Cougar Time for the Phins
If the Phins do not draft a Linebacker in the first round, then there is a good chance they will look to add one in the 2nd or 3rd round. Most sports gambling fans would say that linebacker is the 2nd biggest need behind the offensive line for the Miami Dolphins. The Phins spent a lot of money on Wheeler and Ellerbe last off-season and most phins fans would argue that they were not worth the investment. It is fair to say that both players are on a short leash, and this could definitely be their last season as a Dolphin, especially since the new Sheriff in town Dennis Hickey did not make the initial investment in these two players. Since these players have already been put on notice, look for Hickey to invest an early draft pick in a play making linebacker.
One potential prospect is Kyle Van Noy of BYU who is 6’3”, weighs 244 pounds and runs a 4.71 40 time, can play inside and outside linebacker, and is projected to go in the 2nd or 3rd round. He had a solid combine, and even better pro day. In 2013 the BYU Cougars had a sub-par season, however, Van Noy excelled at making impact plays all year long. He tallied 68 tackles with 17.5 tackles for a loss, 4 sacks, 7 passes batted down, 2 interceptions, and 1 touchdown. Van Noy appears to be one of the most well rounded linebackers in the entire draft. In 2012 he had an even better season with 13 sacks, 53 tackles with 22 tackles for a loss, 6 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions, 5 passes batted, and 2 touchdowns. Van Noy was the best defensive player on the Cougars 2012 team that included the 5th overall pick in the 2013 draft; defensive end Ezekiel Ansah.
He is a solid run-defender, but even better in pass defense, which is noted by his 15 passes defended and 7 interceptions between 2011 and 2013. He is a good athlete who can drop back into coverage, but is also very explosive coming off the edge as a blitzer with 24 sacks from 2011 to 2013.
Van Noy is a well rounded football player that can create plays against the run, in coverage, or in a blitz package. He would be a welcomed addition, and could definitely challenge Wheeler, Ellerbe or Misi for a starting position.
