Tripp just isn't a starting linebacker in this league. I mean we can all have hopes that he overachieves, learns how to shed blocks and continues to play with that motor of his, but he is not somebody you rely on. If he ends up being a backup LB and a special teams ace, we will have gotten our money's worth out the kid. It is ok to draft guys on day 3 that don't end up being solidified starters . . . .this team needs depth and hopefully Tripp becomes "reliable" depth as a worse case.
Wheeler, I mean I called this guy being a joke of a signing when it first happened. A lot of people defended it, but I watched him at Georgia Tech frequently and with the Colts . . . he's a special teamer man. He offers a little in blitz packages, but he's terrible at reading and diagnosing plays, to me is a glorified pile jumper in the run game and he is god awful in coverage. Basically, a real bad fit for what we need at LB. If it's true that a post June 1st cut saves us $3 million of the $4.4 million contract . . . then come early June I don't expect Wheeler on this team.
Koa Misi, I have always liked him . . . we have literally put him everywhere and he always plays with that high motor of his and is usually a solid tackler. Definitely not an ideal fit at MLB, but out of the group we currently have, he's probably the best guy for the job. Good having a guy like him on the team.
Jelani Jenkins, I think he more than solidified his role as the WLB of this LB group. Coverage was not my concern with him when he was drafted . . . I knew he could cover guys . . . but he was just extremely active last year, proved what a solid tackler he was and was the best LB on the Dolphins roster last year. At least with him and Misi, you have 2 guys you can be "ok" with in this LB group. Certainly could be better, but definitely could be worse.
Dannell Ellerbe, not much to be said here . . . . I don't expect him on this team come early June. Post June 1st cut has the savings at $8.45 million, leaving us only $1.4 million in dead space. Getting rid of Wheeler/Ellerbe with under 3 million in dead space to boot seems like a no brainer. The guy is much better suited as a ILB in the 3-4 but again, just a truly overrated signing by Jeff Ireland. 2 huge whiffs at LB.
Kelvin Sheppard actually played decently at MLB when he was in late in the season. He's a thumper, and we need some of that with this group to help against the run and IMO would provide some decent depth at the MLB spot for this team and could start if necessary. No it's not ideal, but considering you can probably have him for dirt cheap and probably get more production out of him than Ellerbe/Wheeler . . . seems like a no brainer resign.
Chris McCain hopefully will get a chance to expand his role as a pass rusher from the LB position. He really is an X factor in this group and I look forward to seeing him next season. LOADED with potential and pops off the screen everytime he plays.
And finally, Dion Jordan. The other "X factor". I honestly would LOVE to see this guy come in leaner and healthier while continuing to improve his overall strength. He really could be like a Von Miller of this defense if he puts in the work. Not as great of a pass rusher as Miller, but when you throw in his ability in coverage, could be overall a better player. He has to want it though. I really don't know if I want to see him at DE anymore . . . just a waste IMO. Hopefully Coyle has an understanding of what to do with this kid.
In free agency, I'd definitely target Brandon Spikes. 2 things he brings right away . . . leadership on the field and top tier run stuffing ability. Not really a 3 down LB, but when you have Jordan and McCain trying to get on the field in 3rd down situations, I'm not sweating that at all. He's one of my top targets for Miami this offseason.
Overall, this group gets ALOT of misguided anger and honestly I don't believe it is bad as what others think. We were injured for a vast majority of the season and it hurt the perception of this group . . . combined with 2 overpaid Jeff Ireland signings. Ideally, yea, we need a true MLB, but IMO it's not something I'm going to overpay for or reach for in the draft. You can get away with Misi/Sheppard inside for another season but for this group to truly shine, you need Dion Jordan and Chris McCain to step up and become impact players. I look into Free Agency and see what is there but again, I don't think we are desperate for a MLB . . . also how much does Joe Philbin want to get a true MLB on this team? Can he deal with a guy who is going to be a vocal presence in the locker room and on the field . . . does he even want that? Time will tell.
