Phins May Not Be Done Revamping Interior Defensive Line Unit

The Dolphins landed the biggest fish in the free-agent market by signing Ndamukong Suh, but that does not mean they are done revamping their Defensive Tackle position. They lost Odrick to free-agency and waived Starks, so the starting DT next to Suh at the moment is Earl Mitchell. Mitchell is a good player, but he has been a situational player his entire career, so the jury is still out if he can be a three down starter. They also have two DT’s in Anthony Johnson and A.J. Francis that are still developing, but Miami may actually decide to add another youngster through the draft, which is pretty deep at the DT position this year.

One possible option is Michael Bennett from Ohio State, who is 6’2”, 293 pounds and is projected as a 1st or 2nd round pick. Last season Bennett helped Ohio State win the National Championship and was able to add 41 tackles with 14 tackles for a loss, 7 sacks, 3 passes broken up and 3 forced fumbles. Bennett is very good at shooting the gaps, and causes a lot of disruption in the backfield as evidence from his 7 sacks and 14 tackles for a loss. However, he needs to get a bit stronger, because he has had some issues standing up against the run.

He would be a great player to pair with Suh, and together they would be a lethal combo, considering they are both explosive Defensive Tackles that have had a lot of success in getting pressure up the middle on the QB. Getting to the QB is extremely important in this league, and especially important when you have to face Tom Brady and the Patriots two times each season.

Most of the best sportsbooks in the world are saying that Bennett would be too much of a reach for the Dolphins at the number 14th spot. However he may be a perfect pick for the Dolphins in the second round. Bennett has a lot of upside, and if he can improve against the run, then he could help this unit be the best in the entire NFL. What do the rest of the Miami Dolphins News fans think about drafting Michael Bennett?


 

8 comments

  • Steve

    Trade back! The Dolphins should not leave the 1st round without one of these linemen. Both would required future double teaming.

    New England Patriots: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
    image: http://walterfootball.com/college/FloridaState_logo.gif

    A receiver like Devin Smith is still in play for the Patriots, but they may have a tough time passing on a defensive tackle as talented as Eddie Goldman dropping to them at No. 32. Considering Vince Wilfork’s departure, and the fact that New England has other players at the position set to hit free agency next spring, Goldman makes a ton of sense if he’s available.

    Read more at http://walterfootball.com/draft2015_1.php#r1ooliVvwGMmu5vM.99New England Patriots: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State

    Denver Broncos: Cameron Erving, OT/G/C, Florida State
    image: http://walterfootball.com/college/FloridaState_logo.gif

    Peyton Manning was playing on one leg to close out the season. His pass protection wasn’t very good, and it’s now worse in the wake of Orlando Franklin’s departure. The Broncos would be smart to bolster in the interior of their offensive line so that Manning isn’t banged around very much this upcoming season.
    Read more at http://walterfootball.com/draft2015_1.php#8UcjlQE3QyvjITcW.99

  • massdolphan

    Way too many other needs to even think of taking a DT in rounds 1 or 2. Maybe later on but not that early. Time for the young DTs to step up and challenge Mitchell, who got pushed around alot defending the run. One thing for sure, all this offseason action has not filled one single hole at MLB, CB (Bowman??), power RB, No. 1 WR. This team will sorely miss that 3rd rd pick they gave up unless they can trade back and get it back. Phins must really hit on this draft or it’s 8-8 all over again.

    • Dunner

      Mass, Agree that we don’t take D tackle unless it should be Leonard Williams. A shot at him and you can not let that opportunity go. It is a far fetched scenario; however, you need to consider all possibilities.

    • Jimmy Bourbon

      Well I think we will trade back and get back our 3rd round pick.

      • Steve

        Jimmy can we get 3 picks for?

        Scenario: 1 With a possible trade back with Eagle: 
        Eagle should give up a 
        3rd 84th pick: David Johnson RB or Jeremy Langford RB 
        4th 113th pick: Steven Nelson CB Oregon or Tony Lippett WR Michigan State https://youtu.be/fI7N3YXpi74?t=41
        6th 145th pick: Ramik Wilson ILB Georgia 

  • Dunner

    Jimmy, funny you posted this subject. I was watching a draft special last night and they were all talking about how there is always one player that slides in the draft. Not necessarily because of his talents, but because how the draft unfolds. The said player just happens to be the best player in the draft, possibly being there at #8 for Atlanta, player being Leonard Williams. Now I know Miami would never take Williams w/the Suh signing, right? Could imagine a scenario where Miami trades up in the first round to grab their WR, right? They surprise the world and grab Williams. WOW! Instantly the best D-Line in the game, thats right, better than Buffalos, Jets, Seahawks, you name them. They would have them for minimum of 6 years together at their already fixed price (Suh 6 years + 1 year w/franchise tag = 7 years, Williams 5 years w/option year + 1 years with franchise tag = 6 years).
    I know this is almost like fantasy football dreaming, but you never know, this is the time to dream. Could you imagine this scenario playing out and watching this tandem for the next half decade? There is no way anyone could be disappointed should this happen regardless.
    I do think that they take a D-Linemann at some point this year, but I believe Anthony Johnson will be the dark horse this year opposite Suh.

    • Jimmy Bourbon

      I like the idea Dunner. Williams with Suh would give us the best interior defensive line in football so it would be hard to pass up that opportunity. And yes I do like Anthony Johnson as well and I think his role will increase and as a result his production will increase as well

    • Steve

      Dunner

      This strategic move would only happen if the dolphins are serious about winning. We need to draft the best Defensive Tackle that will required New England to double team two linemen on our Defense. Suh + best defensive tackle there is no down side.