Though the Dolphins like their young players at guard, cornerback and linebacker, there remains some concern internally at those positions. With linebacker, here’s what we know: Who starts alongside Jelani Jenkins and Koa Misi? The Dolphins say that decision won’t be made for a long time. “Probably midway to the latter part of training camp before we’re settled on who the top three guys are,” defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle said. ### The Dolphins are looking closely at two potential starting groups: Misi in the middle, flanked by Jenkins and Chris McCain; or Kelvin Sheppard in the middle, paired with Jenkins and Misi. For now, they’re giving a lot of first-team snaps to McCain. Jordan Tripp, who played just nine defensive snaps as a rookie, “has had a great camp,” Coyle said. Duffner also mentioned that Tripp has really come along. http://miamiherald.typepad.com/spor...s-ummls-update-golden-heat-draft-marlins.html
I've been spoiled by Zach Thomas, nothing has been adequit since he left. We need a bulldog in the middle. Funny how Perryman was drafted right after we traded down in round 2.
this whole offseason I've been ignoring two down football players for a reason, linebackers and d-tackles then we find out that the staff now wants players who can stay on the field in third down situations, so I'm pretty sure thats why they didn't go after guys like perryman, brandon spikes, any big nose tackles like potroast or wilfork.
Shepherd and Misi are what they are but these young guys could really make things interesting this year.
DJ, couldn't agree with you more. Defense has seriously evolved and the days of 2 down downhill thumpers is not ideal to contrast the style of offense the NFL is throwing out there. LB's especially have so much more responsibility in the passing game and need to be able to cover TE's, RB's and Slot WR's. Ellerbe's injury opened up an opportunity for Jelani Jenkins to shine and he exceeded anyone's expectation. At this point he is our best LB and a 3 down one at that. Biggest thing for him is for improvement against the run and gain some strength. Misi is a frustrating player IMO. Not sure I would say he has lived up to his draft billing but he has been a more than suitable player "if" healthy. That is a big "IF" because last year he struggled to play in games and even finish those he started. I think he will have an opportunity to benefit behind playing behind Suh, again if he is healthy. I couldn't be more happy that McCain is getting starting reps at SLB. While I don't know if he will win the job at least he is given the chance. Why I like him so much is he brings such a diverse skill set to this unit. He is long at 6'5" with a crazy wingspan, and has athleticism for days. We've seen he can rush the passer and will likely fill Jordan's absense in their speed package as well as rush from stand-up SLB position. He also has proven he can cover, my biggest questions for him are: 1. Can he hold up against the run? 2. How strong is his knowledge of the defense? He is my #1 player I am keeping an eye on. Kelvin Sheppard is a nice depth piece, but I'd be disappointed if he ends up the starter. Either way it's not like he lacks talent as he has started and was drafted high. In an ideal world I'd like to see McCain outright win the job in TC at SLB. From there have Misi start in middle with Sheppard as backup. My plan for depth would be to have Jordan Tripp backup Jenkins at WLB. Then let Vigil, Luc, Hull, Paysinger battle it out for last 2 spots. My money would be on Vigil and Hull. The first being groomed as SLB backup and the latter a ILB in waiting. If Jenkins keeps developing and McCain proves to be valuable starter that is a huge bonus due to cap reasons as both are lower level paid and under contract for a few more years. I would look to upgrade from Misi and find a 3 down pure ILB in draft to complete the unit. In regards to this year's draft and what DJ stated on 3 down LB's I think our FO did a good job not reaching. I do believe if Kendricks lasted to us in 2nd round he would've been the pick but when you look at it I can say there were only 3 ILB's in this years draft that are 3 down guys (Anthony, Kendricks, and McKinney). All were off the board by the time our 2nd pick was due. Instead we drafted a force at DT who could form a terrifying pairing for QB's.
