Phin Phanatic
FanSided

Miami Dolphins depth a present and future problem

By Brian Miller

Jul 29, 2016; Davie, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Adam Gase field questions from reporters at Baptist Health Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 29, 2016; Davie, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Adam Gase field questions from reporters at Baptist Health Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Dec 7, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) runs past Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Koa Misi (55) during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) runs past Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Koa Misi (55) during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebackers

If only Jelani Jenkins could stay healthy these days. He looked like he was going to take over the outside but injuries have kept him from finding that consistency. As good as Neville Hewitt looked last year, there are still big concerns with his read and react time and that is holding him back.

Koa Misi is still doing enough to keep his job but he needs to become more aggressive in his attack instead of waiting for the offense to come to him. Misi’s final contract year is 2017 but if he has a poor 2016 season, the Dolphins can save just over $4 million by releasing him.

Kiko Alonso is an enigma. Can he have the season he had when he was a rookie or will he be the player that got traded to Philadelphia from the Bills and then to the Dolphins? Playing on his rookie contract, the final year of his rookie deal, Alonso may not be around in 2017.

The depth at linebacker is not good either. Spencer Paysinger is a special teams player only, Zac Vigil and Mike Hull have not shown they are ready for bigger roles just yet.

The Dolphins entered this past off-season needing help at linebacker and it’s likely to be a topic next off-season as well.

Next: secondary

Home/Dolphins News