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!!!