For Phins LB Group, McCray Loss ‘No Biggie’

McCray had talent and a load of supporters, but his heart wasn’t in football

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Mike McCray had a load of supporters believing he could make a difference in Miami at Strongside Linebacker. After watching his tape, I had to agree with them he had a shot. But McCray has had his fill of football and decided it was best for himself and the Phins to call it quits.

To McCray’s credit, he did it before training camp began, so his decision didn’t cost the Dolphins any wasted reps.

Miami immediately brought in rookie LB Frank Ginda, who led the nation in tackles per game with 13.3 (173 total). Ginda had been initially signed by the Cardinals but was waived on June 15th.

Despite the legitimate concerns after the 2017 Season about the Dolphins LB group, neither McCray or Ginda had a good shot at cracking the starting lineup with any of the pay per head sites. While I don’t think the Phins LB’s are the cream of the crop, I don’t seem them at the bottom of the barrel either.

Two of the three LB positions appear to have starters in place

Since February, Phinsnews has touted Stephone Anthony as the starting Will LB in 2018. Recently, the beat reporters have been hinting the very same thing. Barring injury, I’m fully confident that Miami is set at the position with Anthony starting and Jerome Baker backing him. So there’s most likely no room for a long shot like McCray or Ginda at this position. Kiko Alonso could be a ‘break in case of emergency’ depth player there as well (I pray it never gets THAT desperate). So theoretically, the Will is three deep.

In the middle, at the Mike LB, Raekwon McMillian is all but assured the start if he even plays just average. And if it’s not him starting, Kiko would be second up. Kiko does much better in the Mike compared to the Will. If given limited responsibilities and Over Cover assignments, he can be passable (although not ideal) in coverage. For added depth, Chase Allen is solid at taking on blocks and Terence Garvin has a load of experience. Again, it’s hard to see a starting or depth spot in the middle for longshots.

The Sam is where there’s a chance for an upset

Chase, Kiko, or Garvin can play outside, but none are perfect fits. Kiko does have a big salary and might need to play because of it. But he isn’t a great blitzer or at taking on blockers. He is willing and experienced though and could be schemed to be effective.

Garvin seems to be at his best as a run stopper. He really struggles at times in coverage, but poor cover players can be protected at the Sam, especially as the Nickle package gets more and more snaps in modern football.

Allen is a big boy and is the second best LB on the squad at stacking and shedding. He could be the best of the Sams at setting the edge. On the downside, he isn’t a talented blitzer. Still, a ‘standard issue’ Sam will definitely end up with a very limited role, all the more so given Miami has three talented Safeties.

Aside from Special Teams or maybe bottom-level depth, I don’t see McCray departure and the replacement of Ginda making much of a difference at all. And if you really break down the LB cast, the position doesn’t appear to be as needy as 2017. Is it perfect or as good as you’d want? Nope…

BUT, considering a few things, Miami’s LB’s won’t be a glaring weakness in 2018:

1. Anthony did show solid play over his last couple of games.
2. The chances of a second freak injury to McMillian is remote.
3. Kiko won’t be asked to take a role that accentuates his weakness.
4. Garvin and Baker are decent reinforcements.
5. McDonald will play a role at times similar to a Nickle LB.
6. Allen has some pop and should improve.

So, in an under the radar way, the expectations for the Dolphins LB have been raised. I think the depth is good enough that a fan favorite, Mike Hull, might end up getting cut. And yes, the Defensive Tackles will play a major role in how the LB play, but as far as the group itself, McCray’s loss is ‘no biggie’. I might get some heckling, but I do think Miami’s LBs have a fair shot to offer some pleasant surprises in 2018. Tomorrow begins the big reveal with the opening of camp… who can’t wait?! Go Phins!!!