All Dolphins

Dolphins Pre-Draft Press Conference Takeaways

Checking out the highlights from GM Chris Grier and Assistant GM Marvin Allen's media session
Dolphins Pre-Draft Press Conference Takeaways
Dolphins Pre-Draft Press Conference Takeaways

In this story:


The Miami Dolphins conducted their annual pre-draft press conference Wednesday, with GM Chris Grier and Assistant GM Marvin Allen met with the South Florida media.

Here were the highlights from that media session:

-- Grier sets the tone by welcoming everyone to their favorite press conference where nobody ever says anything.

-- First question deals with right tackle and the comfort level with Austin Jackson, and Grier says that the expectation is that Jackson indeed will be the starter at that position.

-- Grier says the team wants to keep Robert Hunt at right guard where he says he's already a good player.

-- Asked about the Jalen Hurts contract extension, Grier says he's happy for him but the market will change before the Dolphins have to do something regarding Tua Tagovailoa, whose fifth-year option was triggered last month.

-- Grier reiterates that all options are on the table regarding Tua and that he hopes he's the team's QB for a long time.

-- Asked about the Jalen Ramsey trade, Grier said it was the matter of jumping on an opportunity and that he's known Rams GM Les Snead for a while.

-- Marvin Allen says the expectation all along was that Channing Tindall and Erik Ezukanma would need a little time before they could become significant contributors.

-- Grier points out that Mike McDaniel showed "everybody in the building" the Tua tape that got him so excited after he took over as head coach.

-- Regarding a Christian Wilkins extension, Grier says talks are ongoing and they want to keep the player around for a long time.

-- The Dolphins would seem to still need a tight end or defensive tackle, but Grier said they've evaluated every position. Added they've brought in every position for pre-draft visits except for quarterback.

-- Grier says he's happy with the team's tight end room, mentions Durham Smythe first. Adds he's happy for Mike Gesicki getting a new start in New England.

-- Allen points out that it's one of the deeper tight end classes in several years.

-- Regarding the idea of being in "win-now" mode, Grier simply says the team has a good, competitive roster. Says he doesn't look at it as "windows."

-- Grier says some teams in the bottom of the first round have reached out to him about the possibility of a trade.

-- On the question of BPA vs. need, Grier calls it a balance. Says he always looks for the best player and can get in trouble if you reach for need.

-- Grier says Braxton Berrios will be the Dolphins returner as well as playing the slot receiver.

-- Chosen Anderson's agent reached out to the Dolphins a couple of weeks back and the wide receiver then had conversations with Mike McDaniel and Wes Welker before he made his decision to join Miami over other teams that were interested.

-- Grier confirms that Cedrick Wilson Jr. was signed to be the No. 2 wide receiver last year before things changed with the trade for Tyreek Hill. Grier says teams have called in regards to Wilson, though he says the Dolphins are not shopping him.

-- In regards to running backs, Allen says the team always is looking to add good players.

-- Last question is to Grier and asking whether he's got another big trade coming: "Well see."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alain Poupart has covered the Miami Dolphins on a full-time basis since 1989. You can follow him on Twitter at @PoupartNFL. Feel free to submit questions every week for the All Dolphins mailbag via Twitter or via email at fnalldolphins@yahoo.com.


Published
Alain Poupart
ALAIN POUPART

Alain Poupart is the publisher/editor of Miami Dolphins On SI and host of the All Dolphins Podcast. Alain has covered the Miami Dolphins on a full-time basis since 1989 for various publications and media outlets, including Dolphin Digest, The Associated Press and the Dolphins team website. In addition to being a credentialed member of the Miami Dolphins press corps, Alain has covered three Super Bowls (for NFL.com, Football News and the Montreal Gazette), the annual NFL draft, the Senior Bowl, and the NFL Scouting Combine. During his almost 40 years in journalism, which began at the now-defunct Miami News, Alain has covered practically every sport at one time or another, from tennis to golf, baseball, basketball and everything in between. The career also included time as a copy editor, including work on several books, such as "Still Perfect," an inside look at the Miami Dolphins' 1972 perfect season. A native of Montreal, Canada, whose first language is French, Alain grew up a huge hockey fan but soon developed a love for all sports, including NFL football. He has lived in South Florida since the 1980s.

Share on XFollow @PoupartNFL