Dolphins Preview: Terrence Fede
By Andrew Eisch
With the last Miami Dolphin’s selection in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Dolphins made history by drafting the first player to ever be drafted out of Marist University, Terrence Fede. Fede came into the NFL with a lot to prove, and heading into his second NFL season, he is looking to expand on a sensational rookie season.
More from Dolphins News
- 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 Miami Dolphins should not take a running back in the draft
In 2014 Fede provided primarily a special-teams role, with an occasional sub-in at defensive end. Fede, who can be found on the field sporting the #78, only saw playing time in 11 of last season’s games, but had a substantial impact on the outcome of several games.
Among Fede’s performances, Fede impressed coaches early on, as he found his first NFL sack in week 2 of the preseason against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Fede later found his first regular season sack against the Jacksonville Jaguars in week 8, providing a valuable spark from a late-round draft pick.
However, Fede saw his biggest impact on special teams late in the season. With head coach Joe Philbin on the hot seat, and the Dolphins facing playoff elimination with a loss, Fede saved the day with a blocked punt in week 16 against the Minnesota Vikings.
With his rookie season behind him, Fede will strive for new horizons in 2015, where he enters a rejuvenated Dolphin’s defense, headlined with a stacked defensive line.
More from Phin Phanatic
- 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 Miami Dolphins should not take a running back in the draft
If last season was indicative of Fede’s potential, Fede should find himself a roster spot in 2015 with substantial time on special teams. With another suspension of Dion Jordan, Fede could also find himself at defensive end later in games.
One concern for Fede includes his spot on the depth chart. With the current outlook at the defensive end position including Olivier Vernon, Cameron Wake, Derrick Shelby then Fede, he may only find time when the starters need a valuable rest. Plus, Fede is relatively unexperienced in the NFL, and may take a few year’s to progress at defensive end.
Nonetheless, Fede provided a valuable spark in 2014 that saved the Dolphin’s a late-season win, an accomplishment most seventh-round selections can add to their resume in their rookie season. Expect Fede to find himself a spot on the 53-man roster heading into the 2015 NFL season.