Phins Barret Retires! Rooks MUST Grow FAST!

The Dolphins defensive edge position takes a very early hit!

The Miami Dolphins are in a critical season with a new defensive scheme and their two best defensive edges and Jaelan Phillips coming off major injuries. This is why the signing of veteran and talented former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Shaq Barrett was an excellent move by Dolphins General Manager Chris Grier. The Barrett addition also softened the blow for many Phin fans who were unhappy that Andrew Van Ginkel left for the Vikings…

…But Barrett surprisingly retired today leaving the Dolphins in a little bit of a bind.

Phins rookies will have to grow quickly!

Despite Chubb and Phillips likely late arrivals to season and Barrett retiring, the Dolphins still have Calais Campbell and drafted Chop Robinson in the first Round and Muhamed Kamara in the 5th Round. There’s no doubt that the loss of Barrett hurts and the comfortable buffer at the defensive edge is much thinner. You can bet with the best pay per head that new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver must get Robinson and Kamara up to speed fast! If the Dolphins want this defense to not be a liability on the perimeter until Chubb and Phillips get back, these rookies must support the edge and 38-year-old Campbell with far more reps and production now that Barrett isn’t on the roster.

Campbell is still a stud and Zach Sieler and Neville Galimore can help on the edge, but Kamara and Chop are the only speed option for the rush game beside blitzing defensive backs and linebackers. The good news is that both are very talented! The bad news is they are raw and need plenty of development.

Chop is a darn good pass rusher, but struggle against the run and Kamara is a little more balanced and has some rush and pass rushing chops. I think Kamara is the more likely candidate to step up for the team in the early going. I do like the long-term trajectory of Chop better, but he is really raw. It will be key for either to no be a liability on run downs and in the Red Zone.

Weaver can earn huge praise if he gets these kids on track ASAP!

Weaver is going have to train Chop and Kamara up to contribute right out of the gate and using them very strategically to accentuate their strengths and hide their weakness will be key in this. Hopefully they can grow faster than expected and be effective in both rush AND pass downs, but good coaching from Weaver and his staff will be a major factor in how this plays out.

Having a healthy camp for the remaining top dogs on the defensive edge is now so critical! No Whammies! Any injures to Campbell, Chop or Kamara would be crippling for this defense. Keep your fingers crossed ALL camp!

Clearly all eyes will and should be focused on Kamara and Chop in camp! We can also hope that maybe Grier will pull a trade or find a gem still left in Free Agency? Either way, Chubb and Phillips can’t return fast enough! Go Phins!!!