Despite additions over the last two seasons, Linebacker could end up Phins best value in RD #1
Like most NFL teams, the Phins are tight-lipped about their strategies…
… But with Chris Grier in charge, the leaks to reporters have dried up.
The best bookie services are all over the map on who Miami will select with the 13th pick. Both Grier and Brian Flores have stated they will bolster the trenches in the 1st three rounds, just about every position needs help.
Whatever they have planned could change if a Top 10 player who doesn’t play on the line ends up sliding into their laps?
Miami has been lucky two out of the last three drafts. Both Laremy Tunsil and Minkah Fitzpatrick unexpectedly dropped to give great value in 2016 and 2018. Why not a repeat this year with Linebacker Devin White from LSU?
Linebacker isn’t the biggest priority for Miami, but there’s no doubt that a stud Mike LB would be a great pickup.
White is the consensus top Inside Linebacker in either a 4-3 or 3-4 Defense. Sure we have a ton of needs and LB isn’t at the top of the list. But many analysts see White as a perennial Pro Bowler for years to come.
So if he’s available when the Dolphins select wouldn’t they be nuts to pass on a player that could be the foundation of their defense for years to come?
No one expected Minkah to fall that far last year… maybe magic strikes twice?
While it’s an unlikely scenario, White has to be a top consideration at #13. He’s a prototypical Middle Linebacker in modern football, an immediate starter, and an upgrade over McMillan or Kiko.
Even though McMillan is a former 2nd round pick and young, he was a liability for us much of last year on defense. Kiko was too inconsistent to be viewed as part of the future. Neither of the current starters good in pass coverage. The new scheme demands 3 down linebackers. This could spell trouble for McMillan unless he improves dramatically. Also, new coach Brian Flores has no ties to him.
Common Man Football analytics says White is good but not Ray Lewis good
Flores is a Defensive minded Coach, it would be wise to kick off his era by adding the ‘QB of his Defense’.
I’m not inclined to believe that either Kiko or McMillan can fill this role of leadership.
White is 6’0” 237 pounds and ran a 4.42 40 yard dash and had an excellent workout at the combine. He checks all the boxes for a middle linebacker. He’s very physical against the run, can cover defend the pass, and is a team leader that brings a certain much needed intimidating violence to the Defensive side of the ball.
He’s a true 3 down linebacker that would immediately anchor the Defense.
In addition, he has all the stats to back it up with 123 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, 3 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 6 passes broken up in 2018 for an LSU team that plays in the highly competitive SEC. And he isn’t a one hit wonder. His 2017 season was just as impressive with 133 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, 3 passes broken up and 1 interception. Last, his high football IQ has some analysts comparing him to Ray Lewis. This might be a little much though.
Sounds like a dream… or a nightmare?
So if you were in charge of the Draft and White was available when Miami is on the clock would you select him over another player that plays a position of a greater need?