INDIANAPOLIS · The fact that 10 of 12 playoff teams last season started left tackles who were drafted in the first three rounds wasn't surprising to Dolphins coach Nick Saban.
Neither is the likelihood that those players -- or any of the league's other top-tier left tackles responsible for protecting the quarterback's blindside -- will be obtainable or affordable for the Dolphins next Friday when the free-agent signing period begins.
"Most teams who have one don't let them ever get in [free agency], whether they end up franchising them, re-doing their contracts or whatever," said Saban, whose team may seek to replace two-year starter Damion McIntosh.
"I think there are certain positions that are difficult to [address] in [free agency]. Left tackle would be one of those without having to significantly overpay someone if they were available."
The projected free-agent tackle class is considered weak, with Denver's Matt Lepsis, Cleveland's L.J. Shelton and Atlanta's Kevin Shaffer the top candidates if not re-signed by their current teams. Compounding the problem: The incoming rookie class may not provide much immediate help even if the Dolphins were willing to address the position with their first-round pick.
When Saban and the majority of the Dolphins' staff arrive at the NFL Scouting Combine today, one analyst said the franchise will find that tackle "is the most disappointing position in this draft."
"An awful lot of people, including myself, thought this would be a great year for tackles," said Mike Mayock of the NFL Network. "Because of injuries and poor performances as seniors, it's down to one high-level tackle [Virginia's D'Brickashaw Ferguson] and a bunch of question marks after that."
Ferguson, who is widely considered the draft's top tackle, almost certainly won't be available when the Dolphins choose at No. 16. That leaves the franchise with more suspect options like Southern California's Winston Justice, who played under Dolphins assistant offensive line coach Tim Davis with the Trojans, and the University of Miami's Eric Winston.
Mayock said neither is worthy of being selected at No. 16. Justice would have to make the adjustment to left tackle after playing right tackle as a junior in 2005, while Mayock said he doesn't believe Winston is the same player since returning from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in 2004.
"It felt like on tape that Eric struggled with speed all season long and the same thing happened at the Senior Bowl," Mayock said. "He's got short arms. I think he's gone from a high-level first-round left tackle to at best a second-round right tackle."
Hoping to improve his draft stock, Winston decided to participate in combine running drills. He also will have another chance to impress NFL scouts March 4 at UM's Pro Day.
"I look at everything I've done and the competition I've gone through," Winston said. "I started 13 games at Miami as a true sophomore. Those are all things that weigh heavily in my favor."
The Dolphins have struggled to find stability at left tackle since Richmond Webb was not re-signed following the 2000 season. Wade Smith, a 2003 third-round pick, showed promise as a rookie but lost his starting spot to McIntosh early in the 2004 campaign. Converted to center after Saban became head coach, Smith spent 2005 on injured reserve because of a preseason arm injury.
McIntosh has started 30 consecutive games at left tackle for the Dolphins, but that probably won't keep the franchise from trying to find an upgrade at the position. McIntosh, who was arrested and charged last week with domestic violence, also carries a lofty 2006 salary cap number of $4.48 million.
PAIR WAIVED
The Dolphins waived long snapper William Delahoussaye and fullback Ben Moa. Both players were injured last spring after being allocated to NFL Europe and didn't play with the Dolphins in 2005.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-dol...la-sports-front
