My Predicted Training Camp/Pre-Season Battles, Part VII (LB) | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

My Predicted Training Camp/Pre-Season Battles, Part VII (LB)

Silverphin

Silverphin

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Hey guys. I hadn't done this in a while. I was waiting until after the Supplemental Draft to post this. Last time I posted one of these threads, it was about the secondary (http://www.finheaven.com/boardvb2/showthread.php?t=144356&highlight=Camp). This time it's about the LB Corps.

The Linebacker Corps has been pretty good. On the verge of great even. As always, Zach Thomas has been a beast and a Pro Bowler, as usual. Channing Crowder has been a pleasant surprise and a steal in the 2005 draft, being one of the three starting rookies from our drafting class (Ronnie Brown and Travis Daniels being the other two). Donnie Spragan was solid, and quite impressive during the last half of the season. Derrick Pope, who started one game, is the only back-up LB from last year, and rightfully so. He's proven that he could or step in the middle or weakside, no matter what. And he's a demon on special teams, even forcing a fumble.

Locks to make the team: Zach Thomas, Channing Crowder, Donnie Spragan, Derrick Pope, Keith Newman, Sedrick Hodge

Battlers: Mike Labinjo, Travis Harris, Trent Bray, Sam McGrew, Matt Sinclair

Odd Man Out: Eddie Moore

Mike Labinjo vs. Travis Harris vs. Trent Bray vs. Sam McGrew vs. Matt Sinclair

My analysis*: If we keep nine linebackers, this is gonna be a show. Mike Labinjo was signed off of the Colts' practice squad. Travis Harris, along with Guard Emanuel Akah, was signed after NFL Europe. Matt Sinclair was allocated to NFL Europe. Trent Bray and Sam McGrew were signed as undrafted free agent. Matt Sinclair, Travis Harris, and Mike Labinjo has the advantage, due to NFLEL experience and/or being on an NFL practice Squad.

My predicted winner*: Mike Labinjo, Matt Sinclair, Travis Harris

* = Expect this to change. At this moment, the 'Phins are one of the two teams that are heavily pursuing DE/OLB Jason Berryman. Jason Berryman was considered the best LB prospect in the Supplemental draft behind sole 2006 NFL Supplemental Draft selectee Ahmad Brooks. If he's picked up the Dolphins pick him up, then consider him a lock for a roster spot if he lives up to his potential.
 
i agree with much of your analysis, except for the fact that I wouldn't say Keith Newman or Sedrick Hodge are "locks" to make the team. Remember last year, Mario Edwards and Frank Middleton were signed and everyone thought "since Saban brought them in, he must like 'em a lot and they'll certainly make the team." I'm not saying that you are saying that, but in so many words, Hodge and Newman are two guys that have to prove on the field that they can perform consistently well to make the team. Also, I doubt we'll keep more than 7 linebackers.
 
Tupac Shakur said:
i agree with much of your analysis, except for the fact that I wouldn't say Keith Newman or Sedrick Hodge are "locks" to make the team. Remember last year, Mario Edwards and Frank Middleton were signed and everyone thought "since Saban brought them in, he must like 'em a lot and they'll certainly make the team." I'm not saying that you are saying that, but in so many words, Hodge and Newman are two guys that have to prove on the field that they can perform consistently well to make the team. Also, I doubt we'll keep more than 7 linebackers.
Click to expand...

I don't think Mario Edwards was brought in by Saban. But yeah, I could see why you disagree on those points.
 
Silverphin said:
My analysis*: If we keep nine linebackers, this is gonna be a show.
Click to expand...

Nine??? Have we ever kept more than seven under any head coach?

The only way we get up to nine is if you go to a seventh and then count Taylor and Bowens as LB's.
 
Silverphin said:
I don't think Mario Edwards was brought in by Saban. But yeah, I could see why you disagree on those points.
Click to expand...
He was definitly brought in by Saban
 
I think there are going to be 7 lb's. My prediction:

Zach Thomas (starter)
Channing Crowder (starter)
Keith Newman (starter-I think he has the edge over Hodge and Spragan; size and blitzing. That's what we need. As Zach Thomas put it "nasty.")
Donnie Spragan
Sedrick Hodge
Derrick Pope
Matt Sinclair
 
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