How Tyreek Hill can excel as a running back in Miami’s offense

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To the surprise of many, the Kansas City Chiefs placed star wide receiver Tyreek Hill on the trade block this offseason. The Miami Dolphins and their longtime AFC East rival – the New York Jets – were reported as the two frontrunners in trade discussions.

The Dolphins won these sweepstakes, sending a first, second and fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, along with a fourth and six-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, to the Chiefs in return for the services of the six-time NFL Pro Bowler. Miami then gave Hill a four-year extension worth up to $120 million with $72.2 million guaranteed.

Hill has proven throughout his six-year career to be one of the most explosive offensive weapons the league has ever seen. He has terrorized NFL defenses, whether it is in the vertical passing game with his ability to get behind safeties on deep post and fly routes or his knack for picking up yards after the catch on short and intermediate routes.

This terror also extends to the run game, where Hill has been effective in small sample sizes.

Hill played mostly at running back in his one season at Oklahoma State, recording 534 rushing yards on 5.2 yards per carry. His 5-foot-8, 185-pound stature limited his success on inside hand-offs, but outside the tackle box, he was a big-play threat.
Once Hill was able to advance to the second and third level of defenses, he was a nightmare to bring down.

Kansas City drafted Hill in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft as a gadget player. He found an immediate role on the team as a special teams ace, scoring on one kick-off and two punt returns for touchdowns. The rookie was honored as a first-team NFL All-Pro member as a punt returner.

The 2016 season was also Hill’s most noteworthy as a running back, racking up 267 yards on 24 carries. He has still been used in the run game since then, but this utilization has been more infrequent. Hill has not surpassed the number of rushing attempts he received in his rookie year.

Under new Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, this very well could change. Hill has drawn comparisons to 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who was a key cog in San Francisco’s run game while McDaniel was a coach there.

“As far as exact ways we’ll use Tyreek Hill relative to the way Deebo Samuel was used in San Francisco, there’s probably going to be some overlap to some degree on San Francisco,” McDaniel said at the NFL Annual Meeting.

“Deebo Samuel evolved into that role because of circumstance,” McDaniel continued. “I expect there will be no difference really with Tyreek. We’re going to start with the foundational elements of the receiver position, but I promise you we’re not going to limit or — we’re going to continue the process of developing him and the Miami Dolphins football team.”

While Samuel was used as a between-the-tackles running back given his bulkier size, Hill projects more as a player who can damage defenses on outside sweeps and tosses. Both the sweep and the toss are foundational in McDaniel’s run scheme.

Hill’s ability to pressure defenses out of the backfield is not limited to just the run game. In San Francisco, the offenses that Mike McDaniel helped lead threw to the running backs a lot. The Niners targeted backs on 135 passes in 2020.

A wideout like Hill, who has gained over 6,600 receiving yards throughout his NFL career, would be a dangerous threat if used in that way.

The three-time All-Pro will play primarily at wide receiver for the Dolphins, but there are some imaginative and creative ways for him to get the ball aside from just at that position. At running back, a role in which he already has experience playing, Hill has the potential to take Miami’s offense to another level.

 

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The Miami Dolphins are setting up for a big 2023 Offseason

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After dealing DeVante Parker to the New England Patriots in an active off-season, the Miami Dolphins now have five picks in the first three rounds of the 2023 NFL draft.

Through making several deals since Chris Grier became Miami’s GM, the Dolphins have found a way to build their team through the draft, while maintaining the capital to make big moves. For example, Grier was able to trade for wide receiver Tyreek Hill without giving up any major picks in 2023.

Furthermore, Miami is able to make a run with the current roster, while creating the best-case scenario if this year doesn’t work out. More specifically, they have created three distinct possibilities that cover just about every reasonable outcome. All three of which hinge on Tua Tagovailoa, and will play out differently depending on his performance.  

Solidifying a Contender

If the Dolphins, and more importantly Tua Tagovailoa, perform well this year, Miami is left with myriad options with their draft picks. Much like they did with Tyreek Hill, they have the potential to go out and continue their “win now” approach. Every year, a new veteran becomes available, and it may come down to who is willing to bid the most.

Miami is in a position, through these trades, to outbid just about every team.

These picks, however, could also be used in the draft. While Miami’s roster is the best it’s been in years, there are still some holes and depth issues.

Miami could opt for quantity over one quality player, stacking the spots on the team that need work. This approach would signal a further confidence in Tagovailoa, who would have to perform for this to work.

However, if his production warrants it, Miami could stack the deck for years to come.  

Pursuing a Rookie Quarterback

The other two options would admit failure for Tagovailoa, who has been inconsistent over his first two seasons. However, Miami has an insurance policy for him, and it may be put to use if he fails this season. Miami, having five premium picks next year, is in good shape in a draft filled with premium quarterback talent. Going into this season, the 2023 quarterback class appears to be the strongest in some time. Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, and University of Miami QB Tyler Van Dyke highlight a deep and talented class. If Miami believes that one of these signal-callers could succeed in their scheme, they have the ammo to move up for one of them.

While it seems intriguing, this option has its risks. Miami would be banking on yet another young, unproven quarterback to succeed in ways they haven’t seen since Dan Marino. With a roster that’s ready to compete, this could set the timeline back even longer, and may be unlikely as owner Stephen Ross continues to age towards retirement.  

Blockbuster Quarterback Trades

The last, and potentially most exciting option for the 2023 Miami Dolphins comes — yet again — in pursuing a quarterback. However, it makes much more sense for Miami to go after a veteran if Tua doesn’t work out.

Miami has several veterans who are in their prime, such as Tyreek Hill and Terron Armstead. Thus, it’s crucial to maximize their championship window, which may be closed by the time a rookie is ready.

Thus, Miami may look to acquire a quarterback from another team, much like the Broncos and Browns did this off-season. While this is all speculation, there are a few star quarterbacks who could become available next year. Lamar Jackson, who intrigued Stephen Ross in 2018, has yet to sign an extension and would be a free agent if he doesn’t do so.

Kyler Murray is also a possibility, as his discontent with the Cardinals organization began to show this off-season. If they have yet another lackluster season with Murray and Kingsbury, there is potential for the young quarterback to request a trade.

There is also the option of a wild-card whose team doesn’t perform to expectations. With so much talent in the AFC, some teams are bound to not make the playoffs, which could leave fringe teams with unhappy quarterbacks who would rather play with one of the league’s most opportunistic defenses and best young cores.  

The Bottom Line on the Miami Dolphins and the 2023 Off-season

While these potential moves are just conjecture, it’s clear the team has made moves to position themselves nicely. Continuing to feed off the blockbuster Laremy Tunsil trade, the Miami Dolphins find themselves in a positive situation for 2023, and beyond.

New head coach Mike McDaniel looks promising, and the roster as undergone major improvement since his arrival. Dolphins fans have much to be happy about currently, and the possibilities continue to grow in the coming years.  

 

*** This story was originally published on the ATB Network by Tyler DeSena***

 

 Hussam Patel is a Miami Dolphins contributor and Lead NFL Draft analyst at Five Reasons Sports Network, Director of Scouting at PhinManiacs and Editor at Dolphins ATB. Follow him on Twitter at @HussamPatel  

 

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2022 NFL Draft: Three WR’s that fit the Miami Dolphins

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Building a WR Core is a lot like building the starting 5 of a basketball team. Pass catching units needs players with a diverse skill set consisting of Wide Receivers whose skills levels are labeled as: Possession, Burner, Contested Catcher, Versatile, Blocker.

Bringing a fresh perspective is New Head Coach Mike McDaniel.

“I see aggressive plays as a problem-solving solution, I look like, ‘What is defense? What defense do they play? What issues do they have? Where are they vulnerable?’ and how to attack it. It’s all about finding solutions that defense presents. And then, well, how do we take advantage of our offensive personnel?”

Miami Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel

The Miami Dolphins are fresh off a trade that entailed Tyreek Hill as their new primary weapon at the receiver position, with Jaylen Waddle returning after a record breaking rookie year.

Also, Devante Parker was traded to the New England Patriots for a 2023 third round pick,

There could be more receivers added to the roster and one possibility is through the 2022 NFL Draft. Here are three WR’s that fit the Miami Dolphins offense.

Khalil Shakir, Boise State

Khalil Shakir was a multi-level threat at Boise State. In 2021 as a senior Shakir put up his best season yet as he chalked up 1117 Yds on 77 receptions and hauled in 7 TDs.

Skillset

At 6-feet 193 pounds, Shakir is a natural and crisp route runner with great body control who has made some spectacular catches in his college career. He provides a good amount of versatility as he can line up in the slot and outside.

Having a smaller frame is not ideal and with average arm length, Shakir play style does not resemble that. He is a natural pass-catcher with reliable hands. He snatches balls out of the air, on tape his concentration on the ball makes acrobatic catches look easy

Willingly, Shakir catches passes over the middle and is not afraid of contact. He’s a really good yards after catch playmaker who’s got excellent field vision and able to slip out of tackles. Shakir had 470 yards YAC in the 2021 season.

Although he lacks an initial burst off the line of scrimmage and has more build-up speed than burners, Shakir is able to beat press man with leverage and foot speed.

Furthermore, he gets separation down the sideline and over the middle routes by extending his arms rather than pure speed.

Boise State’s offense was more spread based compared to what the Miami Dolphins run, a wide zone scheme. Shakir did not get enough experience in diversifying his route tree, running a handful of routes.

However, in those routes he has run, he executes those routes and sells others to gain separation and take advantage of space.

Projection

Shakir has experience running jet sweeps, motions and is a valuable asset in the screen game. He also has experience as a returner, as the Dolphins may not want to use Jaylen Waddle in the return game.

He’s considered to be a late Day two or early Day three prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Kyle Philips, UCLA

Kyle Philips was not so noticeable in UCLA’s offense – which was very much a run first attack. Similar to what this new Dolphins offense might look like. At the NFL level, Philips should be a great fit for a team that uses West Coast offensive philosophy.

Skillset

At 5-foot-11 and 186 pounds, Philips is the prototypical slot receiver in the 2022 NFL Draft, and a prospects teams usually drool over. The Bruin product flashes the foot quickness and toughness to handle slot duties at the next level and lines up all over the field.

His route running is a legitimate weapon and he can be used to both take advantage of schemed separation and to create traffic for defenders. Philips is a fluid athlete with explosive burst and speed who makes full use of his considerable quickness and agility to breeze past defenders.

Defenders are put into difficult spots with Philips. He’s difficult to predict as his understanding of how to use all phases of his routes is a weapon. His elusive footwork allows no wasted movements between the reception and burst upfield.

While Philips ran a 4.58 40 at the Combine, his play speed is much faster than that. His acceleration on vertical routes allows him to reach his top speed to stretch the field. He is a solid vertical option that can be used on deep crossers, down the sideline or the middle of the field.

What makes Philips intriguing to me as a potential Miami Dolphin is his blocking skills. Philips is a reliable blocker, coming from a run first system, and shows that toughness on film. He plays much bigger than his size and was frequently used as a lead blocker for UCLA’s running game.

Projection

Philips could well be buried on the depth chart if he is selected as a Miami Dolphin, but he should be able to work his way up due to the scheme fit he posses in a Mike McDaniel Offense.

He reminds me a little bit about current Dolphins WR coach Wes Welker.

Philips current projection is an early Day 3 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Tyquan Thornton, Baylor

NFL Combine sensation Tyquan Thornton shocked the world with his unofficial 4.21 40 time.

Obviously, Thornton has blazing speed, his official 40 time came in at 4.28, just a hair under his unofficial 4.21. Thornton utilizes his blazing speed to create natural separation and opportunity in the passing game when the offense moves the ball downfield.

Skillset

Thornton couples that speed with his 6-foot-3 frame, having that frame gives him the ability to pluck the ball in the air over defenders with little to no contest.

This makes the Baylor product an intriguing option in the vertical passing game as Baylor was more of a running team. He fits a zone system, can sift through oncoming traffic and explode through tiny creases and cutback lanes.

However, Thornton has concentration drops and does not secure catches as he can be too focused on gaining yards after the catch. Baylor’s offense did not fully maximize Thornton’s skillset, which means whatever NFL team drafts him is based on projection.

Projection

Opportunities will come at the NFL level for Thornton but it will be at a learning curve as he has not had many reps to showcase his entire skillset.

Thornton does block well in his weight class as the blocking reps in Baylors offense helped develop him.

I do think Thornton will start off as WR4 and make his way up special teams as a gunner of selected.

 

*** This story was originally published on the ATB Network***

 

Hussam Patel is a Miami Dolphins contributor and Lead NFL Draft analyst at Five Reasons Sports Network, Director of Scouting at PhinManiacs and Editor at Dolphins ATB. Follow him on Twitter at @HussamPatel

 

Five Ways the Tyreek Hill Trade Changes the Dolphin Offense

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The Miami Dolphins dominated the ever-convoluted NFL news cycle Tuesday night when they signed the near-consensus No. 1 free agent this offseason, offensive tackle Terron Armstead to a five-year deal. What did not become clear until Wednesday morning was the fact Miami wasn’t done, either. Not by a long shot. 

 

Within two hours of the Earth-shattering tweets from NFL insiders that Kansas City Chiefs star wide receiver Tyreek Hill was available in a trade, the Dolphins closed the deal with a package of five draft picks, three of which come on Day 3. Miami did not just announce themselves as joining the fray of AFC contenders, they barreled the door down a la the iconic Kool-Aid Man.

 

The move summons the questions of what will this change bring to the franchise? For starters, when the schedules are released, fans can expect more than just the customary token primetime national TV game on the docket. Secondly, those same fans can put aside their modern tradition of Frankensteining their latest mock draft now that this year’s first and second rounders are no more. More importantly, they can expect a wildly different offense on the field in 2022 than they’ve seen the last two decades.

 

The Underneath is About to be Wide Open

 

Miami has long-awaited a dynamic presence at skill positions, hoping for that never ending void to be filled by the likes of Ted Ginn, Jr., Mike Wallace or David Boston. Now, they not only have one gamebreaker, second-year wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, but the most unique and unguardable weapon in the league in Hill.

 

Either one of them is more than capable of getting behind a cornerback and changing the face of a game in an instant. Ever since bursting onto the scene, Hill has required safety help to ensure if he’s going to beat you, it won’t be on just one play. 

 

This changing around of the defense to account for the speed on the outside will open up a lot underneath for Miami. Whether that’s on screens, quick routes or safety valves out of the backfield, yardage is there to be had. All eyes will be on the deep ball – and those will certainly come – but in the meantime, there figures to be a lot of space underneath for the Dolphins to build drives.

 

The Field Will Also Be Stretched Horizontally to the Benefit of Mike Gesicki

 

It can be said Tua Tagovailoa or Mike McDaniel are the happiest men to receive the news of Hill’s arrival in South Florida. Not far behind him has to be tight end Mike Gesicki. The days of blocking-first tight ends are antiquated in the same way as the shower radio. Gesicki is an archetypal modern day tight end who is bigger than safeties, faster than linebackers and a mismatch wherever he goes. 

 

A career he would like to emulate as he enters what figures to be his prime is that of Hill’s former teammate Travis Kelce. The All-Pro Chiefs tight end has had six 1,000-yard seasons in his career, all six that he’s played alongside Hill. While the chicken or the egg debate can be had over who is responsible for what, the fact of the matter is they worked in synchronicity in Kansas City. That’s unquestionably something the team will hope follows Hill to Miami now alongside Gesicki.

 

McDaniel used a lot of motion and creative sets in San Francisco. Spreading the offense wide figures to open up the middle of the field for a player like Gesicki. The fifth-year tight end has seen his yardage increase each year and it isn’t a stretch to say it will do so again in a big way this fall.

 

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The Disguises on Offense will be Endless

 

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel totaled 90 receptions for 1,193 yards and 22 rushing attempts for 185 yards in his first two years combined. Then in his third year, McDaniel’s first as offensive coordinator, Samuel caught 77 passes for 1,405 yards to go along with 59 rushes for 365 yards. He was used in a variety of ways and just because he was lined up in the backfield did not mean he was only going to run it, but it did mean you had to respect it.

 

Expect both Hill and Waddle to line up in the backfield some, maybe even simultaneously. Gesicki can be lined up along the line or over in the slot. All three could be out wide, as can Devante Parker, with a single-set back in Raheem Mostert or Chase Edmonds. Lest we forget newly-signed fullback Alec Ingold who is not only capable of running the ball or blocking, but is an athletic pass catcher out of his spot. 

 

While defenses are getting more exotic with their disguises each passing year, the Dolphins now have one of the most amorphous offenses in recent memory. There is so much speed and so much versatility across the field that catching a defense off-balance appears less like a goal and more like an inevitability.

 

Miami Can Beat You in a Variety of Ways

 

Some teams want to ground and pound, control the clock and take their chances when they’re there. That drag-‘em-out gameplan can sometimes backfire when they get down and don’t have the ability to come back in a hurry. Others can spread it out and try to beat you through the air and with splash plays, though if some of those get taken away, their offense can be sterilized pretty quickly.

 

It’s no secret McDaniel values running the ball, something he was successful in doing his four seasons as the 49ers’ run game coordinator and lone campaign as the offensive coordinator. He along with general manager Chris Grier have prioritized the team’s ability to continue that in Miami. They signed Mostert, Edmonds and Ingold in hopes that if they want to establish the run, they’re able to do so. If they want to run the ball 30-40 times in a cold weather game, they believe they have the personnel to accomplish it.

 

On the flip side, if they find themselves in a track meet or in need of scores in a hurry, the firepower is there in full force. In NFL history, only Randy Moss had more 25+ yard catches in his first six years than Hill. Pair that with Waddle, Parker, Gesicki and the rest of the offense, the Dolphins appear poised to pick their own poison.

 

Tua Now has Everything he Needs

 

The overarching question for the Dolphins since Dan Marino retired is “will this team find a quarterback?” For the past two years, that question has morphed into, “does this team have its quarterback?” Tagovailoa has found detractors saying he does not have the tools necessary to succeed in the NFL while his supporters have pointed to the coaching issues, talent at skill spots and development of the offensive line.

 

Now, Miami has added Armstead and Connor Williams along the line. The coaching staff, previously defensive-focused, has been overhauled and is now run by McDaniel, seen as a savant, genius or whatever other buzz word you’d like to use. Add onto that Hill, Waddle, Gesicki, Parker, Mostert and Edmonds, and he has the skill rooms that draw envy of almost every other quarterback in the league.

 

It isn’t “not having your quarterback” that kills franchises. It’s the purgatory of not knowing. Ryan Tannehill occupied the QB1 role for the franchise for seven years and not once did he leave anyone with a definitive feeling that he was or wasn’t “the guy.” That stagnant energy makes it impossible for a team to move forward.

 

Now, Tagovailoa has everything he needs around him. They have built a team with expensive supporting players around a quarterback with a rookie contract. That’s been a winning formula in recent years for teams like Philadelphia, Kansas City, Los Angeles (pre-Matt Stafford), even dating back to the Seattle Super Bowl victory. 

 

Whether or not Tagovailoa succeeds now rests entirely on his much-discussed left shoulder. If Miami wins with him, they have their guy. If he can’t get it done with what’s been provided, then those two first round draft picks in 2023 could end up awfully interesting. What we do know is that today will be looked back on in team history as one where the Dolphins went all in. The rest will be decided when No. 10 makes his debut in the fall.

Dolphins Should Approach 2022 Draft with BPA in Mind

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As it pertains to roster construction, each NFL offseason features two chaotic, tumultuous cycles: free agency and the draft. The Miami Dolphins entered the 2022 free agency period with the most open cap space of any team in the league. 

 

They added a few pieces on short-term deals such as guard Connor Williams, running backs Chase Edmonds and Raheem Mostert and wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. Still, a lot of their space went toward keeping the 2021 roster intact by retaining core pieces defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah and Mike Gesicki as well as a host of contributors.

 

There are still moves to be made as Miami has been linked to offensive tackle Terron Armstead, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and center J.C. Tretter among others. The Dolphins still have significant cap space as well as prudent cuts to make to clear even more space if needed. Regardless of the moves they make in the coming weeks with trades or free agency, one thing should be clear at this point: Miami should approach April’s draft with a best player available mentality.

 

More often than not, particularly in the early rounds, teams are drafting for need. That could mean they have a glaring hole at quarterback and either select the one they love or move up in the first round to secure him. If they need a running back, they go looking in rounds 2-3 for a guy that can take 20+ carries for the next half-decade. 

 

This can be seen as an easy fix, but it also comes with a significant amount of risk. The greater the need and the more valuable the position, the more a team may be willing to overdraft a player. This could lead to passing over better players or seeing what they want to see in an evaluation to feel like they eradicated the lingering issue.

 

Miami, other than offensive line which we will get to shortly, does not have any glaring holes entering the draft. Tua Tagovailoa will enter his third season and will do so with an offensive-minded head coach known for maximizing talent on that side of the ball and catering gameplans to a roster’s strengths. Mostert and Edmonds join incumbent Myles Gaskin to employ what should be an improved running back room. Gesicki, Durham Smythe and last year’s third round pick Hunter Long figure to be a deep tight end room, and Jaylen Waddle, Devante Parker and Wilson give three strong options at receiver. The defense also returns nearly everyone from a unit that has shown the propensity to be dominant at times over the last two seasons.

 

As it pertains to the offensive line, Miami has famously invested high-dollar draft capital in the unit in recent years. In 2021, the Dolphins traded a 2022 third rounder along with their second round pick to move up to No. 42 to take Notre Dame tackle Liam Eichenberg. In 2020, general manager Chris Grier selected USC tackle Austin Jackson and UL-Lafayette guard Robert Hunt at picks 18 and 39, respectively. Add in 2020 fourth round guard Solomon Kindley and 2019 third round center Michael Deiter, and you have a full commitment to the room the last three drafts.

 

It’s no secret the unit has left a ton to be desired. There are questions abound whether the issue was poor coaching or missed evaluations. Internally, optimism remains it was the former. Now, the team has offensive coordinator Frank Smith and line coach Matt Applebaum in the building. Both Smith and Applebaum have been praised for their ability to develop talent. While it is unlikely all five players will reach a level of serviceable to above-average along the line, they cannot all be dismissed at this point, either.

 

If the issue was indeed misevaluations, that decision cannot be made until the new coaching staff has an opportunity to work with the line they have, something which won’t be done pre-draft. Besides, if you are a Dolphins fan and that was the problem, you cannot hope for the same general manager to use more valuable picks on offensive linemen if you don’t think he made the correct choices the previous five times.

 

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On top of that, this draft class is supremely talented in offensive linemen at the top, but none of those will be close to available by the time Miami is set to pick at 29. Whether it’s in the first round or beyond, any lineman taken will be no more of a question mark than the players already in the facility who boast NFL experience.

 

With that said, it’s a fortuitous place to be in where Miami can either take the most-talented player left on the board or trade down with a team looking to fill a need thus allowing the Dolphins to accumulate more picks. Players drop for a variety of reasons, be it character, health issues or other teams reaching for needs that allow better players to fall by the wayside.

 

Some players who are available at 29 in various mock drafts that Miami should consider are Georgia linebacker Nakobe Dean, Arkansas wide receiver Treylon Burks, Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams, Washington cornerback Trent McDuffie and more. It’s difficult to speculate at this point as each year there tends to be a player who drops well below what they were expected, so some of the players seemingly out of reach now may very well be in play come April.

 

There’s also the piece about quarterbacks. There are no quarterbacks in this crop currently viewed as worthy of a top five or maybe even top 10 pick. Those teams picking in those spots will likely use their first round selection on elite talent at other positions, but that won’t rule them out for trading back into the first round to take a player like Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett or Ole Miss’s Matt Corral should either or both be available toward the end of Thursday night. If that is the case, the Dolphins could put up a for sale sign on the pick and welcome all offers, adding another second or third round pick in the process of moving down a couple spots.

 

On the flip side, if there’s a player Grier and Co. love, they can move up within reason if they’d like to secure that prospect. For instance, Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum is seen by many as a can’t-miss player, though center is a position that is devalued by many. It’s not unthinkable to imagine Linderbaum remaining on the board in the early 20s. Going by the draft capital trade chart, if Miami trades 29 and 102, that could be enough to get pick 24 or 25 from Dallas or Buffalo, respectively. Going even more aggressive, the Dolphins could theoretically ship 29 and 50 to return 20 and 84 from Pittsburgh. 

 

There are plenty of avenues for the Dolphins to go in the first round and beyond. What they need to do is decide the talent first and the position second. By doing so, they can improve the overall roster’s talent without compromising for the sake of any one room. Of course, what the team needs to do and what they will do are entirely two different questions.

Chase Edmonds brings change of pace to Dolphins’ RB room

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Mike McDaniel has found his running back.

The Miami Dolphins have reached an agreement on a two-year deal with Cardinals running back Chase Edmonds, per his agent Drew Rosenhaus. The contract is worth $12.6 million, with $6.1 million guaranteed.

Edmonds will be traveling eastwards to Miami after enjoying a successful stint with Arizona, rushing for 1551 yards and compiling 921 receiving yards in his four seasons with the Cardinals, who selected him with the 134th pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Edmonds averaged 5.1 yards per carry in 2021, ranking sixth in the NFL in that statistic among running backs with over 100 carries.

The Fordham collegiate standout brings the intelligence, vision and burst that is necessary to excel in McDaniel’s outside/wide zone run scheme. Running this type of scheme requires a patient running back who knows when he should accelerate through lanes created by his blockers, and Edmonds is just that.

Edmonds will also pose a threat in the passing game, as his sure hands provided a safety blanket for Kyler Murray out of Arizona’s backfield. He can also line up as a receiver, mostly in the slot. His versatility is evident and will be very useful in McDaniel’s offense that prides itself on creativity.

 

 

The biggest concern that many have regarding Edmonds is his injury history. He missed five games last season and eight games over the last three seasons.

The Cardinals, missing out on Edmonds, resigned James Conner to a three-year deal. Arizona head coach Kliff Kingsbury valued and wanted to bring back both running backs.

“They both earned good deals as far as I’m concerned,” Kingsbury said. “I hope that we can afford both guys because they both had fantastic seasons and they deserve to get nice contracts. But I would love to have them both back.”

Last season, Edmonds led Arizona’s running backs in yards per carry, receptions per game and receiving yards per game.

Combining his pass-catching skills with his ability to hold his own in pass-protection, Edmonds gives Miami a reliable third-down running back that bolsters its offense in an abundance of ways.

Jahan Dotson: Missing piece in the Miami Dolphins’ WR room?

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In Miami’s quest to build an effective and sustainable offense for years to come, the Dolphins’ receiving core, finishing last season with the eighth-most dropped passes in the NFL, is due for an upgrade.

The Dolphins already spent major resources on the wide receiver position last offseason, drafting star collegiate wideout Jaylan Waddle No. 6 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft and signing former Texan Will Fuller to a one-year contract worth upwards of $10 million.

While Waddle enjoyed a successful first season, leading all rookie wide receivers in receptions, Fuller was a disappointment, racking up a meager 26 receiving yards on four receptions in only two games played. With the latter’s contract expiring and questions ensuing about longtime Dolphin DeVante Parker’s durability, Miami would be smart to upgrade at the wide receiver position to help max out the potential of rising third-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

Miami could look towards the first round of this year’s draft to address this position, with Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson presenting himself as an intriguing option that the Dolphins must consider drafting with the 29th overall pick.

Dotson, a wideout who enjoyed an illustrious four-year stint with the Nittany Lions, is a well-rounded and versatile receiving prospect who would be an exceptional fit in Miami head coach Mike McDaniel’s offense that rewards smart and crafty route-runners that can create adequate separation from defenders. Dotson’s loose hips allow for seamless breaks off his stem; his fluidity when running his routes is entirely natural.

In what many expect to be a run-pass option (RPO) heavy offense for the Dolphins next season, Dotson’s ability to smoothly run the slant route, which was a majorly utilized route in 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and Mike McDaniel’s RPO packages in San Francisco, would be put to use. Pair that up with another fantastic slant route-runner in Waddle, and you have the makings of a lethal duo for Tagovailoa to throw the ball to out of the RPO look.

Another area of Dotson’s game that translates well to the NFL is his ability to high-point and possess contested catches. Given his capability to come down with these improbable receptions over the outstretched arms of defensive backs, Dotson plays way taller than his 5-foot-11 height might initially indicate. This allows him to play as a split-end or flanker receiver, which bodes well for McDaniel, who may opt to use Waddle more in the slot.

Miami may shift its attention elsewhere with their first-round pick, but Dotson makes a compelling case for why he should be the Dolphins’ selection if they look to improve at the wide receiver position through the NFL draft.

 

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Evan Neal is one of the best young prospects in the 2022 NFL draft.

2022 Scouting Report: Alabama OT Evan Neal

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Evan Neal is widely considered an elite offensive tackle prospect. He’s considered one of the best players – regardless of position – in the nation.

Neal was moved back to left tackle in 2021 where he played 1,073 snaps while starting 16 games and gave up two sacks with just one holding penalty.

Strengths

At 6-foot-7 and 350 pounds, Evan Neal is a mountain sized tackle with a height and size that’s unfathomable. He’s got raw power and natural strength to wash out defenders in space.

Additionally, this offseason, Neal clocked 18.5 MPH on the GPS, routinely hitting box jumps at 48 inches. Neal has also bench pressed 475 pounds, and squatted 650.

On tape, Neal is versatile. The Alabama prospect has played both left and right tackle while also logging snaps at left guard his freshman year. He’s the best run blocker in the nation and a dominant force in the run game. However, he does not have elite foot speed. But he is fluid enough to get to the attack point. 

Neal is a clear cut NFL left tackle where he could become an All-Pro at that position. He’s explosive out of his stance, has surprising agility and lateral movement considering his body type. Overall, Neal is the most athletic offensive lineman in the 2022 NFL Draft with huge upside.

Weaknesses

However, Neal is not a flawless prospect. He needs to work on his technique in pass protection. He just has to be more consistent in moving his feet and staying low.

With his size, he may be a liability in short yardage situations as defenders can get underneath him to hold the line. He’ll need to use more consistent leverage and continue to move his feet.

Neal tends to stop his feet after the first contact, relying on his length and power. He routinely allows defenders to work the corner or spin inside.

He is susceptible against speed rushers as he cannot accelerate fast enough to stop defenders getting past him. His hand technique has to improve as a pass blocker. Many times he is reliant on his athletic talent. He leans into his blocks in both the passing and running game.

Neal is the consensus #1 tackle in the 2022 NFL Draft and is viewed as an almost can’t miss prospect by most scouts.

He is an amazing athlete along the offensive line and has the traits and skill sets OL coaches look for. However, he is not perfect. With this in mind, he can very well be trained in the offseason to polish his pass protection skills. Teams with a good OL coach will undoubtedly turn Neal into one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL.

*** This article was originally posted at PhinManiacs***

Hussam Patel is a Miami Dolphins contributor at Five Reasons Sports Network, Director of Scouting at PhinManiacs and Editor at Dolphins ATB. Follow him on Twitter at @HussamPatel

Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa has the skillset to make the Pistol offense work

Miami Dolphins Offense: The Pistol and the Motion

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With the introduction of Mike McDaniel as the new Miami Dolphins head coach, taking a look at the offense last season could give us hints at what could possibly remain the same.

Premise

The Miami Dolphins offense has had a bit of a resurgence lately thanks in part to continuity in players at quarterback, wide receiver and offensive line.

What’s been a facet for the offense of the Miami Dolphins success has been the implementation and use of the “Pistol Wing Formation.”

What it is

The pistol formation, like the shotgun, is really an alignment between the quarterback and the running back. In the pistol formation, the quarterback lines up four or five yards behind the center, the running back lines up two or three yards behind the quarterback. In the shotgun formation , the quarterback lines up seven yards behind the center, and the running back lines up to the side of the quarterback.

The Pistol Formation comes with its advantages and disadvantages, let’s take a brief look at them.

Advantages

  • The Pistol’s main advantage is its versatility that comes from its hybrid design. Having the quarterback three to four yards deep allows him to make downfield reads and separate himself from the pass rush by a few yards.
  • It also has the running back five yards from the LOS and directly behind the quarterback to build momentum before getting the ball.
  • The Pistol formation supports Read Options. It can be a fully functional pass play, keeping the running back to pass block. It can also serve as a run play with power blocking and pulling guards.
  • The real nightmare is the RPO. It’s entirely dependent on the quarterback to watch the defense and decide which play will have the most success.
  • It can create advantages in the play-action game. The pistol alignment represents a run-first perception, it makes the play-action pass that much more effective.

Disadvantages

  • It’s dependent on the quarterback to quickly decipher defenses and make smart decisions, it comes with a big learning curve. A wrong decision could prove disastrous.
  • Playing Man coverage takes away most of the passing game, leaving minimal plays for offenses to utilize.
  • Offensive line blocking is crucial as the quarterback is closer to the line of scrimmage. OL blocking can make or break the offense.

What it means

For any offense which runs the Pistol, it means these things:

  • The best Pistol offenses are those that can implement aspects of a Spread Offense into their game plan. It requires a smart quarterback who can properly read defenses once the ball is snapped.
  • While the Pistol could be used just to run the ball, it’s at its best when each play is different than the last. As such, having a solid core of blockers, pass catchers and a good quarterback is necessary.
  • When running the ball out of the Pistol, teams run up the middle where there are a lot of defenders. Teams that are undersized along the offensive line aren’t built for this type of play.

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The Miami Dolphins Offense

During their win streak, the Miami Dolphins primarily lined up in shotgun, which includes the pistol formation. Usually this formation includes the basic Pistol offense with a Wing look.

How it’s done

The Pistol usually has two to three players in the backfield, as it is primarily designed to be a run first offense.

However, with the wing formation, tight ends on the edges force defenses to play at least three players deep.

While it may seem that the pistol is most effective on the dependence of the running game; paradoxically, it is dependent on the threat of a passing game.

The passing game is dependent on the quarterback moving the ball to and from the flow of attack. The best description may be the term of “sequence football.”

Basically, the offense runs in plays where it attacks different parts of the field once the ball is snapped. This does not mean that every play is called in order, it is mostly based on matchups and post-snap reads.

Which is why you see plays that look and feel similar, but can attack different parts of the field. Similar to Sean McVay’s singleback look.

Backfield Motion

Passing Game

The main sequence the Miami Dolphins offense use is the backfield motion to create space and attack different facets of the field.

On the play above, Albert Wilson motions to the right side of the formation, this allows Tua Tagovailoa to see the defense is in zone coverage.

Wilson runs the wheel route gaining depth into the defensive backfield. Waddle runs the curl, an intermediate route, attacking the soft zone in the middle. Meanwhile, Durham Smythe is jammed at the line of scrimmage running a short crossing route.

The biggest threat to the defense is Wilson gaining depth into the defensive backfield, which forces Giants defensive backs Xavier McKinney and Aaron Robinson to stay deep and prevent a big play.

In turn, this frees up the intermediate route Jaylen Waddle runs, he has enough space to catch the ball for a first down and keep the drive alive.

Running Game

The Dolphins also use the backfield motion concept to create space and attack different running lanes in the run game, using the motion while using the same type of blocking scheme. Usually Pistol offenses run with a power scheme along the offensive line.

The sequence in how the run game works can vary in play calls, but use the same blocking style. Runs out wide, off tackle, and up the middle all use down blocks by most of the line with a pulling guard and blocking on the other side of the backfield.

The counter play uses down blocks to build a wall of bodies away from the play and a pulling guard to kick out and head upfield to clear a running lane.

Albert Wilson motions, and the right side of the offensive line follows after the snap. The theory is that the flow of a play can take multiple blockers to the point of attack or be decoys while the running back is on the opposite end.

The execution on the play above illustrates how the theory is able to work. The blocking style is designed so when a defender reacts to blocks to stop a play, he will be placing himself in jeopardy for a companion play. Sounds familiar to the RPO.

Multiple Threats

The Pistol offense is designed in complete backfield series, each of which presents multiple threats to the defense on each play.

Passing wise, the Dolphins run the Pistol Wing to put the perception that there are multiple deep receivers. Most of the time when it is ran, it is in a condensed look.

“When you condense the formation in general out of those RPO looks… it gives defenses more things to look at leading to conflict and hesitation on the eyes as there are a lot of motions, possible split zone action and a variety of different plays that can happen. For Tua he gets the options of the flat, the hook, the curl, the post, the handoff. There are so many different ways [Tua] can put the defense in conflict , when you condense that you increase the post snap reads”

Travis Wingfield

In the condensed Pistol Look, there can be many options, threats, Tua can look in his post snap reads.

For example, the stick flat RPO that is a staple in the offense. Based on the type of Coverage is shown once a play is motioned, the flat play to the tight end is an easy read against man coverage.

It has a balance of passing, which is predominantly play-action in nature. The RPO adds that extra conflict for defenders where they have to hesitate, they have to read and react. It puts defenders in a bind.

The Future

When you watch NFL teams run the Pistol offense, you see them tire out defenses in the running game. It’s discouraging when a team can just run the ball for six yards a carry and there’s nothing you can do to stop it.

The Dolphins, however, cannot run the ball well due to issues along the offensive line. Once these issues are fixed through the draft or free agency signings, the offense has the potential to become a possession team former head coach Brian Flores preached about, only it will actually work with an offensive-minded head coach like Mike McDaniel.

The flip side for the Miami Dolphins offense is that it is labeled as a predominantly RPO offense that dink and dunks its way; although, defenses have not been able to fully halt it.

The threats the condensed Pistol Wing looks bring defenses are the route combinations designed on three levels of the field. Opposing defenses have tried to match up with the wide receivers on the outside to stop deeper routes from forming. Thus, being okay with Tua throwing to shorter and intermediate routes.

Defenses are pattern matching on the outside and allowing linebackers to stay in zone. By doing this, defensive backs are focusing on route distribution while linebackers are able to play with their eyes in the backfield. Leaving the middle of the field open for running backs and tight ends to roam.

Essentially, it is death by paper cuts.

Partner that with a better offensive line, preferably to run a power scheme, and a premier running back. The Miami Dolphins offense could do damage next year.

*** This story was originally posted on the ATB Network***

The McDaniel influence

While the offensive philosophy will change from a power man blocking scheme to an outside zone read scheme much of the personnel could remain the same with variations in different concepts.

Changes along the offensive line will be coming; however the nature in how to attack defenses with Tua’s skillset and core weapons remains the same.

Hussam Patel is a Miami Dolphins contributor at Five Reasons Sports Network, Director of Scouting at PhinManiacs and Editor at Dolphins ATB. Follow him on Twitter at @HussamPatel

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Raheem Mostert should be a top target for the Miami Dolphins in 2022

Fresh Perspective: Building the 2022 Miami Dolphins – Running Back

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Now it’s time for the next installment of the Miami Dolphins offseason plan. With Mike McDaniel, a running game master, acting as the new head coach, this position becomes crucial. It’s time for the Dolphins to take a long, hard look at the running back position.

Free Agency

It’s very tempting to throw some big money at a running back this season, particularly with the likes of Melvin Gordon headlining free agency. However, aside from Gordon, there isn’t really a running back worth spending a large portion on. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t spend any money on this position. The Dolphins accidentally found excellent role players at the position, and they should bring them both back to compete if the price is reasonable.

Phillip Lindsay and Duke Johnson, signed off the streets after their respective teams opted to part ways with them, were both much better than the incumbent running backs in the room once they hit the field. Johnson, in particular, made Miami fall in love with him all over again. The former Hurricanes star has been made aware that the Dolphins would like to retain him if possible.

As for Lindsay, the former Pro Bowl running back ran for 1,000 yards in two straight seasons for the Denver Broncos in 2018-2019, but in 2020 his role was greatly diminished once Melvin Gordon signed his contract. But Lindsay still has something to offer, he’s a hard runner and a secure ball handler. He also made fans notice him this season making a fantastic block in the backfield to protect Tua Tagovailoa.

Duke Johnson and Phillip Lindsay are perfect veterans for the running back room. They will compete with Myles Gaskin and Gerrid Doaks for spots on the roster.

There is also another free agent that makes a lot of sense for Miami. All one has to do is connect the dots, and the fit is beyond perfect. After bouncing from team to team for the first two years of his career – including a very brief stint in Miami – Raheem Mostert found a home in San Francisco in 2017, and he became a solid player thanks in large part to Mike McDaniel’s running system.

Mostert’s best season was in 2019, when he ran 137 times for 772 yards and eight touchdowns. That averages out to an excellent 5.6 yard per carry. Mostert boasts homerun level speed and great vision with the football. Were it not for injury problems in the past two seasons, Mostert very well could have been a star by now.

Mostert suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 1 of the 2021 season. Now, he’s a free agent. He should be very interested in following McDaniel to Miami. With his injury history, Mostert won’t command a lot of money. Something along the lines of a 2-year, $6 million dollar deal should suffice.

Even with these deals in place, however, Miami isn’t done yet. Last season, the 49ers carried five running backs on their roster. If you count their usage of WR Deebo Samuel, you could argue six. So, time for the draft.

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NFL Draft

The Miami Dolphins must draft a running back in the early rounds. So many amazing running backs were found in the past few years.  Miami missed out on all of them due to a misguided sense of contentment in the players on the roster.

Not anymore.

First, a disclaimer. These picks are based off a mock draft done through The Draft Network’s mock draft machine. Naturally, once the combine goes by, projections are bound to change. So anyone who feels that a player won’t be available at a certain spot, keep in mind that selections were made based on who’s available at each pick.

So in this mock, the Miami Dolphins draft one of the most talented running backs in the class. With their second round pick, 50th overall, Miami selects Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III.

Walker is an all-around runner with the ball in his hands. His vision allows him to find the tiniest gaps and slip through for a positive gain. He doesn’t shy away from contact, in fact he runs like he wants to bowl people over. To top it all off, he has enough speed to run down the field for a long touchdown if he can get a full head of steam. As a rusher, he has everything a team could want in spades.

However, Walker isn’t a perfect prospect. His other skills need some development. Pass-blocking isn’t his specialty, and as a pass-catcher he was rarely asked to do anything. In three years at college – both at Wake Forest and Michigan State, he only had a total of 19 receptions for 136 yards and one touchdown. So for the time being, Walker’s role will be mainly as a rusher.

That said, this lack of versatility isn’t going to be a problem. Walker isn’t the only running back on the roster. His veteran constituents will not only pick up his slack, they can teach him how to adjust to NFL game speed.

Final Roster Projection

Miami now has four running backs on the final roster. All of them bring something different to the table.

  • Duke Johnson
  • Phillip Lindsay
  • Raheem Mostert
  • Kenneth Walker III

As far as payment, keep in mind these are all estimates based on previous contracts and recent body of work for each player. The previous signing of Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback in this plan puts Miami at approximately $74 million in cap space.

Then they add Duke Johnson, who made the veteran minimum last season. 2-years and $8 million dollars for Johnson will put the Dolphins at around $70 million.

Phillip Lindsay’s deal will be around the same, a 2-year, $8 million dollar deal that would allow Miami to easily jettison Lindsay the next year if they choose to. They are now at $66 million.

Raheem Mostert makes less simply due to lack of availability. Mike McDaniel knows him well, and will sell him on the idea of reviving his career with the Dolphins and his run scheme. So he signs a 2-year, $6 million dollar contract which again allows the Dolphins to move on afterwards. Miami stands at $63 million in cap space.

Finally, Kenneth Walker’s contract is based on the rookie wage scale. This changes depending on the NFL’s salary cap. Just for the sake of this article, Walker will receive a 4-year, $6 million dollar contract. Keep in mind, this is a rough estimate.

So this means Miami invests $14 million into their running back room for 2022. This seems like a lot, but Mike McDaniel is all about the running game. Giving the Miami Dolphins actual talent at the position should be crucial. With the three veterans on the team, Walker will be given the necessary time and tutelage to become a true star.

Notice the lack of Myles Gaskin on the final list. Unless he somehow begins to thrive under McDaniel’s tutelage, Gaskin will not beat out the three older running backs. With the new NFL rules regarding practice squad players, perhaps Gaskin will sign there, saving Miami around $2 million.

Gerrid Doaks will also get his chance to compete, but he won’t be able to overshadow the likes of Walker and the veterans. He remains on the practice squad as well.

Next time, the wide receiver position will receive its upgrade. Miami still has $61.5 million in cap space to play with. It’s time to start really going big.

Luis Sung has covered the Miami Dolphins for numerous outlets such as Dolphins Wire for seven years. Follow him on Twitter: @LuisDSung

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