-- Dolphins Thin at NT --
Fri Jul 16, 2010 --from FFMastermind.comThe Palm Beach Post reports Miami NT Jason Ferguson's retirement leaves the Dolphins a bit thin at nose tackle, with NT Randy Starks, NT Paul Soliai and undrafted rookie NT Travis Ivey as the top three on the depth chart. Starks, who stands 6-foot-3 and 305-pounds, is a converted defensive end and is considered undersized at nose tackle while Soliai has not recorded a sack in his first three NFL seasons, and at 355 pounds has struggled with weight issues throughout his career. Soliai may not have made the team out of training camp, but Ferguson's retirement may have solidified his roster spot. "I am still in shock that he will not be sitting next to me in team meetings and practicing with us when camp opens," Soliai said in a statement posted on his agent's website. "He has been like a big brother to me and has taught me how to be a professional and become a better man. He will be tremendously missed this coming season."
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IMO they forgot about Tony McDaniel. If I remember correctly, he played some one technique. Jared Odrick has also played 1 technique at PSU from what I remember. Not saying he will play at NT, though I do think its possible that this coaching staff does get him out there at nose at times.
JimToss and dolfan7171 like this. -
After this year Odrick jerseys will be flying off shelves all over Miami. This kid is pure talent. I'm thrilled he's on our side.
dolfan7171 likes this. -
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The best thing that could happen during this Training Camp is Paul Soliai finally coming into his own at NT.
late again, Larryfinfan and gafinfan like this. -
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I am surprised Randy Starks is that light. He only weighs 305 lbs and that is pretty skinny for a NT.
Vince Wilfork (Patriots) is 6-2 325 lbs. Soliai is 6'-4" 344 lbs and Travis Ivey is 6'-4" 325 lbs. That's a lotta beefcobrajet likes this. -
has not recorded a sack? That is an interesting thing to point out for a NT
PhinishLine, Puka-head, Colorado Dolfan and 2 others like this. -
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I wonder what they have up their sleeve? Either the front office got blindsided by the sudden retirement of Ferguson or they have been working on another angle and the retirement didn't matter to them because of it. There seems to be an awful lot of DL lingering around. I wonder what this Travis Ivey kid is about?
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Let it go Cobrajet...It's Chinatown.
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alen1 likes this.
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Denver's Dline in 09 was similar to our Oline in 08, just bits and pieces mashed together from the scrap heap, Odrick/Starks/Merling/Langford are a completely different animal than what Nolan worked with in Denver.
THAT increased level of talent is why more 4-3 or some variation is in the works imho, toss in Wake playing the 5, and clearly the strength on Defense is in the Dline. -
Puka-head My2nd Fav team:___vs Jets Club Member
Another brilliant observation by Obvious man and Captain Duhhrrrr.
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Larryfinfan likes this.
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If there is an injury Miami is not in as good as a position.late again likes this. -
Seems to me that there is a lot of corporate forgetfulness going on in the media. Does anyone have any idea how many rookies, 2nd, and 3rd year players have come in and really become a force at nose tackle? I think the results would be rather thin.. most of these big guys seem to materialize as forces in the defense at somewhere around 4-5-6 years, and then play for 7-10 years at a fairly high level. I think (hope) that the troika knows this and is giving Soliai time to learn the craft of absorbing hits, taking on two blockers and holding ground, and countering the 'dirty' tricks associated with interior line play. It takes time for these things to become 'intuitive' as what is really happening is called 'experience.' Let's hope that Soliai is becoming experienced.
Are you experienced?? (Cue Jimi)
Larryfinfan likes this. -
Larryfinfan 17-0...Priceless Club Member
I still hold out hope that Soliai comes into his own as a NT, but moving Starks and adding Nolan as DC seems to preclude that as the focal point of the D. It's just not in Nolan's DNA to have or need a dominant NT. I'm not as disappointed in Soliai's development as a NT, but am disappointed in his lack of maturity as a pro. I see those as two separate entities. I've long said that I feel it takes 6-9 years for a dominant NT to develop in the 3-4, so Soliai not developing as quickly as some expect isn't a shock to me. However, his inability to stay consistently focused on being a better pro...things like controlling his weight in the offseason, late to meetings, etc that have plagued him throughout his career are disheartening.
That said, we have a wealth of DEs on the squad right now. There just isn't much of a difference in talent between Starks, Langford, Merling, Odrick, even McDaniels. Soliai and Ivey are both guys that you want to see more from, but I'm not really saying that in a negative light, just a developmental light. Starks being moved may have simply justified them taking Odrick over a NT, although he was clearly the best option at the time they drafted with Williams being gone. Starks can slide inside, but the clearly the scheme will have to be adjusted for not having a dominant NT in place (with Fergy gone and Soliai and Ivey still getting there). I think adding Nolan really allows the Troika to do that, moreso than any other moves made (drafting Odrick, Starks to NT).
Either way, I think the D's philosophy will shift a little more towards the Phillips version of the 3-4 than the Tuna's version... Really, doesn't Starks remind you more of Jay Ratliffe than Jason Ferguson ?? -
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Soliai is also a free agent next year. So I expect to see his best this year.