Tag Archive for: Nate Orchard

Dolphins place DE Jonathan Ledbetter on IR, sign Tank Carradine

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Jonathan Ledbetter put on enough of a show in practice and preseason to earn a spot on the 53-man roster. However, his season is coming to an abrupt end. On Thursday, the Miami Dolphins placed him on injured reserve as he battles an ankle injury he suffered during Wednesday’s practice.

After six weeks, Miami is eligible to bring back two players from IR. In the meantime, the Dolphins re-signed veteran Tank Carradine to take Ledbetter’s place.

Carradine, a six-year veteran, performed fairly well during the preseason for Miami, even though he only recorded two tackles and five QB hits on the stat sheet. Now, Carradine will likely take starting responsibilities again. He started three of the Dolphins’ preseason games.

Instead of keeping Orchard or Carradine, Miami elected to go young along the defensive line. Ledbetter, Charles Harris, and Avery Moss – who was claimed off waivers from the Giants – were their opening day defensive ends. Ledbetter made four tackles and half a sack against the Ravens.

As an undrafted free agent out of Georgia, Jonathan Ledbetter is a hard worker and offers a relentless motor. He is a prime candidate to return from injured reserve, along with rookie linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel. If they can develop into decent defenders for the 2020 season, that will be a success for them. The Dolphins apparently intend to earn the first overall pick in the 2020 draft, but currently project to pick fifth. To get where they want to be, youth is the route they will continue to take. Carradine is merely filling an open hole. A strong showing could help his future in the NFL.

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

Preseason sack leader Nate Orchard close to earning Dolphins spot

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Nate Orchard could make the Dolphins roster. The 2019 season is about discovering who can have a long-term impact on the Miami Dolphins. While looking for diamonds in the rough, the Dolphins may have discovered Nate Orchard.

The 26-year-old has only 69 career tackles in his six-year NFL career, but it seems he has found his niche in Miami’s new defensive system under first-year coach Brian Flores and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.

“Yeah, I love the system,” Orchard said on Tuesday. “Patrick Graham knows what he’s doing. He’s able to put guys in positions to be successful and he’s doing that with me and a bunch of guys. He sees my skill set and what I can bring to the table, allowing me to stand up and have my hand in the dirt, as well.”

Orchard, who is listed as a linebacker, has the flexibility the Dolphins are looking for on the defensive side of the ball. He has even spent some time as a defensive back.

“Yeah, I did that with [Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator] Kalani Sitake when I was at Utah,” Orchard said. “So yeah, I’ve had experience. I’ve been in the league for five years now, so you get your hands in a little bit of everything.”

While he can do a little of everything, but Orchard is making noise this preseason as the league-leader in sacks with four after a two-sack performance against Jacksonville.

“I feel really comfortable with what we’re doing,” Orchard said. “They’ve moved me from a 5-, 9- or a 6-[technique], stand up, have my hand in the dirt. I’m comfortable being able to move around and play to my strengths.”

Keep in mind, the Dolphins are looking to find players who can rush the passer, Orchard knows he needs to continue to work in order to secure a spot on the 53-man roster.

“You’ve got to be able to block out the noise,” Orchard said. “Knowing what’s at stake, it’s tough. But at the same time, don’t let it take away from your game. Be who you are and approach each game, each snap, as if it was your last and just enjoy it as much as possible.”

Orchard, who wears the number four, may have a shot to even push for a starting job across from Charles Harris. The fourth game of the preseason may not mean a lot for most teams, but for the Dolphins, it is the last opportunity for a handful of players to prove they deserve a spot on an NFL roster.

The Dolphins play the Saints on Thursday night with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m.