Miami Dolphins: Roster spot competition on the offensive line
By Brian Miller
The Dolphins need a reliable backup center because we do not know if Matt Skura will be consistent as the starter. Skur struggled with snaps last season but believes those issues are behind him. Tom is a player that has 2 years of experience in the NFL but does not have a lot of game experience. He has one start in two seasons with the Saints and has been active for 12 games.
Tom is a long shot to make the roster but that is why we are talking about him here. He will compete directly with Michael Dieter for the backup center job but if he can’t win that battle, Coleman, Jones, and Pankey become his top competition for a roster spot.
Honestly, I don’t think Tom has a shot to make the team and I don’t see him on the practice squad over Coleman or Jones. That being said, his ability to play center is where his value lies and there are questions at the position.
Positives:
- Started three seasons at Southern Miss.
- Uses his lower body well to drive blocks
- Smart enough to know second level blocking assignments and can make them
- Uses his arms well at the point of contact and uses his hips to drive with his hands
Negatives:
- Inconsistent inside
- Doesn’t adjust well
- Inconsistent reaction time after ball snap
- Needs to better utilize his space