Need a run stuffer? This year’s draft is loaded with inside linebackers. | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

Need a run stuffer? This year’s draft is loaded with inside linebackers.

fisi

fisi

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As a matter of context, at this time last year, using the same process, the top five inside linebackers were Paul "PJ" Dawson (9.0), Eric Kendricks (8.5), Taiwan Jones (7.9), Ben Heeney (7.9) and Stephone Anthony (7.9). There was then a large drop off after the top five (next was Denzel Perryan at 7.5). Well there are no stars in this year's draft at inside linebacker, twice as many players (four) grade as a above average future starters as in 2015. And as a matter of comparison with respect to "stars," Luke Kuechly graded as a 9.5 going into the 2012 draft (the highest rating generated for any inside linebacker).



http://www.predictionmachine.com/nf...-rankings-projections-Brothers-wright-ragland


Brothers, Ragland and Wright highlight this group but I like the way Miami approach the draft last year when they brought in a boataod of UDFA LBs and a couple stuck with the team. They should do the same this year as there are so many late rounds backers that could go undrafted. Eg Antonio Morrison, Florida; Nick Kwiatkkoski, West Virginia; Travis Feeney, Washington. My sleeper is Luke Rhodes. Either way ILB is no longer a dire need after the Kiko trade.
 
Kiko Alonso could move to strong side if an inside linebacker is brought in. I'm a big fan of Reggie Ragland with his physical presence in the run game, but I don't think Miami goes that way. Seems the team is focused more on weakside guys based on visits.
 
Need to lock down the other corner spot first. And I wouldn't mind a double down. My favorites are Jackson and burns. Same style of play. Maxwell won't be here long so you bring in two now so you don't have a dress it later. Could use next years compensatory picks as ammo to move back into the first for burns or stay at 42 and get lucky with fuller. I agree that linebacker isn't that much of a pressing need but I do hope they get on or two in the draft.
 
SF Dolphin Fan said:
Kiko Alonso could move to strong side if an inside linebacker is brought in. I'm a big fan of Reggie Ragland with his physical presence in the run game, but I don't think Miami goes that way. Seems the team is focused more on weakside guys based on visits.
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13 is too high for Ragland.

He's gotten a lot of hate because of a lack of elite athletism. But he truly owns his area of the field as well as anyone. It's just not a huge area.

But if you draft rags and you don't have to worry about teams wanting to run it up the middle very often, for years to come.
 
SF Dolphin Fan said:
Kiko Alonso could move to strong side if an inside linebacker is brought in. I'm a big fan of Reggie Ragland with his physical presence in the run game, but I don't think Miami goes that way. Seems the team is focused more on weakside guys based on visits.
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Agree to a point. Miami needs as many athletic versatile LB's as possible. Myles will be off the board; Darron Lee seems the most logical choice IMO.

Lee, Jenkins, & Alonso on the field at the same time for all 3 downs greatly improves the D.
 
xXwarXx said:
13 is too high for Ragland.

He's gotten a lot of hate because of a lack of elite athletism. But he truly owns his area of the field as well as anyone. It's just not a huge area.

But if you draft rags and you don't have to worry about teams wanting to run it up the middle very often, for years to come.
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He is a thumper. IF he can REALLY stuff the run playing behind Suh and whoever, he might be worth it. And if others we want are gone.
 
I think the OP is talking about 2 down thumpers, of which there are quite a few - Ragland, Brothers, Martinez, Kwiatowski, Scooby, Morrison. Just not many 3-down ILBs who have the range and coverage ability as well as the ballast to take on runners and blockers and fill holes.
 
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