The Not So Discussed Interior Line

Dolphins_Phillips_Football

There are a lot of holes in the Miami Dolphins – A LOT. We all know the usual suspects of the offensive line, linebackers, cornerbacks, and depending on Vernon’s signing, defensive end. But, last year’s second-round pick Jordan Phillips will play a large role in filling the void or widening the gap of one of lesser discussed, but equally important, holes of the interior defensive line. Despite Suh’s talent, he can only man one defensive tackle spot, so someone else needs to take ownership of the position next to him. As a second-round pick, in his second year, Phillips “should” be the guy that either starts or sucks up many snaps. But, the question is will he? And if he doesn’t, who will?

First, let me state two things: we can’t fill all the holes on this team in one season with long term solutions, and I believe Phillips was fantastic in his limited role. Now dealing with the latter, Phillips could end up being a terrible pick for 2015, but an amazing pick for 2016 and beyond. He demonstrated tremendous agility and intensity in his 429 plays. But, this season he must play at least 75% of Suh’s snap count, which in 2015 was 985. This would mean roughly 750 snaps in 2016, which would equal nearly 75% of Mitchell’s snaps in 2015. Now 2015 had the Miami defense on the field way too much. In comparison, Von Miller played 16 games and had 834 snaps, so Suh played the equivalent of 3 more games. So besides the fact that it doesn’t make the best pay per head reviews web pages in the world to realize Suh worked his tail off last year, Phillips needs to play in at least 700 plus snaps to fill the void at the second DT spot.

This brings us to the other players on the current roster at DT, Mitchell (504 snaps), and Coleman (73 snaps). Mitchell as we know on occasion has made the play, but they were few and far between and were interspersed with injury and getting beat. His $3.5 mill salaries are way over budget for his contributions or lack thereof. Maybe it was a bad season for him? Maybe not? But either way, that kind of play cannot mark the 2016 interior. As for Coleman, he is entering his 3rd season and in 2015 he had 79 snaps which produced 4 tackles. He will likely be on the squad due to his youth, cheap price, and being still in development. And while he might make that leap this season, he is in no way a sure commodity.

So if you add up the total snaps of all DTs in 2015 it comes out to be around 2200. Let’s say Suh does his 1000 again and Phillips does 700 that still leaves 500 snaps which will mean Mitchell or Coleman will have to eat them up. Neither sounds like a good thing. And this doesn’t take into account injury. Again, this forces Phillips to take a huge step forward and be the guy, and even then it still leaves a sense of uncertainty over the most crucial aspect of the defense.

I believe in Phillips. I don’t feel the same way about Coleman or Mitchell. This means Miami must cross its fingers for 2016 or invest in another stopgap vet or expend a draft pick on a rookie. With all the other issues would this be a priority? Likely not till the late round of the draft. But, on the plus side, it’s a deep draft and deep at defensive players. And while other needs are even more pressing, the DT situation still needs to be addressed either by Mitchell have a rebound season, Coleman making a huge leap forward, and Phillips claiming his throne – or they must look outside to fill the hole that’s right smack in the heart of the defense. Go Fins!!!

www.AcePerHead.com is the pay per head industry’s No. 1 service provider. We offer a wide range of free bookie software services, all bundled together into one great price, $10 per player per week. If you want to jump in and start using the best sportsbook software, sign up for a free trial with us today. You’ll get the chance to see why so many bookies are already using Ace’s best pay per head software to make more money as a bookie.

So if you would like to start your own bookie business give Ace Per Head a call at 1-800-909-5193 and get set today up with one of the top-rated and cheapest pay per head services in the business.

13 comments

  • Phinfreak

    Fins must go BPA in 1st round not “need”. There’s too much talent and value in 2nd thru 4th rounds to reach at #8.

    Don’t be surprised in Gase wants a QB !

    • Dunner

      I’m not a big Tanny supporter, but there is no way Miami goes QB at 8. I do hope that 1 of the top 2 QBs last till the 8th pick, to increase the value of Miami’s pick, and get as much compensation as possible. I agree w best player available, however; if the best player available is not a position of need, trade out of the spot to where you covet a few players at needed position(s) while acquiring extra picks. Would be nice to maneuver enough to get multiple (2) picks in the 2nd and 3rd rounds while still picking in the early 20s.

  • Dunner

    Trading out is the way to go. Trade down in the late teens or early twenties and get another second a third if possible. This is a very deep draft at our positions of need (DE/LB/CB/Guard/DL).

    For me, if Miller walks, I am focusing on N.D. RB C.J. Prosise. He has played RB for one year, and watching the combine he has the most natural hands out of the backfield (not fighting the ball, catching the ball w his hands, not body, etc.). He has great vision and mobility as well. Prosise has it all, Height, weight, speed; 6′, 220, and a 4.48. He has ultra low mileage and is projected to be a 3rd/4th round pick (could have changed after yesterday). We could grab him w one of the two third round picks under trade back scenario. His arrow only points up.

    Should we obtain another second round pick, one of those two could be used to grab at least one guard, which should be one of the top 3 guards in the draft (day 1 starter).

    One position this draft is not deep in is TE. I don’t see Cameron still here unless he restructures. I would mind seeing us take a TE in the third (assuming we have an extra third) or forth. Nick Vannett would be ideal here. I only say the TE position because offensively Miami has a real good nucleus of young play makers and to add a young threat at that position to go along w the others would be nice for many years. Vannett is a high character guy, 6’6, 253. He did not run at the combine, going to at his pro day. He is projected as a third round pick because TE is not used very often in the Ohio St offense, again using one the 2 third round picks on him in trade down scenario.

    This is a deep draft, and there are going to be day 1 starters in each of the top 3 rounds, we just have to recognize said players. Free agency will clear plan up a little bit (or not).

  • Ralph

    We really cannot game plan the draft until we see what this FO does in free agency
    I think we can start to negotiate those offers this week and we can sign them starting the 8 th of March
    Who we get in free agency will definitely affect our draft board
    Having said that I totally agree we should trade down and get additional picks
    We need many players but more important we need them from the draft preferably over free agency because they cost one tenth as much
    I am sure the FO must be discussing this as an option also
    When Hickey traded back we were still able to hit 2 home runs with our first 2 picks yet we picked up 2 additional draft picks
    There are good players in the teens
    I’m all for trading back and getting more picks
    I hope they pick up a few good players in free agency that are not expensive
    Running backs we can get for cheap in the third and fourth rounds

    • Steve

      Ralph!

      Well stated FA will dictate how we draft. Ezekiel Elliot does not have the Heisman Trophy? But he is rated over 35 picks over Running back Henry and Alec Collins would really be a steal with an extra pick the late 2nd or 3rd round. Ralph I cant take another season watching the Mediocre dolphins. I feel if the A QB possess the Heisman there would be talk about drafting him.

      • admin

        I agree trading back could work very well…some are saying the 2-4 rounds are deeper than any draft ever. I still like something other than a back with the first. I can name linemen than made backs better – Emmett would be the prime example – Nat Newton, Tunia (not spelling it right as I didn’t look it up) Williams and damn, I’m forgetting the best right now at LG. Some guys like Peterson with str. or Barry with speed ad agility can offset weaker lines, but they are the rare of rare. I say line first and then RB…just that’s my 2 cents.

  • Steve

    Hello DolFans!

    Trading out of the 8th pick to mid to late round could land us one of the 3 Tackles. If we missed Ezekiel Elliot???

    Taylor Decker, OT Projected 19th 3rd Best Offensive Tackle 1 Rounder

    Jack Conklin, OT Projected 23rdth 4th Best Offensive Tackle

    School: Michigan State | Conference: BIG10
    College Experience: Junior | Hometown: Plainwell, MI
    Height/Weight: 6-6 / 318 lbs.

    Shon Coleman, OT Projected 25thh 5th Best Offensive Tackle 1st Rounder
    School: Auburn | Conference: SEC
    College Experience: Junior | Hometown: Memphis, TN
    Height/Weight: 6-6 / 313 lbs.

    Then the second and third round we could gain another picked?
    Best two Guard in draft Plus Henry RB or ILB ???

    Third Round we could gain another pick?
    Artic Burns Miami Corner Backs etc.

    Dolphins play their cards right would have 1 pick 1st round, 2 picks 2nd round and 2 picks in the 3rd. Not counting 4th or 5th or 6th rounds.

    On a serious note I would rather obtain OT threw Free Agency. Ezekiel Elliot is a home run hitter any play. He would force defensive attention. Therefore Helping our defense stay off the field 90% of the game. Why would Irving Myer place some much attention on this player listen to his comments on Elliot.

    • admin

      Hey, Steve saw Ezekiel’s combine – I am not a combine guy, but two tests are crucial to me, vertical and broad jumps. He did terrible on the vertical and the broad was poor as well. As a former back, these two denote explosion (along with the 20 yrd shuttle). Depending on the back’s style, you can offset lack of explosion. But, a 32 vertical is sooo bad. Either he is over weight at 225 or he lacks something in his explosion. I leave room for being wrong, but Ricky at 244 had a a near 38 vertical and a 10 plus broad – Ezekiel to me lacks some elite tools. I do like alot of his game, but somethings he did in college won’t translate if he does have mediocre explosion. Still not sold on him like you are at such a high pick. But, again I could be wrong.

  • Steve

    *** The last 15 years when the Dolphins made the playoffs.
    Number one factor was they could run the ball!
    *** The Dolphins can continue blowing off A Prototype Running back and Linemen and I guarantee we will have this same conversation this December 2016? Ezekiel Elliot with a trade back for more picks or Alex Collins 3rd rounder could be the Dolphins way out of Mediocre.

    Ezekiel Elliot would be in the Value Pick Category at 10th to 16th pick for the Dolphins.
    Miami could go with the safe pick with Defensive back or OT in the 1st round But I have a view for Talent and Ezekiel Elliot. That said! No one in the 1st round will impact the Dolphins like Elliot would. I have heard every excuse for the Dolphins Mediocre performance. In addition trading back getting the OT, we still have a shot 2nd round at Henry RB from Alabama? I Don’t see the Value selecting Defensive Back with the 8th pick. When there are too many questioned about them? Can any one name the Offensive linemen behind the best running backs in NFL History? NO they create holes etc.

  • Travis Lee

    Supposed to be very deep draft at DT. Guys with first round grades should make it to the second and so on. So hopefully they can grab someone in the middle to late rounds to take the pressure off

    • admin

      I think that might be the route…but, there are so many positions that need to be addressed. It’s essential that Phillips steps forward big time this season as well as filling out the back up / role player position.