Miami Dolphins Scout’s Take: OG David Yankey
Nov 23, 2013; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal linebacker Shayne Skov (11) and guard David Yankey (54) wave to the Stanford fans from the field after the game against the California Golden Bears at Stanford Stadium. Stanford won 63-13. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
Now, the Miami Dolphins also need a total change-up at both guard positions along the offensive line. John Jerry simply will not do and with Richie Incognito likely done with the team, Miami should look to find some stellar replacements to plug into the middle of their offensive line.
A solid choice in either the first or second round would be Stanford G David Yankey. Please, don’t be one of those guys that says, “Shut up, Tyler. We don’t need another Stanford quitter on our team.” Go home.
Dec 29, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal left guard David Yankey (54) at the 2013 Rose Bowl media day at the L.A. Hotel Downtown. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Name: David Yankey
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 311 pounds
School: Stanford
Class: Senior
Draft Stock: Moderate
Draft Range: Late first, early second.
Strengths:
Yankey is one of the best run blocking guards in this year’s class. He’s a powerful mauler type inside blocker, who has spent four seasons playing in a pro-style offense at Stanford. Yes, he’s pro ready.
He is very, very powerful out of his stance, meaning he fires out of his stance with intensity and a punch that could dent a truck.
Typically as a guard, you have prospects who are the bigger, mauler types who can absolutely wear down defenders inside IE Chance Warmack. Or, you have guys like a Jonathan Cooper who are athletic pulling style guards. And then you have that rare occasion when you get a guy like Yankey who is a powerful, mauling type guard, who is also a very athletic man.
He uses his athleticism perfectly when pulling. He’d be a great fit in an offense as a left guard and is the prototypical pulling guard.
Weaknesses:
Let’s start with the most obvious weakness for Yankey’s draft stock…He’s a guard, and typically guards do not go very high. Last season we saw a rare incident in which two guards went within the top 15 picks, which NEVER HAPPENS!
Although Yankey fires out of his stance with power and intensity, if a defender comes out lower than he does, the defender can control him and basically toss him right into the running lane. Yankey needs to do a better job of being the low man with his 6’5” frame.
Coming from a pro-style system, it’s concerning that he’s not more polished via pass protection. While he’s serviceable, he’s not a polished, pro ready prospect. He’ll need some coaching to help him with his footwork and mechanics to become a much better pass protecting guard, especially if he’s going to make a career on the left side of the offensive line.
Yankey is an interesting prospect and should deserve some thought by the Phins with the 19th pick, if he’s still on the board. If Miami can nail down the left tackle position this offseason via free agency with a guy like Branden Albert(?), Miami would be in prime position to add Yankey to stabilize Ryan Tannehill’s blind side.