Outside of Parcells' machismo image, and button pushing nature, ever wonder if that's at the heart of his cold war with Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor?

Ever wonder if Jason Taylor would really sit out this year, retiring to pursue other ventures?

That's what his camp has been floating out there for a while. And that threat actually put General Manager Jeff Ireland in a brief panic for a few minutes at the owner's meetings when ProFootballtalk did that April fools joke earlier this spring.

Ever wonder if the Dolphins are prepared to play this season without Taylor? Was that what the pursuit of Calvin Pace was about? And could Charlie Anderson or Quentin Moses really fill that role? Is that why the position wasn't addressed in the 2008 draft?

Ever wonder if the possibility that Taylor could walk away from the game was the reason the Dolphins got Dallas to throw in Akin Adoyele, a former outside linebacker, in that predraft deal that brought Miami tight end Anthony Fasano, and Adoyele, two possible starters for a fourth round pick the Dolphins eventually got back when they shipped Lorenzo Booker to the Eagles?

Ever wonder what platform winning Dancing With The Stars has created for past winners? Has anyone heard from Kelly Monaco, season 1 winner since? It's not like Drew Lachey's career took off after he won season 2. And if you're saying who, that's the point? Emmitt Smith won season 3 and I'd be willing to bet he got his ESPN gig based on what he did on the football field, not the dance floor. Ever wonder how Smith's bad start with ESPN has allowed him to keep his job?

Ever wonder if Dan Marino really meant what he said last night when he told Taylor "if you don't bring back the mirror ball (the trophy that comes with the title) don't come home."

If you missed it check out this video.

">Jason Taylor Dancing Week 9

Ever wonder if you're eventually going to have to pick sides in this Parcells-Taylor beef, and which side would you be on?

Are you with the grump new boss who wants his star player sweating with the team during voluntary workouts, being a leader and proving he's still got the heart and ability to play.

Or are you with the aging, proven veteran who has developed a new habit of putting himself before his team, privately requesting a trade that wasn't granted, and prematurely working to create a second career for himself before his first has officially concluded.

Enough of the Jason Taylor talk.... Here are some more things I've been wondering....

Ever wonder if Parcells will get the coaching itch again and want to take over the Dolphins if Tony Sparano stumbles after his first season.

While I know Parcells is digging the mentorship role he's playing, and says the NFL's now a "young man's game," watching him roam the field during the rookie minicamp actually made me think he'll eventually want to scratch that itch.

Will meddling on a daily basis do it? And will Sparano eventually turn a deaf ear to the master chef who is routinely looking over his shoulder while he's trying to prepare the meal?

Ever wonder if Cam Cameron will ever get another head coaching job in the NFL?

While Cameron was a complete disaster with the Dolphins, narrowly avoiding the first 0-16 season in NFL history, if the Ravens become instant contenders (I think they can because of that defense and Willis McGahee) and Joe Flacco becomes a Pro Bowl quarterback in time (I think he can), it could happen.

Cameron could excuse last season by saying, "Look what I was given to work with," and it would be hard to argue against that considering Nick Saban saw the writing on the wall and bolted for Alabama before it REALLY got bad.

Ever wonder if Ricky Williams could still put together a 1,000 yard rushing season?

He is 30, but has taken so many years off from the NFL he's got plenty of tread left on his tires. He's also never suffered an ACL tear, which is the main killer of a running back's career.

But Williams rushed for just 526 yards and two touchdowns on his 109 CFL carries in an injury-shortened 2006 season he spent across the border.

However, outside of the absence of his dreads, he physically doesn't look much different now than he did eight years ago. Ever wonder if his secrets been the yoga?

Are you like me, have you been wondering what's left of the running backs in that 1999 draft class that featured Williams?

Former Hurricanes standout Edgerrin James, who was taken one spot ahead of Williams, is still going, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards for the seventh time last season. But it's hard to argue against James preparing to author the final few chapters of his career this season.

James Johnson, the next tailback taken after Williams (coincidentally by the Dolphins in the second round...dope...), was out of the league after only three seasons. Kevin Faulk, taken by New England with pick No. 46, is still going strong. But Faulk's never been a featured back in the NFL.

Outside of the above mentioned named, the only backs from that draft worth mentioning are Rob Konrad, Cecil Collins, Sedrick Irvin, and Autry Denson, and that's only because they each played for the Dolphins.

Outside of Williams, James and Faulk, Konrad is tied with former Gator Terry Jackson for the longest career of the 23 backs selected in the 1999 draft.

So where does this leave Williams, who has played in 13 NFL games over the past four years? And that's counting the six carries he had against Pittsburgh last season before he tore his pectoral muscle and was lost for the season.

It certainly makes you wonder what he has left doesn't it.

Deuces.

Did you know he was a Boston College cornerback who became a 10th-round pick by the Steelers in 1981. He played two seasons and nine games in the NFL - both for the Giants under Bill Belichick and Parcells (his DC in '82 and HC in '83).

"He cut me, but my knee ended my career,'' Mayock told me referring to a torn ACL.

Mayock said he's still intimidated by the Big Tuna.

"Bill's got that street sense, that feel to motivate players whether they're a first rounder making a lot of money or a free agent. He knows how to get to athletes. He loves setting you up and taking you down,'' Mayock said.

"A few years ago I'm getting coffee in my hotel lobby at the Senior Bowl. It's 6 a.m. and there's Parcells sitting alone drinking coffee. I hadn't seen him in about 25 years and he looked at me and said, 'Son, you sound like you know what you're talking about on that NFL Network.'

"I smiled, feeling pretty good about myself and he said, 'Son, don't get too excited. I said you only SOUND like you know what you're saying.' ''

Mayock said he still remembers the first thing Parcells ever said to him. It was after he blew a cover in practice.

"Son, you're like a ball in high grass,'' he said. "I said, 'What?'

He said, "Lost.''

Good stuff!

Do you like Tuna's style? Do you think Jason Taylor likes it?

Harvey

I'll address all those issues in this installment of Things I think I think.

There are five quarterbacks from the 2008 draft we are going to be able to compare forever. Matt Ryan, Brian Brohm, Joe Flacco, Chad Henne and John David Booty are the five rookie quarterbacks who most believe have the potential to be starters in the NFL. But which one will become a franchise quarterback?

I'm not talking about the guy who inherits a franchise (Matt Ryan) whether he's ready or not. I'm talking about the next Ben Roethlisberger or Eli Manning (Isn't it funny Eli Manning wasn't Eli Manning until he won a title on that miracle fourth quarter catch?).

Who do you think will have the best career? And before you vote, put your Dolphins allegiance aside.

I'm banking on Flacco (surprise, surprise) after he spends a year learning and watching on Cam Cameron's slow as molasses QB program, which prefers to treat rookie passers like they are an infant still feeding on the nipple (who remembers that John Beck was still running the practice squad two weeks after Trent Green suffered that season ending concussion).

Speaking of the Ravens, I took a liking to their head coach, John Harbaugh, after I watching him rip into a radio personality for 10 minutes during the owners meeting last month. Harbaugh hunted the guy down following an interview he did with him and was extremely upset about being misled. Let's just say I'd hate to be on his bad side.

Witnessing that exchange really made me imagine how Harbaugh might conduct himself on a practice field, and low and behold he's instigating team-wide brawls during non-contact practices.

But back to the original subject....It'll be interesting to see where Henne stacks up against the other four.

Ryan threw too many interceptions and wasn't worth top five money in their eyes.

According to G.M. Jeff Ireland, the Dolphins would have LIKELY passed on Brohm, selecting another player if the Packers had selected Henne and not Brohm one pick ahead of the Dolphins. I knew that going into the draft.

But what would have happened if Henne and Flacco were both on the board? I wonder.

And since adding another quarterback to compete in this three QB open competition was a priority, what would have been plan B if Henne wasn't around at No. 57? Since New England and the Dolphins are on the same talent evaluation program I sense it would have been Kevin O'Connell, who was taken at the end of round three....

It's no secret that Channing Crowder's a man about town, and here he's posing with the infamous Melyssa Ford (the one on the left, as if you couldn't tell).

For those who don't know who Melyssa Ford is just Google her for pictures and you'll see why she's infamous as a model. A LEGEND! I'm also told she's got a nice personality. REALLY!

The delicious Meagan Good was also at this party. That's two of the hottest women in the game at one Miami party, which was also attended by Ronnie Brown, Jason Allen, Yeremiah Bell (looking HUGE) and a few other Dolphins. Boy do I need to get out more.

The Dolphins should send this picture to every free agent they target next offseason and they might get a few Miami discounts, at least from the unmarried guys. Here's a question.... Exactly who would be atop your list of women you would love to AT LEAST take a picture with? Mine is Stacy Dash. I'm going old school.

Speaking of celebrity land, it's getting close to the time the Dolphins star defensive end comes home. While Taylor's a long-shot to get the boot this week because Marissa Jaret is still around (sympathy votes can only take you so far), Christian de la Fuente is coming on strong lately, even though he's only got the use of one arm due to a dancing injury.

de la Fuente has got the hunk vote (according to my mom) and that could allow him to dethrone Taylor as the celebrity who takes on Kristi Yamaguchi in the upcoming finals.

Last week one of Taylor's dances was strong, but the other was fairly weak, and as a result he was last to be saved on Tuesday's results show. It'll be interesting to see if Twinkle Toes Taylor brings it tonight since the competition has entered the playoffs. He truly wants to win. You can see it in his hazel eyes. As I've said before, watching him compete in this competition has increased my level of respect for Taylor's competitive nature.

If you care to give Jason a boost, or bring him home in time for next week's mini camp (which is an option if you're into sabotage) click here.

In case you didn't believe me on the Yeremiah Bell front check it out for yourself.

You know the routine....F5 to refresh, and post all comments and questions here and I'll do my best to get to them.

Deuces.

Simple, they're all represented by Fort Wayne-based agent Eugene Parker, who has had a long-standing relationship with Dolphins czar Bill Parcells.

How else would unheralded CB Aaron Lane, a reserve at Purdue, get signed (he has since been cut), or Purdue receiver Selwyn Lymon (who was kicked off the team for a couple of off-field issues), or CB Will Billingsley (who wowed the Dolphins brass with his lightning-quick 4.3 40 on wet grass) but didn't have much of a senior year at NC A&T, or WR Justin Wynn, who hasn't played ball in four years so he could get two jobs to help support his mom and siblings, make it to Dolphins headquarters and sign minimal contracts?

Parker told me that he represented former Jets great RB Curtis Martin, one of Tuna's all-time favorites and WR Laveranues Coles, who Parcells drafted. Parker added they've had several wars over the years but it's a relationship build on mutual respect.

The way these kids were talking about Parker last week, showed me that he's more like a dad to his clients than an agent just looking for a commission.  He has known most of them for years when they played several different sports with his sons around the Ft. Wayne area.

Wynn was quite the baller on the b-ball courts.

I think one of the two receivers will stick, particularly Lymon, because of their size (both over 6-2) and because the Dolphins receiving corps has plenty of room for improvement. Billingsley will have a solid shot of making the 53, partly because of his speed for special teams and also because the secondary is also an area that needs to be shored up with speed and youth. Will Allen and Andre' Goodman aren't getting any younger. Travis Daniels has regressed.

Basically, thes Fort Wayne kids signed 2-3 year contracts with $295,000 their first-year salary. They usually get about a $2,000 signing bonus, although someone like Hawaii WR Davone Bess probably warranted a larger signing bonus because of the numbers he put up.

Anyway, just thought you'd like to know how all these Fort Wayne kids showed up on the roster.

Later...

Harv

As the Trifecta begins to add "their guys" to the roster in the beginning stages of this rebuilding process plenty of priority free agents and draft picks from the old regimes have been shown the door.

But does everyone from the Jimmy Johnson, Dave Wannstedt, Nick Saban and Cam Cameron eras of this franchise need to get the boot? Even though last year's Dolphins were 1-15 there HAS to be something leftover from that roster that is salvageable. Right?

Here's a look at 10 players the Trifecta inherited that could still provide good, if not great value if they prove themselves to the Trifecta this season, fitting into the system this Bill Parcells run franchise is inputting.

If you haven't figured it out by now, no free agents or draftees the Trifecta has added this offseason makes this list of LEFTOVERS.

1. Running back Ronnie Brown - He was on pace for a Pro Bowl season last year before tearing his ACL. But can this former first round pick finally stay healthy for an entire season, becoming the workhorse NFL back most projected him to be. Brown has missed a portion of the past three seasons due to some injury. The physical between-the-tackles running style the Trifecta likes to use could take a toll on him, especially since he's coming off an ACL tear.

2. Outside linebacker Jason Taylor - Despite turning 34 in 2008 this former Jimmy Johnson find must prove he's still got the skills to be an elite pass rusher, and the Dolphins top defender. Mr. Hollywood must also prove to Parcells he's still got a passion for the game. He excelled as a pass rushing outside linebacker under Nick Saban in 2006, but can he continue to play at that level in the Trifecta's 3-4 scheme.

3. Receiver Ted Ginn Jr. - Ginn was the second best rated wideout in the 2007 draft for a reason, and he must prove he can become a No. 1 receiver with the right coaching, and play-calling. Ginn will be given every opportunity to hold onto a starting spot during training camp, and coach Tony Sparano is looking for him to improve his route running.

4. Running back Ricky Williams - He's had so many layoffs it's hard to tell if the talent this former Heisman Trophy winner once possessed is still there. After repeatedly quitting on his team, or getting kicked out of the NFL, can he really be trusted? Can Parcells and his crew push the right buttons, making him a good teammate and getting him back to his status an elite NFL rusher.

5. Quarterback John Beck - A year ago this former BYU standout was the golden boy, this franchise's future. Now Beck's merely one of the three quarterbacks who'll take part in an open competition for the starting job. Can Beck's accuracy, quick release and work ethic help last year's second-round pick hold off Josh McCown and Chad Henne. Or will the Trifecta turn the page to one of their guys and shelve this 27-year-old. My guess is Beck will need a hot training camp start.

6. Defensive end Vonnie Holliday - Holliday needs his play this season to outshine the $5 million in roster and workout bonuses he's due over the next three seasons. The Trifecta discarded most the expensive NFL senior citizens from last year's roster, and added plenty of defensive ends in the 2008 draft. Holliday's play must prove he's got staying power despite his age. It's possible a decent season, and his ability to mentor the youngsters might earn him a stay of execution.

7. Offensive guard Drew Mormino - At one point during last year's training camp his feisty play, and ability to learn quickly had allowed him to challenge Rex Hadnot, and hold off Chris Liwienski for one of the starting guard spots. But the physicality of the NFL practices wore down Mormino's shoulders, and he was lost to the IR before the season even started. Can last year's sixth round selection pick up where he left off, holding off draftees Shawn Murphy and Donald Thomas for the starting guard spot, or will he be relegated to backup center.

8. Safety Yeremiah Bell - Last year this time Bell was viewed as one of the Dolphins up and coming players. Then a Achilles tear in the season-opener ended his season, and plummeted his stock. He's struggled to stay healthy throughout his career, and the Trifecta prefers durable players. But Bell was brought back for one season, and will be given the opportunity to prove the breakout year he had in 2006 wasn't a fluke.

9. Receiver Derek Hagan - This Pac-10 record holder must prove he can catch consistently, vying for at least the third receiver role. If the Trifecta trusted him they wouldn't have added so many free agent receivers this offseason. But how much can Tab Perry, David Kircus, Greg Camarillo and Davon Bess really push him? This is likely Hagan's last chance to prove he was worth a third round selection.

10. Defensive tackle Paul Soliai - It's not a good thing when last year's fourth round pick sparingly plays on the NFL's worst run stuffing defense. I've been told last season was a wash because the defensive line coach on Cameron's staff didn't know how to teach Soliai to be a nose tackle because he'd never coached a 3-4 front before. But was it the coaching, or was it Soliai's limited ability to learn that held him back.

I'm sorry about my brief hiatus from the blog this week but I've been battling a nasty flu. I'm not fully back, but I am ready to roll, so you know the routine: F5 to refresh, and post all comments and questions here and I'll get to them.

Here's my question to you: Are there any other leftovers you think the Trifecta might find salvageable, like Joey Porter, Channing Crowder or David Martin? Or do they all have their days as Dolphins numbered? How would you rank the leftovers.

Deuces.

Quarterbacks Casey Bramlet and Matt Baker are both gone, and have signed elsewhere. Receivers Chandler Williams and Kerry Reed were cut before the draft even though the Dolphins never made it a priority to select any replacements.

Steve Fifita got pushed out the door last week and has since signed with the Patriots, which usually finds treasure in Miami's trash. Watch him make New England's 53-man roster, prompting Dolphins fans to wonder, "Why did we cut that guy again? He doesn't look that tiny anymore."

Derreck Robinson and Abraham Wright got the boot yesterday, joining linebackers Mark Washington and Marcello Church, cornerback Jereme Perry, and safeties Tuff Harris and Cameron Worrell as the defenders the Trifecta has shown the door.

Wondering who could possibly be next as the Trifecta continues to turnover this roster, shifting the balance from leftovers to "their guys?"

The only players left on my original danger zone list are receivers David Kircus (a Trifecta signing) and Greg Camarillo, tight end Aaron Halterman, running back Patrick Cobbs, offensive linemen Julius Wilson, Trey Darilek (Trifecta signee) and Ikechuku Ndukwe, defensive end Rob Ninkovich, linebackers Edmond Miles, Junior Glymph (Trifecta signee) and Kelvin Smith, kicker David Kircus (Trifecta signee), and defensive backs Courtney Bryan and Joey Thomas (Trifecta signee).

My hat goes off to those players because they've managed to survive the house cleaning this long. Take a bow, and get back to work because I suspect the hatchet is still swinging.

There are a few new Dolphins, like recent signees LB Keith Saunders (told you he was balling during minicamp) and CB Scorpio Babers, who are long-shots to make the roster. But those guys, along with the rest of the rookie free agents, aren't in the danger zone.

They are in the fortunate zone because they have opportunity. Now they must prove they belong.

Bill Parcells was hovering around practice from start to finish. He watched everything, from the punt returners to the wedge busters. After Saturday's afternoon practice Parcells stood by the exit where players were coming off the field and occasionally said something to get certain players attention.

Jayson Foster was the only player who sought him out and Parcells spent nearly 10 minutes giving the converted quarterback tips on how to field punts.

I've discovered Parcells has a way of saying one-liners to players as he passes them that has a way of either punching them in the gut, or pushing their buttons. He certainly keeps people on their toes.

Check out this quick exchange he had with mystery cornerback Will Billingsley to see what I'm talking about.

Jake Long is super large, and in charge. He's extremely lean, and long, and impressed me with his quick feet. Coach Tony Sparano encouraged Long to buddy up to Jason Taylor and Vonnie Holliday with the hopes that those veteran pass rushers will school him a little, in a friendly way. I'm pleased to see that Holliday's gaining a little respect these days after he was initially forgotten about by his head coach.

By the way, Sparano called out the rookies for their lack of conditioning, and says he believes the icy nature of the relationship between Taylor and the Trifecta has been overblown. I believe Sparano's playing good cop to Parcells' bad cop.

Quarterback Chad Henne is extremely loud, has a strong arm that zips the 15-yard out, but he tapered off during the weekend and had a bad practice on Sunday. At one point he had to run a lap around the field after messing up the snap count.

Sparano said it'll be a true "quarterback competition" when training camp opens, and stressed the Trifecta couldn't care less who wins the job as long as someone rises to the occasion.

BYU linebacker Kelly Poppinga was there all weekend, but I didn't notice him once, which isn't a good thing. The linebackers that did stand out were Titus Brown, who is signed, and Keith Saunders, who isn't. Saunders spent a portion of last season on the Patriots practice squad and gave the offensive tackles a little trouble rushing from the outside.

Sticking with defense, second round pick Phillip Merling said he wasn't bothered by his sports hernia, but I think he's not being totally honest. I know the difference between a cool dude strut and someone bothered by a strained groin. Merling was sparingly worked into drills most of the weekend. At one point Merling spent 10 minutes during a position drill on Sunday swinging his right leg back and forth, side to side, trying to stretch out the groin. I had a hernia back in 2006 and it's a B, so he needs to take his time coming back before he suffers a setback.

Fellow defensive lineman Kendall Langford has a quick first step, and showed some punch at the point of attack. But I'm puzzled why I noticed rookie free agent signee Kory Robertson, a Virginia Tech standout, a bit more than him. Maybe it's because Langford was typically going against Long. I'll let it ride for now. Sun-Sentinel columnist Ethan Skolnick points out that the Dolphins need to start hitting on second day picks if this franchise is going to start turning it around. I agree. It's really amazing how BADLY they've missed on guys over the past decade.

The Dolphins brought a Mexican kicker into camp for a tryout, but I don't think he'll be signed since there are already three kickers coming into camp. Coincidentally, Montana kicker Dan Carpenter isn't much of a punter, so that means unless Dave Rayner punts Brandon Fields is the only player on the roster entering training camp without ANY competition.

The two new offensive guards - Shawn Murphy and Donald Thomas - are big and athletic. Both have decent feet, but I suspect Murphy is a little bit ahead of Thomas considering his head was swimming in all the terminology the Dolphins unveiled this weekend.

Murphy was working next to Long for now while Thomas played right guard. Sparano said he hasn't decided if Justin Smiley will be moved to left guard to help ease Long's adjustment to the speed of NFL pass rushers. I suspect the toughest and most durable of the two rookies will be the guy who challenges Drew Mormino for the last vacant starting spot on the offensive line. Sparano said he's going to start the best five offensive linemen no matter their position, and will find a way to make it work.

Finally, onto the skill position guys. None of these tight ends or fullbacks will be pushing anyone for a roster spot, but both of the drafted tailbacks are decent one cut runners. It'll be interesting to see if they are able to shed their first tackler when the hitting starts, but I suspect Lorenzo Booker will have a better career than both Jalen Parmele or Lex Hilliard. Booker landed in a great spot going to the Eagles. It's too bad he didn't fit the Trifecta's system. In time we'll see what Parmele and Hilliard have, but they better be workers because Patrick Cobbs, while limited athletically, isn't going down without a fight.

As for the receivers, Davone Bess was the best of the batch, but Sparano challenged his conditioning. Foster, the Walter Payton Division I-AA player of the year, is quick, but a bit raw as a receiver. And SUPER tiny.

Bess is smooth, but doesn't have long speed. However, I suspect he could push David Kircus and Greg Camarillo for a spot on the 53-man roster if he trains like a madman over the next month.

The two bigger receivers, Selwyn Lymon and Marcel Reece, must prove they can catch better than they did this weekend. One of these guys could push for one of two practice squad spots that will likely go to a receiver because of the Trifecta's bigger is better philosophy. Despite his struggles this weekend I think Reece has potential because of his long speed.

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Hopefully you'll find everything you need here, and you know the routine...F5 to refresh, and post any questions or comments here.

I'll leave you with this question. Which one of these long shots (undrafted players) are you pulling for?

Deuces.

Jake Long is head and shoulders bigger, and more talented than every other lineman here in the camp. His helmet starts where everyone else's ends. That can't be a bad thing. His feet also move faster than most of the guards.

Long hasn't had much trouble with anyone on defense, but he also hasn't gone up against Phillip Merling much. Merling spent most of Sunday swinging his leg in and out, trying to stretch out that groin. But he was worked in every once in a while and showed off his power.

Of the five receivers in camp Davon Bess looks like he has the potential to be the best. He's quick, catches everything with his hands, and has a stout frame. He's short (5-foot-10), but has a super thick lower body. His quads are huge. Kind of reminds me of a quicker version of Darnell Jenkins, who the Dolphins did try to sign by the way.

Please do remember that quick and fast are two totally different things. There's something called short speed, which helps you get in and out of cuts, creating separation. And then there's long speed, which helps receivers make big plays down-field. I personally would rather have quickness.

I've also been impressed with Justin Wynn, a 6-foot-2 receiver who last played at Grand Rapid Community College. Wynn has speed, and potential, which might explain why the Dolphins found him from under some rock and signed him.

On defense, Keith Saunders, a Alabama produce who spent a portion of last season on New England's practice squad, has caught my eye for three straight practices. Saunders is one of the tryout guys, but he's quick and athletic. I don't know if he walks away from this weekend with a contract but it wouldn't surprise me if he surfaces on another NFL team before training camp.

Coach Tony Sparano said he's not sure if the Dolphins will sign anymore of the tryout guys. They'll decide after they review the film early this weekend.

Chad Henne struggled on Sunday. His passes were off the mark on a number of reps, but it's hard to tell if it was him or the receiver.

He also got schooled by tryout quarterback Willie Copeland on a touch pass drill that had them throwing over a barrier and trying to hit a target. Copeland, who did nothing special for the first three practice sessions, hit the target twice. He also had a strong closing practice on Sunday, finding open receiver.

For the first time all weekend it was hard to tell who was the second round pick and who was the unsigned rookie. However, I'm sure it was just someone having a bad day, and someone having a good day. I doubt Copeland will be signed.

Henne did mess up a snap count during team drills, and the coaches made him run a lap around the field. He was the only player all weekend who had to run a lap. Henne said it was the first time he's had to run a lap since high school.

So much for that prince of the palace treatment quarterbacks usually get, but I have a feeling those days are long gone.

Today the Dolphins new head coach shared some thoughts on what he's liked from the first two days, and pointed out some of the things he hasn't liked.

Check out THIS STORY first, and in a little bit I'll have his early breakdown of a few draftees.

Sorry for the delay guys, but we've got a story about a tryout guy from this camp getting signed, and a story on the Mexican kicker who barely speaks any English up trying out for the team.

Here is the rundown Sparano gave about his initial impressions.

On Phillip Merling) – “Watching him I was impressed, yesterday going back through the film, watching his hands and watching some of his body language that way. He plays with a little more strength than maybe I thought, but all these guys need to find real strength right now. We need to get these guys in the offseason program and get them going that way. I think they are all figuring that out as they watch the tape and as they see themselves go against one another.”

(On if any of the receivers at this mini-camp fit the team’s needs) – “It depends on the fit. We have several big receivers on our team right now that aren’t out here. Ernest Wilford is a big guy. (Derek) Hagan is a big guy. So when you look at these guys – Tab Perry is a big player – I think for us it was just a combination of finding enough big receivers out there and certainly some guys maybe that can create a little bit – a smaller guy that can create a little bit in the slot and maybe do some things that way as well.”

(On Hawaii receiver Davone Bess) – “I see a player that has pretty good ball skills right now. He certainly needs to do some things from a conditioning standpoint. He knows his stamina. To play receiver in our league you are running an awful lot and there is not a lot of numbers. The one thing with him is he has been in an offense where they are running a bunch of routes every game. They are not handing it off. He is running a bunch of routes every game and I think that is a positive. I do see good ball skills from him.”

(On if Kendall Langford is a developmental player or someone who might contribute right away) – “We were 1-15 last year. We don’t have many developmental projects. We are going to bring guys in here that are going to compete. I said it yesterday and I’ll say it again today, the best players on our team are going to play. No bones about it. If he is the best, he’ll play.”

(On what he sees in Connecticut guard Donald Thomas, the former college walk-on) – “I have seen some pretty good feet from a big guy like that. I’ve seen strength and I’ve seen a little bit more awareness than maybe even I thought with a lack of his exposure out there and his experience. I’ve seen some good feet and I’ve seen some good strength and those were the positives. Those are the things that we thought we’ve seen on film when we drafted him and we are certainly seeing that here now.”

(On what the team saw from cornerback Will Billingsley that led to his signing before the draft) – “Speed, speed. The guy can really run. It is what we’ve seen. He is obviously a little bit raw and needs a lot of fundamental work, but we’ve seen speed and in our league we have to have fast players.”

His voice can he heard all over the Dolphins practice field. It carries, and that's a good thing. Let's just put it this way. I heard every word he said behind center and never heard anything from the other quarterback in this camp.

I've heard rave reviews about Henne's leadership ability, and if his command of the huddle is a sampling of that, Henne shouldn't have a problem gaining his teammates attention. He throws a quick out pass, and seemed to be fairly accurate on day one, but his receivers didn't catch many of what appeared to be "ouch" passes.

Coach Tony Sparano said he was "pleasantly surprised" by Henne, and reiterated Henne, Josh McCown and John Beck will have a "quarterback competition" when training camp opens. Whoever gets it done will be the starter. So basically, there are no favorites.

"At the end of this we're going to find out who the best quarterback is," Sparano said.

Move the offense and score and you'll be a favorite until you stop doing it. Then they'll likely say, "Next" and move on to the next in line.

But here is a hint of what they are looking for.

"With a quarterback it's all about what he does in the huddle. It's how he takes control," Sparano said. "I've been in some situations where we've gone out there and the quarterback quite honestly couldn't get the play out of his mouth on day one. Chad was very good that way today. He took control of the huddle and managed the team fine at the line of scrimmage."

Phillip Merling participated in all of practice despite his sport hernia, said he's fine and could go "all out" if he needed to. He was warned by the coaches if he started to experience any pain to ease up, but didn't. However, he looked mighty slow to me, and it better be his injury holding him back or else the Dolphins might be looking at a future nose tackle. He needs to be explosive coming off the end, and right now he doesn't have it. But it is day 1, and he is battling a serious injury. I'm honestly surprised he was allowed to participate. And for the record, he's bigger than I expected him to be.

Jake Long held down the left tackle spot (surprise, surprise), and Shawn Murphy played next to him at right guard during this rookie camp. Donald Thomas held down the first team left guard spot. Sparano stressed he's going to start the "best five," on the offensive line, and plans to do that at every position.

During offense vs. defense team drills the defense was using a 3-4 base scheme (surprise, surprise) with unsigned linebacker Keith Saunders coming from the edge as the Jason Taylor of this group.

Bill Parcells spent a great deal of his time watching the defensive linemen work (surprise, surprise). General Manager Jeff Ireland was watching the unsigned players, especially the specialists (returners, flyers, wedge busters). Ireland was taking some serious notes.

Purdue Selwyn Lymon is a BIG receiver. He's got some elusiveness to him, but he catches the ball with his body, a lot. He's going to need to stop fighting the ball since the Dolphins already have one of those receivers on the roster.

Receivers Davone Bess and Jayson Foster are super tiny, but they have the ability to adjust to the ball, and possess the quickness needed to separate. It's going to be hard to tell how they would do against real competition because I didn't notice anyone worth mentioning in the secondary.

I recently learned Dan Carpenter punted during his college career, so maybe Brandon Fields does have competition after all.

Unsigned quarterback Willie Copeland, who happens to be a lefty, needs A LOT of work before he gets signed. Copeland threw a number of passes into the ground, but I'll give him a day to work out the nervousness.

So, what's the goal for these three days?

"We're trying to see what they can handle mentally. We threw some things at them in meetings today and during the course of the day in a bunch of meeting and see them come out here and retain some of that," Sparano said.

Deuces.