Phin Phanatic
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Free agent linebacker options for the Miami Dolphins

By Brian Miller

Dec 11, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills inside linebacker Zach Brown (53) jumps to make a catch in the end zone for an interception during the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at New Era Field. Pittsburgh beat Buffalo 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills inside linebacker Zach Brown (53) jumps to make a catch in the end zone for an interception during the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at New Era Field. Pittsburgh beat Buffalo 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi (23) is wrapped up by San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Melvin Ingram (54) and San Diego Chargers free safety Dwight Lowery (20) during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi (23) is wrapped up by San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Melvin Ingram (54) and San Diego Chargers free safety Dwight Lowery (20) during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Melvin Ingram

Moving outside the soon to be former San Diego Charger may be one of the best outside linebackers in this years free agency class. Ingram is very talented. Ingram had 8 sacks in 2016 and 10.5 in 2015.  He has proven himself a solid edge containment linebacker that can stop the run. Something Miami needs.

Ingram’s downside is that he isn’t as effective in pass protection and it’s an area where he will need to continue to mature. In 2016 Ingram posted a combined 60 tackles with all but 14 being solo tackles. A good characteristic for an outside linebacker who tends to be stuck on their own island.

There has been a lot of early talk that the Dolphins would show interest in Ingram and Ingram is friends with several Dolphins players and has expressed, unofficially, a desire to play in Miami. This is a player to watch as the free agency period begins.

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