2015 Dolphins grades: Olivier Vernon

Miami Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon made my list of the top five defensive disappointments of 2015. Despite an exceptional year, Vernon didn’t turn his game on until midway through the season when it was evident that he was playing for a new deal. How did that affect his grade?

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Olivier Vernon – defensive end

2016 salary – impending free agent

2015 started slow for Vernon and by the time he turned his game up the season was pretty much lost. His early inconsistency highlighted the miserable coaching of Kevin Coyle and when he finally started playing to his potential, he showed how good he can be.

My biggest question for Vernon is whether his performance turnaround was due to a scheme and mentality change of defense as a whole or if Vernon realized that his contract after the season would be effected? Regardless, Vernon earned a number three ProFootballFocus ranking with a 92.5 overall grade. Vernon was very good in  pass rush posting a 90.7 score and he posted an 84.9 in run defense.

While his high marks in pass rush were much-needed they came at a big price. Vernon was the most flagged defensive player in the NFL for late hits on quarterbacks. If Vernon was consistent about one thing it was getting flagged at least once every game. It was nice to his intensity change but the lack of discipline was hard to accept.

The Dolphins have to make a decision on Vernon this off-season and he may have already priced himself out of the Dolphins plans. The biggest problem Miami has is they have no reliable DE sitting behind Vernon and there are questions about the recovery and salary related to Cam Wake. Miami could enter the 2016 with two new defensive ends. Retaining Vernon may be a necessity. It will all come down to what kind of contract he wants and how much he is guaranteed.

2015 grade – B

Why a B?

Vernon would have graded out as an A but for two reasons. One, the penalties killed the Dolphins defense and many of those drive extending flags came on 3rd down. Two, Vernon was lifeless in the early part of the season and I’m not truly sure why his play changed but the grade is for his season overall, not just the final half of the season.