Sunday Dolphins Mailbag: Hill, Brooks, Barrett, and More

A Sunday All Dolphins mailbag around the NFL league meetings:

From Jason Kirkland (@1bigdad424):
Hi Alain, on one of the podcasts this week, I believe you mentioned comparing a WR to other WR of his era. I agree. Under that definition, shouldn't Clayton be in the HOF? He was arguably the 2 best WR of his era, behind Rice, of course.
Hey Jason, should Clayton be in the Hall of Fame? He certainly would seem to have a case based on his production, but I’m not sure I’m on board with calling him the second-best WR of his time behind Rice. The fact he was never named an All-Pro during his career is kind of telling (though he should have been selected in 1984).

From Chris at Phins.com (@PhinsChris):
You’re Don Shula and you are rebuilding the #Dolphins from scratch, picking only from your former Dolphins players in their prime. Who are your starting 22+specialists?
Oh man, Chris, you’re going to test my memory here. OK, here we go, has to be Marino at QB, Morris and Csonka at running back, Warfield and Fryar at wide receiver (yes, over Clayton), Jackson at tight end, O-line of Webb, Little, Stephenson, Kuechenberg and Norm Evans, D-line of Stanfill, Baumhower, Fernandez and Betters, Buoniconti, Offerdahl and Cox at linebacker, Vincent and Curtis Johnson at cornerback, Scott and Anderson at safety, Fuad Reveiz is the kicker, Reggie Roby the punter, Mercury Morris the kickoff returner, and Jake Scott the punt returner. I would imagine I might have forgotten somebody obvious, but hopefully not.

From Big Ern McDolphin (@dana_buice):
Hey my friend, is this Dolphins coaching staff good enough to win a Super Bowl?
Hey Dana, I’m going to take the easy way out and simply ask, why should we think they’re not good enough to do it? Truth is, we just don’t know at this time.

From Chris Bustin (@ChrisBustin13):
Hey, Alain. This team appears to be in the same boat that it has been for the past two season: squeak into a wild-card spot and lose in the first round of the playoffs. My fear is that Steve Ross will be content with the status quo indefinitely. What do you think? Thanks!
I think if the Dolphins keep making the playoffs and stay relevant, he’s going to be reluctant to make the kind of big move you seem to suggest.

From CodeNameO (@CodeNameMar):
If a team is willing, do you trade #21 and get more picks or stay and take BPA?
As always with these questions, it depends on the kind of offer you get. But speaking in general terms, I do believe the Dolphins need to add as many young good pieces as possible, so unless they have a really strong conviction on somebody, yes, they should trade down if an offer comes their way.

From Jason Kirkland (@1bigdad424):
Hi Alain, on one of the podcasts this week, I believe you mentioned comparing a WR to other WR of his era. I agree. Under that definition, shouldn't Clayton be in the HOF? He was arguably the 2 best WR of his era, behind Rice, of course.
Hey Jason, should Clayton be in the Hall of Fame? He certainly would seem to have a case based on his production, but I’m not sure I’m on board with calling him the second-best WR of his time behind Rice. The fact he was never named an All-Pro during his career is kind of telling (though he should have been selected in 1984).

From Timothy Wiesehan (Timbob21964):
What is the position that needs the most attention in this year's draft?
Hey Timothy, you could make a case for wide receiver, interior offensive line, defensive line, edge defender and safety, though I’d give the nod to the defensive line.

From Dave (@angryvet59):
Of the Fuller, Smith & Brooks signings, any favorites for you? Mine would be Brooks. I liked Baker but feel Brooks is just a better all-around LB.
Hey Dave, I like the three signings, but I’m going to agree with you with a slight edge to Brooks over Smith, whose pass-catching ability should add a whole new dimension to the offense.

From Jacob Deal (@Jacob_deal998):
What's the likelihood of seeing our orange alternate jerseys anytime soon? Like the reebok Ricky Williams orange jersey. Not the yellow color rush.
Hey Jacob, wouldn’t hold my breath if I were you. It’s been a while since they’ve been worn and I’ve heard nothing to suggest they’re coming back anytime soon. Shame, too, because I personally really liked those.

From Fins Broke My Heart (@Phiinzup44):
Even though Grier is on the hot seat if this team regresses, which they seem on track for this year, it seems he can't make up his mind on whether he's going all in on this year or saving for the future. Am I the only one who doesn't understand the plan?
The plan appears to be to take a slight step back from the uber-aggressive, all-in approach of the 2022 and 2023 offseasons with more of an eye toward down the line. And I wouldn’t assume anything about Grier’s job security.

From Mark Lever (@MarkFinsFan):
If you were the Dolphins, who would you draft at 21 if the draft fell in your favor?
Hey Mark, by draft falling in our favor, you mean the prospect whose availability at 21 would be most ideal? I’d be inclined to go with Washington tackle Troy Fautanu, with the idea of playing him at guard at the start of his NFL career until he moves to tackle to replace Terron Armstead. But I doubt the draft will fall in their favor with that guy.

From Bubba (@bubbakeez):
Should the Dolphins get another OLB or are they comfortable with just Shaq Barrett?
Hey Bubba, I do believe the Dolphins need more depth at outside linebacker because of the injuries to not Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips but also to Cameron Goode.