Dolphins LB Depth?

[So Be]

We have Trusnik, who played 185 snaps, and was good vs the run. Then there is Jenkins, who played 127 snaps, had one good game vs NE but, was average in the rest of his play, may develop this year. Lastly, we have the rookie Tripp. Don't see a 5th rounder making much of an impact other than special teams this year.

Not a very pretty picture, and other teams have already suffered injuries at the position, making good late cuts a potential bidding war. Think we are gonna have to stand pat or overpay for some help.

 

[truedolfan57]

here's to hoping ellerbe and wheeler just had the case of the new contracts, and improves this year.

 

[Digital]

I suspect Tripp makes the roster. I was surprised that Spitler lasted as long as he has. Trusnick's salary is getting rather high for his special teams play and mediocre LB play. Tripp will take one of their spots I think.

This is the year for one of Jelani Jenkins or Wheeler to step up. We need a good speed blitz/cover LB an those are our two candidates.

Sent from my phone, so please forgive any typos.

 

[fininpsl]

IMHO Jenkins will take a step forward and be a solid reserve LB. I thought he looked pretty good out there for a rookie last year, and I wasn't even convinced he was going to make the roster after the preseason. We definitely need better play out of our starters. Backup LBs aren't supposed to be great, but with what we are paying our starting LB's we need much more solid play out of them.

 

[dlockz]

Two of our starting linebackers are below average, the other who is average is now playing a position he has never played, most of our backups are backups for a reason. So yea Linebacker is our latest mess.
Went from strength to a mess in two years although we never had depth

 

[Atila]

Anytime Trusnik is on the field in non ST moments we get gashed in his zone.

 

[phintim]

Hey the coaches did not want Dansby and Burnette last year which even I went along with thinking they were slowing down last year because of their age. Well they both played better on their new teams and their replacements stunk in comparison telling us that out linebacking coaching is more questionable than our talent. I believe Jenkins has potential as he slipped in the draft because of his injured senior year he had at Florida and everything I have read on Tripp lead me to believe that he has potential also so there is some hope. Yea I agree with the shifting of the linebackers around this year and believe it can offer some improvement at least against the run was wondering why they did not try it last year. Ellerbee is a little light in the pant to play inside (IMO) and Msi fits the bill better but MSI also has gotten nicked up every year and inside you take more pounding plus Msi offers less in the passing game compared to Ellerbee. If Msi can stay healthy and a miracle happens at Wheerler position then we have a chance.

 

[NorFlaFin]

The biggest change has already happened. George Edwards fired and Mark Duffner hired.

 

[uk_dolfan]

The biggest change has already happened. George Edwards fired and Mark Duffner hired.

Fairly sure he got a promotion to be a d.c. somewhere rather than fired

And we dont have good starters nevermind depth.

 

[KTOWNFINFAN]

One name that I have not heard mentioned that I would like to see really come on strong is Chris McCain. He is 6-5, 224 with room to add some weight and has some character issues, but this guy plays down hill with an attitude. I think once the pads come on he might be one of those names that come out of no where to make a difference for our defense.

Yeah yeah I know, he's a long shot. But he is the type of player this LB core needs.

 

[So Be]

I guess if there is somewhat of a silver lining of this year's LB's, it is that one would have to believe that they will be better than last year, and that we were a game short of the playoffs.

 

[D0lphan72]

Trusnik sucks

 

[spiketex]

Tripp is much better than you expect. We lucked out by getting him in the 5th round - he was projected to go in the 3rd round or higher.
Logically he should be viewed as a Special Teams player in year 1 but if he picks things up quickly, don't be surprised if he gets an opportunity. He is very athletic and has good instincts. Interesting side comment from Jimmy Wilson the other day that his fellow Montana teammate is off to a great start.

 

[dlockz]

Trusnik sucks

definitely agree there not sure how he keeps making roster. I actually would like ellerbee if he was our backup instead of being paid like he is a top linebacker. He is a versatile guy just not a guy that should be starting. Definitely lacking any top level talent at LB but u cant be good everywhere

 

[So Be]

IMHO Jenkins will take a step forward and be a solid reserve LB. I thought he looked pretty good out there for a rookie last year, and I wasn't even convinced he was going to make the roster after the preseason. We definitely need better play out of our starters. Backup LBs aren't supposed to be great, but with what we are paying our starting LB's we need much more solid play out of them.

I thought the same of Jenkins maybe not making the roster. In limited play, he did not have a bad game, although average other than vs NE. That was good for a rookie, and he could turn into a player.