http://www.canada.com/Sports/story.html?id=1197498 That is possibly the most objective look at D Wake's move to Miami and the NFL that I've read, Wake has a large hill to climb. I think he can do it, too much talent mated to a desire to succeed. Now THIS is a "new" D Wake story, if the C&P works..: [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOgh4geg4UU&eurl"]YouTube - CTV Feature - Cameron Wake[/ame] Add a radio interview from the Dolphins Tonight Show: [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9WwzyZarD0&feature=related"]YouTube - Cameron Wake Dolphins Tonight Radio Interview[/ame] (Turn down the volume on your computer for the radio interview, there is too much treble)
Seeing how our staff got the most out of Roth so quickly, I would expect that it won't take very long for Wake to be playing at his top capability. By the time the pre-season comes around, I think he'll be a well oiled machine. I'll be happy if he can be our #3 OLB and spell Roth and Porter. If he comes more than that, then booyah for us.
He seems to have all the tools from top physical strength, top athleticism, high motor and a strong desire. Don't know enough about his mental skills and instincts. THe fact that he hasn't seen anything like the NFL running game in the CFL is a problem paired with the move to LB but even if he's just successful as a situational pass rusher he was a steal.
The "voluntary workouts" start next week, I'd love it if we can hear some things about how he does, there was a story that he had recently found a house in the Miami area and that he was looking forward to the voluntary workouts. To me, he makes the preseason sooo much more interesting. Not to slam Wake, but sometimes we may be undervaluing Matty Roth and what he brings to the table.
I was lost for first few... I was like..Derek Wake? The Lions? Gish mad a good point about Roth. If they can teach HIM half decent pass coverage, im sure Wake will be alright )
Nice article... Ive got a feeling wake is going to be breat for us. his determination and dedication, combined with our coaching staff... you just cant go wrong. especially, as many as you have said, look what they did for roth.
I love the fact that he could apprentice behind Porter and play special teams. This will definitely be a fun training camp to follow.
I think he immediately makes an impact on Special Teams, and onc again, that is a great place for the FO to upgrade quickly His not having to play the run in Canada won't be as big an issue I think for two reasons: A: In our defense, it is really up to the two Defensive to help stuff the run and allow the linebackers to clean up. B: I dont see him in on running situations that much. More of a replacement for Roth on obvious passing situations I think.
Good points. I read several reports last year praising Roth and his success against the run, even to the point of opponents giving up the run to his side almost altogether. I think Roth in on run plays and Wake in on pass plays is really going to give opposing OC's fits, especially if they are double teaming Porter. I also think someone with Wake's intensity is going to make Porter up his game as well.
One thing to keep in mind is we can go with a 4 man line on a passing down, so we could have Wake with his hand on the ground or Roth and that could give either one a better chance to get into the back field. Wake's time as a DE will show up during this season.
Its kind of amusing that some people downplay Wake's potential because he was great in the CFL, yet they place a lot of faith and hope on players who have played at a high level in the college ranks. Theres no more risk with Wake than there is in any of our draft picks. But we put faith in Ireland, Parcells and Sparano to spot good talent in the college ranks so why can't we put the same faith in them when it comes to Wake? There's not that much negativity in this thread but I have seen it elsewhere. Wake may be a disappointment, or a role player, or maybe even training camp fodder but he has the potential to be a real find by the trifecta and thats what I put my hopes on.
I know what you mean. Maybe it's the age thing or maybe they just assume that he must have something wrong with him b/c he wasn't acquired through the usual channels. From an evaluation perspective I see Wake as pretty close to English who was originally my first choice at #25. I see Wake as the equivalent to having acquired English prior to the draft without having had to spend a pick.
Exactly, they have rolls of film on him and he mentioned that Gaines was the Scout who ultimately green lighted him for us, and he has worked with Tuna before and is trusted in his evaluations. To me, he is a role player prospect at the moment, a sort of third #2 pick from out of this year's draft. He's never been injured and while he is 27, a NFL season is an eternity, trying to say "well 5 yrs from now he will be" means nothing, it's this year that matters. I for one cannot wait to hear as much as possible about how he performs at everything from working out to drills at Lb, he makes this offseason much more interesting then it normally would have been. Eric Green?
i don't like using players like this b/c the opposing teams will know what kind of defensive play we're doing.
what i like the most is looking at the way he lives. if you saw the place he lived at this is the conclusion that you would come to..... this guy is focused on football. He had the bare necessities and it all pertained to football! I'm loving it!
I like picking him up. he's strong talented and we got him for next to nothing. I think we might have just gotten Joey Porter's replacement for when his time here is done.
Wake is just like any other prospect we have. He's just that, a potential...whether that gets realized is up to both Wake and the staff. We've all seen the athleticism that he has. We've seen him relate that to the CFL, the question still remains is whether he can relate it to this level. I think how he gets used is more likely linked to who we draft. If they draft a Larry English or even Lauriniatis (sp), it'll remain to be seen how he's abilities are sprinkled into the D. I would think if we get one of those guys they will be the primary backup to Joey and then Wake could be used in conjuction with Roth as a 3rd down and/or long 2nd down plays to utilize his pass rushing abilities...All this will be worked out during the off season and should be fun to watch unfold...
I'd be suprised if he doesn't start to make some impact early. If we signed him in late July then i think he would have a longer development curve. But I truely believe the key was signing him early. Once he goes through the OTA's and Mini Camps and then training camp, then preseason, he should have a comfortable grasp on his new position and role, and that confidence at the position will allow his physical gifts to be unleashed come game day. Just my prediction, most def. not a certainty, but I think his early signing was key in how fast he will realize his physical potentials. Kudo's to the FO for acting quickly.
Maybe, he could beat Roth for his job in training camp. And in the CFL, every player plays special teams, they have 35 man rosters.