Miami Herald is reporting that the Dolphins are considering moving Koa Misi to MLB. I've wondered many times why this was not considered last year, but its good to see them exploring all options to improve. Source
How many years in a row have they considered this and not done it? At least the last 2 or 3. Koa Misi is NOT a Mike LB. At this point I think you'd have to consider drafting C.J. Mosley or Shayne Skov if you don't want Ellerbe playing the middle.
I want Shayne Skov on this team, hope he's there in the second round but I doubt it.. I think he will be a top linebacker some day.... and a DROY candidate.
Just from watching the B1G a lot, primarily Ohio State and Wisconsin (I usually make it to 1 game of each a season) I just don't think Borland's much better than the typical Wisconsin LB. They've had a lot of productive guys there in college that are undersized, like Borland, that just don't translate well to the pros: Casillas and Taylor come to mind - I'm not sure Taylor even got a camp invite. At best, Borland is another DeAndre Levy in terms of productivity. DeAndre Levy's been about the best they've had lately, but I don't think Borland is even that good. Just rather have Mosley, Skov, or Andrew Jackson over Borland. If I were picking a B1G Mike LB I'd almost be inclined to take Iowa's James Morris over Borland.
Not a big deal. He's perfectly suited. Good size, quickness, played at the line, can shed blocks, can pursue, has experience reading offenses.
I love this... but even more for Dion Jordan than Misi. Jordan is made for Misi's position. Slide Misi to MLB and Ellerbe to Wheeler's spot and Wheeler to a backup/depth role.
My feeling is draft a MLB (Mosley, Skov, Borland, Jackson) have him compete with Misi at MLB. Have Wheeler and Ellerbe compete for one OLB spot, Jordan man the other. Good depth all around.
I'd rather take Shazier if we go LB in the 1st, but he's just a Will. Honestly though, I do not expect Mosley to be available at pick 19 anyway. Wouldn't that be a surprising first two rounds? Shazier followed by Skov or Borland.
It would be quite surprising with the money tied to the three turds. But I'm crazy enough to welcome it!! Anyone else match my crazy?
I'm not sure how I feel about the idea. I remember feeling like Misi put in some auspiciously good work in space last year at times, but I'd think you would need to look at it more. You'd tend to think he would be a pretty good take-on linebacker, but I'm not sure how good he would be sideline to sidelines. I'd like to see it, but I'm not sure if that's what they're planning. There was talk earlier in the off-season of them changing the defense by switching Wheeler to the SOLB-type position. This might be a continuation of that line of thought, as that's really what Wheeler has generally played. They may be shuffling around what they already have.
We got burned mostly with strong inside running between the Guards and Center. Our DT's got double teamed and our LB's couldn't diagnose the play. We need a Manny Fernandez or Zach Thomas type hard hitting player that is on the spot to make a hard hit in the middle while our DT's are holding the line. Unfortunately Ellerbe and Wheeler were in La La land and the year before that, it was Dansby taking the wrong angles against the run. That said, I don't think Misi is a student of the game the way Thomas was so I don't believe we have that 1st and 2nd down LB on the roster.
Well for one, Kuechly tore up the Combine. Skov can't run a 4.5 or jump a 38' vertical so one can conclude that Kuechly is the better athlete. 177 tackles average in 3 years for Kuechly compared to 83.5 tackles for Skov in 4. That's all I need to know if I was a scout.
Skov did not work out at the combine, so we don't know yet what he can run or jump. If total tackles were the mark of the best LB then the best LB in Dolphins history would be Steve Towle. Remember him?
He won't be playing in space. I wonder exactly what technique he'll be playing in? Ellerbe is a WLB. Wheeler is a SLB (zone cover guy). We spoke about this move during the year it's a good idea.
The days of a run stopping MLB may be coming to an end. These days your mike has to be able to do everything and do it well. It's just not enough anymore to be a sure tackler. Of course there are still plenty of players who fit the traditional MLB role, but they're being phased out.
He's as physical as they want for a Mike but I don't think he's near as instinctive or shows the kind of football intelligence/awareness they want at the position. I'm sensing that this position is a thorn in their side and it could take a HIGH draft priority.
Really? Wheeler is the worst at taking on blockers. Even if it's a TE. He's easily washed out of a play.
What is your opinion of Skov and Borland? Is there any sleeper type ILB-MLB that you have your eye on?
Carl Bradford said a number of scouts were interested in him as a MLB. Carl said he would absolutely love to play MLB. I saw a lot of Carl being an ASU fan. IMO, he would make an excellent, not good, excellent MLB.