Leon Hall Decision Coming Soon
Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Leon Hall.
Leon Hall could swap out a question mark on defense with an exclamation mark.
Leon Hall has been a very good Cornerback in this league for some time, and many football gambling fans consider him to be one of the top remaining players available on the free agent market. It isn’t much of a revelation that the Dolphins will have a lot of inexperienced players in their secondary in 2016. With this fact, and that new Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph was the defensive backs coach for Hall in Cincinnati, the Dolphins and Hall COULD be a perfect match for each other.
It was this relationship with Joseph that sparked the idea that the Dolphins were “very” interested in him at the beginning of Free Agency. However, a few weeks ago it was reported that the Dolphins interest in Hall had gone cold.
With the Dolphins now having completed their OTA’s, the speculation is that they may be back in the mix for Hall because the Dolphins only have one sure fire starter at CB in Byron Maxwell. With the other starting CB spot up for grabs, along with the nickel position, Miami maybe looking for some certainty over potential.
The Dolphins drafted Xavien Howard in the second round this year and it would seem they are hoping he wins the other starting corner position. However, according to many reports it appears that Tony Lippett had a slight lead over Howard during the OTA practices – which could mean very little come camp, if Howard steps up. Some Miami Dolphins News fans may see this as a bit of a disappointment for Howard. But, I would rather take a half-full approach and look it as a positive in regards to the development of Lippett.
Lippett is only entering his second season. His entrance into the NFL was made doubly tough with the difficult task of a position change of Wide Receiver to Cornerback, as well as adjusting to the pro game. Yet, even with the deck stacked against Lippett, he was able to play in 9 games last season and was quite effective towards the end of the season. So, even though Howard is a high draft pick, there is nothing wrong with having 6’3” Lippett EARN a starting spot.
Downside of a Leon Hall signing is it would suck up a roster spot for one of the young CB’s.
In terms of the nickel position, second year player Bobby McCain seems to be in the lead, but he seems to rely on athletic talent more than skill – and that could be trouble.
It’s a good sign that these second year Cornerbacks are in the running for a starting position. Although, with the NFL being a pass heavy league, there’s certainly some concern that their inexperience could be a liability throughout the early part of the season. This is the reason why the Dolphins are still being “reported” as having one eye on Hall.
Hall has also received some interest from the Cardinals, Giants, Falcons, and Bengals. Hall is likely a player looking for one last pay day and may just go with the best offer – meaning most cash. Miami does have two roster spots open since they just waived Logan Thomas and Charles Tuaau last week, and they still have around $17 million in cap space. So, they do have the ammunition to “pay to play” if they really, really want Hall. What are the rest of the Miami Dolphins news fans thoughts about possibly signing Hall?
…damn it Dunner, stop trying to make a believer out of me before the season even starts …I still say 5-11 …talk to me again if we go 2-0, eh …though I dare say there will be no living with you if we do ?
I do like the Fins opportunity to surprise, and if they can start 1-1 after the first 2 games, they very well could have a 10/11 win season. A lot depends on the first 4 games, must go at least 2-2 to have a realistic shot at a division title and/or playoffs. I also like Miami’s chances in Seattle, Seattle no longer has Beast Mode, so the match up favors Miami, IMO. Miami’s “D” line is going to DOMINATE the Seattle O-Line (you heard it hear first, LOL!). The Question will be the offense, can they put up enough points vs the Seattle “D” and their 12th man?
This team finally does have a “Mike” LBer, and if Kiko is healthy, he is as good as any. A big difference is that Kiko can do it all, especially cover, giving Joseph a lot of flexibility. I know we have discussed it before, but a key piece to the LBing core could be Dion Jordan. “If”, if Jordan finally lives up to his potential he could be the idea “Sam” backer. Jordan has shown before in his limited reps that he can cover the likes of Gronk. If Joseph can have the ability to cover with either or both the Mike and Sam LBers at any time, there would not be a situation that this base “D” could not handle, again creating several attacking possibilities.
Our “D” line should be a top 5 unit this season, our safety tandem should be a top 3 duo as well, leaving the LBers and CBs as the units in question. I feel comfortable with our CBs as they are right now, leaving the LBing core. The LBing core is the one unit that can ill-afford injuries, but if we can avoid the injury bug and Jordan is on the team for the entire season and slides in as the “Sam”, they should be serviceable and may even excel in this defense.
Enough about the “D”.
Our WRs will be Beast this year (barring injury)!
Check out the picture of Carroo w/Devin McCourty (link below). No way McCourty tackles Carroo one on one, and he is one of the top safeties in the league, and the same goes for the rest of the league. Carroo is as good as Laundry with running after the catch. There are going to be so many match up nightmares for opposing defenses vs the WR unit.
http://photos.nj.com/njcom_photos/2016/04/rutgers_football_hosts_student_appreciation_day_9.html
4 Weeks out, my summer vacation starts today, going to be a looooong month of July, but boy is August going to be fun 🙂 🙂
Dunner
Well said! Looking for a good season and no more of my co-worker choking about my Dolphins? Have a good vacation.
The Nickel position will required a special D/B I’m thinking possessing the best tackling skill along with covering that tight end or running back. and the Corners will need enough speed and skill to cover that Prototype Wide Receiver? The Safeties need to possess the best coverage and tackling skill. Since the Dolphins does not have a middle line backer. Is another reason why our Defensive Front needs to prevent the run.
A team will utilize the nickel package in several instances. The first one could be when the opposing team has a stellar receiving tight end. The SAM Linebacker normally covers the tight end, but leans more towards being a run stop guy. Replacing him with a nickel back takes care of the pass threat to the tight end. The second instance may be when the opposing team is primarily a passing team.
We can all agree the Dolphins will be in a nickel Defense playing the Pat’s to defend Chronk? So if we plan on running 5 defensive backs we need to make a deal with Hall for the long hall?
We know that Buffalo will run then we need that Middle line backer to stop the run and a 5 defensive back set will cripple us.
Considering the Defense will be one of the best this season and the position of corner back I feel we have potential star player at the position now. We can used Hall experienced.
A few days ago my theory was discussed by a Sports Center Commentator also predicted the Fins are a different team this season and will defeat Seattle at home? Which his fellow commentator stated that he was Crazy? He also predicted that the Fins would defeat the Pats later in the season and that we heard it from him 1st.
I see the Dolphins winning 11 games this season. After Addressing a Proficient backfield blocking assignment. Ajai Most likely will be the featured back though I had him on my draft board when at Boise State But is it fair knowing he is Rehabbing to handle a blitzing linebackers, Safety etc.?
Drake will be a night mare for line backers trying to cover him and in the run game. But I don’t see Ajai nor Drake healthy enough to execute the heavy blocking assignment that a strong FB is design to handle blocking that powerful rushing line backer and Safety or linemen. If I was a defensive Coordinator I would Blitz the Dolphins realizing they have not address who will block them. The offensive line cannot block every body? Let’s add a strong physical blocking fullback to the roster. Then Ajai, Drake and Tannehill are free to perform a 100%.
Not evaluating the OTA’s (attendance), it is hard to say if Miami is comfortable with what they have or the fact that Joseph is not sold on Hall. I do believe however; that Miami wanted to wait to see how the OTA’s played out for the DBs before making a move on Hall, not necessarily because of Hall’s talent/value. I feel that this group of DB’s, though unproven, is the best group Miami has had in a very long time. Maxwell, Howard, Lippett, McCain, Ekpre-Olomu, Lucas, Patman and not to mention 2 UDF’s that could surprise in Pitts and Chekwa. I like the players, ALPHA PLAYERS, another different approach than the previous staff. And don’t forget about our VERY VERY GOOD back end = Jones and Abdul-Quddus should be a dynamic duo. I know this is a homer statement, but have feeling this “D” is going to surprise.
With a bit of luck in the health department, this group could really really excel in this defense under Joseph. The lack of experience is a little bit concerning for the DBs. As MJ mentioned, I believe the coaching styles/philosophy are 100% improved from the previous staff. The players experience, or lack their of, doesn’t hold their opportunities back, such as it did under Philbin (still can’t figure that one out). Under Gase, if you can play, you can play, regardless if its your first, second, tenth year or tenth day. Coaching will make a BIG difference on this team finally!!!
4+ weeks out. Can we display a live countdown? LOL!
Admin you said it! “There is nothing wrong with having 6’3” Lippett EARN a starting spot. Lippett will evolved into one of best Corner’s in the league given the opportunity and Coaching. We failed the team when player talents are not being utilized to their Maximum.
On the other hand experience/Durability and debt in Corners are rare and If Hall price is right lets make a deal.
HEY Steve! Hadn’t seen you pop in for a bit and was hoping you were well. Lemmus was the first to really go hard early on Lippett. His zeal got me reexamining Lippett. I think this year is going to be very different due to real coaching (crossing my fingers it’s not a mirage). I don’t think we Fin Fans really understood how bad Philbin was and how much he held everything back. Well, it’s under 5 weeks before we see if there’s proof in the pudding….
…if I thought we were close, I’d probably go with Hall …even though his former coach passed on him once already as has everyone else in the league
…as it is I’d rather save that cap for next year and go with our home grown talent …truth is we have a pretty good crop back there who need to get off the bench and play …Philbin is gone, eh
I think Ekpre-Olomu (it’s gonna take a little to nail that one) is a very intriguing prospect for Miami at the nickle. I lean as well towards Miami building from within. But, if Miami ends up knocking on the door to playoffs or a Division win and they fall short due to coverage and they don’t get him – it could be a troublesome non-move. I don’t think they will seek him though…I think they will let the secondary ride – unless he decides to come at a discount.
M.J
Thank you all is well!
Just got my Tickets for the Pre season Dolphins and Atlanta Game in August. The Miami Dolphins were discussed on Sport Center a few days ago and the commentator exploited last season offensive blocking turn over’s that lead to giving up points. The film displayed the offensive line covering their blocks but the running backs missed their blocks.
I really feel that our Defense and special teams will be the key to us making the playoff this season.
(I would ranked our defense in the top NFL defensive)
( Our offensive line in the top 7 NFL)
(Special Teams in the Top 3 NFL)
Hey, Steve. Glad all is well. I hope you are right and they end up having that good of a D, St and O line. If injuries aren’t rampant then we might get there. It’s hard for me to make a firm statement on how good they will be till I see Gase coach and the players play. I def. think they will be much better than last year, but that could be balanced out by the tougher schedule. I really want to go to a game this year…gonna’ do my best to go.