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How does the Isa Abdul-Quddus injury news affect the NFL Draft?

By Tyler Olson

Dec 24, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Miami Dolphins trainers attend to strong safety Isa Abdul-Quddus (24) during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Miami beats Buffalo 34 to 31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Miami Dolphins trainers attend to strong safety Isa Abdul-Quddus (24) during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Miami beats Buffalo 34 to 31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Head coach Adam Gase announced yesterday that Isa Abdul-Quddus’ injury could affect his status for the 2017 season.

The news broke yesterday that Abdul-Quddus, signed last offseason, could miss the 2017 NFL season due to a neck injury.  Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post was part of breaking the news on Twitter.

Brian Miller of phinphanatic.com also reacted to the initial news.

Abdul-Quddus is a six-year veteran in the league.  He started out in New Orleans before spending two seasons with the Detroit Lions.  After a solid season in 2015, Miami took a chance that he could be a key piece in Miami’s secondary alongside safety Reshad Jones.  He was just that last season starting in 15 games and ending with a career high in tackles (78) and tying a career high in interceptions with two.

His presence was missed especially in the playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.  The safety combination of Michael Thomas and Bacarri Rambo (filling in for an injured Jones) was a main cog for the early deficit in the Wild Card round.

With Abdul-Quddus possibly missing next season and Thomas could test the free agent market.  If both are the case then Miami’s staff has to turn their focus to safety.

Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) warms up before the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 30-27 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) warms up before the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 30-27 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports /

The first thought is to find another contributor in free agency, much like they found with Abdul-Quddus.  If they fail to do that then the 22nd overall pick in the NFL Draft could turn to safety.

Who could they look at?  How about the former do-all athlete Jabrill Peppers.

Peppers spent his time at the University of Michigan literally doing it all.  He’d line up on offense in the backfield or in the slot.  He’d then make the move to defense and play a safety/linebacker-hybrid role.  He was even seen taking over games on special teams.

Going into last fall Peppers was often voiced as a possible contender for the Heisman Trophy.  While he didn’t win the coveted award he was named the Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year in 2016.

If you’re following the NFL Combine this week he’ll be doing drills with the linebackers regardless of the 5’10”, 213 lb frame he measured at.

Next: Adam Gase: Miami needs more corners and safeties

With all the pressing needs evident for Miami it’s nauseating to think of adding safety to that list.  Regardless, if the Dolphins do need to pull the trigger on a playmaker to take over then Peppers would be a front runner.

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