Examining the Phins Ted Karras Signing

How should fans view the Karras signing?

We all know by now the Miami Dolphins have signed the Patriots former starting Center among their many Free Agents acquisitions. Unfortunately, the Patriots center that the Dolphins penned a contract with was Ted Karras and not David Andrews. Still, Karras isn’t chump change. He’s young and was ranked the 20th best center in the NFL by PFF with a grade of 66.5. But, as Armando wrote, Miami’s former center Daniel Kilgore was rated roughly the same with a PFF grade of 66.3 and nearly the same sacks allowed.

So, the Karras signing is being billed as a horizontal move… at best.

Maybe, maybe not.

Let’s add some context so we can fine-tune these numbers.
  • Kilgore is 32 years old and Karras 27. Karras suffered an MCL sprain in 2019 but returned a week later. Kilgore, on the other hand, also suffered a knee injury but missed three games. It would appear Karras still has the youth to battle through injury.
  • Kilgore played 877 snaps with 631 pass snaps and 256 rushing snaps grading a 72.7 and 60.7 by PFF, respectively. Karras played 1102 snaps with 658 pass snaps and 444 rushing snaps grading a 60.3 and 67.4 by PFF, respectively. Kilgore played in an offense that heavily favored his strength of pass protection, while Karras played in an offense that favored his weakness pass protection. Still, in roughly the same amount of snaps Karras let up one less sack.
  • As per NFLSavant.com, the Patriots’ primary area of rushing attack was behind Karras. The Patriots generated a 3.12 YPC behind Karras with a 3.14 YPC on 1st Down / 3.15 on 2nd Down/ and 3.0 on 3rd Down.
TypeAttemptsYardsAvg% of plays
CENTER / Karras & James Ferentz for half a game892783.1223.86%
  • As per NFLSavant.com, behind Kilgore was also the Phins’ primary area of attack. The Dolphins generated a 2.49 YPC behind Kilgore with a 2.67 YPC on 1st Down / 2.68 on 2nd Down/ and 1.69 on 3rd Down! This is with 3 games where Boehm offered solid production.
TypeAttemptsYardsAvg% of plays
CENTER / Kilgore & Boehm (3 games)812022.4928.42%
Factoring the RB that ran behind them

On a final note, there was a difference in the Pats and Phins running back’s Yards After Contacts: Michel 247 carries with a 1.6 YAC / White 67 carries with 1.5 YAC / Burkhead 65 carries 2.2 YAC compared to Ballage 74 carries with 1.1 YAC / Laird 62 carries with 1.3 YAC / Walton 53 carries 2.1 YAC / Gaskin 2.9 YAC. Karras had a slight edge in the better backs, although Walton and Gaskin make it close.

On a side note, what a waste of talent because Walton had a ton of potential.

Karras will have an opportunity

The Phins are being billed as a spread offense with Chan Gailey on board. Maybe that’s not the case? I’m sure it will be an element of the spread, but the addition of fullback / Linebacker Elandon Roberts and mammoth guard Ereck Flowers along with a power runner Jordan Howard, the Dolphins may be aiming towards a far more balanced attack than anticipated. If this is the case, the value of Karras increases.

I’ve just started watching Karras, and so far he handles power far better than Kilgore, who’s lack of strength was a major issue for the Phins on multiple levels. Kilgore did play better against power late in 2019, but more often than not he spent a ton of time getting bull-rushed into the backfield.

So, while you can bet on the pay per head bookie sites like www.AcePerHead.com that Karras isn’t guaranteed anything and will have to compete with someone for the position, I’ll disagree with Armando that it’s only a horizontal move. Instead, I’ll grade the Karras signing as a vertical move with a slight incline… and an outside chance for more. Still, I hope the Phins draft a center and can even see them moving Deiter (who played 16 games at center in college) there, just as easily. Go Phins!!!


 

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21 comments

  • Steve

    Players earning Top awards for year warrant consideration:

    Remington Trophy (Outstanding Center)
    Winner: Tyler Biadasz | OC | Jr. | Wisconsin
    Other finalists
    Other finalists
    Matt Hennessy | OC | Sr. | Temple
    Creed Humphrey | OC | R-Soph. | Oklahoma
    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
    Winner: Harrison Bryant | TE | Sr. | Florida Atlantic Other finalists
    Other finalists
    Hunter Bryant | TE | Jr. | Washington
    Brevin Jordan | TE | Soph. | Miami
    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

    Davey O’Brien Award (Best Quarterback)
    Other finalists
    Justin Fields | QB | Soph. | Ohio State
    Jalen Hurts | QB | Sr. | Oklahoma
    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
    Outland Trophy
    Penei Sewell | OT | Soph. | Trophy (Outstanding Interior Lineman) Oregon
    Other finalists
    Tyler Biadasz | OC | Jr. | Wisconsin
    Derrick Brown | DT | Sr. | Auburn
    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
    Doak Walker Award (Premier Running Back)
    Jonathan Taylor | RB | Soph. | Wisconsin
    Other finalists
    Chuba Hubbard | RB | R-Soph. | Oklahoma State
    J.K. Dobbins | RB | Jr. | Ohio State

    Paycom Jim Thorpe Award (Best Defensive Back)
    Winner: Grant Delpit | S | Jr. | LSU
    Other finalists
    Jeffrey Okudah | CB | Jr. | Ohio State
    J.R. Reed | S | Sr. | Georgia
    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
    Bednarik Award (Defensive Player of the Year)
    Winner: Chase Young | DE | Jr. | Ohio State
    Other finalists
    Derrick Brown | DT | Sr. | Auburn
    Isaiah Simmons | LB | R-Jr. | Clemson
    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
    Biletnikoff Award (Outstanding Receiver)
    Winner: Ja’Marr Chase | WR | Soph. | LSU
    Other finalists
    CeeDee Lamb | WR | Jr. | Oklahoma
    Michael Pittman Jr. | WR | Sr. | USC
    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
    Ray Guy Award (Punter of the Year
    Winner: Max Duffy | P | Jr. | Kentucky
    Other finalists
    Dane Roy | P | Sr. | Houston
    Sterling Hofrichter | P | R-Sr. | Syracuse

    Outstanding Place Kicker:
    Rodrigo Blankenship Georgia
    Keith Duncan Iowa
    Blake Mazza Washington State

    https://247sports.com/LongFormArticle/2019-College-Football-Awards-announced-140378477/

  • Steve

    Continuation Joe Burrows:

    I’m not trying to sell no one players but it would be tempting for the Dolphins to try and trade for Joe Burrows?
    He played in 15 games this 2019 season and racked up 60 TD’s passing and 5TD rushing. Anthony Gordon passing TD at 48 got the closest along with Hurst 32 TD passing 20TD’s Rushing. But still he surpassed everyone by doubling their TD’s.

    Admin you noticed Gordon having a light Arm? Gordon also has about 0 yards rushing meaning another Josh Rosen not to take anything away from Rosen. Here’s is the bottom line LSU has or had a far more dominate team than there opponents player for players but still what Joe Burrows achieved this season is truly phenomenal. I don’t think the Bengal are that dysfunctional to trade him and I hope that the Dolphins just have patience and don’t trade for him either. The Dolphins have many other picks and they need to stop being afraid of star players.

    • admin

      I agree… Burrow is going to be very good. You could spend the extra picks for a QB who could play 10-15 years and then sell your picks next year in trade backs for more 1sts to regain those that are lost. I don’t see it though. I think Tua might be the pick if he’s at #5… even though that’s not what I want. I’d like to this the Phins could resist the temptation… but, I don’t know if they can. It’s why I hope someone takes him earlier. I think the certain star players are Burrow, Young, Okudah, Simmons and maybe Willis. We can can have at least one. Or we can role boom or bust with Herbert or Tua… at this stage of the team building, I like getting as certain of a star as we can…

      • Steve

        Yelp I agree too!

        Derrick Brown Defensive Tackle for Auburn is a Star, he will demand double team.(https://youtu.be/vF2s0ctXd2M)

        Justin Herbert is going to set the league on fire (Key is the team have to love him)(if the dolphins can’t love Justin He will changed their minds. Because the Dolphins have not had a QB this talented before.

        Tua is going to be an elite Quarterback for a 1/4 of the season until sideline

        Burrows if he goes to the Bengal will not fair so well don’t be surprised if he’s in opposition

        Young with the Giant will shine.

        Okudah will shine But don’t over draft for him (Round 1, #25 Overall: Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State)
        (https://youtu.be/hJTXgJ7uWqA)

        Simmons is going to be prime time TV (His attitude can handle the fame)( https://youtu.be/MMQ1X1EoVxY) fastest 40-yard dash time for a linebacker in 14 years with his display on Saturday. In his first and only attempt, the 6-foot-3⅝ and 238 pound- Simmons recorded a 4.39-second 40-yard dash. The time was the second-fastest for a linebacker since 2006, with Shaquem Griffin’s 4.38 taking the top spot in 2018.

        Willis allowed one sack this season passed and will Shine—-https://youtu.be/jRzdaFrOcw4https://youtu.be/6K-OL21I2xE (Tristan Wirfs vs Jedrick Wills: Who is the best tackle prospect?)

        There is no problem drafting any of the above players at Pick 5.

        You figure if Herbert is drafted he may not see action until after mid season or later??
        You Figure if you draft Tua he want play this season
        You figure if you draft Derrick Brown he will day 1 start.
        You figure if you draft Simmons he will day one start all over the field.
        You figure if you draft Jeffrey O. he will play day one backing up starters.
        Chase and Burrows are beyond reached!

        • Steve

          Here is the danger of 1st 2nd rounders!

          Drafting a players who has no business in the those rounds.

          The best way to prevent this is stay with the players who consistently earned the Coaches Polls 1st Team nation wide in their position.
          Stay with the players awarded player of the year by position etc.
          Stay with the players who have been healthy to play.
          Stay with the players who are without off field issues.

        • admin

          I agree 1000%, Steve. I really want Simmons and have had my eye on him for a bit. I think he goes before #5, sadly.

          • Steve

            Yes!

            Simmons I love watching him play last season. He was one of 12 college players who made this Butkus Awards list last November.

            https://clemsontigers.com/simmons-selected-as-butkus-award-semifinalist/The Butkus Foundation announced today that Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons has been named as one of 12 semifinalists for the collegiate Butkus Award.

            Making this list also was Another player I really loved watching was Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma. another side line to side line gifted linebacker I rate him a solid 2nd rounder but he made it into the 1st round good for him. In the tough games last season I thought that some offensive played over his head But the second half he always seem to overcome and lead that defense to prevent scoring, make turn over’s etc. He has a lot of upside Just my opinion and really very green. The second round he would be on my list. 1st round there are more important players there.

  • Steve

    Continuation Joe Burrows:

    2018 Season:

    Ranked 36th Justin Herbert Passed for 3141 29TD and 8 Int and Rushing 166 yards 2 TD
    Ranked 38th Sam Ehlinger 3292–25TD
    Ranked 39th Tyree Jackson 3131–28 TD
    Ranked 40th Kyle Shurmur 3130—24 TD
    Ranked 41st Manny Wilkins 3025—20 TD
    Ranked 42nd Charlie Brewer 2014—19TD
    Ranked 43rd Blake La Russa 3015—19 TD
    Ranked 49th Brent Stockstill 3544–29 TD
    Ranked 55th Ty Gangi 3331 yards—24 TD
    Ranked 56th Kelen Mond 3107 yards—24 TD
    Ranked 66th Garner Manshew 4779–38TD
    Ranked 70th Stephen Calvert 3068—21 TD
    Ranked 73rd J’imar Smith 3160 yards—15 TD
    Ranked 86th Clayton Thorson —3183—17 TD’s

    Joe Burrows Transfer year from Ohio State to LSU the above players that year threw for more yards 2018th Season 13 games
    OUT OF 107 PLAYERS Ranked 50th Joe Burrow—Passing yards—2874–16TD’s—5 INT Rushing yards 399 and 7 TD’s

    2019 Season 15 Games
    OUT OF 101 PLAYERS Ranked 2nd Joe Burrow—-Passing yards—5671 -60TD’s—6 INT Rushing yards 368 and 5 TD’s

  • Steve

    Continuation Joe Burrows:

    2018 Season:

    Ranked 21st Trevor Lawrence–Passed 3280—30 TD’s—-4 Int—Rushing yards 177 and 1 TD.
    Ranked 22nd Taylor Cornelius–Passed for 3978—–32 TD’s—-13 Int and Rushing yards 406 and 10 TD’s
    Ranked 23rd Jake Browning Passed for 3192 —16–TD’s and 10 Int–Rushing yards 139 and 4 TD’s
    Ranked 24th Jake Bentley Passed for 3171 yards and 27 TD’s and 14 Int— Rushing yards 78 and 2 TD’s
    Ranked 25th Ryan Finley Passed for 3928 and 25 TD’s—–11 Int—-Rushing for 21 yards and 1 TD
    Ranked 26th Mason Fine Passed for 3793—27tD—-and 5 Int Rushing yards 20 and 2 TD’s
    Ranked 28th Cole McDonald Passed for 3875 yards 36 TD’s and 5 Int Rushing yards 20 and 2 TD’s
    Ranked 29th David Blough Passed for 3705 yards 25TD’s and 10 Int Rushing yards 52 and 2 TD’s
    Ranked 30th Drew Lock Passed for 3498 yards and 28TD’s and 8 Int Rushing yards 175 and 6 TD’s
    Ranked 33rd Justice Hansen Passed for 3447 yards and 27 TD’s and 9 Int Rushing yards 411 yards 6 TD’s

  • Steve

    https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/2018-passing.html

    Ranked 1st Kyler Murray /Passed for 4371 yards–42TD’s–7Int Rush for 1011 and 12 TD’s
    Ranked 2nd Tua Tagovailoa—Passed for 3966—43 TD’s—6 Int- Rush for 190 yards 5 TD’s
    Ranked 8th Dwayne Haskins—Passed for 4831 yards–50 TD’s and Rush for 108 yards –4TD’s
    Ranked 4th Will Grier——-Passed for 3864—–37-TD’s-8-Int–minus 90 yards rushing and 3 TD’s
    Ranked 5th Jordan TA’AMU—Passed for 3918 yards-19 TD’s–8–Int—and 342 rushing with 6 TD’s
    Ranked 11th Jordan Love—=Passed for 3567—-32 TD’s–6 Int—–63 Rushing yards—-7TD’s
    Ranked 12th J.J. Costello–Passed for 3540 yards –29-TDs–11-Int -minus 20 Rushing yards zero TD’s
    Ranked 15th Brady White–Passed for 3296 yards—26TD’s—9 Int—–minus 43 Rushing yards 1 TD
    Ranked 20th Brett Rypien–Passed for 3705 yards–30TD’s—7 Int——-12 yards Rushing yards 0 TD’s

  • Steve

    All of the above is true about Joe Burrow’s and there is always the “But” Joe Burrow was not listed in the top ten QB’s at the start of the 2019 season. Burrow’s received promising compliments base on his performance from 2018 season. But his 2018 performance no where placed him in the top 10. A QB performance will moved him quicker up the charts than any position on the field. 2019 season By week 7 Joe was pushing Tua at the number one Heisman watch list, about week 8 Tua was out for the season and Burrows took the number one spot.

    Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports
    Perhaps the biggest quarterback surprise of 2018 was Burrow. There was not much expected from the LSU offense, at least from an elite-unit standpoint, heading into last season. But Burrow was a hit as the Tigers starter after transferring from Ohio State. He thew for 2,894 yards with 16 touchdowns and just five interceptions in ’18. He also ran for nearly 400 yards with seven scores. Can he be better in ’19?College Fantasy Football & Statistical Rankings

    Burrow’ just like Kyler Murray was not listed in the top ten by no sports analysis until about the mid season
    Top 10 College Football QB Rankings in 2019 | PFF
    https://youtu.be/rTlakdS0Ero?t=49

    • admin

      Intelligence and the ability to improve on his craft along with his attitude and mobility and poise under pressure along with ball placement makes him my fav prospect in years!!! Kid will be a star if given the right framework… Tua is more riskier… even if the injuries weren’t a problem. Tua seems too nice and I think he could be the next Wilson, but Wilson is nice with the right edge… Herbert seems like Tua… too nice and maybe less confident. Both are young, so they could shape up, but Burrow has the sand and moxy already…

  • Stephen F Fabrizio

    MJ,

    I agree with Randy and you. We still need to make OL the priority. Recently I saw the top 3 FA tackles available now. I don’t think any have signed yet, but I could be wrong. The more I think about it, as well as watching the FA, very possible that we dont’t take a QB at all in this draft. Instead we stand pat at #5 and draft a Tackle, Guard, and possibly another Tackle or DT/NT in round 1. Some people are saying that Grier will give up 2 #1 picks, plus next year’s #1 pick and trade up to #1 spot and take Burrows! I sincerely, hope not!! We need to focus on the trenches. I am okay with staying at 5 and taking 1 of 3 QB’s, but we can’t mortgage the farm for a guy who had just one outstanding college season. Another rumor is that the team is trying to talk Fitzpatrick into playing in 2021 and possibly beyond. Other QB’s are playing into their mid 40’s. Fitz is 38 and in good shape with not many historic injuries. What are your thoughts?

    • admin

      ” Some people are saying that Grier will give up 2 #1 picks, plus next year’s #1 pick and trade up to #1 spot and take Burrows! ” I hope not either, but would rather that than blowing a 5th on Tua. Burrow will be something, Tua will get injured and force the team to invest in him for years. I hope they don’t do either, Stephen. Burrow is getting the tear down lately, but he will be a good one if he is given a chance and not crippled by a garbage franchise like the Bengals. I agree. Fitz has 2-3 years left. We don’t need to make a desperate move to get a QB… LT or Simmons. I’d even be fine with Simmons and a trade up from 18 to get a top tackle. I think a good one could be sitting around 10 overall.

      • Stephen F Fabrizio

        MJ,

        Thank you for your response! I would personally, like to stay & #5 and either draft Herbert or Love, and possibly a LT. I don’t like the idea of giving away several 1st round draft picks for Burrows. He had one great college season, and has average arm strength. I would be very okay with not taking a QB at all and going with Fitz and Rosen for a while. Rosen has a great arm, and he is largely still green. He did not play all that bad last season considering we had the worst OL and running game in the league! Not to mention a defense that could not consistently stop anyone and the get the ball back or get turn-overs! We need those picks to help our OL and even DL. I really hope MJ Grier does not have a “fire sale” with 2 of our 3 picks in round 1, plus next year’s 1st round pick? We would be overpaying for a QB that in my opinion is not worth it at all!

      • Stephen F Fabrizio

        MJ,

        Just as a follow-up to my previous response, I think Tua was their man all along. Then he got hurt and you could hear the collective moan from Ross, Grier, and the whole Dolphin nation! Ross since has admitted that they are concerned about his injury. If you recall, Bo Jackson had a similar injury and ended up retiring early because of it. Apparently this type of injury and its long term complications don’t show up immediately. Look at Albert Wilson and his hip injury, he has missed the better part of two seasons. Again, I hope we don’t mortgage the farm for a QB!! I would be very happy to see all 3 picks go towards the OL & DL! What are your thoughts? What have you heard regarding this? Thank you!

        • admin

          “I think Tua was their man all along. Then he got hurt and you could hear the collective moan from Ross, Grier, and the whole Dolphin nation! ” Yeah, Stephen I think you nailed it. “Look at Albert Wilson and his hip injury, he has missed the better part of two seasons. ” another truth and his injury was less severe than Tua. I do like Simmons the most of all the picks not named Burrow for Miami. I think Simmons might go to the Lion or Giants thoough… Hope Tua goes at @2 and Miami isn’t the one picking him. A nice little run on QBs could but Miami in a very nice position!!!

  • CB

    I thought Kilgore was awful. I had no confidence in him against stronger players. I don’t see how a QB or RB would have confidence in Kilgore either. Mando is not a reliable scout. I appreciate that he makes a stance but no one has to agree with it. I liked Boehm better than Kilgore and I think Karras might be better too. I consider these guys insurance in case the right center doesn’t fall in our laps in the draft. That’s the way I see it.

    • admin

      Hey, CB I need to approve first-time posters and have been really sick the last couple of days… sorry for the delay. I need to correct my article on this one. Boehm was released, so I think Dieter might get a look there. Sorry for the poor info… I’d like to blame being sick on that one, but that was lack of due diligence. Kilogre wasn’t the same when he came to Miami. I have a theory that his tricep was injured early in his first season, but he had zero power… he looked far different in San Fran. I like him as a person, but he was too light in the pants and hurt the offense for his two years here. Thanks again for the reply CB and sorry for the delay.

  • Rich

    Pretty much identical grades, but 5 years younger(healthier), and 1 inch taller. I favor run blocking over pass blocking, so there’s that. The one less sack is worth something as well. I like the signing, but it is only 1 year. I’d probably draft a Center like Mando said.

    There is a little upside as well, that he plays G and C. And maybe as a starting C, he can still improve a little.

    • admin

      Yeah, he’s an upgrade at center from 2019, but Miami should continue to go fish for sure, Rich. Still, if he ends up a back up for a season that’s at least solid depth behind whoever beats him out. for 4 mill and no commitment beyond a year, sounds like a great dating partner to me.