Examining the Phins 2020 Offensive Tackles

M.J.

5 years ago

Phins have a ton of players fight for starting tackle

Most pegged Offensive Tackle as the position that demanded the most improvement for the 2020 Miami Dolphins. But in reality, the entire Phins O-line needed to be revamped, not just the tackles. In fact, an argument could be made that fixing the interior linemen was an even more critical need than the tackles on the edge. Thankfully, Chris Grier went ‘hog wild’ to bolster every position on the offensive line.

So, what were the returns on all of these investments?

The hard news is the picture won’t settle for a while. It might take until the 2022 Season to fully gauge how effective Grier played his cards. But, as fans of the game, we’ll do our best to analyze and project far earlier.

Despite how crucial improvement at guard and center is, Miami spent two blue chips on Tackles, so let’s start there.

The Phins contenders for the 2020 starting tackles

Julién Davenport, 6’7” 325lbs, came to Miami as part of the Tunsil / Stills trade with the Texans.
Jesse Davis, 6’6” 325 lbs, was a cheap Free Agent who received a 4-year $15million dollar contract in 2019.
Robert Hunt, 6’6” 323lbs, was acquired with a 2nd RD pick (39th overall).
Jonathan Hubbard, 6’5” 274lbs, was a 2020 UDFA.
Austin Jackson, 6’5” 317lbs, was acquired with a 1st RD picks (18th overall).
Adam Pankey, 6’5” 313 lbs, is a 3-year vet with only 13 game-time snaps that Miami claimed off waivers.
Nick Kaltmayer, 6’7” 313lbs, was a 2020 UDFA.
Ereck Flowers, 6,6” 329lbs, was a 2020 Free Agent that signed a 3-year $30 million dollar contract.

First, when we evaluate last year’s tackles we remember to do it within the context of the 2019 offense.

Last season, Miami was again a very unbalanced offense. The Phins ranked 32nd (21.88 APG) in rush attempts and rush yards (72.25 YPG). Conversely, they ranked 7th in pass attempts (38.44) and 14th (19.69) in the least amount of 1st Downs.

In 2019, Miami’s offensive tackles were continually put in bad situations with few manageable down and plenty of 3rd and longs. Jesse Davis and Julién Davenport certainly deserve blame with a PFF run-blocking grade of 53.6 and 41.3, respectively. But, most of the issues in the run game fell on the interior three of Calhoun, Kilgore, and Dieter, who all had mid-forties PFF run-blocking grades. They were THE worst interior run-blocking group in the NFL. And while Kilgore pass blocked well, Dieter and Calhoun posted a pass-blocking PFF Grade of 37.8 and 44.0, respectively.

Say what you want about the edges, but the interior o-line dragged everything down with it.

The Phins offensive tackles we know

Julian Davenport is only in his 4th Season and has improved slightly year over year. In Miami’s huge Week 17 win over the Patriots, Davenport played well, beyond a gaff or two. His 2019 overall PFF grade of 56.5 could reach a 60.0ish level given the trend. This would make him a serviceable starter or excellent backup.
As the founder of the Jesse Davis fan club, I’ll admit it’s tough to be objective… I’ll give it my best. Davis has played three different positions over three seasons and suffered a nasty elbow injury early in 2019. This brought a ton of extra adversity to overcome. Still, he posted a 58.9 overall PFF grade and was the Phins’ best O-linemen. Now, I know that’s not saying much, but Davis WILL 100% be the Phins starting Tackle (left or right) in 2020. The 2019 experience and a more balanced offense will help limit his biggest issue: consistency in his kick step and handling the edge rush. This will be a crucial year for Davis and I expect him to have the best season of his career.

The fresh-faced rookie

Robert Hunt billed as a tackle, but all the indications are he is more suited for guard, at least early on. Chris Grier said ‘he’ll compete for a starting job at both right tackle and right guard’. According to PFF, ‘Robert Hunt was a nasty run-blocker for Louisiana and owned a solid 86.0 grade in that facet of play’. The right guard position would allow him to bone up on his pass protection skills because they usually get more help than the left guard. Sandwiched between veterans Jesse Davis and Ted Karras is a good recipe for his out-of-control style of play. Of all the Phins rookie o-linemen, he’s my bet with the best pay per head software like www.AcePerHead.com to start at the beginning of 2020. Unfortunately, it won’t be at tackle.
Miami spent the 18th pick in the draft on Austin Jackson to be their future right tackle. His makeup of ‘finesses pass blocker’ is reminiscent of Dolphins star tackle Richmond Webb. Jackson has all the tools to be a long term starter, but the potential is also there that he doesn’t. Three top pass rushers abused Jackson in 2019, so based on production he was a reach at #18. Miami drafted him based on his experience (40 starts), athletic talent, and projection that he’ll build his core strength and refine his technique. Some reports call him weak. This isn’t the case, with his long arms he benched 225lbs 27 times. This ‘weakness’ is based on poor platforms created by sloppy technique and the fact is he is only 20 years old. Still, unless vast improvements come about he won’t be ready to start Week 1. Maybe later in the 2020 Season or early 2021 things may change, then his pick won’t be considered such a reach then.

Training camp Longshots

Jonathan Hubbard, Adam Pankey, and Nick Kaltmayer are the longshots to even make the squad, much less play tackle. Hubbard is way too ‘small’ at 274lbs to play on an NFL field at tackle, I’m thinking he is being eyed as a possible practice squad player. The ‘Patriots’ way’ has a ‘thing’ for tall tackles and UDFA Nick Kaltmayer scratches that itch and could fit the bill of practice squad prospect. Adam Pankey was on the starting 53 of the Packers last year before being waived early in December. That means they had a level of confidence that he could contribute. But, the Packers were making a playoff push and needed to fill some holes. Pankey might be a surprise player that makes the team as a swing lineman. It’s a longshot, but possible.

Wildcard players

Former 9th Overall pick, Ereck Flowers was drafted to play tackle and didn’t do a good job. He was moved to guard and earned an excellent paycheck with his play of a PFF Grade of 64.2. Trent Brown and Marcus Cannon were two big men that took a while to figure it out but eventually did with the Patriots. Does Flores see something here? Flowers is listed as ‘OL’ by the Phins. Is he considered by Flores to be a reserve tackle or reserve guard? Maybe a tryout is on the menu? Solomon Kindley was drafted in the 4th Round and is listed as a guard. IF both he and Hunt push for starting roles, maybe Flowers finds himself a Tackle… until Jackson takes the role?

Questions marks surround every Oline position except for center

My next article up will be on the interior line battle. There are so many possibilities of who will be the starter as well. This is a good situation though at this stage of the regime. Next year, this better not be the case! The 2021 Season must have an offensive line far more resolved for ‘Tua Time’.

If you held my feet to the fire, I’d say (ATM) the Week 1 starters are LT Davenport, LG Flowers, C Karras, RG Hunt, and RT Davis. I expect the lineup to change as the season progresses though.

This Training Camp will be one helluva’ battle up and down the roster… and that’s a very good thing. Go Phins!!!

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