Phins O-line Hits Some Turbulence Post OTAs

M.J.

6 years ago

Miami Dolphins O-line is in flux with OTAs in the books

Phinsnews, like most fans, consider the Dolphins O-Line as the most critical area going into the 2019 Season… and beyond.

Miami made several moves along the O-line after voluntary OTAs. The roster underwent a minor facelift with the injury and release of Isaac Asiata, the release of Kirk Barron, and signing of Tony Adams. Add on the undisclosed leg injury to Chris Reed who missed OTAs, and both uncertainty and clarity have hit a unit that hasn’t been a strength for the franchise in years.

No, it’s not time to panic. Although, the release of Asiata reminds fans of Miami’s many failures to find quality O-line help in the draft. Also, Right Guard prospects are now a bit thinner. Still, at least the evaluation on Asiata is over and the staff can focus other players.

Asiata never even started a Regular Season game

Asiata ballooning up from 335lbs to 345lbs didn’t give me ‘good vibes’ that he was entering OTAs in top form. But I hoped somehow he’d become a mammoth answer at Right Guard–even as a backup. In the end, Asiata was just a big man… and that was about it as a football player. The 5th Round Pick used to get him was another bad pick on a long list of failed attempts to find quality Offensive Lineman.

Miami and their fans better hope the Phins break this poor evaluation cycle of drafted O-linemen…

… or the ‘tank’, intended or otherwise, is on for 2019.At least one (if not two) of these rookie O-linemen needs to step up this season: Ryan Anderson, Shaq Calhoun, Michael Deiter, and Isaiah Prince. These new additions are the best bets with the pay per head sportsbook sites like Ace Per Head, to make a difference in 2019. But you could also add in Aaron Monteiro and Michael Dunn as longshot contenders—if you’re feeling lucky.

I’m very intrigued by Anderson at Center and Calhoun at Right Guard. In the long-term, Prince could bring huge value. And by all indications of his college program and player profile, Deiter will be at least solid at Left Guard. Even solid would be a huge step up from everything since Richie Incognito. So, the potential is there to have this Offensive Line take a step forward in 2019.

Jordan Mills addition was a smart move to hedge total disaster

Miami hedged their bets of banking on these rookies with Veteran Tackle Jordan Mills, but his one-year contract tells us he’s a stopgap. The staff likely has the best-case scenario as Mills getting beaten out at Right Tackle—by someone. Jesse Davis could be a better stop gap at Right Tackle… if someone would push him out of Right Guard. Davis’ ability to play multiple positions will earn him a modest extension at some point… even if he’s just a depth player.

Yes, I shake my pom-poms for Davis… but he’s better than many give him credit. Consider that Mills (PFF Grade 56.0) is in the league 6 seasons and is playing a position that suits him, while Davis (PFF Grade 55.6) is playing out of position. Davis was graded in pass blocking with a 69.3 that’s well above average while not receiving the typical help from the Center that most RG receive. It was his run blocking grade of 50.0 that hurt his play the most. Inside at 6’6” though, he loses leverage from his height more often than not. At Tackle, his size and strength would work much better against the smaller edge players.

Final review of the Offensive Linemen on the Phins roster heading into camp

Centers on the roster

Chris Reed was nursing a leg injury through OTAs… See Jake Brendel how these things can linger
Daniel Kilgore is small, old, coming off a bad injury, and is expensive. Phins staff is begging for someone to take the job.
Tony Adams is being called a rookie on his Dolphins player profile. In truth, it’s his second season. That’s how much of a focus he is. He’ll likely move from the Pats Practice Squad to Miami’s. The good side of his addition is he’s a known quality to Flores from the Pats and Flaherty with the Jags.
Ryan Anderson could be Miami’s only legit hope to supplant Kilgore.

Guards on the Roster

Michael Deiter is all but slated at LG… but he can’t get injured. See last year’s injury to Josh Sitton for a look into the future if Deiter goes down.
Jesse Davis made slight gains in his play at RG from 2017 to 2018. It wouldn’t be the end of the world if he’s there again in 2019. Still, he might be Miami’s best RT in 2019.
Shaq Calhoun has strong potential, but his run blocking needs a load of work.
Michael Dunn could play a surprise role as he did very well in the ‘junior league’.
Ryan Anderson could fill depth here in a pinch… he’s big.

Tackles on the roster

Laremy Tunsil is a lock at Left Tackle.
Jesse Davis is likely a better fit than Mills at the position and his experience would likely give him an edge this year over any rookies.
Jordan Mills is likely not going to improve much and is what he is: decent stop-gap player.
Zach Sterup is tall, maybe too tall, to play tackle. Maybe the staff can perform a miracle?
Isaiah Prince has experience and some elite physical tools, but as Flores said, “He’s a developmental player.”
Aaron Monteiro has some pop to his film… enough to start as a rookie. Maybe on the right side as a backup is a realistic hope.
Jaryd Jones-Smith is a real longshot… and not a rookie, despite what his Dolphins profile states.

Phinsnews won’t breathe a sigh of relief till some of this potential performs

The way the Right Guard position goes will be a primary domino as to how everything shakes out on the 2019 Offensive Line. Miami needs Deiter to hit at Left Guard, but they need depth at Right Guard nearly as much. Flexibility there would allow more and better option across the board. Chris Grier and Brian Flores can make a name for themselves with fans and the league if they can shape up this motley crew into something usable. Right behind developing Josh Rosen, there’s no bigger plotline. Let’s hope we go 2 for 2. Go Phins!!!

P.S. My FB comments are back… again. Seems like there should be no problems. Quote-un-quote.

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