Sports Buzz: Tuesday Noon; Tunsil makes his move

[jim1]

The Dolphins held off making Laremy Tunsil a starter from the outset of camp, but the rookie first-round draft pick appears closer than ever to becoming one.

On Tuesday, Tunsil received his most first-team work at left guard in any of the team’s 14 practices to date. Dallas Thomas, who started the preseason opener, received just a few first-team reps at left guard. And Tunsil performed well during his extended look Tuesday.

“I like what he’s doing,” coach Adam Gase said of Tunsil. “I like the fact he’s giving everything he has and trying to make sure mentally he’s on the same page because there are two other guys counting on him.”

The Dolphins haven’t wanted to rush Tunsil because “this is a league where confidence does matter," Gase said. "I’ve seen rookies before, you throw him in and be like, well, he’s got to play. And two years later, everyone is calling for his head. We’re going through the process we need to go through.”

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/spor...ay-night-dolphins-and-um-personnel-notes.html

 

[Eesti]

Good to hear....

“I think it’s been a steady process,” Gase said of Tunsil’s progress at his new position. “It takes a minute to understand the angles, it takes a minute to understand those guys are on you quicker, it takes a minute to understand those guys are bigger and stronger than what you’re used to going up against. That’s why you can’t rush to just go and throw him in there. This is a league where confidence does matter.

And this: To this reporter's naked eye, it was obvious Tunsil was doing really well. Like really, really well.

Take one period for example: On first down Tunsil, matched against veteran defensive lineman Jason Jones, got both his hands on Jones quickly and as Jones seemed to stumble, the offensive linemen used his leverage to take Jones to the ground.

Win for Tunsil.

Next down, Jones kept his feet. But Tunsil held his ground. Stalemate.

Win for Tunsil.

Next down, Ndamukong Suh moved over the rookie's head and the two went at it one-on-one. And another stalemate, which obviously is a win for the offensive lineman.

Win for Tunsil.

Now, I'm not saying his technique was perfect. I'm not saying Tunsil had a strong punch or his hand placement was perfect. I'm just saying the guy drafted No. 13 overall in the first round for the expressed purpose of blocking people did exactly that against quality competition in a team drill -- with tons of activity and stuff happening all around.

 

[maralieus]

Great to hear and makes perfect sense. Teach him the mental stuff, then put him in a position where he can start using it all, but at a slower pace against 3's and 2's until he stops thinking too much, then give him his shot against 1's once he is up to speed. I bet by week 1 he's already borderline our best lineman. Albert has sounded anything but impressive so far, which is really disappointing because he has been our rock, when healthy.

 

[One Love]

He's got a great defensive line to practice against. I feel like he could even have more competition in practice then on Game day! Going up again Suh would be cool to witness

 

[russianbear]

tunsil is by far the more talented, and it was only a matter of time before he earned this spot. but i guess i can credit the coaching staff for in-fact making him earn it.

alls well that ends well.

 

[Superself]

Nahhh, according to many here; Thomas should have been cut and Tunsil should have started LT on day one.


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[JakeemThe Dream]

The simple fact that we still even have Dallas Thomas on our team let alone seeing the field is laughable.
Tunsil is so obviously so much more talented it would be the biggest screw up in draft scouting history if he ends up busting.
Most "experts" had Tunsil as the #1 Overall prospect as we all know. Who would've thought we traded back and landed the most complete player in the draft?
Our Line needs to give RT time and then we can judge who he really is. Tunsil will be starting Week 1.