2016 Dolphins preview: Zach Vigil

Miami liked what they saw out of their undrafted linebacker Zach Vigil in 2015. In fact, he was the projected starter going into 2016 until the Dolphins completed the trade that brought in Kiko Alonso from Philadelphia.

Linebacker: Zach Vigil

Second-year linebacker Zach Vigil has had to endure his path to the NFL the hard way. Vigil was overlooked in high school and did not receive a single scholarship offer. To continue his football career, he walked on at Utah State and after two seasons finally received the scholarship he was seeking. Now entering his second season with the Miami Dolphins he looks to make a name for himself in the NFL.

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Just as he was overlooked entering college, Vigil received the same kind of treatment in the 2015 NFL Draft. Vigil did not hear his name called in the three-day process of the draft, giving him the option to sign with the team of his choosing as an undrafted rookie free agent. Several teams were interested at that point, but Vigil decided on Miami since they took the time to reach out to him before the draft. Plus, it’s Miami. What’s not to love?

2015 review

Just like this year, the Dolphins elected not to draft a linebacker in 2015. Instead, they decided to sign a few undrafted rookies in free agency, including Vigil. Linebacker Mike Hull from Penn State was expected to be the steal of the undrafted rookies for the Dolphins in 2015 but it was Vigil that continued to impress the coaching staff. He earned his spot on the 53-man roster and appeared in all 16 games for Miami. Vigil and fellow LB Neville Hewitt were the only undrafted rookies to do so.

In week 1 of 2015, Vigil split snaps with former teammate Kelvin Sheppard but Vigil’s role was reduced more as the season went on. The Dolphins gave up 161 rushing yards in their first game against Washington and the Dolphins, essentially, went with a more veteran approach the rest of the season. Vigil, instead, spent most of the season on special teams where he did an exceptional job, even blocking a punt against Philadelphia to help rally the Dolphins to a win over the Eagles in week 10.

In his limited snaps, he continued to impress the coaches and his teammates with his ability to find the ball. When he got to Miami Vigil wanted to take after former Dolphin Zach Thomas, noting the hard work he had to put in to become the household name he was. Vigil has a long way to go but Dolphins fans would love nothing more than the second coming of Zach Thomas.

2015 stats

18 tackles, 1 punt block

2016 preview

Vigil expects to see the field more in 2016 on the defensive side of the ball. He had been Miami’s projected starting middle linebacker for the upcoming season until the Dolphins pulled off the trade to bring in Kiko Alonso and CB Byron Maxwell. Alonso has had his share of injuries since his rookie season so it would be Vigil expected to step in should Alonso go down. Last season’s middle linebacker, Sheppard, signed a contract with the New York Giants this off-season, opening up an opportunity for Vigil.

Vigil had to work extra hard in 2015 just to make the team but his spot is essentially secure for 2016. Don’t expect to see a drop-off, however, in Vigil’s intensity. It’s not in his nature. Teammate Jelani Jenkins described Vigil’s performance accurately prior to the 2015 season:

"“The big thing about Zach is his confidence. He finds the ball. He gets off blocks. That’s why we like him.”"

He showed that ability in limited snaps last season and will look to make an even bigger impact this season. Like all of the other Dolphins players, he’ll have to start fresh with new schemes to learn under new defensive coordinator Vance Joseph and defensive coach Jim Washburn, particularly the “Wide-9” scheme. The Wide-9 calls for the defensive end lined up opposite the tight end to line up wider than normal on the outside shoulder.

The Wide-9 gives the defensive end an advantage on passing downs to rush the quarterback and helps to keep contain on run plays. For it to be a success, it’s important to have a middle linebacker with good instincts that can get off blocks. Both Alonso and Vigil excel at that. The middle linebacker will be asked to do a lot this season. The starting job is no doubt Alonso’s but you can expect for Vigil to make a bigger name for himself in 2016.

Professional Career

Miami Dolphins (2015-present) – 2015: Undrafted