Dolphins draft preview: Potential three-down linebackers to pair with Jerome Baker
The Dolphins didn’t see a major need to upgrade their inside linebacker corps, instead re-signing all of their contributors this offseason. But with Jerome Baker being the only player signed past the 2022 season and his increasingly versatile usage, the Dolphins could use a player that could develop into an every-down player next to him.
What do the Dolphins need?
In recent years, the Dolphins have relied on multiple players next to Baker. Elandon Roberts, a team captain, slots as an early-down player against the run. Duke Riley has filled in as a middle linebacker when Baker, who is one of the best blitzers at his position, moves to outside linebacker. And while Sam Eguavoen was mainly limited to a special teams role last season, he’s also shown his ability to get to the quarterback.
All provide healthy contributions, specializing in one area or the other, but the Dolphins could boost a talented defense even more by finding a do-it-all player to pair with Baker. This player would ideally have the size and physicality to hold up against the run but the athleticism to match with tight ends and running backs in coverage. Those combinations of traits are hard to find in the NFL — but the Dolphins could bring in a player that can contribute in sub packages and special teams and work them into a three-down role as they get more comfortable.
Here are inside linebackers the Dolphins could target in the draft:
Montana State’s Troy Andersen
Why he would fit: Andersen has great size for an inside linebacker at 6-3 and 243 pounds, and his 4.42 40-yard dash landed in the 98th percentile for his position. He’s a physical, versatile player who split time at linebacker, quarterback and running back early in his college career but transitioning to linebacker full time and being named Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year in 2021.
Why he might not: Despite his size and long wingspan — 77 3/8 inches — Andersen has had troubles with shedding blocks and missed tackles. He’s also not as instinctual in diagnosing route combinations in coverage.
Projection: Round 2-3
Georgia’s Channing Tindall
Why he would fit: Tindall, who had a pre-draft visit with the Dolphins, was more supporting cast than a lead actor on a Bulldogs defense full of draft prospects but he held his own in Athens. He’s a good blitzer, finishing fourth on the team in sacks in 2021, and has the speed — he ran a 4.47 40-yard dash — to play sideline to sideline. Tindall, 6-1 and 230 pounds, was also a consistent contributor on all phases of special teams.
Why he might not: While Tindall has great straight-line speed he’s not as fluid in redirecting his movements, which can lead to issues keeping up with players in coverage. As mentioned before, Tindall’s role was limited in college with Georgia’s talent and depth. He didn’t make a single start in college and averaged about 31 snaps per game.
Projection: Round 3
Oklahoma’s Brian Asamoah
Why he would fit: Asamoah has good speed — he ran a 4.56 40-yard dash and long arms — 79-inch wingspan — that allow him to shed blockers. He’s a rangy player who has special teams experience, too.
Why he might not: At just 6-feet, Asamoah is a bit undersized and can be overpowered by blockers. He moves well in space but didn’t have a ton of on-ball production in 2021 — no pass breakups or interceptions — and can improve his angles to the ball when in pursuit.
Projection: Round 3
Penn State’s Brandon Smith
Why he would fit: Smith is built like a traditional linebacker at 6-3 and 250 pounds but moves like a modern-day backer, registering a 4.52 40-yard dash. His long arms – 81-inch wingspan – help him to stonewall and shed blockers and he’s extremely fluid in space, often lining up and dropping into coverage from the slot at Penn State.
Why he might not: Smith is a young player in this draft class – he just turned 21 last week – and his instincts are still coming along. His processing speed can be a tad slow and he needs to rely on his fundamentals more when tackling. Despite his long arms, he can get caught in blocks when moving laterally.
Projection: Round 4-5
LSU’s Damone Clark
Why he would fit: Clark has a big frame – 6-2, 239 pounds – but is a fluid mover and recorded a 4.57 40-yard dash. He’s regarded as a cerebral player and was the leader of LSU’s defense. His long arms allow him to disengage from blockers and chase down ball carriers in space.
Why he might not: Clark needs to improve his eye discipline and didn’t show a ton of consistency from year-to-year. Struggles in 2020 led to him being benched. He also underwent spinal fusion surgery after an MRI at the NFL Scouting Combine revealed a herniated disc. He was regarded as a Day 2 pick who may slide with an injury that will likely sideline him for his entire rookie season.
Projection: Round 5
This story was originally published April 19, 2022 at 8:38 AM.
