Garvin is more than a camp body… but backup SLB and STer is likely his ceiling
Garvin is a solid run defender and hustle player
Miami signed ex-Steeler, Redskins, and Seahawk Outside Linebacker Terence Garvin on Wednesday.
Garvin is more than a camp body, but the likelihood of him being a starter is very low.
This isn’t to say he can’t have a positive impact for the Dolphins in 2018. On Special Teams for the Redskins in 2016, he was 2nd in total tackles. In a limited role with the Seahawks in 2017, he tallied 26 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 pass defense. Garvin is a cheap, short-term contributor, but every team can use guys like this. Garvin’s signing also bolsters depth at a thin position and gives the Dolphins more flexibility in signing BPA at #11.
Here’s a quick review of his play in 2017 using the Seahawks v.s. Rams in Week 15.
Garvin had a solid game starting against the Rams
In the video above, you can see that he moves pretty well at 6’3” 235Lbs. Garvin is just fast enough to be productive, but not fast enough to be an impact player. His long arms are backed by an adequate strength that allows him to do a solid job of stabbing defenders and disengaging. His agility is above average, and he can navigate through the scrum to get the ball carriers. Run defense is his strength. Overall his instincts and recognition are passable. He does do a better job outside and likely is being brought in to compete at the SAM and for his Special Teams cover skills.
Garvin’s play in the middle suffers at times due to lack of exceptional recognition, speed, or strength. But his run defense isn’t terrible inside. His coverage was good in one-on-one. But on the last snap, he shows terrible situational and zone coverage awareness, blowing his assignment. This film represents a very limited sample size, so it’s hard to say if this is the rule or the exception.
In no way does this moves say Miami doesn’t need to draft an LB. And there aren’t any pay per head sportsbook companies that are saying this will end up being an amazing signing. But due to the small contract, his film, and experience, this signing does have a chance to be a decent one. Go Fins!!!