Miami Dolphins 2015 training camp: LB’s

The Miami Dolphins entered the 2014 season strong at linebacker but injuries forced Miami to go with unproven and untested players. With Koa Misi missing time, Dannell Ellerbe out for the season, and Phillip Wheeler battling injuries early, the Dolphins relied on Jelani Jenkins and other back-ups to take center stage.

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The back-ups did well enough to put the unit in the top of the league statistically. Misi eventually returned as did Wheeler but Jenkins manned the spot vacated by Ellerbe all season and made the most of the opportunity. In 2015 the Dolphins will rely on Jenkins, Misi, and the winner of training camp competition at the other outside linebacker position. While the 2014 unit eventually caved to the pressure of the season and fell in part due to the lines inability to stop the run, this years group has a lot of potential and has many talking about a great season ahead.

Jelani Jenkins

Jenkins led the league early in 2014 in tackles. He finished the season with 98 tackles and 3.5 sacks. He was also very good in coverage. This season Jenkins will not be pressured to keep his starting job.  Jenkins has developed into a very good outside linebacker and this year fans and the team are hoping that he will make big strides into solidifying that part of the linebacker unit.

Koa Misi

Misi struggled in 2014 from the inside linebacker position. It was to be expected as it was his first in the role. This year he has embraced the position and has said that he feels far more comfortable on the inside then he was last season. Misi should benefit the most from the beefed up defensive line. He should find better vision through the running lanes and see less offensive lineman downfield blocking him. If Misi can hold the middle of the unit and stay healthy he should have no problem putting up very good numbers in tackles and should see more blitz opportunities to the quarterback as well. Already good in covering tight ends, Misi could be even better with a 2nd season in that role.

Jordan Tripp

Tripp was injured last season and the Dolphins are concerned about the pattern. He needs to step up this season and show he can contribute more from the linebacker position. Some believe that this may be Tripp’s last chance to make an impression in training camp. I don’t fully buy into that theory as Tripp has a lot of talent with good vision and pursuit but he needs to be more consistent. If Tripp can’t develop this training camp he could find himself battling for a roster spot although I think if he stays healthy that won’t be too much of a problem.

Spencer Paysinger

Paysinger has spent the last four seasons with the New York Giants and has started 14 of the 62 games he has appeared in. This is not a player likely to challenge for a starting role but his value is in depth and Paysinger is solid as a fresh pair of legs substitution. He shouldn’t have a problem making the Dolphins roster and should see considerable work with both the first and second team units in training camp. Paysinger will be a valuable asset off the bench on game days. While he is inconsistent, he knows the level of play expected. He will need to find more consistency and work on his reaction time to plays.

Chris McCain

McCain is in position to be this years Jelani Jenkins. He believes strongly in himself and is ready to prove he belongs not only on the 53 but as the teams starter opposite Jenkins. The position is really McCain’s to lose and while there is not a lot of competition for him, he will be pushed by a couple of rookies. McCain can’t view this camp as his to lose but instead, just his. His confidence is great but he needs to show on the field he can handle every play. In 2014 McCain saw action after injuries forced the Dolphins to go deep into the roster. He appeared in 10 games but started none and only registered four tackles. He was however good in coverage and had knowledge of the position in terms of where to be and where to go. He needs to make this camp more than a learning period.

Kelvin Sheppard

Sheppard is a fun guy to watch as he is all over the place. Sometimes too all over. Sheppard plays with good speed and will be the primary back-up to Koa Misi unless the Dolphins try him on the outside as competition for McCain. He has good vision but his coverage skills are lacking. Run support is Sheppards real talent and this year he should find it easier to diagnose plays behind the line of scrimmage. For now, Sheppard will be the fresh legs guy and it’s something he does well enough to make the roster.

Jeff Luc, Neville Hewitt, Mike Hull, Zach Vigil

Four rookies round out the Dolphins linebacker group. Of the four, Jeff Luc and Mike Hull have made the biggest impression this off-season. Both players will compete for a roster spot and if Jordan Tripp doesn’t make the roster then one of those two guys if not both will be the reason. Vigil and Hewitt have a  long road ahead of them in camp to make the roster. All four might find themselves on the practice squad unit or more likely contributors on special teams if they make the final 53

Prediction

The biggest camp battle will be between Luc, Hull, and Tripp with the early nod easily going to Tripp. The Dolphins could carry as many as eight linebackers depending on camp performance. I see Luc and Hull having a very solid camp battle while Vigil and Hewitt likely to be early releases.