Dolphins Should Approach 2022 Draft with BPA in Mind

/0 Comments/in , /by

As it pertains to roster construction, each NFL offseason features two chaotic, tumultuous cycles: free agency and the draft. The Miami Dolphins entered the 2022 free agency period with the most open cap space of any team in the league. 

 

They added a few pieces on short-term deals such as guard Connor Williams, running backs Chase Edmonds and Raheem Mostert and wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. Still, a lot of their space went toward keeping the 2021 roster intact by retaining core pieces defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah and Mike Gesicki as well as a host of contributors.

 

There are still moves to be made as Miami has been linked to offensive tackle Terron Armstead, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and center J.C. Tretter among others. The Dolphins still have significant cap space as well as prudent cuts to make to clear even more space if needed. Regardless of the moves they make in the coming weeks with trades or free agency, one thing should be clear at this point: Miami should approach April’s draft with a best player available mentality.

 

More often than not, particularly in the early rounds, teams are drafting for need. That could mean they have a glaring hole at quarterback and either select the one they love or move up in the first round to secure him. If they need a running back, they go looking in rounds 2-3 for a guy that can take 20+ carries for the next half-decade. 

 

This can be seen as an easy fix, but it also comes with a significant amount of risk. The greater the need and the more valuable the position, the more a team may be willing to overdraft a player. This could lead to passing over better players or seeing what they want to see in an evaluation to feel like they eradicated the lingering issue.

 

Miami, other than offensive line which we will get to shortly, does not have any glaring holes entering the draft. Tua Tagovailoa will enter his third season and will do so with an offensive-minded head coach known for maximizing talent on that side of the ball and catering gameplans to a roster’s strengths. Mostert and Edmonds join incumbent Myles Gaskin to employ what should be an improved running back room. Gesicki, Durham Smythe and last year’s third round pick Hunter Long figure to be a deep tight end room, and Jaylen Waddle, Devante Parker and Wilson give three strong options at receiver. The defense also returns nearly everyone from a unit that has shown the propensity to be dominant at times over the last two seasons.

 

As it pertains to the offensive line, Miami has famously invested high-dollar draft capital in the unit in recent years. In 2021, the Dolphins traded a 2022 third rounder along with their second round pick to move up to No. 42 to take Notre Dame tackle Liam Eichenberg. In 2020, general manager Chris Grier selected USC tackle Austin Jackson and UL-Lafayette guard Robert Hunt at picks 18 and 39, respectively. Add in 2020 fourth round guard Solomon Kindley and 2019 third round center Michael Deiter, and you have a full commitment to the room the last three drafts.

 

It’s no secret the unit has left a ton to be desired. There are questions abound whether the issue was poor coaching or missed evaluations. Internally, optimism remains it was the former. Now, the team has offensive coordinator Frank Smith and line coach Matt Applebaum in the building. Both Smith and Applebaum have been praised for their ability to develop talent. While it is unlikely all five players will reach a level of serviceable to above-average along the line, they cannot all be dismissed at this point, either.

 

If the issue was indeed misevaluations, that decision cannot be made until the new coaching staff has an opportunity to work with the line they have, something which won’t be done pre-draft. Besides, if you are a Dolphins fan and that was the problem, you cannot hope for the same general manager to use more valuable picks on offensive linemen if you don’t think he made the correct choices the previous five times.

 

*****

Loading
Loading...

*****

 

On top of that, this draft class is supremely talented in offensive linemen at the top, but none of those will be close to available by the time Miami is set to pick at 29. Whether it’s in the first round or beyond, any lineman taken will be no more of a question mark than the players already in the facility who boast NFL experience.

 

With that said, it’s a fortuitous place to be in where Miami can either take the most-talented player left on the board or trade down with a team looking to fill a need thus allowing the Dolphins to accumulate more picks. Players drop for a variety of reasons, be it character, health issues or other teams reaching for needs that allow better players to fall by the wayside.

 

Some players who are available at 29 in various mock drafts that Miami should consider are Georgia linebacker Nakobe Dean, Arkansas wide receiver Treylon Burks, Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams, Washington cornerback Trent McDuffie and more. It’s difficult to speculate at this point as each year there tends to be a player who drops well below what they were expected, so some of the players seemingly out of reach now may very well be in play come April.

 

There’s also the piece about quarterbacks. There are no quarterbacks in this crop currently viewed as worthy of a top five or maybe even top 10 pick. Those teams picking in those spots will likely use their first round selection on elite talent at other positions, but that won’t rule them out for trading back into the first round to take a player like Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett or Ole Miss’s Matt Corral should either or both be available toward the end of Thursday night. If that is the case, the Dolphins could put up a for sale sign on the pick and welcome all offers, adding another second or third round pick in the process of moving down a couple spots.

 

On the flip side, if there’s a player Grier and Co. love, they can move up within reason if they’d like to secure that prospect. For instance, Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum is seen by many as a can’t-miss player, though center is a position that is devalued by many. It’s not unthinkable to imagine Linderbaum remaining on the board in the early 20s. Going by the draft capital trade chart, if Miami trades 29 and 102, that could be enough to get pick 24 or 25 from Dallas or Buffalo, respectively. Going even more aggressive, the Dolphins could theoretically ship 29 and 50 to return 20 and 84 from Pittsburgh. 

 

There are plenty of avenues for the Dolphins to go in the first round and beyond. What they need to do is decide the talent first and the position second. By doing so, they can improve the overall roster’s talent without compromising for the sake of any one room. Of course, what the team needs to do and what they will do are entirely two different questions.

Chase Edmonds brings change of pace to Dolphins’ RB room

/0 Comments/in , /by

Mike McDaniel has found his running back.

The Miami Dolphins have reached an agreement on a two-year deal with Cardinals running back Chase Edmonds, per his agent Drew Rosenhaus. The contract is worth $12.6 million, with $6.1 million guaranteed.

Edmonds will be traveling eastwards to Miami after enjoying a successful stint with Arizona, rushing for 1551 yards and compiling 921 receiving yards in his four seasons with the Cardinals, who selected him with the 134th pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Edmonds averaged 5.1 yards per carry in 2021, ranking sixth in the NFL in that statistic among running backs with over 100 carries.

The Fordham collegiate standout brings the intelligence, vision and burst that is necessary to excel in McDaniel’s outside/wide zone run scheme. Running this type of scheme requires a patient running back who knows when he should accelerate through lanes created by his blockers, and Edmonds is just that.

Edmonds will also pose a threat in the passing game, as his sure hands provided a safety blanket for Kyler Murray out of Arizona’s backfield. He can also line up as a receiver, mostly in the slot. His versatility is evident and will be very useful in McDaniel’s offense that prides itself on creativity.

 

 

The biggest concern that many have regarding Edmonds is his injury history. He missed five games last season and eight games over the last three seasons.

The Cardinals, missing out on Edmonds, resigned James Conner to a three-year deal. Arizona head coach Kliff Kingsbury valued and wanted to bring back both running backs.

“They both earned good deals as far as I’m concerned,” Kingsbury said. “I hope that we can afford both guys because they both had fantastic seasons and they deserve to get nice contracts. But I would love to have them both back.”

Last season, Edmonds led Arizona’s running backs in yards per carry, receptions per game and receiving yards per game.

Combining his pass-catching skills with his ability to hold his own in pass-protection, Edmonds gives Miami a reliable third-down running back that bolsters its offense in an abundance of ways.

Jahan Dotson: Missing piece in the Miami Dolphins’ WR room?

/0 Comments/in , /by

In Miami’s quest to build an effective and sustainable offense for years to come, the Dolphins’ receiving core, finishing last season with the eighth-most dropped passes in the NFL, is due for an upgrade.

The Dolphins already spent major resources on the wide receiver position last offseason, drafting star collegiate wideout Jaylan Waddle No. 6 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft and signing former Texan Will Fuller to a one-year contract worth upwards of $10 million.

While Waddle enjoyed a successful first season, leading all rookie wide receivers in receptions, Fuller was a disappointment, racking up a meager 26 receiving yards on four receptions in only two games played. With the latter’s contract expiring and questions ensuing about longtime Dolphin DeVante Parker’s durability, Miami would be smart to upgrade at the wide receiver position to help max out the potential of rising third-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

Miami could look towards the first round of this year’s draft to address this position, with Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson presenting himself as an intriguing option that the Dolphins must consider drafting with the 29th overall pick.

Dotson, a wideout who enjoyed an illustrious four-year stint with the Nittany Lions, is a well-rounded and versatile receiving prospect who would be an exceptional fit in Miami head coach Mike McDaniel’s offense that rewards smart and crafty route-runners that can create adequate separation from defenders. Dotson’s loose hips allow for seamless breaks off his stem; his fluidity when running his routes is entirely natural.

In what many expect to be a run-pass option (RPO) heavy offense for the Dolphins next season, Dotson’s ability to smoothly run the slant route, which was a majorly utilized route in 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and Mike McDaniel’s RPO packages in San Francisco, would be put to use. Pair that up with another fantastic slant route-runner in Waddle, and you have the makings of a lethal duo for Tagovailoa to throw the ball to out of the RPO look.

Another area of Dotson’s game that translates well to the NFL is his ability to high-point and possess contested catches. Given his capability to come down with these improbable receptions over the outstretched arms of defensive backs, Dotson plays way taller than his 5-foot-11 height might initially indicate. This allows him to play as a split-end or flanker receiver, which bodes well for McDaniel, who may opt to use Waddle more in the slot.

Miami may shift its attention elsewhere with their first-round pick, but Dotson makes a compelling case for why he should be the Dolphins’ selection if they look to improve at the wide receiver position through the NFL draft.

 

For business window graphics, interior office signage, custom flags, custom banners and sign repair, reach out to SignsBrowardFortLauderdale.

Evan Neal is one of the best young prospects in the 2022 NFL draft.

2022 Scouting Report: Alabama OT Evan Neal

/0 Comments/in , /by

Evan Neal is widely considered an elite offensive tackle prospect. He’s considered one of the best players – regardless of position – in the nation.

Neal was moved back to left tackle in 2021 where he played 1,073 snaps while starting 16 games and gave up two sacks with just one holding penalty.

Strengths

At 6-foot-7 and 350 pounds, Evan Neal is a mountain sized tackle with a height and size that’s unfathomable. He’s got raw power and natural strength to wash out defenders in space.

Additionally, this offseason, Neal clocked 18.5 MPH on the GPS, routinely hitting box jumps at 48 inches. Neal has also bench pressed 475 pounds, and squatted 650.

On tape, Neal is versatile. The Alabama prospect has played both left and right tackle while also logging snaps at left guard his freshman year. He’s the best run blocker in the nation and a dominant force in the run game. However, he does not have elite foot speed. But he is fluid enough to get to the attack point. 

Neal is a clear cut NFL left tackle where he could become an All-Pro at that position. He’s explosive out of his stance, has surprising agility and lateral movement considering his body type. Overall, Neal is the most athletic offensive lineman in the 2022 NFL Draft with huge upside.

Weaknesses

However, Neal is not a flawless prospect. He needs to work on his technique in pass protection. He just has to be more consistent in moving his feet and staying low.

With his size, he may be a liability in short yardage situations as defenders can get underneath him to hold the line. He’ll need to use more consistent leverage and continue to move his feet.

Neal tends to stop his feet after the first contact, relying on his length and power. He routinely allows defenders to work the corner or spin inside.

He is susceptible against speed rushers as he cannot accelerate fast enough to stop defenders getting past him. His hand technique has to improve as a pass blocker. Many times he is reliant on his athletic talent. He leans into his blocks in both the passing and running game.

Neal is the consensus #1 tackle in the 2022 NFL Draft and is viewed as an almost can’t miss prospect by most scouts.

He is an amazing athlete along the offensive line and has the traits and skill sets OL coaches look for. However, he is not perfect. With this in mind, he can very well be trained in the offseason to polish his pass protection skills. Teams with a good OL coach will undoubtedly turn Neal into one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL.

*** This article was originally posted at PhinManiacs***

Hussam Patel is a Miami Dolphins contributor at Five Reasons Sports Network, Director of Scouting at PhinManiacs and Editor at Dolphins ATB. Follow him on Twitter at @HussamPatel

Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa has the skillset to make the Pistol offense work

Miami Dolphins Offense: The Pistol and the Motion

/0 Comments/in , /by

With the introduction of Mike McDaniel as the new Miami Dolphins head coach, taking a look at the offense last season could give us hints at what could possibly remain the same.

Premise

The Miami Dolphins offense has had a bit of a resurgence lately thanks in part to continuity in players at quarterback, wide receiver and offensive line.

What’s been a facet for the offense of the Miami Dolphins success has been the implementation and use of the “Pistol Wing Formation.”

What it is

The pistol formation, like the shotgun, is really an alignment between the quarterback and the running back. In the pistol formation, the quarterback lines up four or five yards behind the center, the running back lines up two or three yards behind the quarterback. In the shotgun formation , the quarterback lines up seven yards behind the center, and the running back lines up to the side of the quarterback.

The Pistol Formation comes with its advantages and disadvantages, let’s take a brief look at them.

Advantages

  • The Pistol’s main advantage is its versatility that comes from its hybrid design. Having the quarterback three to four yards deep allows him to make downfield reads and separate himself from the pass rush by a few yards.
  • It also has the running back five yards from the LOS and directly behind the quarterback to build momentum before getting the ball.
  • The Pistol formation supports Read Options. It can be a fully functional pass play, keeping the running back to pass block. It can also serve as a run play with power blocking and pulling guards.
  • The real nightmare is the RPO. It’s entirely dependent on the quarterback to watch the defense and decide which play will have the most success.
  • It can create advantages in the play-action game. The pistol alignment represents a run-first perception, it makes the play-action pass that much more effective.

Disadvantages

  • It’s dependent on the quarterback to quickly decipher defenses and make smart decisions, it comes with a big learning curve. A wrong decision could prove disastrous.
  • Playing Man coverage takes away most of the passing game, leaving minimal plays for offenses to utilize.
  • Offensive line blocking is crucial as the quarterback is closer to the line of scrimmage. OL blocking can make or break the offense.

What it means

For any offense which runs the Pistol, it means these things:

  • The best Pistol offenses are those that can implement aspects of a Spread Offense into their game plan. It requires a smart quarterback who can properly read defenses once the ball is snapped.
  • While the Pistol could be used just to run the ball, it’s at its best when each play is different than the last. As such, having a solid core of blockers, pass catchers and a good quarterback is necessary.
  • When running the ball out of the Pistol, teams run up the middle where there are a lot of defenders. Teams that are undersized along the offensive line aren’t built for this type of play.
Loading
Loading...

The Miami Dolphins Offense

During their win streak, the Miami Dolphins primarily lined up in shotgun, which includes the pistol formation. Usually this formation includes the basic Pistol offense with a Wing look.

How it’s done

The Pistol usually has two to three players in the backfield, as it is primarily designed to be a run first offense.

However, with the wing formation, tight ends on the edges force defenses to play at least three players deep.

While it may seem that the pistol is most effective on the dependence of the running game; paradoxically, it is dependent on the threat of a passing game.

The passing game is dependent on the quarterback moving the ball to and from the flow of attack. The best description may be the term of “sequence football.”

Basically, the offense runs in plays where it attacks different parts of the field once the ball is snapped. This does not mean that every play is called in order, it is mostly based on matchups and post-snap reads.

Which is why you see plays that look and feel similar, but can attack different parts of the field. Similar to Sean McVay’s singleback look.

Backfield Motion

Passing Game

The main sequence the Miami Dolphins offense use is the backfield motion to create space and attack different facets of the field.

On the play above, Albert Wilson motions to the right side of the formation, this allows Tua Tagovailoa to see the defense is in zone coverage.

Wilson runs the wheel route gaining depth into the defensive backfield. Waddle runs the curl, an intermediate route, attacking the soft zone in the middle. Meanwhile, Durham Smythe is jammed at the line of scrimmage running a short crossing route.

The biggest threat to the defense is Wilson gaining depth into the defensive backfield, which forces Giants defensive backs Xavier McKinney and Aaron Robinson to stay deep and prevent a big play.

In turn, this frees up the intermediate route Jaylen Waddle runs, he has enough space to catch the ball for a first down and keep the drive alive.

Running Game

The Dolphins also use the backfield motion concept to create space and attack different running lanes in the run game, using the motion while using the same type of blocking scheme. Usually Pistol offenses run with a power scheme along the offensive line.

The sequence in how the run game works can vary in play calls, but use the same blocking style. Runs out wide, off tackle, and up the middle all use down blocks by most of the line with a pulling guard and blocking on the other side of the backfield.

The counter play uses down blocks to build a wall of bodies away from the play and a pulling guard to kick out and head upfield to clear a running lane.

Albert Wilson motions, and the right side of the offensive line follows after the snap. The theory is that the flow of a play can take multiple blockers to the point of attack or be decoys while the running back is on the opposite end.

The execution on the play above illustrates how the theory is able to work. The blocking style is designed so when a defender reacts to blocks to stop a play, he will be placing himself in jeopardy for a companion play. Sounds familiar to the RPO.

Multiple Threats

The Pistol offense is designed in complete backfield series, each of which presents multiple threats to the defense on each play.

Passing wise, the Dolphins run the Pistol Wing to put the perception that there are multiple deep receivers. Most of the time when it is ran, it is in a condensed look.

“When you condense the formation in general out of those RPO looks… it gives defenses more things to look at leading to conflict and hesitation on the eyes as there are a lot of motions, possible split zone action and a variety of different plays that can happen. For Tua he gets the options of the flat, the hook, the curl, the post, the handoff. There are so many different ways [Tua] can put the defense in conflict , when you condense that you increase the post snap reads”

Travis Wingfield

In the condensed Pistol Look, there can be many options, threats, Tua can look in his post snap reads.

For example, the stick flat RPO that is a staple in the offense. Based on the type of Coverage is shown once a play is motioned, the flat play to the tight end is an easy read against man coverage.

It has a balance of passing, which is predominantly play-action in nature. The RPO adds that extra conflict for defenders where they have to hesitate, they have to read and react. It puts defenders in a bind.

The Future

When you watch NFL teams run the Pistol offense, you see them tire out defenses in the running game. It’s discouraging when a team can just run the ball for six yards a carry and there’s nothing you can do to stop it.

The Dolphins, however, cannot run the ball well due to issues along the offensive line. Once these issues are fixed through the draft or free agency signings, the offense has the potential to become a possession team former head coach Brian Flores preached about, only it will actually work with an offensive-minded head coach like Mike McDaniel.

The flip side for the Miami Dolphins offense is that it is labeled as a predominantly RPO offense that dink and dunks its way; although, defenses have not been able to fully halt it.

The threats the condensed Pistol Wing looks bring defenses are the route combinations designed on three levels of the field. Opposing defenses have tried to match up with the wide receivers on the outside to stop deeper routes from forming. Thus, being okay with Tua throwing to shorter and intermediate routes.

Defenses are pattern matching on the outside and allowing linebackers to stay in zone. By doing this, defensive backs are focusing on route distribution while linebackers are able to play with their eyes in the backfield. Leaving the middle of the field open for running backs and tight ends to roam.

Essentially, it is death by paper cuts.

Partner that with a better offensive line, preferably to run a power scheme, and a premier running back. The Miami Dolphins offense could do damage next year.

*** This story was originally posted on the ATB Network***

The McDaniel influence

While the offensive philosophy will change from a power man blocking scheme to an outside zone read scheme much of the personnel could remain the same with variations in different concepts.

Changes along the offensive line will be coming; however the nature in how to attack defenses with Tua’s skillset and core weapons remains the same.

Hussam Patel is a Miami Dolphins contributor at Five Reasons Sports Network, Director of Scouting at PhinManiacs and Editor at Dolphins ATB. Follow him on Twitter at @HussamPatel

******

For business window graphics, interior office signage, custom flags, custom banners and sign repair, reach out to SignsBrowardFortLauderdale.

Raheem Mostert should be a top target for the Miami Dolphins in 2022

Fresh Perspective: Building the 2022 Miami Dolphins – Running Back

/0 Comments/in , /by

Now it’s time for the next installment of the Miami Dolphins offseason plan. With Mike McDaniel, a running game master, acting as the new head coach, this position becomes crucial. It’s time for the Dolphins to take a long, hard look at the running back position.

Free Agency

It’s very tempting to throw some big money at a running back this season, particularly with the likes of Melvin Gordon headlining free agency. However, aside from Gordon, there isn’t really a running back worth spending a large portion on. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t spend any money on this position. The Dolphins accidentally found excellent role players at the position, and they should bring them both back to compete if the price is reasonable.

Phillip Lindsay and Duke Johnson, signed off the streets after their respective teams opted to part ways with them, were both much better than the incumbent running backs in the room once they hit the field. Johnson, in particular, made Miami fall in love with him all over again. The former Hurricanes star has been made aware that the Dolphins would like to retain him if possible.

As for Lindsay, the former Pro Bowl running back ran for 1,000 yards in two straight seasons for the Denver Broncos in 2018-2019, but in 2020 his role was greatly diminished once Melvin Gordon signed his contract. But Lindsay still has something to offer, he’s a hard runner and a secure ball handler. He also made fans notice him this season making a fantastic block in the backfield to protect Tua Tagovailoa.

Duke Johnson and Phillip Lindsay are perfect veterans for the running back room. They will compete with Myles Gaskin and Gerrid Doaks for spots on the roster.

There is also another free agent that makes a lot of sense for Miami. All one has to do is connect the dots, and the fit is beyond perfect. After bouncing from team to team for the first two years of his career – including a very brief stint in Miami – Raheem Mostert found a home in San Francisco in 2017, and he became a solid player thanks in large part to Mike McDaniel’s running system.

Mostert’s best season was in 2019, when he ran 137 times for 772 yards and eight touchdowns. That averages out to an excellent 5.6 yard per carry. Mostert boasts homerun level speed and great vision with the football. Were it not for injury problems in the past two seasons, Mostert very well could have been a star by now.

Mostert suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 1 of the 2021 season. Now, he’s a free agent. He should be very interested in following McDaniel to Miami. With his injury history, Mostert won’t command a lot of money. Something along the lines of a 2-year, $6 million dollar deal should suffice.

Even with these deals in place, however, Miami isn’t done yet. Last season, the 49ers carried five running backs on their roster. If you count their usage of WR Deebo Samuel, you could argue six. So, time for the draft.

Loading
Loading...

NFL Draft

The Miami Dolphins must draft a running back in the early rounds. So many amazing running backs were found in the past few years.  Miami missed out on all of them due to a misguided sense of contentment in the players on the roster.

Not anymore.

First, a disclaimer. These picks are based off a mock draft done through The Draft Network’s mock draft machine. Naturally, once the combine goes by, projections are bound to change. So anyone who feels that a player won’t be available at a certain spot, keep in mind that selections were made based on who’s available at each pick.

So in this mock, the Miami Dolphins draft one of the most talented running backs in the class. With their second round pick, 50th overall, Miami selects Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III.

Walker is an all-around runner with the ball in his hands. His vision allows him to find the tiniest gaps and slip through for a positive gain. He doesn’t shy away from contact, in fact he runs like he wants to bowl people over. To top it all off, he has enough speed to run down the field for a long touchdown if he can get a full head of steam. As a rusher, he has everything a team could want in spades.

However, Walker isn’t a perfect prospect. His other skills need some development. Pass-blocking isn’t his specialty, and as a pass-catcher he was rarely asked to do anything. In three years at college – both at Wake Forest and Michigan State, he only had a total of 19 receptions for 136 yards and one touchdown. So for the time being, Walker’s role will be mainly as a rusher.

That said, this lack of versatility isn’t going to be a problem. Walker isn’t the only running back on the roster. His veteran constituents will not only pick up his slack, they can teach him how to adjust to NFL game speed.

Final Roster Projection

Miami now has four running backs on the final roster. All of them bring something different to the table.

  • Duke Johnson
  • Phillip Lindsay
  • Raheem Mostert
  • Kenneth Walker III

As far as payment, keep in mind these are all estimates based on previous contracts and recent body of work for each player. The previous signing of Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback in this plan puts Miami at approximately $74 million in cap space.

Then they add Duke Johnson, who made the veteran minimum last season. 2-years and $8 million dollars for Johnson will put the Dolphins at around $70 million.

Phillip Lindsay’s deal will be around the same, a 2-year, $8 million dollar deal that would allow Miami to easily jettison Lindsay the next year if they choose to. They are now at $66 million.

Raheem Mostert makes less simply due to lack of availability. Mike McDaniel knows him well, and will sell him on the idea of reviving his career with the Dolphins and his run scheme. So he signs a 2-year, $6 million dollar contract which again allows the Dolphins to move on afterwards. Miami stands at $63 million in cap space.

Finally, Kenneth Walker’s contract is based on the rookie wage scale. This changes depending on the NFL’s salary cap. Just for the sake of this article, Walker will receive a 4-year, $6 million dollar contract. Keep in mind, this is a rough estimate.

So this means Miami invests $14 million into their running back room for 2022. This seems like a lot, but Mike McDaniel is all about the running game. Giving the Miami Dolphins actual talent at the position should be crucial. With the three veterans on the team, Walker will be given the necessary time and tutelage to become a true star.

Notice the lack of Myles Gaskin on the final list. Unless he somehow begins to thrive under McDaniel’s tutelage, Gaskin will not beat out the three older running backs. With the new NFL rules regarding practice squad players, perhaps Gaskin will sign there, saving Miami around $2 million.

Gerrid Doaks will also get his chance to compete, but he won’t be able to overshadow the likes of Walker and the veterans. He remains on the practice squad as well.

Next time, the wide receiver position will receive its upgrade. Miami still has $61.5 million in cap space to play with. It’s time to start really going big.

Luis Sung has covered the Miami Dolphins for numerous outlets such as Dolphins Wire for seven years. Follow him on Twitter: @LuisDSung

******

For business window graphics, interior office signage, custom flags, custom banners and sign repair, reach out to SignsBrowardFortLauderdale.

A deep dive into Mike McDaniel’s offensive scheme: wide zone RPOs

/0 Comments/in , , /by

New Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel was one of the architects behind a San Francisco 49ers rushing offense that ranked in the upper half of the NFL in rushing yards per game in four of his five seasons as San Francisco’s run game coordinator (2017-2020) and offensive coordinator (2021).

 

 

 

One foundation of this rushing offense was the wide zone (not to be confused with the outside zone, which was another principle of the 49ers’ run game). The purpose of running wide zone variations is to use the horizontal momentum of defensive linemen against them by creating leverage and forcing defensive backs who may not be accustomed to tackling to engage in the run game.

 

The overall horizontal movement of the defense because of these running plays often causes the middle of the field to be left wide open, even more so when the defense is in single-high or cover-zero coverage looks.

 

Combining these wide zone running actions with weak-side slant routes on run-pass options (RPOs) allows the quarterback to make simple reads to determine where the ball should go.

 

 

Another variation of the wide zone RPOs that I expect McDaniel to bring to Miami is with a bubble screen in 11 personnel (one running back and one tight end). The 49ers have used Pro Bowl wide receiver Deebo Samuel in these packages over the past few seasons to great success.

 

This offensive look aims to spread out opposing defenses and put the ball in the hands of playmakers who operate best in open field space. The quarterback in this RPO variation has two options regarding where to go with the ball: hand it off to the running back, who will look to follow the butt of the play-side offensive tackle and then cut up field, or throw a quick pass to the motioning receiver on the bubble screen. That’s it.

 

 

 

Given the confusion that RPOs in general cause defenses, a lot of these reads made by Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will be performed before the snap even happens. 

A rule of thumb I use to determine an RPO read pre-snap is to compare the number of blockers against the number of defenders in the tight end box. If the number of blockers equals or exceeds the number of defenders, expect a run, but if the number of defenders surpasses the number of blockers, expect a pass. This is not a foolproof method by any means, but I have noticed it is accurate more often than not. Try it next time you are watching a team that runs a surplus of various RPO packages.

 

These wide zone RPO variants are just one of the many ways I expect McDaniel to formulate an offensive scheme that aligns with the strengths of Tagovailoa and the rest of Miami’s offense.

 

******

 

Get the Mike McDaniel shirt here

Eric Rowe could be a cap casualty in the offseason for the Miami Dolphins

Fresh Perspective: Building the 2022 Miami Dolphins – Roster Cuts

/0 Comments/in , /by

With the Miami Dolphins projected to have anywhere between $67 and $75 million in salary cap space, the franchise is set to be a big player in free agency. Generally, the Dolphins haven’t fared well in years where they “win the offseason,” but this upcoming year has different circumstances.

In spite of the way the season ended, the talent on the roster is worth building on. Brian Flores got them going too late, allowing a 7-game losing streak. But that doesn’t mean the players are necessarily bad. There’s a good core to work with. There was enough talent to drag the team to a second consecutive winning season at 9-8. Brian Flores being fired had everything to do with outside factors, not his on-the-field coaching prowess.

Miami interviewed several different coaching candidates, and the winner turned out to be former 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. Already, McDaniel has made it a point to build a rapport with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, which indicates that the Dolphins will be focusing on building a system around the former Alabama standout. With his innovative football mind and strong emphasis on building a running game, McDaniel seems to have a plan in mind to make that happen.

However, before the Miami Dolphins can start adding new pieces, they need to trim some of the fat. There are at least a few players on the roster that are expendable.

As always, this roster build is strictly based on personal assessment. Perhaps Mike McDaniel has plans for these players, or perhaps he will see things the same way as here. Regardless, it is time for this offseason series to begin, starting with roster subtractions.

Roster Cuts

Assuming the cap space will be on the low end, that gives Miami $67 million dollars to use in free agency. However, there are a few players who the Dolphins could cut ties with to give themselves even more room.

The first and most obvious choice would be to release players who contributed little or nothing to the 2021 season. Right off the bat, WR Allen Hurns and TE/FB Cethan Carter are easy cuts.

This is the second season in a row that the veteran Hurns has been a non-factor for the Dolphins. There’s no point in keeping him around a third year. As for Carter, he rarely ever saw the field. He played in all 16 games but he made only two catches for 16 yards all season. Plus, with the drafting of Hunter Long in 2021, Miami doesn’t need so many tight ends.

By cutting both Hurns and Carter, the Dolphins save $5.1 million with only $433,334 in dead cap. That puts Miami at $72 million.

Now the next move is a tougher call, but it may be time to move on from Eric Rowe. Brian Flores brought him in from New England to help establish his defense. Rowe has the 5th highest cap hit on the team next season with a little over $5 million, and now Flores is no longer here.

Releasing Rowe gives the Dolphins $4,550,000 in savings with only $525,000 in dead cap. So a net gain of just over $4 million. Rowe’s snaps on defense dropped dramatically near the end of the season, as rookie Jevon Holland came on strong and Brandon Jones started making plays. Between the two of them, Rowe could be expendable. This move puts the team at $77 million for 2022.

Loading
Loading...

At last, the final roster change is in regards to Jesse Davis. It’s clear that Davis is not cut out to be a starter. But that wasn’t what he was supposed to be in the first place. He was supposed to be a utility backup who can fill any spot in an emergency. Much like the Dolphins did with Jakeem Grant and Albert Wilson, they can try to convince Davis to take a pay cut for the final year of his contract. His current cap hit is $4,610,000. Chop that in half, and Miami saves another $2.3 million. Or, cut him if he refuses, and they save $3.6 million.

As a result of these moves, the Dolphins find themselves at $80 million dollars in cap space after cutting just a little bit of dead weight. That amount of cash to throw around makes Miami’s roster tantalizingly flexible. There is so much room for improvement through free agency, and one more strong draft from Chris Grier could put the Dolphins over the edge into the playoffs at last.

With that in mind, the next story will start the fun part of the offseason. This is the part that Madden players everywhere enjoy most of all.

Adding new pieces to the Miami Dolphins.

Luis Sung has covered the Miami Dolphins for numerous outlets such as Dolphins Wire for seven years. Follow him on Twitter: @LuisDSung

******

For business window graphics, interior office signage, custom flags, custom banners and sign repair, reach out to SignsBrowardFortLauderdale.

Shrine Bowl is for finding underdogs like Arizona’s Stanley Berryhill III

/0 Comments/in , /by

LAS VEGAS — NFL Draft prospect Stanley Berryhill lll has fond memories playing at Allegiant Stadium.

It was the site of his first 100-yard receiving game in the Arizona Wildcats’ season opening loss to BYU. On Thursday, he had the longest reception (28 yards) for the West in their 25-24 win over the East in the East-West Shrine Bowl.

The Shrine Bowl is the oldest college football all-star game and is connected with the Shriners Hospital for Children. It’s also the first time such a game is played in the same stadium as the Pro Bowl and on the same week.

“I think it’s pretty cool,” Berryhill said. “They’ve done some pretty cool things. We’ve been really busy with practices, meetings but it’s nice to get in here and have some fun with the kids and just do things like that.”

The Shrine Bowl is about finding the underdogs of the NFL Draft. Quarterback Tyler Huntley played in the most recent Shrine Bowl in 2020 before finding his way onto the Baltimore Ravens and eventually starting some games in Lamar Jackson’s absence.

Berryhill was on the field the entire game, showing his route-running ability and contributing on special teams. He has always been an underdog and potentially a perfect match for teams like the Miami Dolphins, who are entering the draft with two picks in the fourth round.

A native of Tucson, Ariz., Berryhill was encouraged to join the Wildcats as a walk-on by Rich Rodriguez but by the time he could hit the field, the program was handed over to Kevin Sumlin, who was fired after three seasons.

Berryhill broke out under Jedd Fisch’s system in his first season as a starting receiver. He was second in the PAC-12 in catches with 83 and fourth in yards with 744 yards.

“You just bought into what they told you,” Berryhill said. “Change happens in football and you got to learn to adapt, face adversity and that’s just what I tried to focus on and buying into what they were telling us and picking up the offense as quick as possible.

“I just try to focus on the gameplans that the coaches put together for the team and lead the team as much as possible so he had the best chance to succeed,” Berryhill said. “I didn’t worry about my individual accolades too much.”

Berryhill recalls being California to snap Arizona’s 20-game losing streak that spanned three seasons as a career highlight.

“That was a big milestone in my career,” Berryhill said. “You go a long time losing and when you get a win you see all the work that you put in paying off.”

Berryhill had a head start on preparing for the NFL Draft after the Wildcats finished their season at the end of November. He started and ended the season with double-digit catches for over 100-yards. His draft preparation has focused on building strength and perfecting the 40-yard dash.

“It’s all technique, really,” Berryhill said. “All in the start for the most part and stances. It’s like you do not want to waste as much movement as possible so you want to just get it and go.”

Like most players who plays in the Shrine Bowl, the NFL is a dream destination. Berryhill never had a favorite team growing up but was inspired to play football from watching Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson play for the Philadelphia Eagles.

“I always had an idea that I was going to play in the NFL or have a chance to play in the NFL,” Berryhill said. From when I was a kid in high school, as a kid in middle school, that’s always been a dream of mine.”

Mike McDaniel should be the next Head Coach of the Miami Dolphins

/0 Comments/in , /by

Reports are pouring in that Brian Daboll is the favorite to land a Head Coaching job with the Miami Dolphins

Daboll is the current Bills offensive coordinator and was QB Tua Tagovailoa’s offensive coordinator at Alabama in 2017.

Many inside the organization advocate for Brian Daboll, his success with Josh Allen in Buffalo; however, it ties back to his relationship with Tua Tagovailoa.

While the NFL and GM Chris Grier is all about relationships inside the front office, on the field it isn’t.

The New Era

Enter Mike McDaniel, 49ers offensive coordinator under Kyle Shanahan. McDaniel, a protege of the Mike Shanahan wide zone offense, would fit Tua and the offense as a whole.

The Shanahan offense is coupled with the wide zone running game and a west coast passing attack. This type of offense helped the Denver Broncos win in 1998, thrusted  fourth-round backup Kirk Cousins in Washington, elevated a solid QB in Matt Ryan to an MVP in 2016. 

Look back to Shanahan’s offense with Jimmy Garrapolo and Sean McVay’s offense with Jared Goff.

Both offenses had playmaking WR’s, TE’s and RB’s to help the QB out along with a tactical offensive line suited for the zone game. Not to mention really good defenses that paved the way for deep playoff runs.

McDaniel, learning under both Shanahan’s tutelage and developing a relationship with McVay and Matt LeFluer along the way makes him one of the few coaches that understand offensive football really well.

The basic version of the offense works like this: wide zone runs, under-center play-action dropbacks, crossers over the middle of the field. Seems familiar to Tua’s offense at Alabama.

Both Kyle Shanahan, with McDaniel, and Sean McVay ran the same type of offense with different wrinkles in the game.

McVay loves to use 11 Personnel with 3 WR’s and uses Robert Woods to create mismatches on defense. Shanahan uses more of a 21 Personnel look with 2 RB’s, 1 TE, 2 WR’s.

If both coaches are able to use the same philosophy, which has worked well in the Modern Era. McDaniel can too.

Implementation

The whole “Leader of Men” mantra which exists about NFL Head Coaches is from an old era. The modernity of the NFL has come down to not who can lead a team, but a coach that can invest into players and make them understand what it is all about.

That’s who McDaniel is, it’s what he has done the last 17 years in the league

McDaniel can make his mark, if chosen as the next HC to improve the menial Dolphins Offense by implementing the Shanahan scheme and developing Tua Tagovailoa.

Currently, the 49ers scheme is mainly game-planned by McDaniel, and is built on maximizing weapons. 

Miami has some offensive Weapons in Jaylen Waddle, Lynn Bowden Jr, and Mike Gesicki. However, they need more along with an offensive line.The Dolphins have struggled the last three seasons in maximizing their playmakers and just got to the use of pre-snap motions last season.

McDaniels with the 49ers have put their playmakers in positions to succeed by motioning receivers and running backs across formation and in the backfield.

Fixing the past

The Miami Dolphins have never fielded a top 15 offense, but have wielded great defenses in the past. 

Currently, the Dolphins have defensive playmakers locked up beyond 2023 and are rumored to keep the current defensive staff intact.

Time and Time again, the Dolphins have failed to support recent franchise quarterbacks with never ending offensive line troubles, lackluster running game play and minuscule playmakers.

Now, Miami has an uber-talented defense, a decent crop of offensive playmakers which can be improved through the draft, and a QB that fits the Shanahan system like a glove.

All it takes is a coach that can implement changes to turnaround a lackluster offensive line and make changes to support Tua Tagovailoa. That coach is Mike McDaniel.

Follow @hussampatel on Twitter