Will Dolphins Finally Address Linebacker Position?
Over the last three seasons the Dolphins defense has regressed each year. A major reason for this is because they have an extremely weak Linebacking corps. Actually, extremely weak is being kind, because most Miami fans would argue that it may have one of the worst group of linebackers in the entire league.
The Dolphins have not seriously addressed this unit in the draft for years, so there is no mystery as to why this group has not improved. The only defense the franchise has is that they had so many other positions of need that they could not address every position – but, that is as pathetic as it sounds. With that being said, now it is finally time that Miami spent some resources addressing this position, because there is no way the Dolphins are going to get better on defense with their current group of linebackers.
The Dolphins current starters are Koa Misi, Jelani Jenkins and Kelvin Sheppard. None of these players keeps offensive coordinators up at night. For starters, send Misi packing. In his six years with the Dolphins, he has only been healthy enough to complete one full season and that was in his rookie year. In addition, he rarely makes any game changing type plays, which is evident from his lone sack, 0 forced fumbles, 0 fumble recoveries, and 0 interceptions in the last two years. Lastly, he is going to count as $4.878 million against the 2016 salary cap, and Miami would be wise to re-invest that in one of their free agents that have preformed well, or just use the savings on a free agent linebacker.
In regards to Kelvin Sheppard, he has already been on three different teams during his 5 year NFL career, and has been very inconsistent throughout his career. Also, in his five years in the league he has a total of 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery and 0 interceptions. Again, this is not a player that makes game changing plays, and he is not great in either run or pass defense, so he should be the first linebacker that Miami replaces.
Jelani Jenkins is the other starting linebacker, and in 2014 he had a breakout season, with 110 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. Big things were expected from Jenkins in 2015, however he actually regressed this season, with only 71 tackles, 0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. Jenkins has only been in the league for 3 years, and he is by far the cheapest of the three players costing only $793,172 against the cap next year. Jenkins has also flashed potential, so he deserves one more year to prove his worth. Also, if we had better linebackers playing with him, then he would most likely play better as well. He realistically is the only LB Miami has.
In the wings is Mike Hull, Neville Hewitt, and Zach Vigil. All are young with a chance to develop, and produced in games, but only Hewitt flashed quality production. While Hewitt did show he “could” end up a solid starter, his play didn’t indicate superstar. All, including Hewitt, are nice players to have on the team, but not even the best sportsbooks are betting any are certain talents that a season can be based on.
This off-season, Miami needs to finally give the linebacking position some love and find two quality starters. They desperately need to find a true middle linebacker that can be the QB of the defense and a pass rushing, strong side backer. There are still alot of holes to fill, but it wouldn’t be outside the realm of sanity to use a 1st or 2nd round pick on a starting linebacker. And if not, then the Dolphins must sign a linebacker in free agency. What are the thoughts of the rest of the Miami Dolphins News fans?
Comparing offense and defense – Miami actually has all the skill player talent we need on offense. What is missing is an offensive line good enough to have Tannehill move from being consistently the most sacked QB in the NFL to just being average in getting sacked. We have three good OLmen in Albert, Pouncey and James but need two OG and one backup LT. Get them and re-sign Miller and we are good for offense. Personally I would like to see #1 and #2 go to either LT or MLB, #3 and #4 go to OG and FA go to at least one first-rate OG. With the OL finally fixed the rest of FA and the draft goes to filling defensive holes.
Depending on if they trade back I’d change it a bit, but if they stay put, MLB,SLB, CB, T, or G. No order really, just best player. We need to nail a starter at one of those positions. I’d love a top flight T, SLB or CB in that order, but it depends on what’s available and where they fall in the round. I never like chasing a position- usually gets you desperate and a bad pick. I could see nabbing only 1 guard mid- late 1st, if they trade back and that would be Whitehair. “They” say CB talent in the 1st is risky – haven”t looked myself, so I’d be leery if it’s true to go there. “They” also say alot of 1st round interior D linemen will go that’s good because it will let other talent fall back. The big problem I have is Vernon -if he goes then DE becomes a need even if Wake stays. He’s 35 and it’s very hard to find De talent later – amazing how we did it with Vernon. FA is where I’d like to see some needs to solved, especially at G – not long term, stop gaps are fine by me. Osemele will likely be too much but he plays G and LT – man wouldn’t he be nice…
I couldnt disagree more with Lemmus. The fact of the matter is found in the run defenses statistics. Defenses stop the run with LBers not DL. Fins have no tackling talent and much less talent to cover TE’s and backs well enough to dictate to offenses.
There is no solution to the real problem. I mean look, the fins need 1 CB maybe two if Grimes bolts, 2 OG, a starting caliber RB or at least backup RB if Miller bolts, another S, and we still havent addressed the 3-4 LBer positions.
The problem is a systemic lack of talent across the entire roster, this cant be fixed in one draft or FA period, especially with these morons in charge.
The caveat is linemen set the plate for the second level to make the play. Zach made his play (mostly) off Taylor, Bowens and Gardener sucking up linemen and giving him a clean lane free of O-linemen. Linemen are the bone of run D and Lb’s are the skin…Although some scheme’s do flip that a bit…
Video Highlights LineBackers
https://youtu.be/NvHxL7cQUI0?t=104
Easy 1st rounder’s BUT Medical issues. Two Valuable linebackers (Look Down Road Future) late rounder may not be drafted. Both Medical Issues.
Antonio Morrison, ILB
School: Florida | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Senior | Hometown: Bellwood, IL
Height/Weight: 6-1 / 232 lbs.
Projected Ranking Overall Position Proj.
215 9 6
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https://youtu.be/uNrwtmU4wco?t=88
7th rounder ACL surgery Jan 2016
Reggie Northrup, ILB
School: Florida State | Conference: ACC
College Experience: Senior | Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Height/Weight: 6-1 / 232 lbs.
hey Steve thanks you made it easy with the links!! I dub you Phinsnews scout…Morrison does look intense and has the athletic gift, although his tackles is terrible and the knee injury is a bummer. I’d see him, especially with our needs elsewhere 2nd-3rd if we nailed down the first. He could develop very nice or aggravate that knee. We need sure hits in our situation.
I like Northrup much better for his value, also much better tackler and bigger (same size but bigger torso and legs). I like his work in the scrum between tackles. Yes, he had the injury but for a 5-7rder it could be worth it – IF he can cover worth a darn. Controlling that middle zone and hand off in M-t-M is essential. It’s hard to make a “sure” judgement based on so little tape, but it does give and indication – thanks!!!
DolpFans
Easy 1st rounders BUT Medical issues. Two Valuable linebackers (Look Down Road Future) late rounder may not be drafted. Both Medical Issues.
Antonio Morrison, ILB
School: Florida | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Senior | Hometown: Bellwood, IL
Height/Weight: 6-1 / 232 lbs.
Projected Ranking Overall Position Proj.
215 9 6
Arguably the most intense player at the college level, Morrison wasn’t supposed to play the first half of the 2015 season due to a serious knee injury in the Gators’ bowl game last January. He was expected to miss 10-12 months, but was back on the field in only six months and has played at a very high level as a senior.
STRENGTHS: The unquestioned leader and tone-setter for the Gators’ suffocating defense. He is a light athlete to quickly redirect and burst towards the play, bringing himself to balance on the move to finish in the open field.
Keeps his feet well to work off blocks and displays outstanding awareness to recognize things quickly and react to the play before the ballcarrier can make a move.
WEAKNESSES: Can play too intense at times. Knee injury suffered in bowl game following 2014 season will require significant medical checks, but he worked hard to return to the field in just six months.
IN OUR VIEW: His medical reports will be the determining factor in his draft projection, but if fully healthy, Morrison is a top 40 talent.
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7th rounder ACL surgery Jan 2016
Reggie Northrup, ILB
School: Florida State | Conference: ACC
College Experience: Senior | Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Height/Weight: 6-1 / 232 lbs.
Projected Ranking Overall Position Proj. Rnd.
308 13 7-FA
12/01/2015 – 2015 ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE SECOND TEAM (MEDIA): LB Reggie Northrup, Sr., Florida State, 60/150 Votes…Northrup leads Florida State in tackles for the second consecutive season with 87 stops, while also contributing 1.0 TFL, three pass breakups and five hurries. Despite suffering an ACL injury in the 2015 Rose Bowl, Northrup came back strong to lead the heart of FSU’s defense and captured All-ACC honors for the second straight year. – Florida State Football
01/13/2015 – Seminoles LB Northrup to undergo ACL surgery…Florida State linebacker Reggie Northrup, the Seminoles’ leading tackler this season, will undergo surgery later this month to repair the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, the school announced Monday. The Jacksonville, Fla., native injured the knee in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1 in the first College Football Playoff semifinal game, won by Oregon 59-20. Northrup started all 14 games this season, leading the Seminoles and ranking fourth in the ACC with 122 tackles. He was a third-team All-ACC selection.
For his career, Northrup has appeared in 40 games and made 178 tackles, including 7.5 tackles for loss. – The Sports Xchange
Dolphins really need to medically evauate both and truely considered taking A calcualted risk for down the road. Healthy both would make a differents at that position.
Now you made my day sink into watching linebackers….thanks:( As far as early picks Scooby Wright, while lacking a bit in athletic talent could be an amazing MLB. Given Miami’s situation with needs elsewhere (agreeing with Lemmus here) OL or CB first, if value is there – BUT, the leadership and production wit Suh and maybe Vernon and / or Wake up front could be nice. Seems like he’ll land in the second. With the light amount of talent in the top ten the trade back could be very useful. Still haven’t really looked over the draft so I’m shooting from the hip, but so far Scooby at MLB with a second would be nice at that spot. SLB freak doesn’t seem to be in the cards this year, but leader in the middle might be…again, thanks for ruining my day Steve ! 🙂
Admin
That’s the name of the game. Injury also is a concern with Scooby Wright III, ILB
School: Arizona | Conference: PAC12
College Experience: Junior | Hometown: Windsor, CA
Height/Weight: 6-0 / 246 lbs.
The surgically-repaired meniscus (left knee) and foot sprain which limited Wright to just three games in 2015 will need an evaluation from NFL doctors at the Combine.
IN OUR VIEW: After winning the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Rotary Lombardi Award and the Chuck Bednarik Award in 2014, Wright missed all but three games as a junior and yet still elected to leave early for the NFL. He offers Jedi-like instincts and keen spatial awareness to knock the ball free, making him a potential standout against the run and while attacking the quarterback.
The challenge of adapting to a more traditional defensive alignment and holding up in pass coverage, however, could keep him on the board into Day Two and raises concerns about his ability to duplicate his eye-popping collegiate success in the NFL.
COMPARES TO: Chris Borland, ex-San Francisco 49ers – Like the former 49ers standout, Wright is a better football player than athlete, winning with terrific instincts, generally reliable open-field tackling and a knack for producing big plays.
–Rob Rang (12/28/15)
Also a very nice pick for the Dolphins.
Thanks the info…someone turned me on to him and I did a limited review. At MLB I’m fine with less athletics where WLB and SLB I’m not – of course I’d prefer a stud, but we all know a guy who made it on grit and intelligence at MLB. Plus Suh REALLY helps a MLB in a dozen ways.
…every year we end the season screaming about the OL …especially THIS year when the coaches and FO all said Thomas and Turner were NFL starting material and we didn’t need Mathis at all …so we didn’t even talk to him …(btw, he’s starting in the SB and our favorite turnstiles may not even be on an NFL team come September …thank you Tannenbaum!)
…then, ho-hum, like clockwork …couple of months later comes the inevitable “we can get a guard in the later rounds, use the high rounds for something else we “REALLY need”
…we probably have the 2016 starting LBs on the roster now …Gase isn’t going to just throw a talent like Jordan out the door …not without a fight …and he won’t misuse him like Philbin did
…Hewitt did a bit more than just flash his rookie year …and with another camp he should have a good shot at starting along with Jenkins
…Misi was a solid OLB before they tried to make him a MLB …at the very least he will be a solid backup LB at multiple positions this year …and that’s if a good camp at his old position doesn’t return him to starting form there
…thus I think the outcry to use a high pick on a LB is misplaced
…anything less than 3 OL in the top 3 rounds isn’t going to do it …even if they were to somehow sign Mathis as a stopgap (and who believes he won’t be hot on the FA market) we are still desperately short all along the OL …both starters and depth …for god’s sake, FOCUS! …fix the damn OL THIS year, we need both starters and young, cheap backups with good development potential …get them in THIS draft
…fix the OL and we start making 3rd downs …that alone, imnsho, will do more for the defense than anything else we are likely to get in the draft
…as always, ymmv
Lemmus, I enjoy your posts, and respect that we share the same passion for a winning team. But, you know how I feel. A guard does need to be taken w one of the top 3 round picks, but for me this team needs to focus on DEFENSE. If you take a deeper look into our LBer unit, there are several deficiencies. I do like Hewitt, but I am getting at the very least one if not two LBers. And, if Jack is there at 8, he’s ours. He would be a slim choice over a CB at 8. Call me crazy, but defense wins championships, and though we need to upgrade both guard positions, a bad LBer and/or CB unit can not be overcome, as average guard play can be.
Dunner
I understand that Defense wins games. But how long are we to ask the defense to be on the field?
2015 Draft Class
Miami inks entire draft class the night before rookie minicamp
The Miami Dolphins have signed wide receiver DeVante Parker, defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, offensive lineman Jamil Douglas, cornerback Bobby McCain, running back Jay Ajayi, safety Cedric Thompson and cornerback Tony Lippett, it was announced today.
Dunner can we continue to build on last years defensive players? I think so the talent is there!
Whats your take?
Lippet is a huge wildcard for Miami…if he pans out then they will have covered a major hole!! Off season eval though is a tricky thing. I think I CB (top flight) will do. Offense needs the focus this year. Gase even stated so. I’m a D first guy, but in this situation, it should be O first..
Lemmus thanks again for the replies…
My view, and I’m sure I’ve said it ten ways from Sunday is a hybrid agreement with yours. I think as FA unveils things will change. Do we get a guard in FA? Does a LB come our way? Do we lose Miller and / or Vernon. I read on a legitimate site – not a trashy one like this 🙂 , that they saw it as a 25% chance Vernon returns due to him being a unique talent in FA. To me if he walks and you could fill LG in FA and pick up a high talent at DE then that might be wise…especially if you can’t get value for trading back. Then their is CB, LB, LT. I won’t pretend to know the draft picks yet (I’ll brush up soon and become an “expert” any day now), but would you say that value is higher priority or need? OF COURSE OL is the most important spot, but to go 1-3 in the draft might be overkill when FA could also fill some OL spots…especially RG where nasty and grizzled is a beautiful thing at RG.
Jimmy
Value will fill the needs of the team eventually.
Example: How much value could you place on
Stephen Curry Point Guard for the Golden State Warriors? I’m certain they still have some needed position they would like to fill?