Linebacker Depth Might Not Be That Bad | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

Linebacker Depth Might Not Be That Bad

AJ Duhe

AJ Duhe

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I still believe we need a starter at ILB to replace Misi, but some simple moves on the existing roster might improve the starting lineup RIGHT NOW.

Moving Jordan to SLB full time needs to happen. It's the only way to get value for his skill set.

People are also sleeping on Chris McCain. That kid showed a lot of promise as a rookie before getting injured. I would be very interested to see what a full offseason does for his game.

Misi could still serve as insurance for Jordan or the ILB position.
 
Honestly really like the talent at SAM and WILL. It's the lack of a true MIKE and a thumper that's holding us back.

WLB: Jenkins, Tripp
MLB: __________
SLB: Misi, Jordan, McCain

Very solid sub package guys in Jordan and McCain. Just gotta sort MIKE out. OP is 100% correct. Gotta draft a MIKE high and sign a vet in the middle. If we can do that we're in good shape. Add a true NT and we're in even better shape.
 
McCain definitely showed promise, but missed a lot of time late in the year. I thought Tripp could have a future but recently read the coaches weren't sure about him. Jordan is a big question mark, we don't know how he would do at LB. With Ellerbe and Wheeler looking at the waiver wire, it doesn't leave much. I think they need at least one MLB, maybe more this offseason
 
We desperately need a top mike linebacker either from the Draft (eg Perryman) or Free Agency (eg Pozluszny or Maualuga). Outside of that, the depth looks OK.
Jelani Jenkins as the will LB and please return Koa Misi to the sam LB role, with Jordie Tripp and Chris McCain as backups (both need to put on some muscle but should improve) and I'd also keep Trusnik (for Special Teams and as the backup mike). Tripp can also backup all 3 roles - and his motor is very high (you will be surprised). Yes, I would chop both Wheeler and Ellerbe after June 1, to minimize the dead cap to be carried. If Ellerbe is prepared to take a massive paycut (ie $8.56M down to $2.3M - he can add further depth, if healthy).
I am not banking on Dion Jordan to play LB. I expect him to be a DE or traded.
 
spiketex said:
We desperately need a top mike linebacker either from the Draft (eg Perryman) or Free Agency (eg Pozluszny or Malaluga). Outside of that, the depth looks OK.
Jelani Jenkins as the will LB and please return Koa Misi to the sam LB role, with Jordie Tripp and Chris McCain as backups (both need to put on some muscle but should improve) and I'd also keep Trusnik (for Special Teams and as the backup mike). Tripp can also backup all 3 roles - and his motor is very high (you will be surprised). Yes, I would chop both Wheeler and Ellerbe after June 1, to minimize the dead cap to be carried. If Ellerbe is prepared to take a massive paycut (ie $8.56M down to $2.3M - he can add further depth, if healthy).
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Honestly I think it's enough with the guys who can't play as depth. Trusnik has clearly displayed he's a liability when called upon, at least bring in a guy who has upside if called upon. Tons of special teams value out there, and special teams is slowly becoming less important in the NFL. It's important, but why keep a guy who can't contribute when called upon? We've seen enough from Trusnik.
 
rent this space said:
McCain definitely showed promise, but missed a lot of time late in the year. I thought Tripp could have a future but recently read the coaches weren't sure about him. Jordan is a big question mark, we don't know how he would do at LB. With Ellerbe and Wheeler looking at the waiver wire, it doesn't leave much. I think they need at least one MLB, maybe more this offseason
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You trust the coaches assessment on any player on this roster?
 
FearTheBeard said:
Honestly I think it's enough with the guys who can't play as depth. Trusnik has clearly displayed he's a liability when called upon, at least bring in a guy who has upside if called upon. Tons of special teams value out there, and special teams is slowly becoming less important in the NFL. It's important, but why keep a guy who can't contribute when called upon? We've seen enough from Trusnik.
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I'm not a big fan of Jason Trusnik but he's better than many realize. He was made the team captain for Special Teams for a reason - he has very good leadership attributes. In fact of the 3 team leaders from last year, Tannehill (Offense), Wake (Defense) and Trusnik (Special Teams), Trusnik is probably the most demonstrative and coaches like that. There is a reason why Trus has 8 years NFL experience.
 
spiketex said:
I'm not a big fan of Jason Trusnik but he's better than many realize. He was made the team captain for Special Teams for a reason - he has very good leadership attributes. In fact of the 3 team leaders from last year, Tannehill (Offense), Wake (Defense) and Trusnik (Special Teams), Trusnik is probably the most demonstrative and coaches like that. There is a reason why Trus has 8 years NFL experience.
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Leadership is nice, but if you can't help on defense, to me at least, you're not worth a roster spot. Not with our linebacker situation.
 
rent this space said:
McCain definitely showed promise, but missed a lot of time late in the year. I thought Tripp could have a future but recently read the coaches weren't sure about him. Jordan is a big question mark, we don't know how he would do at LB. With Ellerbe and Wheeler looking at the waiver wire, it doesn't leave much. I think they need at least one MLB, maybe more this offseason
Click to expand...

I am mostly interested in what a full off season will do for Tripp. I know some people disagree. I think his biggest issue is that he's just not strong enough.
 
Dolphin North said:
I am mostly interested in what a full off season will do for Tripp. I know some people disagree. I think his biggest issue is that he's just not strong enough.
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Last year he was a bit light and needed to build up his strength and I think that he was deliberately given few opportunities (Joe prefers to develop most rookies slowly). I expect him to be 10 - 15 lbs bigger and much stronger by Training Camp. We know he has high character, a great motor and his speciality is forcing fumbles but he needs to show he is strong enough to be taken seriously.
BTW - Jordie Tripp was described by Cam Wake as the rookie who asks the veteran players the most questions. Cam is a fan of Jordie Tripp.
 
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