With an exciting draft in the books and summer practices looming, it’s easy to forget that this time last year there were legitimate concerns about whether a new NFL season would even happen. As another season approaches, we are beginning to see some of the tangible effects of the labor negotiations.

Former NFL GM and NFL Network analyst Charley Casserly joined The Finsiders to break down the differences the Dolphins will encounter during the first full offseason of the new CBA. 

One main point of contention during last year’s lockout was what to do with rookie salaries, which had skyrocketed to the point that top picks had become far less valuable. They, of course, have instituted a slotted salary system, similar to the NBA’s rookie wage scale that certainly has affected contract negotiations this year.

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With last month’s draft in the rear view mirror, mock fantasy drafts have begun to surface, marking the unofficial start to the new fantasy football season. There is a sense, however, that times are changing as fantasy football continues to evolve to counter different schematic trends sweeping the league.

NFL.com’s Michael Fabiano joined The Finsiders to give an early look at some hot button fantasy issues heading into the 2012 season. 

Despite Reggie Bush’s ability to stay on the field and deliver a career-best year, Fabiano is approaching the running back’s outlook with a bit of skepticism, if only because so many starting backs–Adrian Peterson, Jamaal Charles, etc.–were injured last season. His fantasy mentality mirrors the league’s shift back towards a more prominent two-back system.

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No matter who wins the Dolphins’ quarterback competition heading into the season, one thing has become evident. They better be ready to play fast.

David Garrard joined The Finsiders to talk about the Dolphins’ new offensive system and the breakneck tempo that coaches have pushed for this offseason.

“We’re going to be snap that ball at 33 seconds every time,” Garrard said. “It’s going to be non-stop, and defenses will be tired because they won’t even get to put their hand on the ground. You’ll see a lot of d-linemen just standing up, just trying to do the best that they can.”

That tempo has been the most consistent overlying theme of the on-field portion of the offseason, extending to all facets of the team, defense and special teams included.

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Because there’s no real foolproof formula for how to handle a rookie quarterback–all the current stars seem to have taken a different route to success–it will be interesting to see how the Dolphins work first-round pick Ryan Tannehill into the offense.

Former Dolphins quarterback Don Strock joined The Finsiders to discuss the team’s current quarterback situation and when he thinks Tannehill will get on the field.

There’s growing sentiment that Tannehill could start from the outset because he already has a firm grasp on the playbook. Strock, though, feels that it’s not just about how well you understand your own offensive concepts. You also need to account for what you’re seeing across the line of scrimmage.

“A lot of similarities for him,” Strock said.

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Perhaps because of precedent and the unknown factor surrounding his arrival from Canada, Jerome Messam will be one of the most intriguing Dolphins to watch this summer.

Messam sat down with Jesse Agler to talk about his first impressions of the organization and the adjustments he’s had to make to play in the states.

For starters, he’s having to adapt to the infamous South Florida heat and humidity.

“Guys have said I haven’t seen anything yet,” said Messam, who grew up in Toronto. “So when July and August comes around, that’s when I get the real test.”

The Dolphins, of course, already have a significant contributor, Cameron Wake, who made the jump from Canada. Having a teammate who has successfully made the move to the NFL could ease the transition for Messam, who’s played his played his entire career north of the border.

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