While not a star, Jordan Lucas has all the making of a leader for Miami.
Not likely to be a Star, Lucas’ demeanor makes it seem likely he’ll be a leader.
Not all picks end up being a star in this league. Even the very best drafts have players who never end up as Pro Bowl players or find themselves quickly ushered out of the league.
You can never say for sure where the stars, or where the duds will pop up. The first round round pick might end up a flop and the undrafted rookie ends up in the Hall Of Fame.
Sometimes though, you find players who aren’t great on the field, but rather solid players who are great leaders.
Leaders are guys who do things the right way: smart, professional, consistent, 100% effort, and full accountable. Leaders might not start, but if not, then they contribute in a small ways on game day as backups and special teams. But, it’s in the practice field and in the class rooms that they have their greatest effect. And it’s these type of players that are the back bone of all quality franchises.
Just a” hop, skip, and jump” into the past, Miami had signed rookies Zach Thomas and Larry Izzo – 20 years, can you believe it! Obviously, it doesn’t take a genius sportsbook to realize that Thomas was the dominant force, but Izzo played a crucial role on and off the field. Izzo had value enough that the Pats snatched him up and made him a core player through several championships. He eventually found his niche and elevated his level into a Pro Bowl player.
Now, players like Izzo, Bates, and Tasker are the pinnacle of these types of players, but they highlight how second and even third tiers players have crucial roles and are in actuality the majority of a teams composition…and it’s in these players that teams find their greatness.
On the more common level, “these” types of players are the “Steady Eddies” that hold down a position till better players are acquired. And the irony is they end up teaching their replacements the professionalism needed to replace the “Steady Eddies”. But, that’s what makes them so valuable – they are consummate professionals.
Although not a star, Derrick Shelby was a quality professional and quality pick for the Dolphins.
We just let go of one in Derrick Shelby. The Dolphins said he was a guy who ‘made himself a player with professionalism and handwork’. He stepped in last season and filled in admirably. Atlanta rewarded him with a nice contract to continue his role with them.
Sometimes, when you see a kid have his rookie interview you take notice of his demeanor. Jordan Lucas did that for me. I’m sure as heck not saying he is Miami’s “6th round Revis”, but I am saying this kid showed high intelligence, maturity, and clarity beyond the usual rookie. I am really looking to see what he brings as a second, or and more likely third tier player. Good solid picks filling in the lower tiers is the only way team quality and depth can be achieved.
While it will be a challenge for him to make the team, I bet he will make it hard on the staff to cut him if they do. He is a kid that will raise the bar of competition for all those around him. Jordan Lucas was a quiet signing, but if he sticks or not, he was a quality pick in the late rounds because it will take a quality player and a leader to get him fired. Go Fins!!!