Some breaking and shocking news just hit the airwaves. Dolphins nose tackle Jason Ferguson announced his retirement after 13 seasons in the following statement:

 “You get what you put into this game. I would like to thank my family, the fans and the organizations that I have been a part of for their continued support throughout my career, it’s been an absolute blessing to play this long. I have built a lot of relationships, you develop an extended family playing this game; I would like to thank that extended family, the teammates, the coaches, the support staffs that have all played a part of a great ride."

Many expected Ferguson to retire after he was suspended for the first eight games of the season for violating the league's substance abuse policy, but he re-signed with the Dolphins anyway. My guess is, knowing he was already going to miss half the season and that he probably wouldn't return as the starter when he was eligible if Randy Starks transitioned to nose smoothly, probably made the sound of the grind that will come with training camp opening in a couple weeks not worth it.

Obviously, this hurts the Dolphins insurance at the position, with Starks being unproven at the nose and Paul Soliai struggling last season, but the only way this actually hurts their 2010 season, is if Starks does indeed struggle or is injured. So, let's just hope this regime knows what they are doing with this gamble of a move.

Let's also wish Ferguson a happy and healthy life after football, and extend a big thank you for the two years he put in for the Dolphins. There's no question, he played a huge role in helping the Dolphins transition to the 3-4 defense so effortlessly in the 08' season.

There was a time when Dolphin fans could pull the disrespect card. There was a time when the Dolphins could understandably put on the cliche "us against the world" mentality, and get motivation from the media's constant downplaying of anything they did.

That may have been the case with the success they had in 2008, but it's becoming evident that more and more high-profile media members are starting to buy into Miami as a legitimate contender, who is not only a threat to win the AFC East, but could have the potential to make a deep playoff run.

Today was no exception. On the NFL Network's Around the League, Micheal Lombardi said some things about the Dolphins, other analyst seem hesitant, maybe even afraid to.

The topic was which AFC team would improve the most in 2010. Lombardi confidently picked the Dolphins, raving about how Brandon Marshall brings big play potential to an offense who's execution was already outstanding.

He also pointed out how people forget they beat the Jets twice last season, and even went as far as to say he thinks they are the team to beat in the AFC East. Talk about going out on a limb.

A few weeks ago, multiple sources reported that the Dolphins were showing interest in former BYU running back Harvey Unga. If that interest is genuine, we could see Miami make a strong bid for Unga in tomorrow's suplemental draft.

Even though they are already set at running back for the 2010 season, with Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams ready to carry the load for at least one more year, the future at the position could sure use some assurance.

Unga is a burly 244 pound power back, who fits the Parcells' mold like a glove. His size indicates he may be suited for fullback at the pro level, but his athleticism and receiving skills have scouts projecting him to stay put running back.

Yes, Unga could be an intriguing successor to either Ronnie or Ricky, but even if the Dolphins are sold, the sacrifice that may come with selecting him and the competing interest from other teams will likely prevent him from coming to Miami.

With the way the supplemental draft works, if the Dolphins were to bid a higher draft pick than any other team for Unga's services, they would then forfeit that pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Many predict Unga's value at a fifth-round pick, which would mean the Dolphins would lose their fifth-rounder in next year's actual draft.

With teams like the Seahawks, Saints, Eagles, and Buccaneers also rumored to be in the mix though, Miami putting in the highest bid seems like a bit of a long shot.

Especially, considering they are already void of a second-round pick in next year's draft, and how much they value their picks, even those of the late round variety.

In the event that they do land Unga, however, both Lex Hilliard and Kory Sheets could be on the outside looking in at the final 53-man roster.

Just how bad were the Dolphins' inside linebackers a year ago? Well, it was arguably the worst position on the entire team, and the only reason I say arguably was because free safety made an equally dreadful case. In fact, you could probably get away with saying Miami's inside linebacker's would have been in the cellar, if you were to rank each team at the position.

The usually solid Channing Crowder, had the, hands down, worst season of his life, Akin Ayodele was exposed repeatedly while attempting to drop back in coverage, and Reggie Torbor may have been the worst cover linebacker in all of football.

Needless to say, a makeover was in order. When the clock struck midnight on the morning of free agency, most Dolphin fans were glued to their TV set, hoping Karlos Dansby would take his talents to South Beach.

Dansby informed everyone his first visit would be Miami, and thankfully, it was also his last. The Dolphins locked up the best available inside linebacker on the market, and a player who will finally provide some playmaking spark at the position.

The Dolphins also brought in Tim Dobbins in a draft day steal. Dobbins projects to contribute heavily on special teams, but could emerge as a starter if Crowder can't return to form.

Safe

Karlos Dansby: He was the huge upgrade that was almost necessary given the other players available and how many needs this football team had going into the draft. He can stuff the run, drop back into coverage, and rush the passer. He's an all-around linebacker, not the one-dimensional type you see in Crowder. Will he live up to the $43 million dollars Parcells and Ireland threw at him though?

Channing Crowder: Crowder may not be on the good side of the fans anymore, but this regime still seems to have maintained their high opinion of him. He's as one-dimensional as they come, has made only a few game-changing plays in his career, is attempting to come back from a Lisfranc fracture, and is fresh off a season where his tackling production was cut in half. Still though, the one dimension Crowder does bring to the table, has been pretty darn good in the past. For all his faults, he knows how to play the run. And now that he's paired with a guy who can handle the playmaking and coverage duties, he may be able to get away with being purely a run-stuffer.

Tim Dobbins: Even if Dobbins doesn't push Crowder at all, and he proves to only be a core special teams guy, he brings enough potential production on special teams to likely secure his roster spot. Like I have said before though, Dobbins had more tackles than Crowder last year, in way less playing time. That doesn't change the fact, that Ireland labeled him a special teams contributor, shortly after the draft day trade, and that we haven't heard any reports of an open competition, though. So, maybe he's still a backup, but the depth he brings to the position can't be under-appreciated.

The quarterback's blindside has solidified itself as one of the most important positions in football. Where did the Dolphins turn, after all, when attempting to lay the framework for the turnaround we have seen?

They took a mammouth left tackle from Michigan with the first overall pick a little over two years ago, and have transformed what was considered one of the worse offensive lines in the league, into one of the better units in football.

That low-risk selection has to be considered one of the smartest moves made by this regime in the re-building process, and I think it's safe to say they would do the same thing, if given the opportunity to do it all over again.

While the interior of the line is in for a bit of a shakeup, the tackles on the outside should continue to provide stability for an offensive line looking to protect and open up holes for an offense possibly ready to sky rocket into elite status.

Safe

Jake Long: Long is probably the best player on this team, and could hold down that status for years into the foreseeable future. He's as safe as safe can be on the roster and as the starter at left tackle.

Vernon Carey: Carey provides solid play at right tackle, and finally received a little recognition after 09', when he was named a first-team all-pro by Peter King. Although he's undoubtedly safe on the roster this season, some question his long-term value. He's always been a tremendous run blocker, but the 20 quarterback pressures he surrendered last season could make him replaceable down the road. If he can make significant strides in pass protection in 2010 though, I don't see why he can't be apart of this team's future plans.

Nate Garner: The versatility Garner brings to the table makes him virtually uncuttable, in my opinion. His heroics last year in Carolina, where he played just about every position on along the line, won him over in the opinion of fans and coaches, alike.

Possible Cuts

Andrew Garner: Andrew got the nod over Nate at the beginning of last season, when the Dolphins only kept three tackles, and placed Nate on the practice squad. Things will likely be in reverse this time around, however, as Nate's versatility should win out, regardless of the progress Andrew makes in year two. Of course, the Dolphins could always keep four tackles, but with many expecting them to keep four running backs again, keeping one less tackle will likely be the repercussion.

Likely Cuts

Lydon Murtha: Murtha was brought over from the Detroit Lions practice squad last October. He will likely have the same fate on the Dolphins' roster though, as it's hard to make a case for him sticking to the final roster with the talent in front of him.

Andrew Hartline: Hartline stared the 09' season on the practice squad after failing to make the team. He was promoted though, after the Dolphins regrettably washed their hands of Matt Roth. He will likely start this season as a practice squad member as well, but if something opens up down the road, he could find himself on the team, once again.

Predictions

LT Depth Chart
1. Jake Long
2. Nate Garner

RT Depth Chart
1. Vernon Carey
2. Nate Garner

Cuts
Andrew Garner
Lydon Murtha
Andrew Hartline

Coutdown to Camp: 18 days