Phins Draft: Examing DTs Wilkins, Lawrence, & Oliver
Oliver, Wilkins, or Lawrence would be a win for the Phins
By all indications, the Miami Dolphins will take a Defensive or Offensive Linemen in the 1st Round of the 2019 Draft… unless Lock or Haskins falls to #13.
While the temptation and pressure of passing on a possible franchise QB might be too hard to resist, both quarterbacks will likely be gone by the time the Dolphin pick
… and that might be for the best.
Other possibilities if Miami stay put at #13:
Offensive Tackle Jawaan Taylor would be very tempting to fill the hole on the right side… But he’ll likely won’t make it past the Jags at #7 or the Bills at #9. While Montez Sweet is another alluring pick, his lack of production combined with a recently diagnosed heart condition will force the Dolphins to pass.
The Defensive Tackle position appears to be etched in neon as the right pick for Miami.
After a mind-boggling Pro Day, Ed Oliver might be gone too. Could he fall like Minkah Fitzpatrick did last year? Maybe the hype he’s getting online isn’t the same has from Front Offices around the league? So, there’s a shot he could be there when the Phins pick at #13… or fall past them.
That is a very interesting storyline.
Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence will make it past the Top 10 and appear prime targets to fill a thin Defensive Line. Wilkens has edged up a few spots as the 3rd Ranked D-Tackle since Jeffery Simmons tore his ACL. Only a bizarre twist would have Wilkins gone before Miami picks. Lawrence failed a drug test prior to the college playoffs and is ‘slated’ to go in the bottom third of the 1st Round. The Phins could land Lawrence even if they trade back a few spots.
Extra picks and Lawrence sounds sweet to Phinsnews.
Oliver, Wilkins, or Lawrence range the full spectrum of DT prototypes: athleticism, versatility, and power
In a wave of hype, Houston Cougar Ed Oliver is being called the next Aaron Donald. The comparisons are obvious and after his Pro Day, in this case, the pre-draft hyperbole feels less hyperbolic.
As an example of his freakish athleticism:
Add butter and syrup with those pancakes?
Unfortunately… or fortunately for those who want Oliver to drop, he is raw. His exceptional physical tools have allowed him to thrive despite the lack of refinement in his technique.
This has led to some warts in his game.
His ‘small size’ (6’2” 287) and lack of technique, combined with only decent balance, had him getting grounded by O-linemen too often.
One negative difference Oliver has with Donald is leverage. Donald is a bit shorter at 6’1”. This doesn’t seem like a lot, but it could make for a light edge. Donald gets under the pads of taller O-linemen and out leverages them, neutralizing their superior size. Oliver is rangier almost the same height as most Guards. diminished leverage and size might force him to rely more on burst, speed, and jump at the snap than Donald. He must put on weight or stay away from A-Gap in base packages.
Oliver has hit or miss attached to his pick. And his nationally televised shouting match with his coach shows it could go poorly if adversity hits.
Still, John Randle is one my ‘All-Time Favs’… so I’m very intrigued by Oliver.
Big, bigger, best… that money can buy?
Drafting Clemson’s Dexter Lawrence brings two major assets to the Miami Dolphins: Size and ability to trade back and still acquire him.
Lawrence is a mammoth possessing freakish strength at 6’4” 342 lbs. Even with his tree-limb reach of 35 inches he still performed 36 reps on the bench! Those long arms have to work extra hard to bench, so the numbers he put up is nothing short of amazing.
Don’t sleep on his athleticism. While Lawrence ‘only’ ran a 5.05-second 40-yard dash, his 10-yard split was 1.76. As a comparison, Oliver at near 60 lbs lighter had a 1.63 10 yard split. Lawrence can move and move very well for a giant. This isn’t a ‘blubber-butt’. Lawrence is a 3 down NT.
Unfortunately, There’s another elephant in the room besides just Lawrence: his failed test for performance enhancers. While this failed B- Sample for trace amounts of the SARMS called Ostarine isn’t clear cut… it’s still an issue.
Dion Jordan 2.0 or Tim Bowens 2.0?
Ostrine has a half-life of 23.8 hours and the cycle is roughly 25mg-36mg a day over roughly a 4-week period. It’s used to strengthen tendons and build muscle. It’s very useful to during weight cutting to maintain muscle mass.
Lawrence passed the NFL combine drug test and still performed Herculean numbers ‘without’ enhancer… along with a pulled hammy. So, if he was a Tony Mandarich type of ‘juicer’ his numbers would have been much flatter if he was on ‘the wagon’.
I lean towards his failed test being an aberration.
Still, these are red flags to the best pay per head software as Ace Per Head.com that make Wilkins an unsure bet.
I’ve always regretted Miami passing on Vincent Wilfork and not moving up an inch to get Haloti Ngata. This could be Miami’s shot to have a true scheme crushing anchor to build this defense around. Think a more athletic Paul Soliai with a burst.
Yummy!
Of course, if Lawrence is a ‘blubber-butt’ sans Ostrine… then we could have Soliai a second time around. With a trade back, that might still be a good deal.
Jack of many trades, but master of one
Clemson’s Christian Wilkins decided to come back and earn a National Championship as a senior despite being considered a 1st Round Pick in last year’s draft.
Wilkins decision had him posting his best college numbers, ranking as the #2 Defensive Tackle in the NCAA, and winning a National Title.
Off the charts character, intelligence, technique, effort, and leadership turns above average physical talent into a valuable, versatile player that’s least likely of the three to be ‘a bust’.
You can check out his Bowl Game against Alabama minus Lawrence here.
Wilkens shows up more and more as the game progresses. While he doesn’t have raw power (check out his battle with North Carolina’s Center Garrett Bradbury), his desire and athleticism are special. He can play up and down the line and has the intelligence to be schemed up for success.
Despite, not posting eye-popping combine numbers (28 reps, 5.04 40 yard dash with a 2.92 10 yard split), Wilkins has made Bruce Feldman’s famous “Freaks” list heading in both 2017 and 2018. A nice anecdotal cherry on top of his career.
Wilkins story gives every indication he’ll work on his craft to get better. If you thought Minkah’s tale was something, this one will pull your heart-strings for sure.
Wilkins has shown great character in the face of adversity
Wilkins is the type of player that translates to the NFL well, where technique and character is king 99% of the time. Some compare Wilkins to an upgraded version of two-time Pro Bowl selection and former Dolphins Randy Starks.
Not bad.
But is it enough for the #13 Overall Pick?
What ta’ do, what ta’ do?
Only Wilkens offers a sure return, even if he’s taken a little high in the draft.
In a perfect world though, I’d love to pick up some extra picks this year or the next and take Lawrence. A ‘3-4’ with Lawrence in the middle flanked by Godchaux and Vincent would be stout.
Still, the positive test alarms me.
On the other hand, drafting Oliver and him becoming the second coming of John Randle wouldn’t be half bad either.
Let’s hope Grier and Co. make the right choice. Go Phins!!!
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We are pretty heavy with Tight Ends. But do we have Pro Bowler Tight End?
Taken From Travis Wingfield
Tight Ends
Job Description:
Evidence by the Dolphins offseason so far, inline blocking is a desired trait of tight ends in the new offense. The additions (Allen and Walford) certainly point to an elevation of Mike Gesicki into more a detached role (a glorified slot receiver). Gesicki’s job will be challenging the seams with a vertical, rebounding threat while the extra offensive linemen-type need to be proficient in pass pro and sealing off the edge on outside runs.
With Gesicki and Dwayne Allen the clear-cut top-two, and Durham Smythe in year-two of his development, Miami will likely pass at this entire tight end class.
Scenario: Trading back we Add Quarterback
Round 1: Miami13th picked trade back for Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
Round 2: Miami https: Greg Little (Ole Miss LT) youtu.be/KqgFJ6lhe0c https:
Round 3: Miami Austin Bryant, DE, Clemson https://youtu.be/0YU8_Xp8r04
Round 4: Miami Lil’Jordan Humphrey*, WR, Texas https://youtu.be/pUSzbsztJG4
Round 5: Miami LB TJ Edwards, Wisconsin https://youtu.be/tqnVAfiMofI
Round 7: Miami CB Trayvon Mullen, Clemson https://youtu.be/s7oG9IXSDAY
Round 7: Miami, Pittsburgh* Pitt RB Qadree Ollison Top Plays 2018 https://youtu.be/-hDCvHad2OU
By trading back, we may add A 3rd and 4th or 5th rounder:
This is how we draft a QB in the 3rd Ryan Finley or 4th Stidham Auburn or 5th round.
Plus bringing in the undrafted QB’s.
Trading Back some of these players will still be on the board? would land us one of these players These are great Pro Bowlers candidates (+ extra picks for the trade)
Greedy Williams – Louisiana State
Devin White – Louisiana State
Brian Burns – Florida State
T.J. Hockenson – Iowa
Ed Oliver – Houston
Jeffery Simmons – Mississippi State
Christian Wilkins – Clemson
Dexter Lawrence – Clemson
Clelin Ferrell – Clemson
Jachai Polite – Florida
Oshane Ximines – Old Dominion
Noah Fant – Iowa
Chris Lindstrom – Boston College
Jonah Williams – Alabama
Jawaan Taylor – Florida
/yeah, working on an article about what will be available with a trade back… I think that’s the best way… but I do like Wilkins and Lock would be hard to resist.
Just some different draft view’s.
SB Nation
1st Round: 13. Greedy Williams | CB | LSU https://youtu.be/qhtciwm0FFo
2nd Round: 42. Dexter Lawrence | DL | Clemson https://youtu.be/hLW1NlJHMXI
3rd Round: 79 Elgton Jenkins | OL | Mississippi State https://youtu.be/NbNiG0od_Eo
4th Round: 117. Tre Lamar | LB | Clemson https://youtu.be/t8oE8THk3ZY
5th Round: 149. Porter Gustin | EDGE | USC https://youtu.be/CKCFDqn07y0
7th Round: 235 Ken Webster- https://youtu.be/UIjO2KfPMIQ
7th Round: 236 Jordan Ta’amu – Quarterback https://youtu.be/B6tSWzOq-yg
Drafttek 2019 NFL Mock Draft
13th Montez Sweat Mississippi St — https://youtu.be/UTMO5pVdXIQ
42nd Daniel Jones Duke QB –https://youtu.be/9esMmAXEoXc
79th Erik McCoy Texas A&M OC– https://youtu.be/f-eUgZD0xZo
117th Beau Benzschawel Wisconsin OG– https://youtu.be/7V_hePZnnH4
149th Dontavius Russell Auburn- DL1T https://youtu.be/vNo8y-5frdI
235th Shy Tuttle Tennessee DL3T not enough tape
236 Mark Fields Clemson CB- https://youtu.be/f1oUHz8Pzjw
On the Finside 2019 Dolphins Mock draft with the Finside
Round 1 Brian Burn’s FSU–https://youtu.be/kGm1iv07jQI////https://youtu.be/g7X_beVomyU
Round 2 Offensive Lineman Chris Linstrom Boston College
Round 3 Titus Howard Offensive Lineman https://youtu.be/mVBVpVzWLoY
Round 4 Christian Miller Line backerhttps://youtu.be/oLurMXIMIJw or Jalen Ferguson Edge Rusher
Round 5 Offensive Tackle William Sweet North Carolina or Ben Power’s L/G Oklahoma https://youtu.be/2Eko80um4EI
Round 7 Oman Watts Arkansas Defensive End/Tackle
Round 7 Easton Sticks Quarterback or PJ Johnson Nose Tackle–https://youtu.be/uqq3ZcdSOx8
Don’t like Sweat that much… some of those picks won’t fall that far, in my opinion. Lawrence and a trade back I like a lot.
We are not discussing Noah Fant! He cannot be overlooked for a visit?
Noah Fant Iowa TE https://youtu.be/RwaYUs_odRw
We have enough at TE
I agree… I think he could be good trade bait to move back though!
DEXTER LAWRENCE
Combination of size, movement skills, strength, and short area quickness that makes him very difficult to block with one blocks. He fires off the ball and immediately stuns blockers with his power on first contact. Lawrence shows the traits to play in both a one-gap (in limited exposures) and a two-gap scheme. He has heavy hands and surprises with the suddenness of pop when he gets extended.
The former Clemson product creates disruption as he’s able to re-establish the line of scrimmage and drive blocks where he wants. But Lawrence won’t provide much pass rush and is inconsistent when using his hands to counter. He’s just scratching the surface of his potential. For NFL teams that need to upgrade their run defense, he’ll be one of the first players considered. Lawrence will likely see starting reps early on in his professional career
Watch “Dexter Lawrence vs Auburn 2017” on YouTube
https://youtu.be/RPxQs9VT8ms
If it wasn’t for the juice catch, he’d be my #1 option… he is so ‘thin’ for a 340lbs guy… makes me wonder if it was juice getting him that physique.
Proir to a bowl game Wilkins on how they are treating Dexter Lawrence situation
https://theclemsoninsider.com/2018/12/26/wilkins-on-how-they-are-treating-dexter-lawrence-situation/
Christian Wilkins Two years ago and he is knocking on the door. He would be difficult to PASSED.
Watch “Meet Clemson Defensive Lineman Christian Wilkins | Rising Stars | Sports Illustrated” on YouTube
https://youtu.be/qbxm3fsOphQ
Every year I have done this researching player I fall in love with a bunch and want them all… so hard to nail one. I do like a lot of his game.
Admin
Nice Article
Yes! We are admired and see the NFL changing with the Dual threat Quarterback Right. But truth has it we are still being dominated by the pocket passers. Something to think about below.
Yet the sixth-round pick out of Michigan did not impress Rypien as the Patriots improved to 1-2 that year.
“You looked at Tom and it’s not like anything just stood out with him,” Rypien said. “There are kids you see in warm-ups and you go, ‘Wow!’ Nothing Tom ever did was just an awe factor. He was just so good at everything. …
“The one thing I’ve always been impressed with about Tom is his ability to move in the pocket, and how he has that clock ticking in his head. He’s always had that sense of feeling pressure, just moving two or three steps sideways or stepping up in the pocket.”
The big cog for New England on offense in the 2001 matchup was Antowain Smith, who rushed for 94 yards and two touchdowns. Smith also caught three passes for another 58 yards. There was more foreshadowing as Adam Vinatieri kicked three field goals. Linebacker Roman Phifer had an interception and fumble recover. Ty Law and Otis Smith also picked off Manning, who was 20-for-34 for 196 yards and one TD.
“It was almost a must-win situation,” cornerback Law told the AP after the game. “From the first whistle, we went out there to hit them and smack them in the mouth.”
It was also the start of one of the greatest stretches by a franchise in NFL history.
Thanks, Steve. “Yes! We are admired and see the NFL changing with the Dual threat Quarterback Right. But truth has it we are still being dominated by the pocket passers. Something to think about below.” I think this regime is a pocket QB type of philosophy. I don’t like runners… they get put into jeopardy too much. Can’t build consistency like that. Also, those type of player tend to rely on the leg too much.
Wilkins has a lot of upside that can manifest into something really positive for this team. (The player’s with the red flag’s! We really need to know who they are before picking them in the high rounds.
This draft will probably be conducted on the basis of best athlete within the priority needs.If a stud is available at Tackle, he will be the guy. If stud is left at D-tackle he will be the guy; etc. However, if we see the Dolphins reach for a QB we will know that Steven Ross is doing the drafting once again. I have no idea who will draft who. I have read the prognosticator’s selections. I suppose I now know the order that no one will get picked in. There is always a twist or a trade or a snub. My question is, “Who will be left in the green room until day two that is a steal?”
T hope the Dolphins can create a successful draft without the overreaching, overpaying and underachieving we have seen in the past decade.
I agree on every point, Van. But the more I look at the draft a D-linemen presents the best value and amount of options. It might not be a DT in round one, but it could be a DE… Jerry Tillery is looking very interesting as I study up on him. There is just so much talent at DL in round one beyond even the above mention. If they do move up to get a QB or take someone beyond to Top 3 QBs at #13 it will be a bad sign.
“My question is, “Who will be left in the green room until day two that is a steal?”
T hope the Dolphins can create a successful draft without the overreaching, overpaying and underachieving we have seen in the past decade.”
Nailed it: Value, value, value.
Admin
Absolutely you are right! There are very nice defensive selection in this years draft. “I’m about whom ever we select rather select at the 13th spot or smartly trade back, there are Pro Bowler’s up and down the board. Our first picked cannot have us Fans questioning the picked? It would be unacceptable when there are Defensive Player of the year, Best offensive linemen, Best Tight End of the year, Best Corner Back of the year etc.
Bottom line We need to draft a sure fire Pro Bowler. “Just picked the Best player on the Board”
Jim Thorpe Award–Best Defensive Back–DeAndre Baker, Georgia
Butkus Award–Best Linebacker–Devin White, LSU
Strengths: Explosiveness, speed, power
John Mackey Award–Best Tight End–TJ Hockenson, Iowa
Bednarik Award Defensive Player of the Year Josh Allen, Kentucky
Nagurski Trophy Defensive Player of the Year Josh Allen, Kentucky
Strengths: Explosiveness, motor, power, bend
William V. Campbell Trophy–Academic Heisman–Christian Wilkins, Clemson
Strengths: Versatility, athleticism, burst, block-shedding skills
This is only a sample of 1st rounder’s who have earned title’s worth discussion.
Noan Fant TE could be the best TE in the 1st round?? Selecting him would not be questionable (Pro Bowler for sure).