Here Are Two Young Players The New Dolphins Staff Really Likes. And Two Issues Looming

[DKphin]

The Dolphins know they need to add linebackers who are skilled pass-rushers and can play outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense when they use that scheme. (They will also continue to use a 4-3 at times.)

But here’s one thing they say they already have: a couple of ascending young inside linebackers.

New Dolphins linebackers coach Rob Leonard on Friday raved about Jerome Baker and Raekwon McMillan, two players who will be important pieces of this rebuild, presuming they continue to improve.

https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/barry-jackson/article226234440.html

 

[circumstances]

Good to hear. Especially about Raekwon who got off to an injury followed by a slow start.

 

[Digital]

If we look at how the Patriots played, they often had a 4 man front. Typical alignments were 425, 335, and 326. But they played a 4 man front a lot. The more common point is that they did not play 3 LB's very often, but rather played Nickel (5 DB's) as their standard defense and Dime (6 DB's) very often as well. The LB corps consisted of 2 LB's more often than it did of 3 LB's and not just because of down and distance. IMHO, this defense de-emphasizes the LB's as a position, and utilizes LB's as combo players.

They're viewing McMillan in the Donte Hightower role and Baker as a coverage/blitz LB. The pieces we add will likely be edge pieces that can play a hybrid 4 man line DE and a 3 man line OLB. Since neither of our current LB's fits that hybrid role, they're calling them ILB's, despite Baker clearly being a 43 OLB.

Regardless of what they say right now, just remember, this is the time of year when every coaching staff plays the shell game of disinformation, misdirection, and bald faced lies to avoid revealing their draft plans. I can definitely see them keeping McMillan and Baker, but I don't trust anything they say now. After the draft, if they're still singing the same tune, it will be more worthwhile to hear.

 

[rickd13]

My prediction is the coaching staff will sour on McMillan fast. I don't think he is very good. I also have concerns that Baker might be too small for what they want from their linebackers but hopefully they can find a creative way to use Baker's athleticism. If they don't feel Baker is a fit, they will at least be able to recoup some value for him in a trade.

 

[hoops]

new England played a 34 what 13 total snaps in 18? waste of a high draft asset to invest in 34 olb skill set and game early imo

hopefully they can hide mcmillans range more and baker at the poa more with this new scheme

 

[vcip]

Is McDonald a good fit for this?

 

[ANUFan]

new England played a 34 what 13 total snaps in 18? waste of a high draft asset to invest in 34 olb skill set and game early imo

hopefully they can hide mcmillans range more and baker at the poa more with this new scheme

Last time I checked they won the SB. I'm just say'in!

Agreed on McMillians range. If the play isn't in front of him it's a wrap. Don't ask him to run..

 

[Danny]

Like the article said, they couldn't cover anybody and that's been a problem for years now. Something has to change there.

 

[ANUFan]

Like the article said, they couldn't cover anybody and that's been a problem for years now. Something has to change there.

Agreed but I think a big part of that was scheme related. You should never ask Kiko to cover Gronk downfield or McMillian to cover Edelman in space. That's crazy!

 

[Danny]

Agreed but I think a big part of that was scheme related. You should never as Kiko to cover Gronk downfield or McMillian to cover Edelman in space. That's crazy!

I agree but if not them then who? The fact is we had no LB's that could cover tho Baker might get better at it.

 

[The Ghost]

Raekwon's injury was another in a long line of misfortune we've had recently.

I am counting on both to elevate further in 2019.

Jadeavon Clowney anyone? I'm just saying.

 

[ANUFan]

I agree but if not them then who? The fact is we had no LB's that could cover tho Baker might get better at it.

At least with Baker you know it's more technique (Which can be taught). But McMillan is athletically challenged and doesn't possess the foot-speed to keep-up with most of these skillset players. He's an screams free play for the opposing teams offense.

 

[Danny]

At Least with Baker you know it's more technique (Which can be taught). But McMillan is athletically challenged and doesn't posses the foot-speed to keep-up with most of these skillset players. He's an screens free play for the opposing team offense.

At this point I'm just hoping Flores and company can get the most out of him. He's not going to get any faster at this point. Baker on the other hand could be a good blitzer too if used the right way.

 

[ANUFan]

At this point I'm just hoping Flores and company can get the most out of him. He's not going to get any faster at this point. Baker on the other hand could be a good blitzer too if used the right way.

They(Flores and Co, I hope) are going to ask players to do what they do best. For McMillian that means running down hill and minimizing the side line stuff. But, for an NFL starting MLB or ILB that's going to be tough. Teams run and extend plays wide so he's going to have to run.

 

[dade]

new England played a 34 what 13 total snaps in 18? waste of a high draft asset to invest in 34 olb skill set and game early imo

hopefully they can hide mcmillans range more and baker at the poa more with this new scheme

When people say a player who ran a 4.6 doesn’t have range I find that Awkward, I think it more so awareness in getting enough depth in zone and knowing routes. I think he will do better in that regards, last was technically his rookie season. I can definitely see him improving with better coaching and better awareness. It already looking like he was the best lb in his draft class