Miami Dolphins Rob Leonard wants youth and speed

The Miami Dolphins new defensive linebacker coach Rob Leonard wants youth, speed and team-first atmosphere.

I have to say the more I read about this new Miami Dolphins coaching staff the more I am intrigued. Two things come to mind when researching these guys. One, they all seem like they are all on the same page, interview after interview it’s almost like I’m listening to one coach, and that is awesome. Two, this defensive staff all seem to downplay the 3-4, 4-3, typical player categorization and seem to think that it’s all in how you view a player.

Recently new linebackers coach Rob Leonard was asked at the teams press conference, the challenge of finding linebackers who can play both 4-3 and 3-4? General Manager Chris Grier talked about that. He said it’s a little bit of a challenge but it’s exciting, too, because you can be multiple with teams. How tough is that to find guys who can be 4-3 ends and 3-4 outside linebackers, and are you going to be involved with that process with the draft?

"“I’m sure we will. It’s just what you value. When you look at players, I see them as football players first. I don’t try to put – and I don’t think anybody here does, either – I don’t put people into a box – 3-4, 4-3. (I look at) how are they as football players first in terms of evaluation, in building our team.”"

This is not the first coach from the new Miami Dolphins staff to answer that question in that way. Recently, at the teams press conference the new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham was asked If you have a 3-4 scheme and you’re looking for bigger players that can hold the point but then a 4-3 requires smaller and a little bit more athletic guys.

"“I’m not disrespecting what you’re saying, but I don’t necessarily agree with that, per se. A 3-4 or 4-3 to me is how your spacing is on the field. Whether a 3-4 OLB is a defensive end, it’s really the same spot. To me, I don’t necessarily get into that, in terms of how big this guy has to be. It’s multiple in how we deploy them. It can be different on any down and distance, any play, any call, any situation. I would agree to disagree on that, if that makes sense.”"

I found this very interesting for several reasons but the glaring reason is that the Miami Dolphins transition with different schemes or packages should not have to be a complete reboot. From my understanding it appears this coaching staff will utilize players for what their strengths are on the field and not try to just use them in what ever scheme they like to run (ahem…Matt Burke!!). That sure seems like something new and welcoming, but the question is will it work?

While doing research and watching some interviews with this young linebacker coach, Rob Leonard seems to be very intrigued with some of the pieces he already has. He loves Jerome Bakers speed and athleticism and at his press conference added,

"“I had the chance to go up to Ohio State to meet Jerome (Baker) last year when he was coming out, so just getting him as a person, he’s a smart kid. I’m excited to work with him, for sure. (He’s a) great athlete. It doesn’t take a genius to see that off the bat. I’m very excited”."

Rob Leonard  commented on his initial assessment of Raekwon McMillan as being tough and having mental strengths, saying

"“He’s another physical, tough guy, and he can run and hit. He finished the year strong. I’m excited to work with him.”"

He followed that up with high praise of Kiko Alonso, speaking on his motor and aggression,

"“Kiko plays the game the way it’s supposed to be played. That’s evident even if you haven’t watched any film. He plays fast, plays physical, plays with a motor. That’s not much not to like there. He’s a good football player.”"

Another linebacker he mentions is Stephone Anthony, who he seems to like a lot. He says,

"“Stephone – he can run and hit. If you were to draw them up, that’s how they look. I’m excited. I think he’s free right now, but he’s a good athlete that can play football and is a former first-round pick. He’s a good football player.”"

I get the sense that this coach realizes that he is coming in and has young talent already in front of him. They just needs a teacher, something I feel the last staff failed to do, teach. Now, I’m not completely sure that Kiko Alonso will be retained due to his big paycheck and all the inconsistency he brings on the field or rather recklessness, or even if Stephone Anthony is looked at by this staff as someone who can learn, it seems in two different systems that is his weakness and might be the reason for his pink slip. Maybe Rob Leonard and Patrick Graham vote to let them both walk and go with Chase Allen, or bring in another cheaper free agent to fill the hole.

The speed at linebacker will only play into the scheme of a hybrid 3-4 defense, it is going to allow these linebackers like Baker and McMillan to cover space a lot better and not so much fill holes like last year, I think the tight end coverage’s will be addressed much better with this defensive philosophy, and with a few personnel additions, the Miami Dolphins defense should be able to better handle the run, the short passing game as well as the seam routes, which as we all know were a huge problem for this team the last few years.

The familiarity for Rob Leonard, Brian Flores and Patrick Graham will only strengthen and expedite what they want to do on defense here in Miami. Safeties coach Tony Oden spoke of this at his press conference,

"“Any time you’re familiar with anything, it helps. Pros and cons go along with things, people’s personalities, people’s quirks or whatnot. They know that you work well with them. There’s always a getting-to-know-you process. If you know someone, you’ve already advanced to the next step. That definitely helps.”"

Rob Leonard is yet another staff member that brings in scouting experience, having ran the scout team for the NC State Wolfpack during his tenure with the team. He knows what talent looks like and when asked what one trait he looks for when scouting for a linebacker, he replied,

"“When I watch the tape and put it on, I’m looking for, is the guy a good football player? Does he have natural instincts? Or am I looking at a height-weight-speed guy? How does he play the game? Is he always around the football? Basic things. If I were to just click on a tape and you were to go to a high school game, you could say, ‘That guy can play.’ That’s how I kind initially start watching in terms of linebacker play in a very general sense.”"

I can certainly sense that this defense in years to come will be special and I think if the Miami Dolphins can keep this staff together for a stretch, the results will speak for themselves. I know I’m excited to see what this defense can do.