Phins Current LB Group Is Thin
Phins are far less conventional than most NFL teams at linebacker
The Miami Dolphins hasn’t had great linebacker play in over a decade… especially at middle linebacker. The good news is that the flexible defense of Brian Flores allows ‘different kinds’ of linebackers, so the exposure of the prototypical LBs on the roster has been limited. For the most part, the jobs of the Phins ‘conventional linebackers’ were as specialists, so the lack of production and flexibility from these linebackers didn’t cripple the defense’s overall success. But, at a certain point, Miami must move past these limitations at linebacker, one way or the other, if they want to have a truly elite defense. Will it be this offseason or the next when GM Chris Grier spends big resources at the position?
Phins recent history at LB hasn’t been terrible
Miami has had some bright spots at linebacker since Zach Thomas moved one, but they’ve been few and far between. Joey Porter was the last ‘great’ Phins linebacker with his monster season in 2008 where he recorded 17.5 sacks and quality following season in 2009. Channing Crowder wasn’t spectacular, but he was a steady and quality pick. Karlos Dansby played above average for a few seasons, but never equaled his huge contract. While inconsistent, Kiko Alonso was an impact player shifting more than a few games in the Phins’ favor. Vince Biegel wasn’t a conventional LB, but he was quality glue holding the 2019 defense together.
Last season, Kyle Van Noy and Andrew Van Ginkel did an excellent job filling outside linebacker spots as edge backers/linemen. On the edges, there is little to complain about. Sure, adding talent there is always smart of course, but it is inside where the Dolphins only have two signed LBs that fans should have any real concern.
Since we went over the edge players in the last article, it’s the inside and nickel LBs that we’ll examine here.
Phins could use help at interior LB
Over this recent regime, Raekwon McMillan, Jerome Baker, and Elandon Roberts have been the most prominent inside linebackers. While each brought something good, all three is were specialists. McMillan could shoot the gaps between the tackles on run downs like Roberts, but like Roberts, he was a liability in coverage. Baker is smallish and struggles inside against the run, but his near-elite speed made him a real threat on the blitz and he also provided quality pass coverage.
- Elandon Roberts had a terrible 29.3 overall PFF grade, but graded out 55.0 and 67.3 in run stop and pass rush, respectively. Beyond the stats, Roberts brought toughness and clutch play that the stats don’t reveal. Last season, he had a handful of plays that changed the course of a couple of games. He was a difference-maker in spots. As a Free Agent though, who is coming off a very serious injury late in the season, his availability is questionable.
- Jerome Baker is small but fast and physical. He is also in the final year of his contract and projects better as a weak side or nickel backer more than an every-down, inside LB. His greatest attribute so far has been as a blitzer. Baker did have a couple of spectacular plays blitzing, but inconsistency because of lack of size and/or instinct in the run game has limited him. Now, Baker’s PFF run-defense grade of 55.0 isn’t terrible, so it is possible that he takes some steps forward in this area in 2021. This growth though will need to be substantial for Baker to be a factor this season or to be in Miami’s future.
- Sam Eguavoen and Calvin Munson have shown to be average, although Egiavoen has grown. But, Egovoen only had 84 snaps and Munson 46 in 2020, so they haven’t shown enough to be counted on. Also, Munson is a Free Agent, so it’s likely he doesn’t return.
That’s pretty thin at LB…
… really, at this moment, Miami is going into the season with only Eguavoen and Baker under contract. There is no way this can stand. At some point this offseason, the Phins will have to make some moves to fill out this depleted and under-talented unit. When and home much capital will they use? Only time will tell. Go Phins!!!
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MJ,
Thank you for your responses. I agree, the trade for Watson would be way too costly! I thought their mantra was too stock up draft picks and build largely through the draft, with some sensible FA’s being added? The team still has too many areas to improve and getting Watson would hamstring the team over the long haul. I trust Grier and Flores along with Allen to make the right decision. Finally, do you think Miami trades back with either Philly at 6 or Carolina at 8?
Nah, a trade would be insane. We spent a 2nd on Rosen, 5th overall on Tua, then the 3rd overall and two more 1sts plus players maybe on Watson… or Wilson now that he is said to want out? That means something went terribly wrong. It’s insane and can’t happen. Problem is if Tua doens’t make it they are screwed with all the chances they’ve had and then would be out of extra picks next year. Tua needs to come through, but would this even be a thing if they totally beleived in him? His throwing power is so poor… it has to scare this regime. It all could go well or it could be a major disaster. Tua has a lot of concern surrounding him… maybe it goes away after a whole year to really rehab… I hope they trade back to 6 or 8 and then trade back again. They need some insurance if Tua doesn’t work out. Talk is rising that Fitz could go to the Pats… that could be a stake in the heart of this regime too. I don’t know. Tua has the injury history and now the weak arm and some technical things. We need a big turn around from him or it could be ugly… fingers crossed.
MJ,
Just a quick un-related question to this article. I read today, 2-22-21 that the Dolphins might be serious about pursuing Watson! They article says that Miami would give up 3 first round draft picks, plus Wilkins and or Howard too! Very, very steep asking price! What are your thoughts? Even with Watson, the defense will still have needs, as well as, the OL, WR & weapons. Not sure how I feel about this. I know that you are concerned about Tua’s strength and durability for the long-term, so am I, but I think that he needs to be given the tools around him on both sides of the ball to be successful. Watson is a top 5 player in this league and would be an upgrade immediately over Tua!
“I read today, 2-22-21 that the Dolphins might be serious about pursuing Watson! ” That is a bit concerning. It could end up awesome, of course, too. Say some pics of Tua looking jacked. Not sure how he could get that big that quick, but it was good to see. His arm strength is my biggest concern. Now size doesn’t mean power in throwing, but if he is working on his technique it could translate.
“They article says that Miami would give up 3 first round draft picks, plus Wilkins and or Howard too! Very, very steep asking price! What are your thoughts?”
totally nuts. But, you could say we traded Tunsil for Watson as the two picks 2nds could be a 1st… but, we are giving a 3rd overall and then Howard and or Wilkens? That’s too nutty. With all these picks we should be able to find a QB… and we have one at the #5 spot! We could have just drafted Herbert like Marino wanted if they don’t believe in Tua. Not my cup of tea that trade idea… not at all. They should have just ridden Fitz last year and this one and kept developing Tua and drafted another QB. If Tua doesn’t pan out it will be a big hit on this regime. Watson is way better than Tua now… and likely in the future as well. Arm strength difference is pretty stark. Still, we’ve spent and 2nd and Top 5 pick on QBs. Can we add 3 more 1sts? Man, that’s a terrible idea…
MJ,
I say to go hard after Milano. Then we need to draft in the first 2 rounds a DT/NT that is real run stuffer. An in-movable force! This will transform the defense into a top 10! Baker is a keeper in my opinion. He is a little smallish vs. the run, but is very good in space vs. the pass, and is also a very good LB blitzer too! Then I say good hard again after either Tuey the Pats solid guard, or the Packers top rated center. With Milano, Baker, VanNoy, Biegel, and Van Ginkle, we could have a very strong LB corps. Your thoughts? Steve.
Milano is a smallish OLB. We have that in Baker and Equavoen. We need a MLB and hopefully a 3 down one. I’m down with the NT/ DT too, but we are barren at MLB ATM. Baker is good as a nickel OLB and blitzer. He isn’t good inside or in the run game. Biegel would be nice if he is healed up. But, none of the above are sideline to sideline LBs. I mean Baker is, but he is owned mostly inside. Van Noy is too slow inside. Milano is small (don’t know his game well enough though.. to be truthful–need to watch him) and is listed outside. It’s that middle that concerns me. To your point, we could load up on talent at the interior DL and maybe free Baker enough to be effective… I can’t dismiss that, Stephen. That though would be much harder if we make that trade for Watson.. ughhghfgggg! How’s the health on those two centers? That’s the only reservation I’d have with them.