Miami Dolphins Preview: C.J. Mosley

A seasoned 11-year NFL veteran found his arrival to the Miami Dolphins at a good time; following the departure of former Lions teammate Ndamukong Suh, C.J. Mosley followed as the Dolphins planned a one-two punch on the defensive line.

Mosley and Suh spent the prior two seasons together in Detroit where they were recklessly stuffing the opposing team’s rushing attack. Mosley, in particular looks to improve on the Dolphin’s No. 9 ranked defense against the run.

Last season Mosley started eight games for the Lions, including his initial start against the Dolphins in week 9. Mosley had the best game of his season in week 2 against the Carolina Panthers, where he tallied a duo of sacks in the loss against the Panthers.

But Mosley’s stats from last season really don’t tell the whole story. Coupled with Suh, in a fresh environment, this defensive tackle duo has the ability to provide support for the run, while Dolphin’s pass-rushers Cameron Wake and Olivier Vernon get to the quarterback.

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Coming into the 2015 season, Mosley is approaching the last stretch of his NFL career, in a relatively stacked defensive depth chart. Among the many suitors to start alongside Suh include: Mosley, rookie Jordan Phillips, Earl Mitchell, and Anthony Johnson. But does Mosley have a shot among these players? Of course.

Familiar with the 4-3 defense in his time with the Lions and Jaguars, Mosley will have plenty of help in terms of match ups. At 6’2″, 310 lbs. Mosley has the ability to overpower offensive lineman, while players like Suh draw extra help, including double teams.

Assuming Suh fills out the left defensive tackle position, Mosley will have a shot on the right side of the line, where he was accustom to in the past (aside from experience at left tackle last season). Lining up alongside Vernon may not be as stacked as the left side of the defensive line, but it is nothing short of influential nonetheless.

Mosley’s real question remains: will he be able to break into the starting depth chart for the Dolphins? The Dolphins clearly have high hopes in newly drafted Jordan Phillips (whom they drafted in the 2nd round of this year’s draft), and may be losing stock on Earl Mitchell. However, Mosley sounds like a good fit with Suh heading into week one, while Phillips and Mitchell fill in until proven worthy.

Whether Mosley will crack the starting defensive line remains to be seen, however, the duo that helped lead the Lions to the No. 1 ranked NFL pass rush last season has landed in Miami.