The Phins interior O-line looks to be much improved in 2020
Even though adding a talented left tackle was a major key to the offseason, the interior O-line was the more crucial fix for the Dolphins to have success this year. Thankfully, instead of the usual rubbing two pennies together, Chris Grier addressed the Phins problems on the offensive line with a soup to nuts approach in the draft, Free Agency, and UDFA. While very early, the prognosis appears good. Miami enters the 2020 Training Camp with their young starters seasoned and set to compete against a heap of new talent to keep their jobs.
This sounds like an excellent recipe for improvement.
Competition and depth up and down the offensive line are vastly improved… but what will all these moves ultimately amount to? At the very least, the addition of veteran Ereck Flowers brings some respectability to the guard position. And it’s been a long time since Phins fans had that.
Phins guards haven’t guarded much since 2013
The Dolphins haven’t had a top-shelf offensive guard since Richie incognito was released mid-way through the 2013 Season–unless you count that one game with Josh Sitton. Mostly Phins fans have had to watch the ‘turnstile twins’ at both guard positions ruin games and seasons.
Was Jonathan Martin bag of black cat or what?!
The Phins’ centers have only slightly outperformed their guards for most of a decade. Mike Pouncy played at a Pro Bowl level for a few seasons, but a long list of injuries devasted his ability to run block making him one dimensional. While Pouncy did provide quality pass-blocking, he was a wet noodle in the run game. Daniel Kilgore’s skillset was a carbon copy to a lesser degree.
At least for the 2020 Season, the starting center position appears filled. I wonder who’ll be the backup though… and if he is being groomed for the future? Of course, Karras could play himself into a longterm commitment with Miami. Or maybe Miami will look to draft a one in 2021.
Ted Karras was signed to a one year deal and played well for the Patriots in 2019. It’s pretty much signed sealed and delivered that he’ll be the starter. PFF ranked Karras the 20th best center overall and 26th best in pass block and 16th in run blocking. Despite the OC Chan Gailey’s 5 Wide sets, Karras’s strength of run blocking could hint at a more equal measure of the run game.
Dieter is smart and played center for 16 games in college, so I keep wondering if he could find his way to the backup spot. Deiter is tall though at 6’6”. Maybe too tall? Likely he is just an emergency center.
As for the guard, beyond Ereck Flowers and his guaranteed spot, it’s anyone’s job. Ereck Flowers (OL 6-6 329lbs) posted a PFF Grade 64.2 in 2019 and despite being huge, he was a better pass blocker than run blocker. Left guard or possibly a long shot to take starting tackle look to be where he’ll start.
The rest of the contenders for starting guard
- Michael Deiter (6-6 310lbs) had a 2019 PFF Grade of 42.5 and uglier 37.8 pass-blocking grade. This is slightly skewed south because he played most of a game at left tackle. Generally, though Deiter’s rookie season was a letdown. Still, it takes time for linemen to develop.
- Jesse Davis (6’6” 325 lbs) could always find himself back in his old position of right guard. But, I think he’ll stick at one of the tackle spots. A right guard is easier to find than a right tackle.
- Robert Hunt (6’6” 323lbs) Chris Grier said ‘he’ll compete for a starting job at both right tackle and right guard’. According to PFF, ‘Robert Hunt was a nasty run-blocker for Louisiana and owned a solid 86.0 grade in that facet of play’. Of all the Phins rookie o-linemen, he’s my bet with the best pay per head software like www.AcePerHead.com to start at the beginning of 2020.
- Solomon Kindley (6-4 339lbs) is huge… maybe too huge. As per PFF, “Kindley is a big boy who thrived in the SEC by straight leaning on dudes. He got a lot of play by simply being 330+ pounds and being able to play with leverage. That play doesn’t quite translate to the NFL though. It also got unceremoniously exposed far more often this past season than it did in 2018. ” Kindley might need to shed a few pounds. Remember what happened to Isaac Asiata?
- Shaq Calhoun (6-3 310lbs) was last year’s starter and had a slightly better grade than Deiter. I liked Shaq Calhoun when he was signed as a UDFA, but he needs to show solid improvements in Year 2. If not, he might not make the roster. I think he will, though.
The long shots to make the team
- Keaton Sutherland (C/G 6-5 316lbs) was a rookie last season and earned a PFF grade of 46.4 on 93 snaps. It will be tough for him to make the team, but on a positive note, he graded very well in run blocking. Also, he has versatility, so the backup center could be where he finds his home.
- Donell Stanley (6-4 324lbs): As per a PFF Tweet I just found, “Donell Stanley: The only center with 500+ pass-blocking snaps and less than 5 QB pressures allowed.” This tweet has me intrigued given his size and experience.
- Danny Isidora (6-3 306lbs) posted a 53.7 grade on just about a 100 snaps. It’s not a good sign if he earns a spot.
Miami has pulled in so much talent in so many ways that they must have some good hits among so many. They just have to! This group will be my litmus test for the future. The most important unit in the game is the offensive line, especially the interior three, so if they nail this, the sky is the limit! Go Phins!!!
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