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Christian Wilkins: The First, First Round Pick We Never Spoke Of

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by AGuyNamedAlex, Jan 7, 2020.

  1. AGuyNamedAlex

    AGuyNamedAlex Well-Known Member

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    We very rarely brought up his name positive or negative this year aside from his one incident.

    How do you all feel about his prospects going forward in our defense? I'm not good at analyzing defensive players so I'd like outside opinions.
     
  2. thetylernator

    thetylernator You're as cold as ice, Officer Friendly.

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    He was fine. Long-term, I think he'll be a good-but-not-great player. Certainly, what he lacks in terms of pure superstar talent, he makes up for in morale, work ethic, and leadership.

    According to PFF, he received a grade of 64.4 for the year, which is fine. For comparison, here are the grades of all first-round DT's from 2019:

    • Jerry Tillery: 34.0
    • Christian Wilkins: 64.4
    • Ed Oliver: 64.4
    • Quinnen Williams: 67.5
    • Jeffery Simmons: 70.4
    • Dexter Lawrence: 76.1

    A lot of room for improvement, but he's on par with his peers.
     
  3. texanphinatic

    texanphinatic Senior Member

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    Who were the league leaders, for context?

    But yeah, he seemed as much a locker-room pick as a guy expected to be a big impact player. Hopefully he continues to get better, and hopefully we get a bit more of an immediate impact out of our pick(s) this year. Not complaining about Wilkins, but we need 1-2 guys who can really get after the QB this offseason.
     
  4. AGuyNamedAlex

    AGuyNamedAlex Well-Known Member

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    It's crazy how many needs we really have.

    QB
    RB
    Pretty much every OL position
    Defensive Line
    Linebacker
    Corner, especially if Howard keeps being injured.

    I'm really hoping with our first 3 picks we snag:

    QB
    LB
    OT

    Depending who is available of course and assuming we dont trade any of the picks.
     
  5. texanphinatic

    texanphinatic Senior Member

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    Thing is, every single team has needs. Not all have as many of course, but there is no complete or finished team, there are only better teams than others. A good draft and smart use of FA money and we are competing as soon as this next year, and seriously competing in 2021. We will hopefully fill some needs with great players, some with ok players and then others with not great players and look for coaching and the elite players to make up the difference. It's why positional groups and value is so important.
     
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  6. thetylernator

    thetylernator You're as cold as ice, Officer Friendly.

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    Looks like it was...

    1. Aaron Donald - 93.7
    2. Cameron Heyward - 91.5
    3. Grady Jarrett - 90.1
    4. D.J. Reader - 86.7
     
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  7. TheHighExhaulted

    TheHighExhaulted Well-Known Member

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    I like his enthusiasm, but nothing else really jumped out at me.
     
  8. Carmen Cygni

    Carmen Cygni Well-Known Member

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    DT is one of the most difficult positions to acclimate to in the NFL. For one, the size and strength combination of NFL lineman is obviously far superior to the college ranks. Secondly, NFL lineman are generally very smart individuals (increasingly more so than your average player) and quite savvy technique wise.

    Add in that we now have our interior DL's playing 2 gap techniques, and you understand that they must instantaneously recognize the o-line's stance tells, splits, ID possible blockers, etc. in the presnap phase. Then be explosive immediately upon the snap in order to obtain leverage, maintain or gain ground while ID'ing run or pass, and fighting off double and deuce blocks while trying to counter effective multiple techniques and a repertoire of moves, many of which which you possibly never encountered during one's college years.

    DT's need at least 2-3 years for full immersion and evaluation. That said I like what I saw from Wilkins. He was solid as a rookie and look forward to his progress.
     
  9. Hoops

    Hoops Well-Known Member

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    He was ok. Imo dt is one of the hardest positions in football to come in and show out immediately. Miami needs him to take a step in terms of playmaking and consistency of it next year.

    but it needs it next year from Jerome baker too. He needs to take it to another level. He’s asked to do a lot but we need more from him.
     
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  10. Hoops

    Hoops Well-Known Member

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    makes sense. Reader carries that Houston run defense
     
  11. Puka-head

    Puka-head My2nd Fav team:___vs Jets Club Member

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    Respectfully disagree about need at LB. Baker, McMillan, Van Ginkel, Eguaven and Biegel all had good games this year. If they can pick up a good vet either ILB or/and a "tweener" OLB/DE to help the boys grow up I think we are good. Unless we can't figure out the safeties too.

    And Wilkins was comin on late in the season too. You think veteran OL can't teach a rookie DT a lesson or three every week? Love Wilkins personality, his motor, his will. He'll be balling in this defense next year. If you just look at stats for a DT you'll never know the full story.
     
    Last edited: Jan 8, 2020
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  12. Hoops

    Hoops Well-Known Member

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    I was very underwhelmed witb ego. He needs to step up next year or be replaced or heck I might just see if I can find something that makes him a 4th lb this offseason.

    only thing is miami didn’t play a lot of 3 lbs. heavy 2 off ball lbs so maybe that spares him.

    It’s a good thing kwon gave us off tackle to off tackle thump and poa play
     
  13. AGuyNamedAlex

    AGuyNamedAlex Well-Known Member

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    I dont think any of our LB played well enough to feel safe for the future. Our entire defense was hot garbage honestly, I cant defend a single unit or player. Rowe came on well at the end I guess, Van Ginkle looked decent vs NE as well. Taco played well as a pass rusher but left a lot to be desired. Wilkins was quietly average, which is fine for a rookie DT.

    I like Van Ginkle but he barely played so I'm not pegging him as a win yet.

    When I talk about a LB, I want the next Urlacher/Lewis/Thomas. Someone that creates panic and fear in an offense and energizes the defense through physical play setting the tone.
     
  14. Hoops

    Hoops Well-Known Member

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    well then you probably want the penn state sophomore lb #11 who looks earmarked for the top 5 next year and imo front runner for defensive player on the year in college. He doesn’t even know how good he can be yet.
     
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  15. mlb1399

    mlb1399 Well-Known Member

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    I think the reality is our D had a lot of role players/situational players and lacked quality starting talent. I think if we can inject a pass rusher, safety and get Howard back 100%, we should be markedly better.

    This year was about finding guys who want it, getting a young team experience and learning how to do the little things right to win some games.

    As far was Wilkins, I thought he said and did all the right things and showed some flashes on the field. Very few DT’s come in and can play at a high level. I’m optimistic about his future.
     
  16. Hoops

    Hoops Well-Known Member

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    to add to this it would be a “move over Jerome baker” move lol

    we done upgraded
     
  17. Fin D

    Fin D Sigh

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    I think on defense, we should be thinking about how a player can fill multiple roles.

    Anyone remember, Nintendo's Ice Hockey game? You could make a team by choosing between:

    - the skinny guy
    who was super fast and had no power

    - the fat guy
    slow as hell but had lots of power

    - the normal guy
    faster than fat guy, more power than skinny guy

    To flog the analogy to death, I think our coaches are looking for 11 "normal" guys. I don't think they want the best coverage CB, I think they want a guy who can cover decently, but can also shift to safety if the offense calls for it. I think they want tackles who can DE. I think they want Des who also be LBs. The point being their defense won't be based on having talent to play one role great, but rather talent to play many roles good.
     
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  18. AGuyNamedAlex

    AGuyNamedAlex Well-Known Member

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    There is merit to having flexibility.

    I've personally always felt like I want one highly talented impact player within each position group if possible with the rest being role players who can do what you say for the most part.
     
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  19. Fin D

    Fin D Sigh

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    I'm not speaking on the merits of any of it, I'm just saying I think that is what they are going for. YMMV.
     
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  20. AGuyNamedAlex

    AGuyNamedAlex Well-Known Member

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    Gotcha. I do think that is generally what they are going for too, but I also dont think they will pass up talent if the player has the right attitude...if that makes sense.
     
  21. The_Dark_Knight

    The_Dark_Knight Defender of the Truth

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    Well being in the Orlando viewing area, I was only able to see 3 games this season so I can't really make an informed opinion of Wilkins' overall performance this season.

    That being said, I think our defense as a whole truly stepped up on what was considered the biggest game of the season against the Patriots Week 17. I think the defense in general is on the right track and will continue to improve...including Wilkins
     
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  22. Drizzy

    Drizzy Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Free agent
     
  23. Puka-head

    Puka-head My2nd Fav team:___vs Jets Club Member

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    That was kinda my point. Traditional role models need not apply. We have seen this Defense with 1 LB. I see them wanting those S/LB hybrid types to play behind fast smart LB's, emphasis on smart, that can all cover and tackle. Kinda like a dime package but with SS types instead of CB being the extra DBs.
     
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  24. Drizzy

    Drizzy Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    To be honest I'd rather have both the DTs drafted a few spots after him
     
  25. tirty8

    tirty8 Well-Known Member

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    I kinda like this post. It is true that for whatever reason he flew under the radar. That being said, I bet we add another early round DT. I'm guessing that we put a lot of resources at or near the line of defense. Something tells me his play suddenly jumps as he has more talent around him.
     
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  26. texanphinatic

    texanphinatic Senior Member

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    No doubt we add DT via draft or free agency, but I hope we go more for a pass rusher with a premium pick or big money than a standard DT. Gotta get after the QB.
     
  27. Surfs Up 99

    Surfs Up 99 Team Flores & Team Tua

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    I am glad we took Wilkins. A sort of funny story: On draft day when we took Wilkins, I was like, OK solid pick. I like it. Later on, when my daughter came home, I was telling her about the draft. She's a Dolphin fan, so I know she would be interested. When I got to telling her about Wilkins, she says, Dad, you got the guy you wanted. I was like, HUH? She said remember when we were watching the Clemson game and Wilkins was a beast and totally tearing it up and you said, now that's a guy I want as a Dolphin!? Damn, getting old sucks. I totally forgot about saying that. Anyway, I was impressed then ( I thought he had a high motor and really dominated), so hopefully, he will round into form and develop like Carmin is suggesting he should. Silly me. Silly, silly, me... :-)
     
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