Phin Phanatic
FanSided

For the Miami Dolphins, it all starts with the defensive side of the ball

By Dale-Paul Jordan

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 01: Miami Dolphins defense lines up against the Los Angeles Rams at Hard Rock Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 01: Miami Dolphins defense lines up against the Los Angeles Rams at Hard Rock Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 12: Inside linebacker Anthony Hitchens #53 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts during player introductions before the AFC Divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium on January 12, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 12: Inside linebacker Anthony Hitchens #53 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts during player introductions before the AFC Divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium on January 12, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /

Jerome Baker is a great asset for Miami, which is why they signed him before the start of the season.  What Chris Grier and company need to do is find someone to pair with him. Elden Roberts was a great situational linebacker and is amazing on run support, but I’m not sure if he wants to come back to Miami, and basically can’t present the same level of experience or mentorship that Bakers needs.

The best ideal situation is Bobby Wagner or Anthony Hitchens.  The best part of these two veteran players is that they have seen everything, including playoff and Super Bowl experience.  Which is the type of tutelage that this young linebacker unit definitely needs.  Wagner will be expensive and might be looking to sign with a contending team as he is on the wrong side of 30, where as Hitchen’s  might be able to be had with a one year prove it deal, after he was released from the Chiefs last week.

This would be the same type of pairing we saw previously when Zach Thomas was playing with Junior Seau.  Jerome Baker is a leader on the Miami Dolphins defense.  However, he’s still young and has never actually had a pro bowl type player, playing beside him.  Pairing Baker with a proven veteran leader might allow this defense turn into a real contender, not only right now, but for years to come.

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