Miami Dolphins rookies: What each will struggle with in 2021
By Brian Miller
Miami Dolphins rookie Liam Eichenberg will challenge for a starting job but he may find himself playing the role of a depth player.
Eichenberg is likely more suited to guard than tackle at this level and with Robert Hunt sliding inside and Solomon Kindley at the other guard spot, it isn’t clear where the Dolphins’ vision for Eichenberg is right now.
His biggest issue will be adjusting to the physicality of opposing defensive players. He has a shorter wingspan than the ideal tackle but the Dolphins were not too concerned. If he plays tackle we have to assume that it will on the left side given the fact that Tua Tagovailoa is left-handed and thus the right side is now his blindside.
If Eichenberg does start at tackle, he is going to have quite a bit of growing pains as the edge rushers in the NFL are crazy good and he will need to be fast off the snap to keep them off his chest. While he is good at first contact, he struggles at times to maintain the blocks after that initial contact.
Hunter Long is going to have a lot of growing pains in his rookie season. Most TEs entering the NFL take a year or two to fully adjust to the defensive looks and responsibilities, it will be no different for Long. He should see plenty of opportunities but 2021 will be an opportunity for him to learn and adjust to the NFL game.
Larnel Coleman will have to compete for a roster spot. He has a good chance of making the roster but that is the battle he needs to win first and foremost. He isn’t likely to find himself starting his rookie season and may not be active each weekend. He needs to grow and develop at this level but should get opportunities in camp and will be in the mix should injuries happen.
Gerrid Doaks isn’t a lock to make the roster but if he does, he will be a back-up runner who probably won’t see too many reps during games.