Chris McCain flashing in training camp
The Miami Dolphins defense, most notably the defensive line, have performed admirably thus far to start training camp. The most impressive player on that defense so far has been Chris McCain.
Chris McCain is entering his third season in the NFL, all with the Dolphins, after Miami signed him to a contract as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2014. The Dolphins have McCain listed as an outside linebacker, but like many outside linebackers, McCain is getting his shot to show what he can do on the defensive front as a pass rusher. The team has taken notice.
More from Dolphins News
- Tua Tagovailoa practicing with teammates is everything a leader does
- 4 offensive tackles Miami Dolphins could draft at 51
- Miami Dolphins don’t need CB help but these 5 could be available at 51
- 4 players that could replace Wilkins if Miami Dolphins don’t re-sign him
- Miami Dolphins have a starting point with Wilkins after Simmons deal
The Dolphins practiced in full pads for the first time on Monday. On this day, the Dolphins defensive line dominated, and McCain was the main attraction. The best word described by the majority of the Dolphins’ beat writers on McCain’s performance has been “disruptive.” McCain has consistently been in the offensive backfield, piling up tackles for loss and would be sacks. He’s done a such great job of disrupting the play calling of the offense, that it’s started to irritate some of the offensive linemen.
The Dolphins have had two scuffles so far in training camp and McCain has been a part of both of them. The Dolphins first round selection, Laremy Tunsil, and McCain got into it today after McCain continued to be an issue for the Dolphins offensive linemen to block. Earlier this weekend, McCain and Sam Young got into the first fight of the teams’ training camp.
The coaching staff loves to see what they are getting out of McCain so far and hope that he can continue this level of play into the preseason, then into the regular season. New head coach Adam Gase has been one of the more impressed with McCain in training camp:
"“I see a guy that is getting off the ball with great speed. He is turning the corner quickly,” – Adam Gase said of McCain."
This is exactly what McCain needs to continue to do to not only guarantee himself a roster spot, but to really make a name for himself as well. McCain started the off-season behind OLB Koa Misi on the depth chart. He could continue in that role, but the Dolphins coaching staff may think using McCain as part of the rotation at defensive end would be more beneficial. Linebackers are thin for Miami, but McCain could become a valuable asset on the front line behind Mario Williams and Cameron Wake.
Neither Williams or Wake are getting any younger and will be monitored throughout the year. McCain, who’s just 24, would be a nice backup at either side and a possible replacement for either player looking into the future. The Dolphins did sign Andre Branch and Jason Jones this off-season but both are on one-year deals and Dion Jordan was recently reinstated by the NFL. Because of his size, it’s expected that Jordan will continue to play defensive end. So there is an apparent logjam of defensive ends but room can (and should) be made for McCain provided he continues to play like he has.
McCain has not seen the field much in his first two seasons and has just seven total tackles for his career. This could be McCain’s breakout moment to finally get his chance and make something for himself. Sometimes the hiring of a new coach brings new opportunities for players that have been stuck behind on the depth chart. It’s early, but McCain is making the most of his opportunity so far. With the capabilities to play linebacker and defensive end, McCain shouldn’t have any issues making the final 53-man roster and be a promising player in the Dolphins’ rotation.