Why Miami Dolphins think Big 12 didn’t fully prepare Xavien Howard

[DKphin]

Miami Dolphins have high hopes for former Baylor cornerback Xavien Howard, who needs to stay healthy and continue to learn NFL concepts. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

The greatest challenge Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard faced last season was overcoming two knee procedures before his rookie season was even complete.
But Howard, Miami’s second-round draft choice from Baylor, faced another under-the-radar challenge, according to coach Adam Gase. Howard played most of his games in the Big 12 conference.
“There are some things that we do need to get better with him,” Gase said. “You know, just his overall knowledge of football. You know, the conference he came from and they’re so spread out and you know I mean it’s wide open passing game and when you get in the NFL, all of the sudden, you start getting these stacks and bunches and teams are doing all these types of bunches, some of these things he’s never seen before. So there is a learning curve there.”

The Dolphins believe if Howard can stay healthy, he has Pro Bowl potential.

http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachp...ink-big-12-didnt-fully-prepare-xavien-howard/

 

[hoops]

Thats odd cause i thought his football iq was very high

But hey if theres more meat on the bone there great

 

[jazz015]

Thats odd cause i thought his football iq was very high

But hey if theres more meat on the bone there great

It's hard to gage where he was really at because the Big 12 defenses are not necessarily the most complex in terms of scheme if I remember.

He was a nice suprise with how he played once he came involved. I like his attacking mentality and overall skill set. we might have something here

 

[VBCheeseGrater]

But hey if theres more meat on the bone there great

Amen to that. Seems we are primed to see alot of our players improve this year, from health, nfl experience, scheme experience, and continuity & chemistry.

Kiko...health, position
James...clicked last year
Parker...per Gase, clicked late last year
Misi...could be on the field = improvement at LB
Lippett..another year at CB
Phillips- needs to turn corner
And now Howard per Gase has much to learn, already looked good despite getting burnt here n there



Could list more for sure, see threads re: Tannehill and Wr continuity.

I am an optimist, but seems warranted right now...excited for 2017.

 

[hoops]

Most the time when teams stack the boundary drops off anyways so i dont know other than route concepts situationally what exactly gase is referring to here

But he for lack of practice and camp snaps and for having not one but two knee surgeries and missing so many games played very smart football

Played like a 5 year vet smarts wise

And boy does he have good feet balance and hip fluidity

 

[JakeemThe Dream]

I thought Xavien played great last year. Yes he's a rookie ,but he showed he's a capable corner. Think about the clutter we had with Rambo as a starting safety.
Getting Jones back is basically like getting a new secondary. I think we draft a DB early

 

[LouPhinFan]

Well that and they don't exactly play much defense in the Big 12.

 

[GoonBoss]

The Big 12 isn't that sophisticated.

 

[LoneStarPhin]

what does he mean by "bunches"???

i thought big 12 ran a lot of that stuff.

 

[insomnia411]

C.f. iifru knvg

 

[insomnia411]

what does he mean by "bunches"???

i thought big 12 ran a lot of that stuff.

Trips formations and receivers lining up in a straight line in front of the other, known as a stack.

I am very excited about Howard going forward. Not sure if he'll ever be Richard Sherman, but I think he can be a high end starting corner in this league. If we can draft a good centerfielder at FS and find someone on the roster to man the slot receivers (maybe McCain gets better) then our secondary will be sick and pretty deep. If corner is the BPA at 22 (doubtful cuz of the pass rushers) then I won't be upset with it. Maxwell probably only has one year left here in all likelihood and I think Howard will be a better player.
Xavien Howard to me is like a "rich man's version" of Sean Smith. Big, athletic, and smooth, just a lot more upside than Sean ever had... Higher ceiling. Everything Smith can do, Howard has the potential to do it a lot better with his size, quicks and coverage skills.