Dolphins 2016 Safety preview: Walt Aikens
Miami Dolphins training camp is just around the corner and the focus for now is on the safeties.
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Dolphins 2016 Safety preview: Walt Aikens
Last year’s unfortunate accident to Louis Delmas once again created an opportunity for Walt to show off his skill set. There were high expectations for this former fourth round pick, as media outlets across South Florida were impressed with his off-seasoning conditioning. However, the results on the filed showed a different story.
2015 review
Louis Delmas was coming back from a torn ACL injury and looked like he would be a factor for the Dolphins in 2015. However, during a scrimmage practice, he cut on the same knee that was just surgically repaired and once again tore his ACL. A tragic loss to a player that was looking to bounce back. Delmas loss was supposed to move the spotlight to Aikens. Truth be told, Aikens did not seize the opportunity. His play on the field was terrible. You really can’t sugar coat this. Opponents would pick on him and understand that he wasn’t that much of challenge. This lead to a revolving door at the Free Safety position last year.
2015 stats
16 games played, 23 tackles, 6 assisted tackles
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2016 preview
The attraction in 2015 to Aikens was his ability and dedication that he placed during the offseason conditioning program. His teammates are calling him a gym rat, which is great to hear, but all that work hasn’t paid off on the field – where it counts the most.
Under a new regimen, Aikens starts from the beginning, and with the new front office signing IQ to a four year deal, Aikens must understand that he will be regulated to the second team unless he drastically improves. Aikens has solid technique and his build makes you think he can definitely make an impact on Sunday. It’s his game recognition that is terrible. Reviewing the game tape against the Jets in London, you can see a player that was constantly out of position, taking bad reads, and allowing his man to get over the top.
Vance Joseph best quality is taking veteran players and getting the most out of them. Joseph has his hands full with Aikens. The best decision that Joseph has already made is informing Aikens that he will be playing safety, as such, Aikens no longer has to worry about understanding the cornerback position – which might have confused and challenged this promising prospect.
A dedicated offseason with only one focus might allow Aikens to finally prove to himself and his teammate that he can play at this level and make a difference.
The challenge is on for Joseph, but the opportunity is there for Aikens.
2016 stats
16 games: 33 tackles, 1 Interception,