Phins Defensive Line Will Be A Strength In 2019
Where is the Defensive Line now and where will it be post-draft?
The Defensive Line is a key area that the Miami Dolphins and their fans are focusing on…
… and the expectation is that we will use multiple picks in this draft to bolster the unit.
Most fans see the D-line as a disaster without one quality Defensive End on the team.
My answer to this is yes and no.
Now, before you laugh, consider the impact of the new scheme and techniques for Defensive Linemen.
Miami is moving from 1-Gap to 2-Gap techniques, and these changes alter the job responsibilities of the D-line. These terms define the area that the D-linemen are responsible for. The 2-Gap Tech means the D-linemen will now need to hold the point and guard two gaps rather than shoot a gap and get up field. This change will have a twofold positive impact on the defense: better production from some ‘lesser DL players’ because speed isn’t as crucial and Linebackers get to operate with less blocker interference.
Miami’s Run Defense plummeted from 2017 to 2018
In 2017 the Dolphins were ranked 14th in Run Defense allowing 110 yards on the ground per game. During that season they had Suh and ran a 2-Gap technique with the D-linemen. In 2018 they released Suh and moved mostly to a 1 Gap, up-field technique and fell to 31st allowing 145 yards rushing per game.
The collapse was partly because of the loss of Suh. But the impact shouldn’t be overestimated as the Rams were ranked 23rd in Run Defense. Suh’s loss is a factor for sure, but a minor one. Other factors were far more relevant in Miami’s atrocious Run Defense
The left side of the image below shows the difference in techniques between 2018 1-Gap (top) and 2017 2-Gap (bottom). On the right side of the image, you see the difference between 2018 (top) and 2019 (bottom). These 2 Gap techniques will apply to all fronts… although on passing downs, special situations, and as a change up, they’ll use 1 Technique as well…
… But 2-Gap will be the foundation going forward.
Differences with this new scheme and techniques
- 2-Gap occupies blockers and allows less athletic D-linemen to be productive
- Linebackers have less traffic to deal with as the D-line soaking up blocks.
- This decrease of blockers getting to the second level is very crucial to the current LB squad as they aren’t good at shedding blockers.
- Less susceptible to Trap and Wham Blocks (See last year’s 1st Pats game for a refresher).
- More beef inside between the Tackles (see pics below)
Miami’s defense will be far more physical in 2019
This was the Phins look upfront 90% of the time: 1 LB & 2 DTs between the Tackles. Both the DTs were wide in 3 Tech and the DEs were like OLBs in an ultra-wide 6 Tech. These wide splits by the D-line create a freeway for O-linemen to get to the Linebackers. Given how poorly Miami LBs shed, this was the worst scheme possible.
Even in a 4-3 front, the Pats DEs splits are shorter in 5 Tech and the DTs are in 2 & 2i Tech.
In a ‘3-Front’ you get 900lbs of linemen instead of 600lbs between the Tackles. The 0-Tech Nose Tackle makes inside runs difficult, especially if he forces a double team.
In 2018 Miami gave up a ton of chunk rush plays up the gut… this will change in 2019.
You can bet with the pay per heads that run defense and size will be a primary attribute for the D-linemen.
Current Defensive Line Player on the roster:
- **DE Tank Carradine, 6’4” 270 lbs, 6 Yr Exp, PFF Grade: Avg. 62.2 / Abv. Avg. 67.6 Run Defense
- ***DT Devon Godchaux, 6’3” 315 lbs, 3 Yr Exp, PFF Grade: Abv. Avg. 74.3 / Good 85.4 Run Defense
- DT Joey Mbu, 6’3” 324 lbs, 2 Yr Exp, PFF Grade: No Grade
- *DE Charles Harris, 6’3” 250 lbs, 3 Yr Exp, PFF Grade: Avg. 61.3
- DT Kendrick Norton, 6’3” 318 lbs, 1 Yr Exp, PFF Grade: No Grade
- *DT Jamiyus Pittman, 6’2” 319 lbs, 1 Yr Exp, PFF Grade: Avg. 59.1
- DE Jeremiah Valoaga, 6’6” 275 lbs, 2 Yr Exp, PFF Grade: No Grade
- DT Durval Queiroz Neto, 6’4” 324 lbs, Rookie
- *DE Jonathan Woodard, 6’6” 271 lbs, 2 Yr Exp, PFF Grade: Avg. 61.3
- DT Akeem Spence, 6’1” 307 lbs, 7 Yr Exp, PFF Grade: Avg. 55.8
- **DT Vincent Taylor, 6’3” 306 lbs, 3 Yr Exp, PFF Grade: Abv. Avg. 76.3
Two things are clear when you look at the current Defensive Line roster: A handful won’t make it and Miami has a solid core of run stoppers.
Miami must still add help in the draft, but adding one quality
Defensive End and Tackle is enough.
But what about Defensive End and the lack of a speed pass rusher, you say ?
The new scheme won’t depend on speed rushers off the edge to generate pressure.
Over the last half-decade, the NFL has moved to quick release offenses. These short drops have lessened the value of outside pressure and increased the value of inside pressure. The Patriots understood this and made strong use of line stunts to compensate for a lack of an elite outside rusher. In fact, during the 2018 Season, 20% of their pressure call were line stunts. During the Playoffs, it ballooned to 50% of their pressure calls!
The use of stunts diminishes the need for Cameron Wake type players at Defensive End. Miami will still bring outside pressure, but elite athlete DEs aren’t as crucial in this defense. Players with good intelligence, 3-cone times, and 10 yard split in the forty will provide the proper ingredients to bring pressure through stunts.
One player in the draft stands out as perfect for the new scheme
This move to 2-Gap is why Dexter Lawrence stands out as a key prospect in this draft. Not only is he the best 2-Gap player that can anchor even on a double-team, but he can play DE in a 3-4 and get after the passer on passing downs. It is also why players like Christian Wilkens and Ed Oliver, who are at their best in 1-Tech and getting skinny in the gap, might not be as optimal of a choice.
Now, Tillery, Oliver, or Wilkens wouldn’t be a reason to be miserable, but Lawrence would be a reason to cheer. Tomorrow’s the day… we’ll see soon enough. Go Phins!!!
A live look from Nashville.#FinsUp
https://twitter.com/i/status/1121602287665917952
Congratulation to the Dolphins for drafting Christian Wilkins truly he brings Versatility,Smarts,leadership, He Played on the best college football team in the country, Winner of the National Championship. Most of all his integrity is unquestionable which means the world.
Clemson won its second national title in three years National Championship trophies representing Clemson’s national titles in 2016 and 2018.
Dolphins Fans remember his ring size for the future Dolphins Championships. With the Clemson Tiger football members The largest ring was a size 15½, which fit the fingers of four players – Christian Wilkins, Albert Huggins, John Simpson and Cade Stewart
That being said hopefully Christian Wilkins Blessing will follow him to the Dolphins?
The grade on all of our DT and DE is average at best and below average as a norm. You can be in any formation you like but Ho-Hum journeymen are not going to produce a playoff caliber defense. If you use the 3-4 (2-gap) 2 deep zone, you need linebackers that are play makers and safeties that make you pay!We don’t have the horses at LB and we are paper thin in the secondary.
In a draft, you are always faced with picking who is still available not who you really like. The LB coach is going to have to play the hand he is dealt, not an imaginary line up. This is a wait ans see year!
I provided PFF Grades which takes out my personal opinion. There are 2 players rated above average, and in total 2 have above average and good run stop. Wilkens was the pick and I think Lawrence would have been it on a trade back… but there was a run on the DL and they appear not willing to move out of the range of the two. This D-line needs one quality edge player to be a true strength. Also, if Zach Thomas was in a 1 Gap he wouldn’t be a starter… only in 2 Gap was he able to thrive… scheme matter, Van. Not the end all be all… but it matters.
The weakside inside linebacker is typically called the “Will,” while the strong side or middle inside linebacker is called the “Mike”. “Sam” is a common designation for strong outside linebacker, while the other position is usually called “Jack” and is often a hybrid DE/LB.
Draft Scouting Report:
Bryant sets a sturdy edge but is more of a “SAM” linebacker than a pure edge rusher. He’s a towering presence, doesn’t play low, and is stiff around the corner. He doesn’t have a pass-rush plan on most of his snaps on the outside. — CT
I like his style of play
for a 4th round picked.
I like the sound of it… man, we haven’t heard from Dunner in a long time… miss him and Lemmus.
Yeap! I was just looking over some of Lemmus and Dunner and other Phinsnews fans posting. Lemmus and Dunner both were regulars and They wrote untactful and positive posting. Wish the Best for them.
Dexter Lawrence I keep saying was Clemson best linemen he was the anchor for that line. He just got black balled and did not play in the Bowl Games etc.
I doubt we get him… likely grab a WR 🙂 or an edge so Jimmy can rub it in my face 🙁 Still some time left to dream though…
Who is Christian Wilkins? Here are 3 facts about Miami Dolphins 1st round NFL draft pick
Scott Keepfer, The Greenville News Published 9:47 p.m. ET April 25, 2019 | Updated 10:26 p.m. ET April 25, 2019
https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/sports/college/clemson/2019/04/25/christian-wilkins-nfl-draft-2019-miami-dol-1st-round-pick-clemson-football-defensive-lineman-3-facts/3566379002/
Clemson Defensive End Austin Bryant I spoke of him in November 2018 on this Blog and here and there! He will be a mid rounder value picked that will fill and start for us.
https://youtu.be/0YU8_Xp8r04
That would be great getting both of them in the 1st and 3rd and an Ol in the 2nd.
Admin your Forum back in December 2017 Wilkins was high on my list then but he returned to college for another season and another Championship Ring.
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Steve
December 1, 2017 at 5:18 pm
Admin
This weekend would be great for Dolphin fans to watch there 1st round draft picked. Currently we are between the 6th and 9th picked in the 2018 draft. Also we currently have two 4th rounders and two 7 round picks. Our 1st round picked FSU QB is in the 6th or 7th round due to his injury this season.
Miami Dolphins Arden Key, LSU DE
https://youtu.be/lJn7d3OwOyE
Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame OT
https://youtu.be/NRWVRdkKjY4
Minkah Fitzpatrick Alabama (Can go wrong with this pick)
https://youtu.be/siOOFI6i6b4
Derwin James || Hardest Hitting Safety in the Country (We can trade back for him)
https://youtu.be/2vzDw8UIDZI
Quenton Nelson 2016 Highlights (We can trade back for him)
https://youtu.be/148F8rR2GSg
https://youtu.be/rEsswczmQzk Miami Properly can trade back later in the 1st for him
Christian Wilkins, Clemson DT Maybe the Best picked for the Dolphins in the 1st?
Don’t be afraid of success!
You are the draft guru here for sure… I’m just trying to catch up, brother.
We fans try!
What’s worrisome is the Dolphins flirting with this Rosen trade. We know the old saying if he was so good why don’t you keep him?