Phins O-line: Only the Strong Will Survive… Good!

M.J.

6 years ago

Every player on the right side of the Phins O-line will have to bite and claw to get a job

Brian Flores has stated the standard line of every Head Coach heading into camp, ‘Best players will play, and this camp will be about competition‘. I don’t know if this ‘only the strong survive’ talk will end up being the case, but it sure feels like it… especially with the Phins O-Line.

With all the competition at Center to the Right Tackle, there isn’t one player at those positions assured a starting job. Every one of these players better bring their A+ game to camp… or risk a visit from the Turk.

The only two players ‘guaranteed’ a spot on the roster are Laremy Tunsil and Michael Deiter. That’s it. The left side is all but locked. For the rest, it’s ‘prove it or lose it’.

This lack of job security should put a smile on every Dolphins fan’s face…

… Because Nietzsche’s maxim ‘that which does not kill you makes you stronger’ isn’t just a cool philosophical quote in football—it’s a credo to live by.

The Miami Dolphins will emerge from this bloody camp with a battle-hardened right side of the line. What will this unit’s ceiling be? Without seeing them in action no one can say… but the floor will be much higher than it was in 2018, although discounting Week 1 of that season.

Let’s look at the contestants for Center, Right Guard, and Right Tackle

The guys that fans have a good bead on are: G Isaac Asiata, G / T Jesse Davis, T Zach Sterup, and C Daniel Kilgore.

Kilgore is experienced, expensive, old, of average talent, and played poorly in 2018; Sterup has yet to prove he’s even a good backup; Asiata gets sloppy responding to switches and stunts, but is a brutal force in the run game, and should prove better on the right side; And Davis is miscast at RG, but his size, versatility, and strength makes him a good bet with the pay per head sites like Ace Per Head, he sticks at least as quality depth.

The guys Jimmy and I have written about already: Shaq (Deion ) Calhoun, Michael Dunn, Jordan Mills, and Isaiah Prince. Each name is hyperlinked with the article… if want to take a deeper look at them.

The starting Center position has three viable prospects

One contestant is already down and out. Connor Hilland was released due to injury. So, he’s off the board and rookie C Kirk Barron is his replacement.

Barron though is most likely just a camp body. His 17 pressures allowed in college in 2018 is very high. When you compare this production to fellow UDFA Ryan Anderson, who he’s in competition with as the Phins Center, the Practice Squad is likely his best bet… if that.

Ryan Anderson, C, 6’6” 305: Over his last 2 seasons allowed only 1 sack, 2 hits, and 7 hurries; Lunch pail (nailed it this time Jerry Gragg 😉 & brains guy more than an athlete. But, he is tall for a Center at 6’6”. The very least, Miami will try and stash Anderson on the Practice Squad. I think he’ll perform much better than that.

Anderson is a player who could take a roster spot as a backup… or even starter. He, Kilgore, and Chris Reed are the real contenders for 1st string. The fly in the ointment for those looking to find a home as the backup Center is Michael Deiter, who can and has played the spot. His versatility eliminates the need for a dedicated Center backup… unless someone has a great camp and can also play another position.

Versatility on the Offensive Line is a great asset, but it eliminates jobs as well

The need to have a backup Center that’s able to play Guard as well is why former UDFA Chris Reed stands a good chance of making the team. At 6’5” 310, Reed can play Guard or Center. Although, you wouldn’t want him as your starter at LG… but his one lone game at Center in 2018 for the Jags was solid as his PFF Grade of 55.6 (average). At 26, with 8 total starts over his career, Reed has room to grow… And having qualified for the 2011 NCAA Division III National Championships in the shot put and earned NCAA Division II Track & Field All-America honors 11 times, he’s a bit of an athlete as well.

Also, Miami Dolphins Offensive Line coach Pat Flaherty knows him well from their time together at Jacksonville. So, given Flaherty’s credentials, there’s likely upside with Reed that has yet to be explored.

Aaron Monterio is a little talked about dark horse to make the team

Aaron Monteiro looked good in the film I saw of him, but he was a little stiff for a Left Tackle. Many of his flaws would be lessened with a move to the right side… or even inside at Right Guard.

Draftsite.com had this to say about Monterio, “Underrated left tackle prospect with backup potential at the next level. Monteiro was not mentioned in scouting circles prior to his senior season despite being a two-year starter at Boston College but is now getting consideration as a priority free agent. He projects best on the right side in the NFL and is worth stashing on the practice squad.“

Monterio was an excellent pick up that bring a host of positives. From challenging players at multiple positions, potential back up, or a good developmental player on the Practice Squad, he is one of many nice finds on the O-line post draft by Miami.

Miami’s lack of O-line talent was a big draw for those looking to compete for a job

Jaryd Jones-Smith is last on the list. He is a living miracle that has made it farther than most would have thought given his horrific knee injury in college.

Jenn Menendez of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette described the injury like this, “Jones-Smith tore three of four ligaments, ripped two more muscles and sat in agony as the tibia bone twisted completely backward under his knee and put pressure on a major artery, cutting off blood flow to his leg.”

Going on his second NFL season after being drafted signed as a UDFA by the Texans last year, Jones-Smith is a huge man at 6’7” 320lbs. His key flaw is he doesn’t drive and finish as you’d expect of a man that size. Is it a technique issue or structural weakness created by the injury? Most likely his destination is the Practice Squad here or somewhere else. But, bare minimum, he’ll bring solid competition.

Who will be the starters on the most crucial unit in the game?

The projected lineup from most looks like this: LT Laremy Tunsil, LG Michael Deiter, C Daniel Kilgore, RG Jesse Davis, RT Jordan Mills.

I think this is far from written in stone.

Phins fans should expect a fierce battle from Center to Right Tackle… and there will be surprises. There is enough talent and opportunity present in this camp that Miami will find a gem or two. Very soon these players will enter the ‘Thunderdome’ with the best men standing come Week 1. Get your popcorn ready! Go Phins!!!

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