Kiper to Phins: Don’t draft Mallett at #15, Give Henne another chance

Apr. 07 News and Notes 7 comments ---Bill

The more I hear Mel Kiper Jr. talk about the draft, the more I think he is in the wrong business.  He flip flops on players enough that I think he should have gone into politics.  Yesterday on his weekly draft conference call he said that the Miami Dolphins should give Chad Henne another shot as their starting quarterback.  This is on the heels of Kiper saying last month that Chad Henne is exactly the same QB he was at Michigan.  Mel, if you think Chad Henne is too inconsistent, why should the Dolphins give him another shot?   To read the Sun Sentinel’s story on Kiper’s comments, please check out the story here.

I agree with Mel in one respect, I think the Dolphins taking Ryan Mallett at #15 would be a bit high for him.  But, if they can trade back, and pick up a 2nd round pick, I think it’s a no brainer.  Mallett has a phenomenal arm and can certainly work on his footwork.  He also comes from a pro style offense and knows how to read a defense.

Kiper thinks Mallett is too long term of a project.  Fine, say it will take 1-2 years for him to really mature and get up to speed.  Then you could, in theory give Henne another chance in 2011.  Not the ideal situation for Dolphins fans, but what is the worst thing that could happen?  If Henne succeeds and wins the 2011 starting job, the Dolphins have a very talented backup QB in Mallett.  Some of the best teams in recent years have had too many QBs on their hands.  The Packers drafted Aaron Rogers when they already had Brett Favre….The Pats lucked into Tom Brady when Drew Bledsoe was their QB….The Eagles had Donovan McNabb and drafted Kevin Kolb and brought in Michael Vick.  Having more than one good QB isn’t a problem, it’s a good thing.

However, what if Mallett lives up to what many think can be a very good NFL QB?  Then the Dolphins have upgraded the QB position and have Chad Henne as their backup (where many Dolfans think he belongs!).

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  • sam

    Watching Mallett in collage you can see he had plenty of illusiveness to avoid the rush while looking downfield. His arm is by far the best in the draft. Sporano Ireland pls dont let him get away even with the 15th pick if he’s there!!!!!!!!

  • Lou

    It doesn’t matter who’s the QB, because unless my perception is wrong, the GM and HC should’ve been gone and Cowhert or Grudden should’ve been coaching. Let the future staff and management pick their QB, and unless I’m wrong, and I hope I am, if the losing track continues this year (if there’s a year), contract extension or not, Ireland and Sparano should go out along with Henne.

  • http://mightym78@yahoo.com michael a. mcbride

    The dolphins drafts are stipid. When they had a chance to pick a quarterback with their high pick they don’t do it. Now, people want them to foolishly reach for a star at 15#. Big mistake. The dolphins should play it safe improve their running game. Go with Chad one more time, and if he doesn’t workout then get that qb next year. Rb, Wr, and linemen this year.

    • Lou

      I could agree with you 100%

  • phinfan86

    Who cares if kiper flop flops, regardless he is mostly right. I strongly disagree with Miami drafting Ryan Mallet. Mallet may be talented but hes the same type of QB as Henne except hes slower. Not only will Henne be the starting QB next season he deserves another shot with a new OC at the helm especially since the new offense will be built around Henne’s talents and not penningtons. Mallet is overrated and overhyped. Colin Kaepernick is the best fit for Miamis offense, he has everything that Mallet has except that hes fast, hes got a rocket throwing arm and he can run just as well. Kaepernick also lacks the touch issues on his shorter throws that Mallet and Henne both have which is a plus. Ingram is the smartest safest choice if they stay at #15 in the draft, because without a legitimate running game it wont matter who the starting QB is. Maimi needs to trade down in the draft pick up a RB and grab Kaepernick in the 2nd.

    • http://www.phinnation.com Bill

      Point taken, however I don’t think Mallett and Henne are the same QB. Look at the last 2 years of college for each. Mallett through for more TDs and had a higher QB rating than Henne. And that was against superior talent in the SEC vs. the Big 10.

  • frank

    Keeping Chad Henne another year at Quarterback would be foolish for Miami. If Chad Henne has not developed into what Miami brings to the game and attempts to put away key games in the season then Miami is waistin the Miami Dophins time and money. They need to draft another Quarterback as soon as possible.