Phin Phanatic
FanSided

2021 roster prediction: Miami Dolphins keeps 8 linebackers on the roster

By Nick Belotto

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 1: After recovering a fumble and running 78 yards for a touchdown Andrew Van Ginkel #43 poses for the TV camera with Nik Needham #40 and Kyle Van Noy #53 of the Miami Dolphins against the Los Angeles Rams during second quarter action of an NFL game on November 1, 2020 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) The Dolphins defeated the Rams 28-17.
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 1: After recovering a fumble and running 78 yards for a touchdown Andrew Van Ginkel #43 poses for the TV camera with Nik Needham #40 and Kyle Van Noy #53 of the Miami Dolphins against the Los Angeles Rams during second quarter action of an NFL game on November 1, 2020 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) The Dolphins defeated the Rams 28-17. /
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The Miami Dolphins enter the 2021 season with one of the deepest linebacking corps that this team has had for a while. There is a ton of potential with this unit and a lot of young names that could keep this unit dangerous for a while if they can develop the way that we all expect them to.

A lot of these guys could line up at different positions in Miami’s front seven, making it hard to predict who will play where. What we do know, however, is that the potential is through the roof and they have potentially fixed a lot of their pass rush issues in Miami.

Here are the projected players who will stay on the roster come week 1.

Starter: Andrew Van Ginkel

In limited playing time, Van Ginkel proved that he is capable of being a quality starter and a threat off the edge. Hopefully, Van Ginkel can continue that high level of play with a higher snap count making him one of the more dangerous pass rushers in the AFC East.

Starter: Jerome Baker

Jerome Baker is an interesting player going into this season. He is a solid starter who has shown flashes of being a legitimate defensive threat but then has moments where he disappears. Going into a contract year, Baker will need to prove that he is worth a long-term extension by eliminating those moments where he seems nonexistent on the field.

Starter: Bernardrick McKinney

Miami traded Shaq Lawson for McKinney this offseason. A few seasons ago, McKinney was a pro-bowler and Miami will be hoping that he can rediscover that level of play with new scenery. He should start barring any injuries.

Starter: Jaelan Phillips

The first-round pick brings tons of talent to the position and a pass-rushing threat that Miami hasn’t had for a few seasons. Assuming he can stay healthy, which is unfortunately not guaranteed, Phillips could be a defensive rookie of the year candidate and develop into a legitimate menace in Brian Flores’ system.

Miami’s linebacker corp will need to help generate a consistent pass rush to take this defense to the next level this season.

Backup: Vince Beigel

Another fan favorite on this roster, Beiegel is coming off a torn Achilles that sidelined him for the entire 2020 season. If he can get healthy, he is a strong substitute. He hasn’t shown enough to be a solid starter, but he can definitely help with replacing guys who need a breather.

Backup: Sam Eguaveon

The definition of a special teamer, Eguaveon has not done enough to make him a starter on this roster. He brings a tone of value as a backup and on special teams which should help him keep a roster spot this offseason.

Backup Elandon Roberts

Roberts was brought back this offseason after a decent one-year stint in Miami. An injury prevented him from going over the last few games, but there is a lot of potential in Roberts’ game and he could replace McKinney if he struggles early on.

Backup Calvin Munson

Munson quietly played in every game last season and is a solid contributor on special teams. He doesn’t bring much to the table outside of that, but quality special teams are underrated for success in this league.

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