LB Vander Esch Is Getting Phin Buzz Just Before Draft
Talk is that LB Vander Esch is high on the Phins board
A trade back would leave him #1 on the Phins board… ‘according to reports’
With just days away from the 2018 NFL Draft, every Phin Fan is on the edge of their seat to see who Miami picks at #11. One name mentioned only as of late — a player the Dolphins are reported to love — is Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch from Boise State.
Most bookmaker software programs have Roquan Smith and Tremaine Edmunds as the top-ranked Linebackers in this draft class. Miami would be thrilled if either were options with the 11th pick in the 1st Round. However, most analysts believe these two will be gone by Miami’s first pick. If that’s the case, and if Miami is laser-focused on an LB in the first round, then they’ll have to settle for the 3rd or 4th best Linebacker: Leighton Vander Esch or Rashaan Evans. But these two will likely only come into play if Miami trades back or suffer an improbable fall to #42.
You never know, though… love and desperation can be a dangerous mix. Let’s hope the Dolphins brass doesn’t get skittish.
The Titans canceled a scheduled meeting with Vander Esche because they didn’t think he’d be there at their 25th pick. So, how far can Miami trade back and still acquire him?
Potential plays a large part in Vander Esch’s value
Vander Esch could end up a very good player on the NFL level. Many feel he has only scratched the surface of his talent… but he’s also a ‘one year wonder’ with some holes in his game. Drafting him at #11 is too high as they will have better value options, albeit at other positions… and Miami knows it. At least we hope so.
Still, they have invested a substantial amount of time in researching and meeting with him (could be just due diligence). Their interest in him has become quite vocal over the last week… almost screaming ‘we’ll trade back’.
Vander Esch is 6’4”, 256 pounds with room to grow. He’s quick for a big man and has solid coverage skills. Last year he racked up 141 tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, 4 sacks, 4 pass breakups, and 3 interceptions. Despite these numbers, selecting him at #11 wouldn’t be considered ideal in the terms of value. So he is more of plan B… unless plan A is a trade back.
Large and fast, Vander Esche could be exceptional… if refined
With only one-year as a starter, his sample size is very small. Like Roquan Smith, he has a pronounced flaw: Great trouble stacking and shedding blockers. Smith can somewhat hide from his flaws at the WLB with a physical cast in front of him. As an MLB or SLB, Vander Esch will have a more difficult time avoiding his kryptonite. The positive is that unlike Smith, Vander Esch has shown a willingness to engage, so it’s more of a technique issue rather than nature.
Voch Lombardi gives an unglossed review of Vannder Esch
Another possible snafu of some note: There are rumors about him being pulled from off a few teams boards due flunked medical. Vander Esch has had injury issues in the past, so they aren’t completely groundless.
Vander Esch is a bit of a gamble. Evans is more polished than Vander Esch, but reasonably serious injury concerns are his big question mark. Both would be an upgrade at OLB… with a nervous roll of the dice. Phinsnews would rather a surer chance of success is picked in the 1st Round. But a move back and the extra picks they’d acquire would be a nice hedge to mitigate the risk.
Linebacker is arguably Miami’s biggest need along with TE. This could tempt Grier to be rash. Could Miami pull the trigger on an LB even if that means over drafting a player like Vander Esch? According to Chris Grier BPA has a sliding scale depending on need…
…Or could they be confident that a trade partner will emerge?
Likely this interest is far more due diligence as a contingency plan than Machiavelli brilliance. Can we at least dream of aqua exceptionalism?
Miami needs an LB… would Evans and Vander Esch fit the bill?
Miami must stick with BPA… without a sliding scale of need at #11. Too much talent will be available to overreach. A trade back is one thing, but desperation is another. Phinsnews likes Vander Esch… but really loves Edmunds. If luck doesn’t favor the Dolphins with Edmunds, Phinsnews would be happy with a booby prize of Vander Esch (or Evans)… and some extra picks in a trade back come Friday.
The Steelers also evidently Saw value in Terrell Edmund drafting him about a 1st rounder over a projected 4th rounder.
Most of us had Rashaad Penny RB about the 4th round. The Sea hawks evidently saw a replacement for Lynch.4
Feel it is going to be a TE, Goedert in second. To many DTs available remain. TE drop off after the next 3 is huge.
You are right… they didn’t bring hurst in for a visit… they’ll go TE in 2nd (Goedert) and DT B.J. Hill in the 3rd…
I’ll take that scenario all day. Hurst, Hill, Phillips, Settle may be great DT additions. How about a couple Canes that I am not to familiar with in; RJ McIntosh or Ken Norton?
Lets not forget about LBer; How about Landry, though I believe teams view him as a Edge Rusher, also Burks, Leonard, Nwosu, Carter, Jefferson. Options are there, and a few of them excel in coverage. Also, Miami can now move McDonald down as a nickel or Dime coverage LBer. Options abound all because of one player, the best defensive player in the draft in Fitz. I’m not a big jersey guy (do have a Marino one, but I may just get a Fitz one, because I believe he is going to be here for a looong time.
Could a QB be in play? Hope not in 2nd or 3rd.
Great start
Derrius Guice Running Back was not drafted in the 1st round he was listed as number two Running Back behind Saquon Barkley. Not sure whats up but a second round would be a steal for him.
https://youtu.be/Bq7Sgr_Rz7c
Miami needs to get their TE at 42, no messing around.
Or DT… Hurst? Michel and Wynn went to NE… if we are weak inside it will get ugly… need DTs… good + quality at least… and one shedding LB… unless we nail the DT and move McMillian to SLB… They are saying Anthony will get to compete… AKA he has the WLB spot. Mlb is up for grabs (kiko and Mcmillian) and they said they need 1 more LB… or ‘SLB is open’. DT, LB, TE, QB, RB still needed!!!
Who is Minkah Fitzpatrick?
Minkah Fitzpatrick drafted to Miami Dolphins
https://youtu.be/EdfHKVLJ_Mw
Is Minkah Fitzpatrick the best player in the draft? Ray Lewis say’s the best player in the draft and a player who can help change the culture
https://youtu.be/-cQ55eLAdZM
The Film Room Ep. 69: Minkah Fitzpatrick is a Malcolm Jenkins clone
https://youtu.be/QHmdoPB3SN4
https://youtu.be/shlnbRpVziA
Minkah Fitzpatrick (Alabama CB/S) vs Georgia – 2018 National Championship
https://youtu.be/CRVlbuByulk
Minkah Fitzpatrick (Alabama CB/S) vs Clemson – 2017
https://youtu.be/rjAzFjn296Y
https://youtu.be/ptOZoXc-n5g
https://youtu.be/f_LpPkCDZz4
Yeah, Steve. Working on the article now… guy is special. Vea is as well, but more from the physical stand point. Edmunds is the same… Minkah is special from a cerebral, will, and desire stand point… and that will full his good physical talents to elite heights. Star FS… my only concern now is that as we shift to finesse and pass D, Bill is moving to a physical run style O… we need interior help!!! Love the pick…
When it came down to Edmunds or Fitz I had to squeeze for Fitz. He is the next Myles Jack. As obsessed I am with getting a LBer, I love the pick. Lets hope Vander Esch or Evans fall to 42. Either way, love it, TE or LBer in second.
No longer should see a TE roaming free in the secondary (Gronk buster)
The key is they will be able to play Cover 1…this will allow more physcal play from the CB’s… Really loved Vea… was intrigued with Edmunds, but Minkah changes scheme and is a mental giant… am happy…. Edmunds has a chance to make us regret missing him, of course….
They need one brute / blitzer at SLB… so far so very good, but they need to do exceptionally well over these next few picks… I’m excited brother!!!
I’m speechless!
Fitzpatrick who would have thought he would have been there at picked 11th.
What a steal! he is rated about the top 6 players in the draft. Great job nick name Nick Saban jr. because they think alike.
Agree!!! He fixes so many issues…. commitment, scheme (cover 1), talent, cerebral, discipline, and character… we struck gold… so many things on D become possible when you can run cover 1…!!!!!! I will cry on my pillow over Vea, though
an they get Hurst @ #42!!! They need a DT biggly… TE Fumageli in the 3rd -4th…. DT is key! and this D could be amazing… Jewell is in play as well….
Cant go wrong with Hurst, I like him t lot, if it weren’t for heart ailment concern, he would have been right there with Vea and Payne, real chance that hes there. Can always trade up for the TE.
We need Tight Ends in these rounds. Can this combination make us better?
Third round:
73. Jaylen Samuels NC State https://youtu.be/wL5EIUFQ5E8
8
(Trade back in the 1st round)
124 Dalton Schultz TE Sandford https://youtu.be/SfX6cIgMnEc
Admin
After the most smoke of the 1st round picked.
Jaylen wishful thinking, not sure if his style will work in the NFL? What do you think?
The experts have us taking which makes a lot of sense. I Really would like for us to bring Ethan Wolf from Tennessee to camp as undrafted free agent.
2nd round – 42nd overall – Mike Gesicki – TE – Penn State
4th round – 131st overall – Chris Herndon – TE – Miami or Previous Pick – Troy Fumagali – TE – Wisconsin
I’m hurting and joyful over the pick… we become more finesses, in a sense, and diminish in physicality as Edmunds and Vea would have given us… but I have zero complaints. The very nice part is McDonald will drop into the box… but we must have a good DT pick by the end of the draft!!
Hey Lemmus, Did you drop the Allen news??? Like you did with Tunsil, ha ha!!! I worked then, will it work now? Speedy recovery brother.
It is here. Funny how people/reporters, etc wait till the day of the draft to try and discredit someone. This year J.Allen, 2 years ago Tunsil. If it were for any other reason, said information would have been reported prior to the day of the draft. Some people!
Feeling a trade down, and grabbing Vander Esch or Evans. An extra second or third could be significant for Miami. Especially this season, as the depth of this draft seems to be in the area of needs for the Fins 🙂
Then again; I am starting to see Edmunds going to Miami on more and more mocks (for what thats worth?). I’m down with that.
Perfect scenario for Miami, imo:
1st: Trade down and get an extra third, taking Evans or Vander Esch. Unless Smith ot Edumds is there.
2nd: One of two players at FS or DT. Should a DT such as Hurst fall to the second or Bryan are there, take them. If FS’s such as Reid or Bates are there take one of them.
3rd: If a run on TEs start in the second round, Fins now have more ammo to move up into the second and get one of the top 3-4 TEs. With any luck they stay pat and Andrews or Gesicki falls to them (obviously Hurst or Goedert as well).
Extra 3rd – 4th (2): RB/QB/OL/CB
Not long now.
Let us not forget a Licker; draft either Pinerio/Carlson/Oaks in 7th or package both 7th’s to move up in the 6th to get one.
My concern is only B.J. Hill is a DT I like after the 1st round. Don’t think much back end quality in this draft. Hurst will go before the Dolphins #42… maybe Bryan too–very thin DT crop… Smith… don’t like him. You can’t be that poor and have that much of a lack of desire to take on blocks and be an LB… as a sweeper in a better defense, cool… I just hope we don’t get him. It will take a couple more drafts to build around him… and on that, of course we’ll pick him. I really like Minkah… heard about his attention to detail and obsession for perfection… he was called Saban jr due to his absolte commitment to winning and perfecting his craft… Vea will likely end up hurting me like Ngata and Wilfork as the whale that got a way… trade back works too, but that means Miami actually has to make those picks hit! Me I stand pat that Minkah, Edmnds, and Vea are far better prospects than Smith… I actually think Smith might drop to mid late teens.
Hello Admin
Just a quick note: These are the beginning 2017 college football prediction, etc. What we can take away from this is Vea will need to be rotated out to rest more.
Da’Ron Payne*, DT, Alabama 1st rounder I’m sold on him being the Star! Tim Settle’s most likely will be the steal out of this group. I value your opinion, really i don’t know. But I would think the more versatile that players the more valuable when able to move around in positions? Trade back to picked 19th or later for more picks has to be Payne,Evans or Vander Esch.
Vita Vea*, DT, Washington
1st rounder between 11th and 19th picked
Vea needs to show improvement in the pass rush during 2017. The junior needs to develop some pass-rushing moves to go with his bull rush. He has to become more consistent in creating pressure and laying hits on the quarterback in order to be a highly in-demand draft prospect. Otherwise, he could be viewed as just a nose tackle.
The measurables didn’t always add up to dominance (though they sometimes did), and he’ll need to be rotated out more often than you might like, but Vea has a Dontari Poe-like blend of size and movement skill that rarely come into the league.
Read more: http://walterfootball.com/draft2018DT.php#ixzz5Ak1Og34z
Da’Ron Payne*, DT, Alabama 1st rounder
What the stats don’t illustrate is that Payne can be physically dominant. He dominated his one-on-ones last year when he was lining up over guards. Payne causes disruption and makes his teammates better. Payne’s contributions helped the sacks totals of Allen, Tim Williams and Ryan Anderson. Payne could be poised for a big junior year.
Read more: http://walterfootball.com/draft2018DT.php#ixzz5Ak1UidKt
Taven Bryan*, DT, Florida 1st to 2nd rounder
Bryan has a tremendous get-off with serious explosion off the snap. He also has developed strength with active hands to shed blocks. With his length, Bryan can play end or tackle, and he would be a perfect fit as a five-technique. He had a late start in football, however, from growing up Wyoming, and that shows up in him not demonstrating good instincts. Bryan is inconsistent while lacking feel and pass-rushing moves. Thus even though he is a first-round athlete, he still needs development as a player.
Read more: http://walterfootball.com/draft2018DT.php#ixzz5Ak1hmC8m
Tim Settle*, DT, Virginia Tech 2nd to 3rd rounder
The big nose tackle totaled 36 tackles with 12.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks and one pass batted for the year. That was a big improvement over his 2016 season when he had 17 tackles and no sacks. The physical defender is probably more likely to be a second-day pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, given how nose tackles are downgraded.
57. TIM SETTLE, DT, VIRGINIA TECH
Height: 6′ 23⁄4″ | Weight: 329 pounds
He might be a heckuva consolation prize for any team that misses out on Vita Vea. Settle was up and down at Tech, but showed the ability to play all over the line and not only eat double teams, but occasionally bring interior pressure in the pass rush. He has some work to do, but the movement skills are outstanding for his size.
Read more: http://walterfootball.com/draft2018DT.php#ixzz5Ak1sB5Ox
I like Settle and Hill, both seem like Vea light. Vea played in a spread conference and this talk about him not being in condition is a product of a pass crazy conference… he won’t have those problems even in a passing league like the NFL. Vea will go down as the next wilfork or Nagata. Payne is good. A star? Maybe. Vea is beyond the real deal in my opinion. Only Minkah or Edmunds will be equal at the #11 range… with Jackson and Oliver in there. If we get Edmunds, then Settle or Hill is a must. Bryan is a 5 tech and a little light in the pants–if Phillips moves on I don’t want all lightweights in a wide 9 as that could get ugly fast… we need a DT who can play 0-5. And big boys who can do that are very rare. Someone must absorb the double and win enough to command it… That’s why I love Vea. Him and Phillips rotating in with God and Taylor would be tremendous. BUT I value my opinion (am confident in it) on the NFL level when looking at tape of NFL players playing NFL players… I sorta’ think I know what I’m talking about… BUT the extrapolating from college to the NFL… I’m more of just guessing. There are so many variables as far as projection. Now I think a players flaws I’m more accurate with… they are easier. I defer to you on the college level, to be honest. This is my first season really getting semi-serious with it… thanks though, whether I’m right or wrong.. I have had fun and learned a lot!!
We are in very good position to get edmunds with Ward pick!!
We nailed it!!! Minkah, Edmunds, or Vea!!!
Very happy, Minkah will be a rover / FS… so many roles and an elite mindset… we did good gents!!!
Yeah, they def just drop some news on Allen to try and get him to drop… posting rap lyrics when he was a teen is pretty poor!! Pathetic. Real excited … so soon.
damn the broncs chubbs pick puts Rosen in our crosshairs!!!
On board with both Vander Esch and Payne at the right spot. Not sure that spot is 11 though. Trade down get another 3rd or even a second, while still being able to grab one of the two.
Edmunds, Vea, or Minkah will be there at #11. Them first, and Payne or Vander Esch in a trade back… or depending on the position a CB that dropped. If a QB makes it to #11, it will get sorta’ sticky and I’m not sure… Hope the choice is easy and they go in the top 10.
I agree! WHO WILL SELL THE MOST TICKETS?
Watch “Da’Ron Payne
https://youtu.be/0qXMqKzoSxM
Late 1st round can not go wrong.
I like him, but think he is a down grade over Vea… Still picks and Payne would be nice.
Idaho Press Vander Medical
https://www.idahopress.com/blueturfsports/football/agent-for-leighton-vander-esch-calls-report-he-failed-medical/article_47da22dd-2c1b-5ff8-b7f0-41388cd98719.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share
Nice.. of course, that’s what an agent would say. Mayock didn’t rank him in the 1st round… I thought that was curious. Time will tell. Thanks.
This player is way underated and has the tangibles to be one of the best LB in the NFL imo. If he is their draft selection I would be happy with that pick.
Scott he does show a load of promise. I still would prefer Minkah, Edmunds, or Vea… but in a trde back, I’d like him as the pick. He is still a young pup and much of his weakness stems form technique and not lack of talent or desire. So yeah, I’d be happy with this kid.
Admin, Dunner,lemmus and Dolphins Fan’s. Its been fun reading everyone’s posting.
We all hope our Dolphins Get it right this off season. Supperbowl is not impossible say it Dolphins Fans!
Same here… you guys keep the forum alive!!
The expert had Moore ranked about the 70th best player, I moved Moore down to the second round,I was surprise that Moore was drafted in the 1st round and then I was not. DJ Moore Maryland W/R
Reaction: Steve Smith on D.J. Moore: Panthers haven’t replaced me ‘until today.
My take on Moore was for the Dolphins 2nd round take.
Here’s a scenario:
We have the 42nd picked in the second round.
Now if we can fine a trade partner to trade back:
Spot 50th with the Seattle Sea hawks would give us: 4th rounder @ 114 and 7th rounder 210
spot 57th with the Tennessee Titans would give us: 3rd rounder @ 89 picked:, And a 7th rounder at 212 picked.
spot 60th with the Steelers gives us: 3rd rounder @ 92nd picked and 4th rounder @ 124th picked