The least talked about and most important Phins upgrade needed is Mike LB
There’s no doubt Miami has a bunch of needs this offseason, but one of the least talked about–and most needed- is middle linebacker. For years I’ve been pointing to the hole in the middle of the defense. Right from Raekwon McMillan’s first preseason game, I knew he wasn’t the answer. While Brian Flores played pretend for a season with McMillan and Elandon Roberts proved capable this year, the Phins don’t have the long term answer to this critical position on the roster.
This decade long problem must get fixed sooner rather than later.
Middle linebacker is the glue that binds a defense together
Jerome Baker tried the MLB spot last year. He was too small and doesn’t have the instincts to compensate. Kyle Van Noy played some snaps there as well, but he’s too slow and is better on the edge.
Despite his limitations, Elandon Roberts brought trigger quick instincts and a physicality long since seen at the Phins Mike backer. It was amazing how just his handful of impactful run stops for losses from roberts altered the course of games… and the season. It shows how critical it is to have quality play at the position. Roberts is coming off a serious knee injury though, so it’s questionable whether Roberts will be able to even be a stop-gap in 2021.
Remember when Zach Thomas made these types of plays routine game in and game out. Man do I miss watching him play! BTW: The Hall of Fame better not screw it up by denying Thomas again! Not so coincidentally, during Thomas time in Miami was the last time they had a truly elite defense, year-in and year-out.
Yes… Miami had an excellent defense this year thanks to a ridiculous amount of interceptions by Xavien Howard. No, I’m not saying a generational middle linebackers like Zach Thomas are falling from the trees. We can’t expect to find another Thomas anytime soon… or maybe ever. But, we also can’t expect that many interceptions every season. Also, Howard looks like he’s going to demand a big raise, so his time in Miami might be short.
Miami will have to make up that shortcoming somehow. Upgrading the Mike linebacker is the surest and best way to get it done.
Middle Linebacker isn’t an accessory position
While I’m not saying find Zach Thomas 2.0…
… There is a vast ocean of talent difference between Thomas and what has filled his shoes since he left. Miami can certainly do far better at finding a quality Mike LB than they have since Thomas left. At the very least, the Phins need to get at least a above average Mike LB with some sort of impactful talent to bring consistency to the defense. On the other hand, if Chris Grier can find a good one, this defense might become special.
The main key to a quality Mike linebacker: smart leadership through consistency. This is why Mikes wrack up so many tackles when they are good. Now, if you can add in some big plays along with that consistency then look out! And… if you can find a 3-down one who can cover, the sky’s the limit.
Unfortunately, the reality is that there doesn’t appear to be a generational middle linebacker in the 2021 Draft. Someone could shock the world of course.
At 6’3” 240 lbs, Penn State’s Micah Parsons has elite physical tools to be a generational player. The problem is his instincts are his weakness. It looks to be a better bet with the pay per head services that Parsons finds his home on the edge at the Sam. Things change, but his price tag will likely be high… to high if he doesn’t fill the Mike.
Nick Bolton is a very interesting prospect
Then there’s #32 Nick Bolton: short-armed, 6’0”, quick, although not blazing with elite instincts, smart, and vicious physicality. Parsons had me right off the bat… but, as I studied, Bolton stole my eye. Brains over beauty for my Mike LB!
I really enjoyed Bolton’s game against a much better team. He jumped off the tape all game long
Bolton grades well for success in the NFL
- Smallish at 6’0”, but built like a fire hydrant at 230ish. Won’t run a great 40, but explodes in short area.
- Good pass rusher, but only decent coverage skills. Can handle decent sized Zone coverage, though.
- Elite smarts, instincts, physicality, and a quality tackler. He regularly shot gaps and made stops for a loss.
- Will thrive in a 2-Gap scheme that will keep him clean with his burst and instincts. But, because his lack of size, a 1-Gap where he has to deal with too many blockers will restrict his success.
Bolton will likely go very early in the 2nd, or late in the 1st Round. Someone is going to find themselves a very good football player with Bolton. This is why I’d love a trade back with the 3rd Overall pick. That extra pick could very easily net Bolton for free.
But, if Miami doesn’t land Bolton, they must find a quality middle linebacker somewhere.
I just hope it’s Bolton. Go Phins!!!