Laurinaitis Hits Free Agency
It is well documented that the Dolphins are very weak at the linebacker position, and this off-season they will finally try to solve this position problem. The Dolphins have tested Koa Misi at middle linebacker, however, his more natural position was always outside linebacker. The Dolphins then tried Kelvin Sheppard last season at middle linebacker, but he was not very good against the run or in pass coverage. Zach Vigil is next up on the block to test the MLB spot unless Miami decides they can do better in the draft or FA.
James Laurinaitis has just been released by the Los Angeles Rams in order to create salary-cap space. One man’s garbage could be another man’s treasure. Laurinaitis is not particularly young at 29 years old and having played 7 years in the league, but he is a true middle linebacker that has been productive and healthy his entire career (He has started every single game in his 7-year career for the Rams). Best pay per head reviews fans would agree that Laurinaitis, while not a flashy player, gets the job done.
Last year was one of his weaker seasons in terms of statistics, yet he still came away with 109 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception. Laurinaitis is a tackling machine that has recorded over 100 tackles in each of his 7 seasons, and most importantly he is a leader. He is the field general that the Dolphins are desperately coveting at the middle linebacker position. Just his leadership skills alone would be an improvement over any other linebacker that the Dolphins currently have on the roster.
Laurinaitis was set to make around $6.5 million before he was cut. However, anytime a player is cut because of a high contract price, then the result almost always is that they sign with another team for a significantly lower contract amount. If Miami could find a way to sign Laurinaitis for around $2-$4 million then they should seriously make the move. Laurinaitis is the perfect player to lead the linebacking unit, and if Miami has to they can even release Koa Misi in order to create some cap space to sign him (Misi has a $4.8 million dollar cap hit this upcoming season). What are the rest of the Miami Dolphins news fans’ thoughts about making a serious play at Laurinaitis?
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Scenario Draft
Miami Dolphins could trade out of the 1st and 2nd round still giving them a shot at the top two ILB in this draft.
16 Reggie Ragland ILB 1 Alabama Sr 6-1 1st round how many pick
55 Kentrell Brothers ILB 2 Missouri rSr 6-1 2nd round how many picks
If they missed both we would have a shot at number 3 ILB Tyler Matakevich || Temple Highlights 100th
How many extra picks could the Dolphins pick up if traded their 8th pick?
How many extra picks could the Dolphins pick up if traded their 2nd pick?
How many extra picks Total? I think 6 extra picks or more?
For sure another 2nd & 3rd rounder this draft plus next season?
If done right We could have 2 picks in the 2nd round
If done right We could have 3 picks in the 3rd round and 2 in the 4th round
Then next season?
Its a bold move Yes! Is this a Pat Riley Moved?
We could gains Eliot, RB Henry or Collins,
We could gain OT,
We could gain CB
We could gain Safety
Any way We get what we need plus sum.
Only problem is the O-line isn’t addressed and that is the most crucial, Steve. Gase also stated O will be the priority this season. So a D heavy draft isn’t likely unless they addressed the O in FA…and not sure that’s possible- although it might be.
Admin, I must disagree with you about the draft. Regardless what Gase said about his focus on the offense. This draft will be a defensive heavy draft for the Fins. If it is not then Gase is doing this team and players (not to mention us fans) a disservice. After all, regardless this is a win now league, new coach or not. And if Gase goes heavy on the offense in this draft we will be lucky to win 6 games again. Newbie or not, win or be on the hot seat!!!
To me there is no way it is a offensive draft for the Fins!!!
I saw OT as DE…must not of had my coffee. If they go with Osemele or another quality guard then I could see a more defensive players draft than O. But, guards – at least one, if not two starters is a near must or whatever they do will sink. I guess if Miller walks as Steve thinks Elliot could be an option. It wouldn’t be my direction. I still have issues with the 1st rd backs and yet to see them as being special. I could always end up eating a healthy portion of crow…done it before. But, Dunner that line must be addressed, both in FA and draft. Not quite as heavily as Lemmus sees it, but still a strong priority. Once FA hits the draft picture will get alot clearer. The reason I think O will be the focus is that T-Hill needs clear eval as they must make a long and expensive commitment or cut bait in 2017. If Gase screws it up either way he is gone. More than winning games T-Hill’s future is the most essential thing. If he stinks and Gase keeps him the franchise is sunk till 2020. If they release him because they feel he isn’t worth it and he succeeds elsewhere while Dolphins search for a new QB he is done. Again, I think that’s why Vernon is walking, lots of solid but unspectacular FA’s to fill all the holes so Miami can be competent. Not saying the whole off season will be O, but O guard and T must be addressed with valuable assets. Figure they have about 4-7 FA’s and 8 picks (I think they have 8?), at least 3 O line men must be acquired, TE and RB. The RB and 1 linemen need to be premium chips ( and the second linemen a second tier, I could def. see the rest of the premium chips spent the D.
I do agree Admin about a guard. Outside of a guard though, 3 of the top 4 picks are defensive picks, my opinion. Like you said, a lot will become clearer once free agency comes. You have convinced me that OV is gone, and it makes sense. We could have 2 quality starters (maybe a guard and a CB) via free agency for the price of keeping OV. So filling 2 positions (ie: CB/Guard) and leaving 1 (DE) position of need would be the way for me go as well.
It does stink though because OV is as home grown as they come. My son has met him twice at the Dolphins summer camps, and that is because OV himself attended the same camp when he was younger. It is what it is, part of the business. At least OV should be all set following his new contract wherever that should be.
It all comes down to price. He’s better than what we have but we need to view this MLB position in context of draft and other FA’s.
I would not draft any LBer w a recent cruciate tear.
PhinFreak
We can really hit a home run in FA and the Draft if serious assessment is conducted on theses players contribution to the dolphins. In addition without breaking the bank.
But I feel we need to take a calculated risk on players like the two listed below. We could get them without drafting them how solid is that?
Antonio Morrison: Florida Gator – Career Highlights [HD] 6th rounder
Reggie Northrup, ILB 7th rounder Rank 308
I agree…1st rounder can’t be a risk. We need steady eddy approach with the 1st. I like some late rouders in the middle, if they don go FA. Vigil could also stick, but I’d prefer a grizzled vet to man the middle for a year or too to shore it up. In the Dolphins situation, a big injury to a draft pick should be a too risky prospect…in my mind.
Freak, Admin., I understand the cruciate reference, however; Todd Gurley was coming off said injury at even a more demanding position and he seems to have worked. Injury should always be a concern, but today’s surgery and rehab/medicine work wonders.
Agree it could go smashing, or it couldn’t. It’s a risk and not sure the Fins can risk it. On the other hand an uninjured draft pick could blow out his knee day one…
Highlights of the OLB and ILB
Rank number 5 1st rounder
Myles Jack Highlights
https://youtu.be/2XSz3Lz9zvk
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Darron Lee Highlights || “POWER” || Ohio St
https://youtu.be/NWw7-WZRrr4
Kentrell Brothers 2015 Senior Highlights
https://youtu.be/7j0NBU0zqS0
https://youtu.be/bNBYlVjuS7w rank 55th
Tyler Matakevich || Temple Highlights
https://youtu.be/UyMPO1ldhpA rank 100th
Scooby Wright || “American Horror Story” || Arizona Highlights
https://youtu.be/fmqJA10Ne4o rank 114th
53 Shilique Calhoun DE 8 Michigan State rSr 6-5 252 2 “Defensive end ‘worth consideration”
Shilique Calhoun || “Bane” ᴴᴰ || Michigan State Spartans (explicit) 2nd rounder
https://youtu.be/aJ65b6XyIl8
Jaylon Smith
https://youtu.be/uehW1i5vvHo 1st rounder rank 20th
Reggie Northrup, ILB 7th rounder Rank 308
https://youtu.be/uNrwtmU4wco
Antonio Morrison: Florida Gator – Career Highlights [HD] 6th rounder
https://youtu.be/NvHxL7cQUI0 rank 135th
Jimmy
The Dolphins have plenty of option and the core player on defense should be the Best Line Backer or Backers. Meaning Free agency and drafting a ILB And in addition trying to steal these two Rehabbing players without drafting them below. Once healthy we could really have the best.
7th rounder ACL surgery Jan 2016
Reggie Northrup, ILB
School: Florida State | Conference: ACC
College Experience: Senior | Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Height/Weight: 6-1 / 232 lbs.
Projected Ranking Overall Position Proj. Rnd.
308 13 7-FA
Antonio Morrison, ILB
School: Florida | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Senior | Hometown: Bellwood, IL
Height/Weight: 6-1 / 232 lbs.
Projected Ranking Overall Position Proj.
215 9 6
These are the True ILB the three would be great building blocks for the dolphins.
Kentrell is the 1st ILB listed to go in the 2nd Round about ranked 55th
Kentrell Brothers ILB 2 Missouri rSr 6-1 249 2
Brothers played primarily weak-side linebacker in Missouri’s base 4-3 scheme, moving to the middle in nickel situations. He is a high volume tackler with more stops the past two seasons than any other college football player, registering double-digit tackles in 11 of the 12 games in 2015.
IN OUR VIEW: Brothers plays with above average recognition skills and anticipation to beat blockers to the contact point, but for his high tackle production, he also misses several tackles due to his lack of ideal speed and length. However, he’s able to compensate for his average athleticism due to his competitive nature and superb instincts to be a tackling machine.
NFL COMPARISON: D’Qwell Jackson, Indianapolis Colts – Similar to Jackson, Brothers is an average athlete, but his tackling abilities will trump scheme in the NFL, projecting best inside in a 3-4 base or strong side in a 4-3 formation.
*Dominique Alexander ILB 3 Oklahoma Jr 6-0 224 2-3 rounder ranked 82nd
Sports a compact, athletic frame and with rare agility and speed for an inside linebacker. Clearly comfortable against the pass, showing flexible joints and fluid hips to handle coverage responsibilities. Has the agility and speed to mirror running backs and tight ends and shows some route recognition, dropping from his primary assignment to anticipate where the ball is headed.
IN OUR VIEW: As his size would indicate, Alexander isn’t a classic ‘thumper inside linebacker and may ultimately be moved outside in a 4-3. He possesses the athleticism to handle this switch, evading blockers and remaining on the field to cover slot receivers during obvious passing situations for the Sooners.
–Rob Rang (@robrang) (2/13/16)
Tyler Matakevich ILB 4 Temple Sr 6-0 233 3-4 rounder Ranked 100th
After high school, Matakevich attended a prep school for one season where he was discovered by Temple’s Matt Rhule, who was in his first season as head coach of the Owls. Matakevich made an instant impact as a true freshman, playing in every game and becoming the first freshman in school history to record 100 tackles.
He is now a four-year starter and had the most career tackles by any active player in the FBS at the end of last season. Matakevich also became just the seventh defender in FBS history with four straight 100-tackle seasons.
“Mat is the heart and soul of that defense, everything goes through him,” an NFC North executive told NFLDraftScout.com during the season. “That’s something that shows up on film and during practice. He knows his physical limitations, but works like the devil to max out all of his senses. You don’t have as much production as he has just by accident.”
IN OUR VIEW: Matakevich is extremely physical, which will work against him at times, but his football awareness and hustle jump off the screen as the unquestioned leader of one of the country’s top defenses.
–Dane Brugler (2/12/16)
Floyd is a late 1st rounder or 2nd appeared to be healthy.
*Leonard Floyd OLB 4 Georgia rJr 6-3 232 1-2
The Bulldogs’ 3-4 scheme has helped pad the statistics of several edge rushers from Georgia in recent years, but few boast Floyd’s raw tools. Floyd burst onto the scene as a true freshman, leading all first-year SEC defenders with 6.5 sacks (among his 55 tackles) in 2013. Floyd struggled with a shoulder injury that eventually required surgery and kept him out of the Belk Bowl in 2014, but posted similar numbers as a sophomore, leading the Bulldogs with 6.0 sacks.
While sporting a relatively lanky frame, Floyd shows surprising power in his hands and complements it with burst off the edge, agility to avoid blockers and a relentless motor. With an injury-free 2015 season and the expected growth after another offseason in the weight room, Floyd looks like a solid bet to once again rank among the SEC’s elite edge rushers and establish himself as a highly regarded NFL prospect.
James Laurinaits Will he make a different against New England etc.? If yes sign him.
Draft note: All day one OLB are Rehabbing! So we need to be careful if so.
*Myles Jack Injured OLB 1 UCLA Jr 6-1 245 1
Jack was an All-America candidate before suffering a torn meniscus during practice last September. He underwent surgery and ultimately decided to withdraw from school and focus on his preparation for the 2016 NFL Draft by rehabbing in the Phoenix area.
“The way the injury happened, it kinda rolled into school — school was starting and I couldn’t really be very mobile, and I didn’t have any transportation considerations,” Jack told NFL.com about his decision to leave UCLA. “It kinda made it very hard for me to get to class, so that was an issue.
“Taking my football career into consideration, I want to be with the best
In OUR VIEW: An athletic specimen with above-average pursuit speed, contact balance and mental processor to know everything going on around him, Jack has the athletic skill set to be a difference-maker.
*Darron Lee OLB 2 Ohio State rSo 6-1 235 1
A two-year starter in Ohio State’s versatile 4-3 base defense, Lee was a 195-pound quarterback in high school and although the Buckeyes coaches weren’t sure where he would play, they knew he could play.
IN OUR VIEW: Lee is a fantastic athlete with long arms and aggressive hands, but needs to develop his functional strength to consistently stack and shed at the line of scrimmage and keep himself clean. Although he is still young in linebacker years, he is a high character competitor, playing with sky-high confidence and natural football instincts to pick things up quickly. In the mold of Ryan Shazier or Kwon Alexander, Lee is a versatile run-and-hit linebacker with an attacking mind-set that fits today’s NFL.
*Jaylon Smith Injured OLB 3 Notre Dame Jr 6-3 240 1
Smith’s draft stock took a hit on New Year’s Day when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament and lateral collateral ligament in the Fighting Irish’s Fiesta Bowl loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes, but still he opted to declare early for the 2016 NFL Draft. He is recovering after surgery and expected to miss the 2016 season, but still has an immense skill-set that will have teams considering him in the first round.
IN OUR VIEW: In today’s ultra-specialized NFL, defenses routinely substitute powerful linebackers on running downs and faster, more agile defenders on obvious passing plays. Teams won’t have to swap Smith out, however. He started all 39 games the last three seasons, but in a cruel twist of fate, Smith suffered a serious knee injury in the Fiesta Bowl, putting his draft stock in limbo based on his rehab.
Steve, You must be careful when selecting any player, especially when there are injury concerns. Must take into consideration all players, for instance a player such as Darron Lee, his weaknesses are the same weaknesses that our current LBers have and if he doesn’t overcome them (and he might) then we have a player that offers the same as what we already have.
Darron’s weaknesses: “lacks ideal play strength to consistently unglue himself from blocks. Stonewalled and engulfed by offensive linemen and needs to improve his take-on technique to stay clean and gain body position. Overaggressive and will over-run angles”. Per: CBS Sports.
Sounds familiar!
I am all for finding value in the draft and coming away with a steal, but be careful that said pick(s) do not overcome their weaknesses. That is when you end up with a average player, a average roster and a average record. Meanwhile you passed on players that were projected much higher to take a flier, and the higher projected player and the flier actually perform as such.
Sound familiar?
Players such as Jack and Smith do have injury concerns, but they are teams prototypical LBers. LBers that stay on the field for every down, game changers. These 2 LBers would have been top 5 picks were not for injury. So maybe, said injuries worked in our favor, to allow us an opportunity to take one of these players.
Dunner
I’m in agreement with you. Line Backer must be capable of every down playing. When we had Zack Thomas I felt his only Weakness was covering the really talented Tight Ends. But Outstanding across the board.
Most can’t cover those super tight ends and still man the middle. But, every down MLB is essential for consistency of leadership.
Only thing Dunner, IF that injury resurfaces, then it will be a big blow. We need a player with that first and honestly the homerun swing for a superstar might be not worth it. This team has been a consistency nightmare and a steady force, even if not spectacular, in the middle is crucial – superstar and steady would be great. But, we have so many holes that need filling. With Wake, Suh, Jones we already have superstars, but we need guys to bring a lunch pal and be consistent.
Dunner
What do you think about Calhoun ( I know he is a Defensive End but he is a monster) He would be a late second or third rounder?
Shilique Calhoun || “Bane” ᴴᴰ || Michigan State Spartans (explicit) 2nd rounder
https://youtu.be/aJ65b6XyIl8
Shaq (Shilique) is a monster and comes from a good program and plays vs top notch competition. Seems that his weaknesses (Strength/Power/leverage) could all be corrected/taught/learned. He would be a nice find in the third round. Really like his height/weight, we’ll see what his speed (explosion in the shuttle) is this week. I haven’t actually watched enough of him to assess his “motor”.
that little snap shot of his carer makes him look very nice…from what “they” are saying this is a deep draft in the 2-4 rounds!!! Make the idea of trading back that much more appealing.
What worries me is that the rams may have had the best d-line in football or at least a top 4 and they still had trouble stopping the run at times. I don’t know what they ranked vs the run but I remember some games where they got gashed. With that line the MLB is responsible for stopping those backs. If anyone knows what they ranked and what his ranking vs the run was I’d like to know
better yet. what were the Dolphins defense run defense rating. and their line backer run defense rating. then their middle linebacker rating for run defense then check out the Rams middle line backer. to see whop the worse is. and it won’t be the Rams. the Finns STINK at line backer
Yeah, Vigil might develop and Jenkins can be good, but has been inconsistent – LB is a huge hole needing to be filled.
You are both wrong. Laurinitaits was the worst MLB in football vs the run. So let’s go spend some money for to move backwards
2014 Pff has him listed as the most efficient tackler in the NFl by far. https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/02/10/sig-stats-tackling-efficiency-lbs/
Now I don’t know why he fell off last season, but he was good for many years. I’d have to look into it. But, to state that he is a bum of worse caliber than our bums…not sure if that’s fair.
No-Brainer unless they like Ragland that much. Miami has spent dumb $ the past few years in free agency (and this is not a Suh reference, he is a player). Laurinaitis is smart $, and a good building block to team up w Suh/Jones and the younger players. The move would also fill one of those off season needs. Though we need the position, we can not be the only team considering the option, his bio speaks for itself.
Where is Ireland when we need him? LOL! Jeff would have signed him the moment he was available.
This could be a nice move for the Grier era. I couldn’t see a negative unless he wanted dumb $. We need to spend wisely and Laurinaitis would be the wiser.
As ninjaJim so eloquently stated it “get it done no brainier”
We know we have to get some good starters in free agency and this is one we could go after
There are a couple of Guards we should also be targeting
We can release some of our players or renegotiate some contracts if we need the CAP space. We do not have a really insurmantable CAP problem – we have lots of players we can cut like WR Jennings to give us more CAP space
I fully expect that we will go after some of these players we just cannot fill all our holes in the draft – we will be lucky to get 3 starters maybe 4 in the draft even if we trade back
We cannot afford to do what we did last year and even brag that we never even called the agent for the best free agent guard. We have to start filling some of these obvious personnel holes (2 Guards, MLB, FB, corner and some capable backups)
If we get 4 day 1 starters via the draft, it was a HUGE draft and we would be on our way to a decade of winning, regardless of Tannys progression or lack thereof. We’ve been luck to get 1 day 1 starter each draft for the past 6 years (outside of kicker/punter, ZERO last year. Oh, my bad, the staff started Douglas to try and justify their botched guard situation, NOT!!! And 1 starter in ’14, Zero in ’13, 1 in ’12, 1 in ’11, 0 in ’10; did get Jones though). So you get picture? Miami has failed miserably in the draft and that is why we are an .500 team. Basically you are asking for a miracle with 4 day 1 starters, however; even a blind squirrel finds a nut sometimes. This staff, at the minimum needs 2 day 1 starters with the 8th and 42nd overall picks to start with.
3 would be great. I would see the Laurinaitis signing as a good start for the Tannebaum/Grier tenure.