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Top 3 Dolphins draft picks not moved by edict to sign early
By Harvey Fialkov
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Posted May 30 2007
Although the Dolphins have already signed five of their 10 rookie draft picks, don't expect deals for the top three to get done as quickly.
Contract discussions haven't started between the Dolphins and the representatives of second-round picks quarterback John Beck and center Samson Satele. Neil Cornrich, agent for Dolphins first-round receiver/returner Ted Ginn Jr., says he doesn't discuss negotiations.
However, Beck's agent, Justin Schulman of Athletes First, doesn't anticipate any problems in getting a deal done before the start of training camp in late July.
"When discussions start I'm happy to have them, and I'm sure they'll be productive like they've always been," Schulman said. "We don't hold out people."
Neither Schulman nor Craig Doman -- who represents Satele and fourth-round defensive tackle Paul Soliai -- feels threatened by Dolphins owner H. Wayne Huizenga's edict for rookies to get in early or sit on the bench. Satele is the leading contender for starting center since Rex Hadnot was moved to right guard last week.
"It looks like the Dolphins are moving pretty fast," Doman said. "... The last time I checked it was still May. It's insane, but OK, as long as we do a good deal."
The five Dolphins rookies under contract are running back Lorenzo Booker (third round) and fullback Reagan Mauia (sixth), as well as all three seventh-round picks: linebackers Kelvin Smith and Abraham Wright, and punter Brandon Fields. Dave Butz, agent for sixth-round center Drew Mormino, is on his honeymoon until June 5.
LEMON SIGNS OFFER
Quarterback Cleo Lemon signed his one-year, $1.3 million tender offer.
Although he was the team's last restricted free agent to sign his tender, Lemon has participated in all of the Dolphins' offseason practices after signing an injury waiver.
Lemon has served as the first-string quarterback with Daunte Culpepper (knee) sidelined.
Lemon made his first career NFL start for the Dolphins in the 2006 season finale.
J.T. BACKS CULPEPPER
Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Taylor believes Culpepper has been unfairly criticized during his rehabilitation.
"I've seen stuff in the papers and heard people on the radio say he's not showing up for workouts, he's missing rehab, he's gaining weight, he's not working hard and a bunch of other crap that couldn't be further from the truth,'' Taylor said during an interview on WEFL (760-AM). "I thought [the team banquet] was a good chance for me to stand up ... and say: The man is working, he wants to come back and he's trying as hard as he can to come back from an injury that nine out of 10 people would have never played again after.
"Give him a shot, and if the team decides to go in another direction, then fine."
Taylor was asked if he thought suspended running back Ricky Williams would play for the Dolphins again.
"Who really knows? Who cares?'' he said.
Harvey Fialkov can be reached at hfialkov@sun-sentinel.com.
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