So the Miami Dolphins decided to wake up and smell the Marshall on Wednesday, just in time to shake up Dolfans draft boards.
Really, who gives a carp! We have Brandon Marshall. But there is still the business of drafting some talent out of the college ranks, which still leaves a bit of intrigue going into the NFL Draft on April 22.
All the Dolphin talk had been about taking troubled wide receiver Dez Bryant at the No. 12 pick, but that's no longer a dilemma Bill Parcells has to deal with.
But there is the matter of filling holes in a defense large enough to float the Titanic through without ever scraping a shoulder pad.
For that, we give you pass rushing specialist Derrick Morgan from Georgia Tech. He is the most talented rush end in the draft and has the size and speed to be Jason Taylor-esque.
And since the Dolphins are hellbent on unceremoniously showing Taylor the door to New York, getting someone to rush the passer in the now receiver-happy AFC East might classify as a priority. South Florida's Jason Pierre-Paul could also slide into the picture, depending how Dolphin personnel rate the two rushers on their super secret draft board.
There is also the issue of the guy who originally made an impression on head coach Tony Sparano, linebacker Rolando McClain. He should be available at No. 12 and would serve as a sure tackler in the front seven, albeit not necessarily a consistent playmaker or game changer.
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If the Dolphins want to go solid instead of sexy, then McClain will be the guy.
The most intriguing pick might be Earl Thomas, the freakish, ball-hawking safety from Texas. If anyone has both style and substance, it's this guy. All Dolfans have to do is go back to the opening snap last season to see just how important it is to have a solid back line of defense.
Sorry, Gibril Wilson, for the nightmares. Did you get the number of Dallas Clark's license plate yet?
The Dolphins gave up so many chunks of yards through the air that tight ends and receivers should have received frequent flier miles when they reached the end zone.
Thomas won't solve the problem, but he'd be a nice start.
There is, of course, the possibility Parcells wants to turn the Dolphins into the greatest show on turf and reach for more offense. Bryant will be there and despite all his problems, he's probably the most special offensive talent in the draft. Pairing him with Marshall would be formidable indeed and allow Davone Bess to move to his more natural slot position.
But if the 'Phins do go O, then you van bet C.J. Spiller would be on the top of fans' wish lists. Ronnie Brown won't be 100 percent coming off the knee injury and his constant injuries are a concern for the future. Ricky Williams isn't getting any younger.
Having a game-breaker with world class speed like Spiller would be a nice compliment for one of the best rushing attacks in football. Also, Spiller's special teams capabilities could come in handy if the Dolphins trade Ted Ginn Jr. for the asking price of a Starbucks latte and some peppermints.
Marshall's signing may have been the main course for Dolfans, but on April 22, the 'Phins could add a tasty side dish.
Bon Appetit.
