Training Camp Preview - Linebackers

[Daytona Fin]

While the Dolphins made significant changes on the defensive line and in the secondary in the offseason, they pretty much stayed with their same nucleus at linebacker.

The one veteran addition was that of former New York Giants special teams standout Spencer Paysinger, who came over as an unrestricted free agent. The Dolphins didn’t select any linebackers in the 2015 draft, but they did sign four highly productive college players as rookie free agents at that position.

 Chris McCain (6-5, 250) — McCain earned a roster spot last season as a rookie free agent, then proceeded to flash his big-play potential in the season opener with a punt block and a sack. Unfortunately, his contributions the rest of the way were limited because of injuries and a self-admitted lack of knowledge of the defense. With his length and speed, McCain has intriguing physical skills and he’s clearly in the mix for a starting job in 2015.

Kelvin Sheppard (6-2, 252) — Perhaps the wild card in the linebacker equation, Sheppard was re-signed as a free agent in the offeason after joining the team last year following the opener. Sheppard has starting experience at middle linebacker and a strong showing in training camp could help convince the coaches to give him the job and move Misi back outside.

Jordan Tripp (6-3, 240) — A big-time playmaker at the University of Montana, Tripp didn’t get the opportunity to showcase his talents last year after being slowed by injuries. He’s back for a second season hoping to convince the coaches he should get significant playing time on defense.

ROOKIES OR FIRST-YEAR PLAYERS

Neville Hewitt (6-2, 219) — The last of the 2015 rookie free agent linebackers to be signed, Hewitt earned Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year honors from the league coaches in 2014 after making a team-high 123 tackles.

Mike Hull (6-0, 232) — The son of a former NFL player (linebacker Tom Hull), Hull earned eight All-American recognitions in 2014 and also was named the Big Ten Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year after leading the conference with 140 tackles.

Jeff Luc (6-1, 256) — The most physically imposing of the rookie linebackers, Luc had a quiet college career after arriving at Florida State as one of the top recruits in the country at his position. But he broke out last season at the University of Cincinnati when he recorded 6.5 sacks, six forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.

Zach Vigil (6-2, 240) — A former teammate of Dolphins cornerback Will Davis at Utah State, Vigil set a school career record with 43.5 tackles for loss. Like Hewitt, he earned conference Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2014 — in his case, it was the Mountain West Conference.

Read the rest of Alain Poupart's summary here

http://www.miamidolphins.com/news/a...id=624360961852354560&adbpl=tw&adbpr=19853312

 

[FinJay614]

The weakest link in defense by far.

 

[phintim]

Yep lots of wishful thinking here, hope it all works out for us but like the online I would not be counting on it at this point.

 

[Sons Of Shula]

Jenkins showed he the playmaker needed that can get to the ball carrier from the weakside, and Misi will have an easier time at MLB (assuming that's where he stays) being in his 2nd year and playing behind a very stout DL. All of course, under another assumption that they both stay healthy which was a problem for both last year.

The visible weakness in this group is SLB. Opposing offenses will have little problems finding TE mismatches and running outside if can't find a someone to solidify that spot.

 

[FinJay614]

I think McCain will play well, but our depth will come from green players and I don't think the competition will push anybody to excellence. I sure how that I'm wrong.

 

[BennySwella]

I don't know why I like our rookie linebackers so much. They all have a pedigree and I think they could surprise some people. I would rather start any of them instead of Misi.

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

The defensive line is going to have to play lights out, which is definitely possible.

I think at least two of the unrestricted free agents will make the team. I look for Miami to go young with a lot of roster spots this season.

 

[Daytona Fin]

Adam Caplan ‏@caplannfl
I'm told coaches want to see Kelvin Sheppard, who had a good offseason, on the field more.

Adam Caplan ‏@caplannfl
When #Dolphins have their 1st practice tomorrow, 1 change we could see is Koa Misi, who played MLB last season, back to SLB.