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Evan Cohen, Jmart, Stephanie React to Dolphins in Palm Beach Speculation

May 10, 2013 -- 8:05am

Palm Beach Fins? Dolphins CEO Mike Dee didn't shut the door on it. Listen to Evan Cohen and crew react to the possibility, in the Dean Mitchell Restoration Question of the Week.

AUDIO: Evan on Palm Beach Fins

Jeff Ireland, Stephen Ross discuss Dion Jordan, draft strategy

Apr 26, 2013 -- 12:33am

TEAM RELEASE

Jeff Ireland

(Opening remarks) – “I just wanted to come down after the first pick and obviously we jumped up there awfully quickly and took a player that we coveted quite a bit. He (Dion Jordan) was very high on our board. We think he’s an outstanding talent, has tremendous versatility. He’s a great kid. We just think the world of the player and what he’s capable of doing. He’s got tremendous upside. I’ll open up for questions.”

(On if Dion Jordan is an every-down player) – “I think eventually (he will be). We certainly see him as an every-down player. Like all players, they’re going to need some time to grow into a position. He’s certainly one of those guys that’ certainly going to have a role. I would certainly say third down for sure and then eventually be an every-down player.”

(On how the decision to trade up unfolded) – “I had some intel that maybe Oakland was looking to get out of there and (I) made a call before the Draft to just let them know that I was interested in maybe getting up. Then, I waited for about, I don’t know, maybe five or six minutes while they were on the clock and there was no call from them and so I called and just asked if they were looking to move the pick. They said they were open for business. I offered my first offer and they said, ‘We’re not interested.’ So I waited another 45 seconds to a minute and they called right back (and) asked for 42. I said, ‘Sure, we’ll do it.’ And that’s all that was.”

(On if he’s surprised that the trade compensation was low to move that far up) – “I think that the reason that I made the call was I felt like it was a buyer’s market. I felt like they did want to get out of there and I felt like you don’t get anything for not asking. Why not ask? Obviously, I thought it was great value to get up there (and it was) great value based on our board, based on the player we think he can be. We thought it was a big win for us.”

(On when he decided during the process that he was leaning towards selecting Jordan) – “No, I was just sitting there after the pick. I was telling Steve (Ross) that this is a player that we actually sat in our draft room in December of 2011 and started watching because he was a third year sophomore and we thought he might come out and he didn’t. But he’s been on our radar for quite a while. We’ve always felt like he’s got a tremendous skill set that’s unique. So he’s been on our radar for a while.”

(On the decision to select a pass rusher over other positions) – “Again, in the Draft, I like to try to stick to the board and I thought he was unique. I thought when you get a core position that’s prototypical that reminds you of players that have played at that position in the National Football League and have had great success – I feel like that’s a position that you can’t have enough of. I think there’s a couple of things, you’ve got to score touchdowns, you’ve got to knock the quarterback down, you’ve got to take the ball away. And I think this guy can do one of those two things.”

(On if he’ll be ready for OTA’s or training camp) – “Yes, I do. I’m not putting a timeline on the injury, but I think he’s maybe a month into the rehab and he should be fine. It’s not a major thing.”

(On if he can give an update on the offensive tackle situation, in particular the trade scenario for Chiefs’ Brandon Albert) – “Right now, it’s nowhere fellas. We’re nowhere on that thing right now. That’s what I can tell you.”

(On if he can talk about the Albert situation or the potential trade involving Davone Bess) – “Well, the Kansas City deal I can say is nowhere right now and neither is the Bess one. Information gets out fellas, but sometimes they’re not what they appear.”

(On if he can still find a starting offensive tackle in the Draft) – “We’ll see. We’re certainly going to hopefully address several different positions. Maybe offensive line’s one of them.”

Stephen M. Ross

(On his reaction to selecting Jordan) – “I’m very pleased. I’m really surprised. We had a dinner with the coaches and Jeff last week. At the end of the dinner, we went around asking, I asked them who they’d pick around there and the first choice was Dion Jordan. Everybody thought, ‘Hey, we’ll never get him.’ And it was like, just sitting in there and it was like Jeff said, ‘Let me just try it based on the things I hear.’ I thought he was kidding and sure enough when they called back I think everybody in that room was shocked. Joe (Philbin) will tell you that’s one player they really liked. They thought he was really different and I think it’s a great move. This is an impact player. There’s nothing better when you’re really drafting and you’re getting what you think is…with the third pick in the draft and the guy who you really loved… It’s a great thing. It’s a great day and the value, giving up as little as they had to give for him and looking at the numbers and how they assess things, these are incredible. Good day.”

(On if Jordan is a player who can help sell tickets) – “Winning will sell tickets.”

Dolphins rookie DE Dion Jordan speaks with the media

Apr 26, 2013 -- 12:29am

TEAM RELEASE

(On how surprised he was when he heard that the Dolphins traded up to pick him) – “I was really surprised because I wasn’t expecting a trade to go down, but I feel like they made the right move.”

(On whether the Dolphins showed a lot of interest in him before the draft) – “Yes. I stayed in contact with them throughout the process. But of course I didn’t know that it would go down the way it did.”

(On how he feels he will perform on the line as a defensive end) – “You know I feel like I do that well. I do have the ability to get to the quarterback, but you know I’m just really looking forward to going in, learning, and doing the little things to improve.”

(On where he thought he was going to go in the Draft) – “I can tell you right now that I really did not know. This was probably the biggest surprise, but I do feel very blessed to be a Dolphin and I’m excited that they did make the move they did to come get me.”

(On what the phone call with Jeff Ireland was like) – “It was the greatest conversation. He just asked me how I was doing and the next thing you know I see the trade going across the board.”

(On how much time he spent playing with his hand on the ground at Oregon) – “I started off on the defensive side with my hand on the ground playing defensive end, and then throughout the process they decided to pick me up and put me on the other side and play outside and play in space. I do understand it. I played it in high school, but I just have to improve.”

(On whether he is comfortable playing as a defensive end) – “It’s not a problem for me. It will help me out as far as my pass rushing ability.”

(On whether it is important for him to put on a little weight and get stronger) – “Of course man. I feel like that’s the thing that every guy is going to have to do to improve. I’m just looking forward to doing the little things so when camp comes around I’ll be ready to go.”

(On whether he thinks he can help Miami’s defense force turnovers) – “Of course man. Like I said, that’s probably one of my strong suits, getting after the quarterback. But I have to do the little things man. You know, stepping into a new scene and a whole new atmosphere, I’m going to have to make sure I pay attention to details. I’m just improving in all areas of my game so I can be ready to go when the season comes around.”

(On whether he likes the comparison that people are drawing with him and Jason Taylor) – “I do like the compliment. JT is a tremendous player, but obviously I feel like I want to come in and I want to make my own staple for the Miami Dolphins and the NFL. I’m going to do everything that I can to live up to everything. I’m just doing the little things that I need to do so I can be successful at that level.”

(On whether he has reached out to Miami Dolphins LB and former teammate at Oregon Josh Kaddu) – “Not yet. There’s a lot going on, but I’ll definitely get a hold of him. I’ll be seeing him very soon actually.”

(On why he only had five sacks his senior season) – “I mean, the way my position (worked) and what I did, I played a lot in space, and I guess I can say I missed a few, so that’s probably why.”

(On what he thinks about Cam Wake and playing opposite him on this defense) – “I’m really familiar with him. He's probably one of the best in the game as far as pass rushing goes and to play with him and be in the same locker room with a guy like him, I can learn a lot. I feel like us two together, we can change up the tempo as far as pass rushing goes.”

(On what part of his game he feels he needs to work on the most in order to be a complete player at this level) – “I’m going to have to do a lot of little things, man. First of all getting healthy, which is very important to me, so I can actually play and like I said getting stronger and being attentive to details so I can be any every down player. I don’t want to be a player who just goes in the game for pass rushing. I’m going to have to do all the little things right so when it’s time to go, I’ll be that guy that they call to go out there.”

(On when he had shoulder surgery and whether he will be ready for training camp) – “I had surgery during the 28th, but you’re probably going to have to talk to coach about when they’ll have me ready to go, but like I said, I’m going to do the little things correct so I’ll be ready, and I’m going to take care of my body for sure.”

(On whether he meant the 28th of March or February) – “February.”

NFL Draft Predictions

Apr 25, 2013 -- 1:49pm

The NFL Draft is tonight! Your favorite ESPN 106.3 personalities took their cuts at tonight’s top QB, top Dolphin, and give their bold predictions:

Evan Cohen

Host (Weekdays 4 p.m.)

The Miami Dolphins first pick will be: Xavier Rhodes, FSU

The first quarterback taken will be: Geno Smith by the Eagles

Your bold prediction from the first round of the NFL Draft is: Multiple QB's go in the top 10

******

Jeremy Marks-Peltz

Host (Weekdays 6 p.m.)

The Miami Dolphins first pick will be: Chance Warmack, Alabama

The first quarterback taken will be: Ryan Nassib by the Bills

Your bold prediction from the first round of the NFL Draft is: Manti Te’o will still be on the board on Friday.

******

John Martin

Host (Weekdays 4 p.m.)

The Miami Dolphins first pick will be: DJ Fluker, Alabama

The first quarterback taken will be: Geno Smith by the Jets

Your bold prediction from the first round of the NFL Draft is: Manti Te’o WILL be selected in the 1st round.

*****

Josh Cohen

Host (Saturdays 10 a.m.)

The Miami Dolphins first pick will be: Yatil Green, Miami

The first quarterback taken will be: Drew Henson, No. 1

Your bold prediction from the first round of the NFL Draft is: Ravens trade all of their 2013 picks for rights to Ricky Williams and Mike Ditka.

Editor’s Note: Josh took these real seriously, as you can see.

*****

Kelley Bydlon

Host (Saturdays 10 a.m.)

The Miami Dolphins first pick will be: Xavier Rhodes, FSU

The first quarterback taken will be: Geno Smith by the Bills

Your bold prediction from the first round of the NFL Draft is: At least two QBs will be selected.

*****

Ken LaVicka

Update anchor, Staff writer, Voice of FAU

The Miami Dolphins first pick will be: Xavier Rhodes, FSU

The first quarterback taken will be: Ryan Nassib by the Bills

Your bold prediction from the first round of the NFL Draft is: No matter whom the Patriots pick, Evan Cohen will declare them draft winners and call Belichick a genius.

*****

Stephanie Prince

Top 5 at 5 (Weekdays 5 p.m.), ESPN 106.3 Marketing Director

The Miami Dolphins first pick will be: Bjorn Werner, FSU

The first quarterback taken will be: EJ Manuel by who cares!

Your bold prediction from the first round of the NFL Draft is: Two Seminoles drafted before a Gator. As you can see – I'm all about FSU – Go NOLES!

*****

Joe Girvan

ESPN 106.3 on WPTV Sports Anchor

The Miami Dolphins first pick will be: DJ Fluker, Alabama

The first quarterback taken will be: Ryan Nassib

Your bold prediction from the first round of the NFL Draft is: Manti Te'o will be taken in the first round, but whoever does it will regret it. He has BUST written all over him.

*****

Brian Rowitz

Host (Weekdays 6 p.m., FSU Podcast), Producer (Weekdays 4 p.m.), FAU Football Executive Producer

The Miami Dolphins first pick will be: Xavier Rhodes, FSU

The first quarterback taken will be: Geno Smith by the Bills

Your bold prediction from the first round of the NFL Draft is: EJ Manuel will be taken in the 1st round and will be the best QB of this class.

*****

Joe Colella

Host (High School Hysteria Fridays 6 p.m.), Update Anchor

The Miami Dolphins first pick will be: Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame

The first quarterback taken will be: Geno Smith by the Jets

Your bold prediction from the first round of the NFL Draft is: Manti Te'o will not be drafted in the 1st round.

*****

Wells Dusenbury

Host (High School Hysteria Fridays 6 p.m.), Staff Writer

The Miami Dolphins first pick will be: An offensive lineman knowing the Dolphins

The first quarterback taken will be: Geno Smith (ugh) by Kansas City

Your bold prediction from the first round of the NFL Draft is: Manti Te'o goes higher than expected (even though he shouldn't).

*****

Jordan Sherwood

Host (Inside The Cage Saturdays 9 a.m.)

The Miami Dolphins first pick will be: Jarvis Jones, Georgia

The first quarterback taken will be: Geno Smith by the Jaguars

Your bold prediction from the first round of the NFL Draft is: Manti Te'o will drop to the 2nd round.

*****

Steve Politziner

Host (Monday Night Legends)

The Miami Dolphins first pick will be: D.J. Fluker, Alabama

The first quarterback taken will be: Geno Smith by the Browns

Your bold prediction from the first round of the NFL Draft is: Smith will be the lone QB taken in the Round 1.

Brian Hartline Works At A Convenience Store

Apr 11, 2013 -- 6:35pm

By Kelley Bydlon

It has been a busy offseason for Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline. In March, he signed a five-year deal with the Dolphins for nearly $31 million, but that won't be his only source of income in 2013. In January, Hartline and a friend purchased a drive-thru convenience store in Ohio that Hartline ended up working at most days this offseason. That's right, a drive-thru convenience store.

Hartline spoke more about his big offseason purchase today in Palm Beach Gardens.

Starks signs franchise tag with Dolphins; Devlin, Stanford ink tender

Mar 20, 2013 -- 12:35pm

TEAM RELEASE

MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins have announced that defensive tackle Randy Starks has signed his franchise tender and that quarterback Pat Devlin and cornerback R.J. Stanford have signed their exclusive rights tender.

The 6-3, 305-pound Starks has appeared in 140 games during his career with 103 of those in a starting role. In 2012, Starks started all 16 games on his way to being named to his second career Pro Bowl. He finished the season with 27 tackles, 4.5 sacks and one interception. Starks was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week after his week five performance where he had three tackles, two passes defensed, an interception, a quarterback hit and 0.5 sacks in the Dolphins 17-13 victory over the Bengals in Cincinnati. For his career, the 10-year veteran has recorded 307 tackles, 32.5 sacks, 18 passes defensed and four interceptions. Starks joined the Dolphins as an unrestricted free agent on March 1, 2008. He was originally selected by the Tennessee Titans in the third round (71st overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft.

The 6-3, 225 pound Devlin is entering his third season in the NFL. He was inactive for all 16 games in 2012 and for the final two games in 2011 after spending the majority of his rookie season in 2011 as a member of the Miami Dolphins practice squad.

The 5-10, 185 pound Stanford is entering his third season in the NFL. He has seen action in 28 games during his career. He was claimed off of waivers by Miami from the Carolina Panthers on September 1, 2012, and played in a reserve role all 16 games during the 2012 campaign. He has recorded 20 tackles and one interception along with seven career special teams tackles. Stanford was originally a seventh round selection of the Carolina Panthers (223rd overall) in the 2010 NFL Draft.