Training Camp Preview: DTs
By Brian Miller
As we enter the final stretch of our training camp preview, we finally get to the defensive tackles. With special teams yet to go, this is the final installment for the two sides of the ball.
The Roster:
Rodrique Wright – 1
Marquay Love – Rook
Vonnie Holliday – 10
Keith Traylor – 16
Kevin Vickerson – 3
Steve Fifita – 1
Paul Soliai – Rook
Chase Page – 1
Brian Soi – Rook
The Dolphins situation:
This is yet another solid piece of the defensive unit, however, age is catching up fast and the youngsters have had little time to show they have anything solid to add. Right now, they are potential. This year, they should get the opportunity to show something.
Brian Soi:I will start with him as he is the most recent addition. The Utah State Dlineman has been signed but will he play….at all? He was immediately placed on the non-football injury list with a wrist problem. He may see plenty of time on this list as the Dolphins will not likely rush him back to get him on the field. He has the ability to play, but his mental ability comes into play and some wonder whether he will be able to make the transition to the NFL.
Kevin Vickerson: Going on into his 3rd year and Dolphins fans are still waiting to see if the youngster will deliver the goods. He has the tools, he has the drive. He has been injured so this year will be one to watch and see if he can stay healthy. If he can, and all indications are that he has the chance, perhaps he will show why many think he will be on this line for a long time to come.
Vickerson finished his tenure in NFL Europe with 3.5 sacks and about 30 some odd tackles. He was named first team All-NFL Team for the Europa league.
Vickerson is someone to watch closely as he should get plenty of reps during camp.
Vonnie Holliday: Holliday was a so-so player prior to coming to Miami and for whatever reason he has found a home. He fits in well with this teams D unit. This past offseason, Holliday signed a contract extension as the Dolphins management felt he was one of the teams priorities.
Holliday is a 10 year veteran and is getting better. He will once again, along side Traylor, keep the Oline off of the LBs and force up-field pressure to attack and collapse the pocket.
Keith Traylor– This is for Traylor. 16 years and it is time. He will play this year and that will be it. All though that is not an official announcement or even a rumor, it makes the most sense. Traylor has done all that he can do and he no longer is an every down player and hasn’t been for awhile.
Don’t be surprised to see the big man standing on the sidelines during camps as he is spelled quite often. Still, even with his age, he takes two lineman himself. That will free up someone else on the D to make a play. His knowledge is invaluable and his play although far from where it once was, is still good enough for the youngsters to watch and learn from.
Roderique Wright, Steve Fifita, and Chase Page: Of these 3 only Roderique Wright has shown enough to believe that he will have a spot on the team. Like Vickerson, Wright has all the tools and should become a very solid contributor. Injuries and reps is what he needs less of and more of. Fifita is interesting and he will battle it out to make the squad anyway he can, but in the end he may be a numbers casualty. Chase is another body in camp and with the talent in front of him, it will be hard for him to find a place on the team.
Paul Soliai and Marquay Love: Paul is one of the Hawaiian 5.0 and I find it hard to believe that he will not make the roster. He has a lot of learning to do, but his intensity is unmeasurable. The problem is that it at times can make him outplay himself. He will be focused to the point that he makes mistakes. But that will come with time.
Love is another big body that is more likely destined for the cut list. Love falls into the situation that there is just too many more talented individuals on the roster at DT.
Outlook/predictions: This unit should perform as well as last year. There will be an increase in playing time for guys like Vickerson, Wright, and probably Soliai. Soliai should be a fun one to watch in camp and don’t be surprised if he doesn’t move up the depth chart. He won’t start 1st team but he should be able to climb up to two.