Update
Four free agents are expected to visit the Dolphins today or
tomorrow as the Dolphins try to entice them to sign with Miami.
Cowboys' safety Brock Marion, Buccaneers guard Jim Pyne, Panther
offensive tackle Matt Campbell and Cowboys' receiver Billy Davis are
scheduled to stop by and talk to JJ and the coaching staff.
However, linebacker Darrin Smith has cancelled his visit to
Miami after meeting with the Seattle Seahawks earlier in the week.
He is apparently very pleased with the offer that the Seahawks have
made and the word is that he is leaning towards signing with Seattle.
My Comments:
The two new players signed by the Dolphins are really just
cannon fodder for training camp. Unless Olindo Mare' falls off a
cliff, the Dolphins won't replace him. The punter has a better chance
of beating out John Kidd for a job, but I don't give him much of a
chance, either.
The visit of Brock Marion comes as a surprise, because that's
the first I had heard that the Dolphins were interested in him. But
I'm pleased that they do want him, because he would solidify the
defensive backfield. With Marion at free safety, Calvin Jackson could
move to a dedicated nickel back position, which is his best position,
in my opinion. A defensive backfield of Sam Madison, T-Buck, Shawn
Wooden and Brock Marion would be a very good defensive backfield and
with CJ coming in to play at nickel back, our pass defense would
improve.
As for Darrin Smith, well, I've had about enough of him.
After saying all along that he wanted to sign with Miami, he won't
even come and talk to the team. I hope that JJ forgets about him and
puts his effort info Jim Pyne and Brock Marion.
Related Info:
[Return to Dolphins News]
Curt Fennell,
curt@phins.com, DOLFAN in New Rochelle (almost)
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