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How Ja'Wuan James Fits with the Miami Dolphins

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Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2056852-how-jawuan-james-fits-with-the-miami-dolphins

There was little doubt that the Miami Dolphins were going to solidify the offensive line as the first round of the NFL draft developed.

After a run of playmakers in the early teens, the Dolphins had few choices that would instantly start in their first season.


Enter Tennessee offensive tackle Ja’Wuan James.


At 6’6” with 35” arms and 311 pounds, James is the ideal tackle for head coach Joe Philbin and offensive line coach John Benton’s zone-blocking scheme.


Throughout the draft process, it was clear the Dolphins were interested in addressing the offensive tackle position early on, as they didn’t add more than veteran depth through free agency. Former Lions right tackle Jason Fox couldn’t stay healthy throughout his four-year career, so Miami clearly couldn’t count on him entering 2014. Dallas Thomas, the Dolphins third-round pick in 2013, projects as a guard, and couldn’t get on the field as a rookie.


Upside (+)


ESPN’s Mel Kiper had this to say about James:


There wasn't a steadier right tackle in college football last season than James, and with Branden Albert installed on the left side, the Dolphins can draft James projecting that he can play right away. We've seen tackles come in and struggle some when you add not only the leap to the NFL but also the shift from one side to the other, but James has a chance to succeed early as he stays home on the right side. There are some flashier options on the board, but maybe none that simply make Miami better like this pick would.


Ultimately, after the churning door that was the offensive line in 2013, Miami needed to add a solid tackle with upside to get better. 2013 starter Tyson Clabo had a terrible first half of the season, forcing the Dolphins to trade for Ravens tackle Bryant McKinnie. After the Jonathan Martin fiasco, Clabo was forced to play again, and his inability to block one on one with the nasty pass rushers in the AFC East hamstrung the Dolphins offensive playcalling. Running backs had to help block instead of becoming underneath options for Tannehill.


Coming from Tennessee, James has experience playing in a zone-based scheme. His transition into the offense should be less than the other tackles that were available at 19. With his blend of quickness, awareness and effort, expect him to be an on-field leader.





Downside (-)


Bleacher Report's own draft expert Matt Miller, due to his rawness, considers Ja’wuan the ninth best offensive tackle in the class. Miller notes that he has considerable upside and the ability to develop, but right now he doesn’t play powerful enough to be an impact run blocker.


James needs technique work, as he doesn’t play with enough leverage consistently. With his long arms, he needs to initiate contact with the defensive player with a strong punch and drive the defender back.


His outside steps on outside zone run plays aren’t as sharp and strong as his steps for inside zone, sometimes leaving him to be a liability. This is correctable, as he has great foot speed and agility for a big man, but it is a technique flaw at this moment.


Final Thoughts


The Dolphins entered this first round with one huge need, offensive tackle.


Not only did Dennis Hickey fill that need, but he drafted a high-character player that works tirelessly to improve.


With Ja’Wuan James’ strengths and weaknesses, the thought process has to be that he will start immediately for the Dolphins. If he doesn’t, it is because Jason Fox is healthy, and that would allow James to benefit from the Dolphins weight training program for a season, only increasing his effectiveness.


Now, the Dolphins can focus on playmakers to fill out a roster that has a good foundation to build off. What separates good general managers and the ones that don’t last are the day two and three picks, so there is plenty of time for Miami to add firepower on both sides of the ball.


Ian Wharton covers the NFL draft for Bleacher Report, specifically focusing on defensive backs. He also covers the Miami Dolphins for DraftMecca.com and FinDepth.com. You can follow and interact with Ian on Twitter @NFLFilmStudy.
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jMaL305 said:
We could of got him in the second easily.
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How are you so sure? Everyone keeps saying he's a 2nd rounder but every mock draft Ive see has him in the first round around Mia's pick....Its a great pick he's going to really good and we filled a huge need!
 
We got our right tackle so it's all good. Now let's get a few play makers.
 
jMaL305 said:
We could of got him in the second easily.
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Jesus man you've said this 50 times already.

By the way it's "could have". If you're going to say it over and over at least use good grammar

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
 
I really liked the interview James did on WINZ last week...high character articulate kid who said he would love to play for Miami. He started every game in his four years.
 
[video=youtube;79TIF73Ooe0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79TIF73Ooe0[/video]

Him doing very well against a great South Carolina defense
 
Bottom line most people understand and can live with the pick, it's just because we weren't able to drop back (X) picks, all of a sudden it's such a poor decision. Like Miami was showered with offers and we turned them all down. I'm sure we tried to move. If it's not there, it's not there!
 
Not gonna bitch.

Tanny needs to stay on his frigging feet this season. Period.
 
prim3time said:
nothing like 2nd round play makers
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I believe there may be one or two left after only 30 picks in what is considered a very deep draft.. No use bitchin about the pick now that he's a Dolphin. Let's just hope the kids turns out to be an all pro and move on to the next round.
 
The OT position is now a premier position and they tend to get drafted early. I was not excited about the pick, but not disappointed either. The choice was James vs CJ vs Bitonio vs Moses. This FO had James ranked ahead of them. That's open to debate, but the differences are not that great and they feel he fits their scheme best.
 
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