Miami Dolphins: Erik Walden makes play in Dolphins' crowded linebacker field | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

Miami Dolphins: Erik Walden makes play in Dolphins' crowded linebacker field

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It seems that every time coach Tony Sparano, General Manager Jeff Ireland and teammates are asked about the array of outside linebackers vying for roster spots, Walden's name is quick to surface.

"I know he was here last year and the team thinks very high of him," said Taylor, the six-time Pro Bowler who is penciled in as a pass-rushing specialist behind starters Porter and Matt Roth. "When you're playing the end you've got to be athletic and play with power and leverage, and I think he has that."

Porter, who earned his fourth Pro Bowl berth last season, is happy to share his 10 years of pass-rushing knowledge with Walden and the others.

"Walden's real good off the corner, just like a natural athlete," Porter said. "Just learning the defense is the key for them right now, so they'll minimize their mistakes and know exactly where you're going."

Dolphins Pro Bowl left tackle Jake Long goes up against Walden every day in practice.

"He's a fast-twitch, slippery guy so it's tough to block him," Long said. "I grabbed [his dreadlocks] a couple of times to slow him down."
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http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/other/sfl-dolphins-erik-walden-s061009sbjun10,0,5374178.story
 
This is what Brandon London said about Walden when asked which player he thought would break out in 2009.

"Good question. I think a guy who will really explode on the scene this year will be...OLB Eric Walden. He played only special teams last year but I like what I saw on film in the special teams meeting. He knows how to get to the ball and how to make plays. He came to us late but now that he has a whole offseason with us he's really making gains in the weight room and just from sitting down and talking with him all the time you can see that fire he has in himself to want to step up and be a "guy" for this team!"


http://www.thephinsider.com/2009/3/19/802876/get-to-know-erik-walden
 
Walden has been great for this team ever since he got here. It's going to be fun watching him improve as things move along.
 
If Walden contributes on D anywhere near as much as he contributed on SP last season, we're going to have some interesting blitz packages, and there's no reason that Porter and Taylor should wear down.
 
Strangely enough, I think Walden will end up making his mark at ILB. Not really sure why.
 
Erik Walden is a beast. Theres alot of guys that came in last year that will be key contributors this year. Erik Walden is all over the place on special teams you cant block the guy. He comes out of no where and tackles you. Lays you out viciously. Would be scary to see this guy coming off the edge this year.. I think the coordinators are happy with the gadgets they have this year to work with.
 
Valandui said:
Strangely enough, I think Walden will end up making his mark at ILB. Not really sure why.
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So do I..

1. The way he tackles everyone on kickoff coverage shows me that he has the potential to be a sideline to sideline guy

2. He's a tackling machine

3. He busts wedges, which shows me that he'll be an extremely tough guy to block, which would result in him getting past the blockers and making a play on the ball carrier, or just all out stuffing runs

4. He is a FEROCIOUS hitter

5. I don't know if he covers well or not, so we would have to see about that
 
Erik Waldens defense is impregnable...he will eat your kids...No but SRM and Valandui, i think your right about ILB,. I dont think anyone is getting by that guy in those zones.
 
good news

I am not annointing him yet, but the DPOY was cut how many times?

ya never know where these guys are gonna some from
 
Cbast09 said:
Why did he get cut twice? There must be a reason.
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James Harrison was cut numerous times because he wasn't adept enough at ST's

if your not ready to start and you can't play ST's then you get cut
 
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