Dolphins 2015 grades: remaining linebackers

The Miami Dolphins were pleasantly surprised by the play of rookie Neville Hewitt in 2015. Unfortunately his play wasn’t on the field all-season. The rest of the linebackers didn’t play out as well.

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Neville Hewitt – linebacker

2016 salary – $525,000

Hewitt showed enough in the final weeks of 2015 to warrant a roster spot or at least the chance of one in 2016. Hewitt saw the field for a total of 354 plays in 2015 and graded out as the 43rd best linebacker in the league. He struggled however against the run but was much better against the pass. Hewitt had 39 total tackles with 27 solo tackles.

The problem with Hewitt is that he simply isn’t ready yet for full time play. The undrafted rookie has a lot of growth potential and 2016 should get him more playing time but it’s likely he will be relegated to special teams and a back-up role once again. Which is what should happen.

2015 grade: 

B

Why B?

Hewitt was thrust into playing time due to injuries and poor play in front of him. With more time, Hewitt could develop into a good linebacker option. Down the road.

Spencer Paysinger – linebacker

2016 salary – impending free agent

Paysinger was largely inconsistent all season and registered only 15 solo tackles and 10 assists on 63 snaps. He graded out as one of the lower 3rd linebackers in the league. As an impending free agent, the Dolphins should let Paysinger go and no re-sign him. The Dolphins have some youth behind him and they need to get more reps.

2015 grade

D

Why D?

Paysinger’s inability to impress on the field can’t be overlooked. He was more often than not out of position and not able to make plays when the opportunities arose.

Zach Vigil – linebacker

2016 salary – $528,000

Vigil played 145 snaps in 2015 registering 18 total tackles. 15 of which were solo. Most of Vigil’s snaps came late in the season but he showed enough to believe that he can be coached up to become a reliable back-up but he is far from starting material at this point.

2015 grade

B

Why B?

When Vigil was in the game he played with a lot of intensity and there was no lack of effort on his part. His only downfall was his own inexperience.

Remaining linebackers

Mike Hull played 21 snaps while Terrell Manning and James-Michael Johnson saw no field action. They will not receive grades but will need to compete in 2016’s training camp to earn a roster spot.