Saturday March 7, was the first day that tampering was allowed by the NFL, and as expected, linebackers Phillip Wheeler and Daniel Ellerbe were released by the team. Cortland Finnegan had been released days earlier the same week, and along with all the players being let go by the team, speculation grew among fans and analysts, that the Dolphins might have been trying to make a move towards a big name free agency signing. The Miami Dolphins, according to the rumors, are now expected to announce on Tuesday, that they have reached a deal that will bring defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to Miami.
Obviously linebacker positions in the Dolphins roster, have been nearly depleted with only one starter returning in 2015. This, more than likely, means Miami will have to use more than one pick to address the linebacker position in the upcoming draft. Dion Jordan has not contributed to the team on the consistent basis, and questions on whether the former first round pick is going to relieve the need for to Dolphins to have to make several linebacker selections from the draft, instead of just having to add depth to the position.
Eric Kendricks comes out of UCLA and is rated as the # 1 inside linebacker in this year's draft and expected to be drafted with the 37th pick. “Like big brother Mychal (Eagles), Eric is instinctive, aggressive and a more explosive hitter than his frame suggests. Closes quickly and with force.” Rob Rang/Dane Brugler of NFLDraftScout.com
Denzell Perryman is an ILB from UM. Peeryman stands at 5'11”, weighs 236 LBS and would be drafted in the 3rd round if the draft were held today. “Lacks desirable height but has the look of a prototypical inside 'backer with a stout, thick frame. Instinctive and tough. Showed improved closing speed and explosiveness as a tackler in 2014. Strong, active hands, agile feet and good use of leverage free him from blocks. Good burst and lower-body flexibility. Picks up routes quickly. Smooth hips to hitch himself to a crossing route and maintain stride-for-stride coverage on slot receivers.” Derek Stephens / Rob Rang of NFLDraftScout.com
Kwon Alexander is an outside linebacker from LSU. He best fits in a 4-3 system and is currently positioned to be drafted at # 87 in the third round. Rob Rang of NFLDraftScout.com analyzes Alexander “sports a tapered, athletic build with room for additional muscle mass. He has very light feet, which helps him turn quickly and accelerate. He is an aggressive, tenacious defender that seems to enjoy the physicality of the game. He locates the football quickly and makes a bee-line for it, showing a violent shove and good lateral agility to slip past would-be blockers along the way. He closes emphatically, delivering violent hits often and showing good hand-eye coordination and savvy to rip at the ball when runners are vulnerable”
This draft class of linebackers offers very few option for linebacker needy teams like the Miami Dolphins. Next week: Corners and safeties.