Miami thinks changes will put them back into playoff hunt
By "Maria Marino"

Off-Season 2081 (MIAMI) - The Miami Dolphins have been quite busy this off-season in their effort to get back to the playoffs after a drop off last season.

Assistant GM and director of player personnel 'Trader' Lee Remley has been given a lot of latitude by GM Mike Morton in reshaping this club via trades and the draft.

Miami came out of the draft with eight picks last Monday after a lot of draft day dealing. The Dolphins feel first round picks C Bill Jones and DT Nicky Klingbeil will be keystones for years to come as they were ranked high at their position in pre-draft rankings by noted draft expert Melina Kiper. Second round pick C Aaron Lockhart was also highly rated. QB Sam Race was a good value pick in the fourth round as the second highest rated QB, as was CB Nels Harris at the spot he was picked in the fourth.

The Fins haven't forgotten the present, however, as embattled Cincinnati QB Freeman Spindler was brought in to backup aging Willie Johnson and learn from the vet. With Spindler and Race, Miami is now set at the QB position in the future when Willie decides to hang them up.

The Dolphins brass are also focusing on improving the lines in the here and now, something they feel was lacking last season in their hopefully brief reversal in fortune. This is good news for coach Danny Shula, who had been lambasted in the media last season for his team's performance.

Rumor has it the Dolphins are willing to spend some of their cap money to improve these areas, as they entertained several free agents yesterday and reportedly made an offer to two of them. They have also made some trade inquiries around the league for immediate help also.

All in all, it looks like a lot of changes for the better. Time will tell if the changes pay off in a big way for this franchise.