DOLPHINS ROOKIES
No rookie draft class played fewer snaps than the Dolphins’ in 2013. But early signs suggest it will be much different with this 2014 class, though ongoing injuries are hampering a few of them. What we're hearing:
### Offensive line coach John Benton told me Monday that first-round right tackle Ja’Wuan James --- who didn’t allow a single quarterback pressure or hit in preseason --- has exceeded his expectations: “I’m surprised how much more mature he is and ready for this level than I would have expected.”
### Rookie second-rounder Jarvis Landry has impressed everyone and is listed as the first-team punt and kickoff returner: “He’s awesome. His catching skills are off the charts,” Matt Moore said.
An NFC scout told me: “The best player in that draft class is Landry. He’s going to be a great No. 2 receiver eventually.”
### Four of their small-school picks --- Ex-Montana linebacker Jordan Tripp (out for now has a bruised sternum), ex-Marist defensive endTerrence Fede (out with a knee issue), ex-Liberty safety Walt Aikens (playing but dealing with a hand issue) and ex-North Dakota State guard Billy Turner (bone bruise on his left foot) --- have all left the staff encouraged, and all except possibly Turner are expected to play at some point this season once they are healthy.
Turner needs to improve in pass protection, but the Dolphins like his run blocking and view him as a potential future starter. Benton said he's "like a bull in a china shop" but must continue to work on refining his technique.
The Dolphins love Tripp’s speed and intelligence. “I’m not surprised; Tripp stood out to me at the Senior Bowl,” an NFC scout said. “I like his vision, instincts, motor, his will to get to the football.”
Jason Taylor raved about Fede this week.
Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/#storylink=cpy
No rookie draft class played fewer snaps than the Dolphins’ in 2013. But early signs suggest it will be much different with this 2014 class, though ongoing injuries are hampering a few of them. What we're hearing:
### Offensive line coach John Benton told me Monday that first-round right tackle Ja’Wuan James --- who didn’t allow a single quarterback pressure or hit in preseason --- has exceeded his expectations: “I’m surprised how much more mature he is and ready for this level than I would have expected.”
### Rookie second-rounder Jarvis Landry has impressed everyone and is listed as the first-team punt and kickoff returner: “He’s awesome. His catching skills are off the charts,” Matt Moore said.
An NFC scout told me: “The best player in that draft class is Landry. He’s going to be a great No. 2 receiver eventually.”
### Four of their small-school picks --- Ex-Montana linebacker Jordan Tripp (out for now has a bruised sternum), ex-Marist defensive endTerrence Fede (out with a knee issue), ex-Liberty safety Walt Aikens (playing but dealing with a hand issue) and ex-North Dakota State guard Billy Turner (bone bruise on his left foot) --- have all left the staff encouraged, and all except possibly Turner are expected to play at some point this season once they are healthy.
Turner needs to improve in pass protection, but the Dolphins like his run blocking and view him as a potential future starter. Benton said he's "like a bull in a china shop" but must continue to work on refining his technique.
The Dolphins love Tripp’s speed and intelligence. “I’m not surprised; Tripp stood out to me at the Senior Bowl,” an NFC scout said. “I like his vision, instincts, motor, his will to get to the football.”
Jason Taylor raved about Fede this week.
Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/#storylink=cpy
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