LB Jewell Is A 2nd Day Gem… But Will He Fit In With Phins
LB Jewell Is A 2nd Day Gem… But Will He Fit In With Phins
Jewell only makes sense if Phins miss out on Smith & Edmunds AND if Kiko & McMillian play OLB
Many analysts and fans rave about Jewell, who can be had for a 3rd or 4th rounder
The 2018 NFL Draft is just a week away.
Can you feel it?
This time of year is ‘Football Christmas’: The days slowly tick down as you wait in desperation for all your new gifts. You just pray that your parents don’t screw it up by giving you more shoes and clothes than toys.
This Draft draft though isn’t going to be fun and games, especially for Adam Gase. No, siree. Given the schedule Miami is looking at, this draft could potentially make or break Gase and Co. And after an offseason of gutting talent, there’s very little margin for error. Miami has several holes to fill, so anything less than a B+ with their picks will make 2018 very tough. And heaven forbid they end up with draft coal in their stocking… can you say crippling? Or fired?!!
Grier and Gase must show poise with their picks despite the desperate needs
Sure many people focus on the 1st Round Pick, but in reality that’s just one selection. It’s your best bet with AcePerHead.com the best football betting software provider to hit big–no doubt. But it’s still just one selection.
Miami has a total of 8 picks. It will be imperative for them to make the most of each of them. But it’s the mid-round picks are where their money will be made. Yet due to Gase’s close proximity to the hot seat, they may end up reaching on a need or leaving good players on the board that doesn’t fit a ‘win or bust’ mindset.
The Leonte Carroo pick still stings and that overreach may have cost Miami a few good players
Iowa Linebacker Josey Jewell is likely to be a mid-round gem. He gets a lot of love from fans and analysts. As a four-year starter on Iowa, one of the best Conferences in all of College Football, he produced… and produced big time. In those four years, he accumulated 433 tackles, 28 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, 6 interceptions, 1 touchdown, 2 fumble recoveries and 3 forced fumbles.
Try saying that in one breathe.
Because he’s exclusively a middle linebacker, he was never on my radar. Also, Miami spent a 2nd on Raekwon McMillian. So I’ve had my eyes on a Strong Side Backer. But at the behest of some Phins Fans, I took a longer look at Jewell.
Jewell is exceptional in diagnosis, read and react, Zone Coverage technique and understanding, and short area quickness.
Jewell’s state-machine, 2017 Season:
Did not allow a touchdown across 55 targets this season, the largest number of targets among all linebackers in the class.
7 pass breakups last season which is the most of any linebacker in this draft class.
61 defensive stops over the season, 6th among all linebackers in the draft class.
PFF 2017 Grade: 87.9, 6th ranked LB
Despite all this production, Edmunds is obviously the much better pick. I still don’t see Smith as a good fit in the Wide-9 scheme… but long term, he’d be the better choice as well. BUT, if neither Smith or Edmunds is available and Miami decides to go with Vea at #11, Jewell would be a good move, especially for the right price of a 3rd or 4th.
McMillian is big enough to play the SAM, which would allow Jewell to play the Mike. Many projected him outside in the NFL, anyway. Jewel could very easily be a better Mike than McMillian… that is, if he’s protected–much like Zach was.
Filling LB in the draft could end up a sticky situation if things don’t fall right for the Phins
My biggest problem with Jewell is that he isn’t a great stack and shedder… and neither is Anthony, Kiko, or McMillian. That’s a lot of LB’s that need protection. Like Smith, who is THE worst stack and shedder of all viable LB’s, Jewell could very well get exposed, especially in the Wide-9. The reason why I’m considering him is that he could be had along with Vea due to his lower round value. Vea will absolutely command doubles and free up the LB’s. In combination, it could be a nice direction for Miami to go.
In the passing game, Jewell would be a large upgrade over Kiko in Zone Coverage–who wouldn’t, right. Matt Burke prefers zone, so this is a sizable deal. He would also be an upgrade over McMillan, although McMillan would have an edge in Man Cover.
A starting LB unit of Anthony at Will, Jewell at Mike and McMillian at SAM would be a very feasible lineup. Chase Allen could back up the Mike and SAM with Kiko backing the WILL… and getting cut in 2019. Jewell could play the Nickel with Anthony, who I’m very high on ( no, not high, smart alec ). If you haven’t checked out the method to my madness, you can see it here.
Would this be my preferred draft path? No. Edmunds would be my first choice, then Minkah and Vea neck-in-neck for 2nd. But I do see it as a successful path. I don’t see Edmunds making it to #11, and he’s the only LB Miami should take with their 1st, unless they trade back. And at the moment, I’m not very excited at any other LB who’ll be taken in the 2nd-4th. So in this regard, I also warmed up to Jewell. If I am missing something please let me know.
In the end, a move like this will only come about through long-term thinking. Will this regime be that patient? Can they afford to be? The draft is so close, I can almost taste it. Why do I get the feeling that this will end up memorable or cringeworthy? Either way, GO PHINS!!!
What is wrong with Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama? This is Pro Bowl in the late 20’s plus more draft picks. Say it with me Miami Needs to Trade Back for more picks in the 2nd,3rd,4th and 5th rounds. We can get 8 picks in these round.
I haven’t studied him, as he and Esch are in the no man’s land of late 1st RD. I see Cardinals as the latest team to offer a trade. And 15 would be too early. The only knock I’ve heard about Evans is his injury history. I just don’t see anyone moving that far up for a non QB… could happen. I just don’t see anyone giving away a lot for anyone in that range. I guess if a QB is there, but most of the teams in the 20’s have a QB.
Some of the players Miami has drafted in that time frame have done just OK considering their draft status (Ryan Tannehill, Ja’Wuan James and Vontae Davis) and some have been total Miami busts (Dion Jordan, Jonathan Martin). Others are too incomplete to go either way on this list (Charles Harris, Xavien Howard, Laremy Tunsil, DeVante Parker, Kenyan Drake).
So lets take a closer look at the best choices Miami has made in the last 10 drafts:
They have been better as of late. But for too long they have sucked. Funny how they do better mid and late than they do early in the draft… makes little sense… but that’s par for the course with Miami.
19. Miami Dolphins (from DAL) Will Hernandez, G, UTEP. With Edmunds and Smith off the board, the Dolphins’ best bet after moving down is to snap up the best second-tier guard in the draft in Hernandez. Though he didn’t play at a big school, Hernandez has been consistently impressive and upped his stock at the Senior Bowl. He’s a well-rounded guard prospect who should be a lock to start for a long time in the NFL.
We can easly come out with 3rd at 83 pick, 4th round at 115 pick and 5th,6th,7th and A possible 2nd or 3rd and 4th round in 2019. Just for that trade back from 11th to 19th spot in the 1st.
I’m no guru. As for me, and I’ve said in the past Edmunds, Minkah, or Vea. Each offers a unique opportunity. A QB would offer two roads and likely the best chance to trade back. Trading back depends on a partner wanting to trade. A QB would generate serious interest. Should Miami move back for less compensation? I’d say only for the right value should they move back. All three of the aforementioned would solidify a hole and solidify it at least with quality play. I like the trade back but if a team doesn’t offer one, or the compensation is meh… then I’d prefer not.
Too many times the Fins have tried to go after the knocked out punch! Vs Just going after those players who will just do their job who is consistently training to get better and staying out of trouble.
Jewell is not elite but will definitely do his job. Josey Jewell was given the Jack Lambert Award Jewell is the first Hawkeye to earn the award (founded in 1991).
The Dolphins are unique: They need a tight end who can blocked and proficiently catch, run routes. Then on the other side of the Ball, the Dolphins need some one who can defend a good tight end? Then some wonder why we have not earned a prime time game this season. But I believed the Dolphins will get it right this time.
Good points! I think he reminds me of Zachish type player. Thomas in many systems wouldn’t have thrived nearly as he did in Miami. Jimmy set him up for success by keeping him clean and making him a street sweeper. Jewell could very easily do this if he is given the right environment… I see the same with Smith. But Smith is far more talented and will rise to a much higher level. I wished we did have the right scheme for him and the right players… Edmunds and James are the only players #11 who’ll stop at TE in man… and that’s what we are talking about.. who can stop a TE in man coverage. They must stop TEs… they could survive and even thrive if they did at least okay with their TE pick… they just can’t flop with their pick.
A good safety can help his linebackers accomplished this task. Kyzir White west Virginia has create problems for many Tight ends such as Mark Andrew’s who is very good. Just another pro bowl safety under radars.
Good point… think Minak will help on deep and support, but a lot of our trouble comes from poor zone range understanding and getting chewed up on mn cover. A later round FS would be very nice. Still like Minkah… James too, but he has a smaller sample size due to the injury. Checking the S now.
But FS might not be his strength. Speed is huge that your range. He wasn’t a FS in college, so the two combined make it likely he’ll play underneath and not over the top. Most Top FSs run fast. Ed Reed was 4.57 or so. I’m figuring if White didn’t run the 40 but did everything else, he’s slow: 4.7 +. I haven’t watched enough of him to have an educated opinion, so maybe. But he looks like he’ll be a productive player for sure. But Jones and McDonlad are productive, just not as an FS. I will be tracking him now for sure.
MJ, Imo, I do not see Miami taking a DT in the first round, at least at 11. Gase said it himself, “he likes his DT’s to rotate”, while Tannebaum mentioned “there is some good day 2 and 3 DTs in this draft (smoke screen, maybe).” This time of year you just try to attach the dots (info), and so far I just don’t see that as a first round priority. Then again, everyone is a poker player this time of the year.
I think Edmunds or Minkah is there they won’t pick him… maybe a QB as well. But after that, I bet they grab Vea. They added DE’s and LB’s in FA… with the DT’s they didn’t add a drop and let go of an all-world piece. You want to see a disaster on D… go with what they have and some mid-round DT. If they add Smith let say, they would have zero shedding LB’s, so Phillips would have to improve dramatically in stamina and consistency and draw consistent doubles, Godchaux would have to be on point with his penalties and step up his game, Taylor would have to step up and they’d have to nail a latter pick. I’d be worried about that. That’s asking a lot. It’s a thin draft a DT, very top heavy according to PFF. A lot of the DT’s in the technique that Miami needs just about all at the top. I’m not a college player expert in the least, but from all I’ve studied and watched, none after the first are sure-fire, unless Hurst somehow slips. I don’t know what Miami will do, but if they don’t sure up this DT group at some point, then they’ll have a load of trouble. Also, not to mention Phillips is in his contract year… do you trust what he puts on the field in a contract year as what he really is? So if he does well you have to spend big money on him in 2019 and worry if his effort will stick, and if he is meh, then you let him go and have a very thin group. Again, I am a noob on the draft… but no one else on Phins is around to comment, so take my take with a grain of salt. I just want to join in on with you and Steve 🙂
LOL! Wouldn’t surprise me either. I know they say you can never have enough CBs, but, I’m tired of seeing a CB drafted in the first 2 rounds each year (3rd-last year). Lets get a IMPACT player = Fitz or Smith or Edmunds at 11, outside of that, trade down. I just don’t see a DT at 11. There are too many possibilities in second round. Then again, if Smith/Edmunds/Fitz are gone and no trade down partner, Vea it would be.
Posted this to Steve… but meant to post it too you: Mayock said this about the Fins: “also wouldn’t bite on Washington defensive tackle Vita Vea that early and has concerns about him staying in shape.”
Imo, he would be a great addition. Especially considering that this may (will) be Kiko’s final year in Miami, he could step right in as his replacement (though I think Miami has his replacement on the roster already, in Chase Allen). However; if Miami needs to take Jewell within the first four rounds, I don’t like it. Seems Miami has a collection of “Mike” LBers. Imo, Miami needs to come away with a “Sam” LBer, or someone such as Smith that can play the “Sam”, Edmunds or Vander Esch. Later round players such as: Nwosu, Moore, Warner, Scales, Baker could be viable options come rounds 5, 6, 7. I’m sure I am missing several that they may like later in the draft. Should they be fortunate enough to get Smith or Edmunds or Esch, I wouldn’t be surprised or disappointed to see them take another LBer later in the draft. I don’t think you can go wrong with Jewell, just at what point of the draft will he go?
What ever direction they take, they must, must be able to cover TE’s and RB’s.
I might not be a college guy… and no offense, but NO WAY in heck Smith is a SAM… he would be destroyed all day long. He is afraid of contact… he was getting beat by Wr on blocks in college. He’s a WILL and only a WILL. I can see Chase being a SAM. He’s big enough, decent in pass coverage enough to be a 2 down LB. Best shedder on the team… except maybe McMillian…need to see him in action. I can see McMillian being a SAM as he’s big enough to set the edge. Kiko isn’t much of anything in this system. He’d be a much better MLB in a system that keeps him clean, but in this system, he is gobbled up because his instincts are meh and he is a poor shedder. I like Esch a lot, but not at #11. I could see Steve being right and the Phins dropping back if a QB fell to them and getting Esch. But I can’t see Buffalo just sitting there if a top QB drops to 8-10. That goes back to Smith he can’t cover TE’s. Too small and never did it in college without bracket help in a zone. He’s not that guy. Edmunds is that guy. Edmunds is the miracle drop… Even Minka won’t solve that issue. He’ll solve other issues, but not TE’s. I think Anthony may just end up with that duty. But that’s just my minority view. I do agree they grab two LB’s if they grab a top DT. If they grab a top LB, then they’ll grab two DT’s.
Admin
What is wrong with Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama? This is Pro Bowl in the late 20’s plus more draft picks. Say it with me Miami Needs to Trade Back for more picks in the 2nd,3rd,4th and 5th rounds. We can get 8 picks in these round.
I haven’t studied him, as he and Esch are in the no man’s land of late 1st RD. I see Cardinals as the latest team to offer a trade. And 15 would be too early. The only knock I’ve heard about Evans is his injury history. I just don’t see anyone moving that far up for a non QB… could happen. I just don’t see anyone giving away a lot for anyone in that range. I guess if a QB is there, but most of the teams in the 20’s have a QB.
http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2018/04/09/10-best-miami-dolphins-nfl-draft-picks-of-last-10-years/
Some of the players Miami has drafted in that time frame have done just OK considering their draft status (Ryan Tannehill, Ja’Wuan James and Vontae Davis) and some have been total Miami busts (Dion Jordan, Jonathan Martin). Others are too incomplete to go either way on this list (Charles Harris, Xavien Howard, Laremy Tunsil, DeVante Parker, Kenyan Drake).
So lets take a closer look at the best choices Miami has made in the last 10 drafts:
Reshad Jones, DB, Georgia, 5th Round, 163rd overall, 2010
Jay Ajayi, RB, Boise State, 5th Round, 149th overall, 2015
Jarvis Landry, WR, LSU, 2nd Round, 63rd overall, 2014
Olivier Vernon, DE, Miami, 3rd Round, 72nd overall, 2011
Rishard Matthews, WR, Nevada, 7th Round, 227th overall, 2012
Jake Long, OT, Michigan, 1st Round, 1st overall, 2008
Mike Pouncey, C, Florida, 1st Round, 15th overall, 2011
Charles Clay, TE Tulsa, 6th Round, 174th overall, 2011
Lamar Miller, RB, Miami, 4th Round, 97th overall, 2012
Davon Godchaux, DT, LSU, 5th Round, 178th overall, 2017
They have been better as of late. But for too long they have sucked. Funny how they do better mid and late than they do early in the draft… makes little sense… but that’s par for the course with Miami.
I’m not sure about that? I’m seeing Vea being taken between 18th to 25th picked.
We can narrow this thing down to a science most of the time.
How accurate were the 2017 mock draft
Last draft the experts did not see Harris being on the board and the Dolphins drafting Western Kentucky Forest Lamp, UCLA Takkarist Mckinley or Michigan Taco Chariton, they thought were more suitable for Fins.
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2017/5/3/15517982/mock-draft-nfl-2017-results
The experts have the Dolphins moving back to maybe 19th spot, going after a Guard.
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2018-nfl-mock-draft-broncos-move-up-to-no-1-and-a-trade-for-every-first-round-pick/
19. Miami Dolphins (from DAL)
Will Hernandez, G, UTEP. With Edmunds and Smith off the board, the Dolphins’ best bet after moving down is to snap up the best second-tier guard in the draft in Hernandez. Though he didn’t play at a big school, Hernandez has been consistently impressive and upped his stock at the Senior Bowl. He’s a well-rounded guard prospect who should be a lock to start for a long time in the NFL.
11 1,250 43 470 75 215 107 80 139 36.5 171 232 03 10.2
19 875 51 390 83 175 115 64 147 32.6 179 19.8 211 7
We can easly come out with 3rd at 83 pick, 4th round at 115 pick and 5th,6th,7th and A possible 2nd or 3rd and 4th round in 2019. Just for that trade back from 11th to 19th spot in the 1st.
Every other draft Guru has the Dolphins staying put at 11th pick.
https://www.landof10.com/big-ten/2018-nfl-mock-draft-first-round-projections-top-players-order-2018-nfl-draft-april-22
I’m no guru. As for me, and I’ve said in the past Edmunds, Minkah, or Vea. Each offers a unique opportunity. A QB would offer two roads and likely the best chance to trade back. Trading back depends on a partner wanting to trade. A QB would generate serious interest. Should Miami move back for less compensation? I’d say only for the right value should they move back. All three of the aforementioned would solidify a hole and solidify it at least with quality play. I like the trade back but if a team doesn’t offer one, or the compensation is meh… then I’d prefer not.
Too many times the Fins have tried to go after the knocked out punch! Vs Just going after those players who will just do their job who is consistently training to get better and staying out of trouble.
Jewell is not elite but will definitely do his job.
Josey Jewell was given the Jack Lambert Award Jewell is the first Hawkeye to earn the award (founded in 1991).
The Dolphins are unique: They need a tight end who can blocked and proficiently catch, run routes.
Then on the other side of the Ball, the Dolphins need some one who can defend a good tight end? Then some wonder why we have not earned a prime time game this season. But I believed the Dolphins will get it right this time.
Good points! I think he reminds me of Zachish type player. Thomas in many systems wouldn’t have thrived nearly as he did in Miami. Jimmy set him up for success by keeping him clean and making him a street sweeper. Jewell could very easily do this if he is given the right environment… I see the same with Smith. But Smith is far more talented and will rise to a much higher level. I wished we did have the right scheme for him and the right players… Edmunds and James are the only players #11 who’ll stop at TE in man… and that’s what we are talking about.. who can stop a TE in man coverage. They must stop TEs… they could survive and even thrive if they did at least okay with their TE pick… they just can’t flop with their pick.
A good safety can help his linebackers accomplished this task. Kyzir White west Virginia has create problems for many Tight ends such as Mark Andrew’s who is very good. Just another pro bowl safety under radars.
https://youtu.be/ohT5Blp-aJU
Good point… think Minak will help on deep and support, but a lot of our trouble comes from poor zone range understanding and getting chewed up on mn cover. A later round FS would be very nice. Still like Minkah… James too, but he has a smaller sample size due to the injury. Checking the S now.
Mayock said this about the Fins: “also wouldn’t bite on Washington defensive tackle Vita Vea that early and has concerns about him staying in shape.”
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/kyzir-white?id=32462018-0002-5600-971c-d8f4cbd92ef0
The biggest concern with him the FS role is lack of play speed and he dodged the 40 at the combine… that means he’s slow. Like his play though.
Admin
I will stick with Kyziea White West Virginia, His strengths out weight his weakness.
But FS might not be his strength. Speed is huge that your range. He wasn’t a FS in college, so the two combined make it likely he’ll play underneath and not over the top. Most Top FSs run fast. Ed Reed was 4.57 or so. I’m figuring if White didn’t run the 40 but did everything else, he’s slow: 4.7 +. I haven’t watched enough of him to have an educated opinion, so maybe. But he looks like he’ll be a productive player for sure. But Jones and McDonlad are productive, just not as an FS. I will be tracking him now for sure.
Admin here’s a little film study on White.
http://insidethepylon.com/film-study/2018/02/16/kyzir-white-physicality-power/
MJ, Imo, I do not see Miami taking a DT in the first round, at least at 11. Gase said it himself, “he likes his DT’s to rotate”, while Tannebaum mentioned “there is some good day 2 and 3 DTs in this draft (smoke screen, maybe).” This time of year you just try to attach the dots (info), and so far I just don’t see that as a first round priority. Then again, everyone is a poker player this time of the year.
I think Edmunds or Minkah is there they won’t pick him… maybe a QB as well. But after that, I bet they grab Vea. They added DE’s and LB’s in FA… with the DT’s they didn’t add a drop and let go of an all-world piece. You want to see a disaster on D… go with what they have and some mid-round DT. If they add Smith let say, they would have zero shedding LB’s, so Phillips would have to improve dramatically in stamina and consistency and draw consistent doubles, Godchaux would have to be on point with his penalties and step up his game, Taylor would have to step up and they’d have to nail a latter pick. I’d be worried about that. That’s asking a lot. It’s a thin draft a DT, very top heavy according to PFF. A lot of the DT’s in the technique that Miami needs just about all at the top. I’m not a college player expert in the least, but from all I’ve studied and watched, none after the first are sure-fire, unless Hurst somehow slips. I don’t know what Miami will do, but if they don’t sure up this DT group at some point, then they’ll have a load of trouble. Also, not to mention Phillips is in his contract year… do you trust what he puts on the field in a contract year as what he really is? So if he does well you have to spend big money on him in 2019 and worry if his effort will stick, and if he is meh, then you let him go and have a very thin group. Again, I am a noob on the draft… but no one else on Phins is around to comment, so take my take with a grain of salt. I just want to join in on with you and Steve 🙂
You know looking over all the CB’s they’ve brought in I wouldn’t be surprised if they went Corner and stuck the middle finger to us both!!!!
Go at the Best what ever!
Watch “Top 10 CornerBacks In T
https://youtu.be/XNXm1a_Gb18
Jackson’s stats are amazing… never watched him because I never thought we’d go that way… but will now.
LOL! Wouldn’t surprise me either.
I know they say you can never have enough CBs, but, I’m tired of seeing a CB drafted in the first 2 rounds each year (3rd-last year). Lets get a IMPACT player = Fitz or Smith or Edmunds at 11, outside of that, trade down.
I just don’t see a DT at 11. There are too many possibilities in second round. Then again, if Smith/Edmunds/Fitz are gone and no trade down partner, Vea it would be.
4 Days
Posted this to Steve… but meant to post it too you: Mayock said this about the Fins: “also wouldn’t bite on Washington defensive tackle Vita Vea that early and has concerns about him staying in shape.”
Imo, he would be a great addition. Especially considering that this may (will) be Kiko’s final year in Miami, he could step right in as his replacement (though I think Miami has his replacement on the roster already, in Chase Allen). However; if Miami needs to take Jewell within the first four rounds, I don’t like it. Seems Miami has a collection of “Mike” LBers. Imo, Miami needs to come away with a “Sam” LBer, or someone such as Smith that can play the “Sam”, Edmunds or Vander Esch. Later round players such as: Nwosu, Moore, Warner, Scales, Baker could be viable options come rounds 5, 6, 7. I’m sure I am missing several that they may like later in the draft. Should they be fortunate enough to get Smith or Edmunds or Esch, I wouldn’t be surprised or disappointed to see them take another LBer later in the draft.
I don’t think you can go wrong with Jewell, just at what point of the draft will he go?
What ever direction they take, they must, must be able to cover TE’s and RB’s.
I might not be a college guy… and no offense, but NO WAY in heck Smith is a SAM… he would be destroyed all day long. He is afraid of contact… he was getting beat by Wr on blocks in college. He’s a WILL and only a WILL. I can see Chase being a SAM. He’s big enough, decent in pass coverage enough to be a 2 down LB. Best shedder on the team… except maybe McMillian…need to see him in action. I can see McMillian being a SAM as he’s big enough to set the edge. Kiko isn’t much of anything in this system. He’d be a much better MLB in a system that keeps him clean, but in this system, he is gobbled up because his instincts are meh and he is a poor shedder. I like Esch a lot, but not at #11. I could see Steve being right and the Phins dropping back if a QB fell to them and getting Esch. But I can’t see Buffalo just sitting there if a top QB drops to 8-10. That goes back to Smith he can’t cover TE’s. Too small and never did it in college without bracket help in a zone. He’s not that guy. Edmunds is that guy. Edmunds is the miracle drop… Even Minka won’t solve that issue. He’ll solve other issues, but not TE’s. I think Anthony may just end up with that duty. But that’s just my minority view. I do agree they grab two LB’s if they grab a top DT. If they grab a top LB, then they’ll grab two DT’s.