Lest anyone think Bill Parcells was going to take a measured approach toward rebuilding the woeful Miami Dolphins, think again. In what has to be the busiest single day in the history of NFL free agency, Parcells and his staff have signed a flurry of players in an attempt to right a ship that finished 1-15 a season ago. The Dolphins had approximately $40mm under the cap to spend; and Parcells appears ready to use every last bit of it. Today’s signings ranged from veteran locker room guys (e.g., Jason Ferguson and Sean Ryan) to potential Pro Bowlers (e.g., Calvin Pace). And considering the team’s cap situation, Parcells probably isn’t done yet.

A Recap of Bill’s Frenzied Friday

LB Calvin Pace — Rated as one of the top players at his position, Pace is exactly the kind of player Parcells’ covets. Pace is big (a converted defensive end) and thrived as the rush ‘backer in the Cardinals 3-4 last year. Although this isn’t official yet, several reports have the Fins giving Pace $20mm guaranteed. The addition of Pace raises questions about whether the team plans on keeping Joey Porter around. NOTE: Despite earlier reports, Pace did not sign with Miami but instead signed a 6-year, $42mm deal with the Jets.

OG Justin Smiley — The Dolphins signed Smiley to a 5-year, $25mm deal including $9mm in guarantees. Smiley has been a starter for most of his career (in San Francisco) and significantly upgrades the interior of the Dolphins line. Smiley helped open holes for Frank Gore and will likely slide in between center Samson Satele and LT L.J. Shelton.

DT Randy Starks — Considering how much defensive tackles are netting at the start of free agency, this signing seems like a downright steal. The Dolphins signed the 24-year old tackle to a 5-year, $21mm deal with $7mm in guarantees. Starks may not be a star (he lost his starting job in Tennessee to Tony Brown) but he’s got the size (6′3″, 314 pounds) and technique to emerge in the Fins scheme.

QB Josh McCown — McCown was a part-time starter in Arizona and Oakland, and may find himself starting in Week One for Miami depending on what else the Dolphins do this preseason. Given a 2-year, $6.25mm contract; McCown is very much a safety valve until John Beck (or someone else not currently on the roster) are ready to take over full-time. This isn’t a major financial commitment, nor should it be considering McCown has never finished a season with a passer rating above 74.9.

WR Ernest Wilford — Wilford was deemed expendable by the Jaguars after the acquisitions of Jerry Porter and Troy Williamson; but he quickly found a new home in Miami signing a 4-year, $13mm deal with $6mm in guarantees. Last year, Wilford caught 45 passes for 518 yards while scoring three times. He’s not a difference maker per se, but his addition will help stabilize the intermediate passing game. Wilford is a big (6′4″, 218 pounds) receiver with loads of starting experience, and will compliment the speedy Ted Ginn Jr.

TE Sean Ryan — Ryan is another long-time Parcells favorite. Signed to a one-year deal, this is more about bringing in a high character guy that Parcells thinks will help the locker room as well as special teams. Ryan isn’t going to be asked to do much offensively; he has a whopping 9 career receptions in four seasons. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

NT Jason Ferguson – Ferguson just didn’t fit into Wade Phillips attacking scheme in Dallas, but should have a place in Dallas’ system. The Cowboys traded Ferguson to Miami today, reuniting him with Parcells for the third time in his 12-year career. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

These moves probably are just the beginning as Parcells, GM Jeff Ireland and the coaching staff look to fundamentally alter the DNA of this team and return the Dolphins to prominence.

Fantasy owners may not draft offensive lineman, but the behemoth guys up front can make all the difference when it comes to a productive offense. Offensive lineman worth don’t come cheaply, and teams are constantly searching for ways to upgrade their lines, regardless of how good the current unit may be.

Today, let’s look at the interior lineman; the centers and offensive guards.

The Top Centers on the Market

Centers are the quarterbacks of the line. They make the line calls and shift adjustments; all while making sure they don’t botch the snap to the signal caller.

1. Jeff Faine (6′3″, 291 pounds, 26 years old) — Faine was supposed to be an anchor of the rebuilt Cleveland Browns line, but after the team acquired LeCharles Bentley in 2006 [at the time considered the league’s top center], he was jettisoned and ended up landing in New Orleans. Over the last two seasons, Faine has played at a high level and proven himself among the better young centers in the league. Expect some team to throw big dollars Faine’s way; possibly making him the highest paid center in the league.
2. Jason Brown (6′3″, 320 pounds, 24 years old) — Brown is a restricted free agent, and it would be surprising if the Ravens let him go considering the other changes on their aging offensive line. Only 24 years old, Brown worked his way into the starting lineup in 2006 and became a fixture in 2007; at guard. Brown has the rare ability to play at a high level at both guard and center and could, therefore, be signed to an offer sheet by any number of teams.
3. Rex Hadnot (6′2″, 325 pounds, 26 years old) — Hadnot became a starter as a rookie and has never looked back. Through the Dolphins ups and downs, Hadnot has been a durable fixture; starting 55 straight games. Despite his reliability, the new regime appears intent on letting Hadnot move on. Given his age and experience, Hadnot should have little trouble landing a 4- or 5-year deal as a potential starter.
4. Jeremy Newberry (6′5″, 315 pounds, 31 years old) — Newberry spent a decade in San Francisco before jumping across the bay to Oakland last season. When healthy, Newberry can anchor a line with a mean streak but the intelligence to manage a complex offensive line set. However, at 31 years old, Newberry is no longer at his peak and is no stranger to serious injuries.

The Top Guards on the Market

Guards used to be the forgotten men of the line, but in recent years guards have started earning enormous contracts in free agency. This year looks to be no different, with Alan Faneca being the most coveted offensive lineman at any position.

1. Alan Faneca (6′5″, 307 pounds, 31 years old) – Alan Faneca is the cream of the free agent OL crop. A punishing blocker with the athleticism to pull out as a lead blocker. Faneca has a mean streak and is extremely durable, starting 153 of the Steelers last 158 games. After a tenuous holdout last offseason, Faneca returned to the Steelers under the promise that he wouldn’t be franchised again in 2008. Now he gets to test the free agent market and looks to land one of the largest contracts for a lineman in league history.
2. Justin Smiley (6′3″, 311 pounds, 26 years old) – Smiley missed the second half of last season with a shoulder injury but should be 100% healthy and ready to work out for interested teams. A starter for most of his career in San Francisco, Smiley is a solid if not spectacular guard; particularly as a pass blocker. Given the projected salary cap and the amount of money teams have available, don’t be surprised if Smiley lands a big, multi-year deal.
3. Mike Wahle (6′6″, 304 pounds, 30 years old) – Wahle is a 10-year veteran that’s been starting since his second year in the league. An anchor for years in Green Bay, Wahle signed with Carolina three seasons ago and started 45 of 48 regular season games. But Carolina released Wahle because of salary cap concerns. Don’t let his release fool you, Wahle remains a quality starter and will garner a multi-year deal on a playoff contending team.
4. Jacob Bell (6′4″, 295 pounds, 26 years old) — Bell is a four-year veteran and 2-year starter; playing an important role in the Titans rebuilt offensive line. Given his age and demeanor (he’s considered a high character guy), it would be surprising if the Titans let him get away. The Titans have a boatload of money under the cap, and Bell is the kind of young, productive player who should be a priority.
5. Jake Scott (6′5″, 295 pounds, 26 years old) — Jake Scott has been a starter since his rookie season, for arguably the team’s most consistent offensive line in Indianapolis. So why isn’t he higher on this list? For two reasons. One, Scott is technically sound but can be overpowered. Two, the Colts have proven that their blocking scheme is greater than the sum of its parts. Either way, with Ryan Lilja re-signed it’s possible the Colts would let Scott walk. Don’t be surprised if he lands a big contract from another team.

The (Near) Complete List of Guards and Centers