5 takeaways from Dolphins first padded practice

Dolphins players put on the pads for the first time this offseason, and the team made sure to keep a tight lip on what went down during Monday’s practice. When we’re able to spill the beans, 3 Yard’s Per Carry’s very own Alfredo Arteaga will have a juicy article.

But for now, let’s take a look at five key takeaways from yesterday’s Kyle Van Noy, Jerome Baker, and Ted Karras press conferences.

Kyle Van Noy is not going to answer questions about Tua Tagovailoa

One of the main focal points of the Miami Dolphins for the foreseeable future is QB Tua Tagovailoa. But as we learned Monday afternoon, some of the veterans are not going to be baited by the media’s questioning.

“Only defense or Kyle Van Noy questions” Miami’s new defensive playmaker said. And who can blame him? It’s only a matter of time before folks are asking New England how Tagovailoa compares to Tom Brady.

Tua is the future—the entire team realizes that. But just like Tua had to sit and wait his turn at Alabama, he must now do the same in Miami.

Josh Rosen to Jakeem Grant for six

Most people are ready to give up on 23-year old Josh Rosen, but I’m not. I liked the trade then, and I like it now. Tua Tagovailoa is the QB of the future. But what does the team have to lose with keeping Rosen around? Maybe he transforms into a valuable trade asset. Worst case scenario, he can be sheltered from the world and used as the Dolphins’ emergency QB.

Nevertheless, if all reports are true, Josh Rosen connected with Jakeem Grant on a beautiful deep ball. Throw of the day is what many analysts in attendance are saying.

Jerome Baker is learning from Kyle Van Noy

There’s no veteran player on the Dolphins roster that has fans pumped up like Jerome Baker. Whether it’s his balls-to-the-wall style of play or his quirky personality off the field, Baker is destined to break out in year two under Coach Flores. And with a seasoned veteran like Kyle Van Noy getting comfortable in South Florida, Baker has done everything he can to learn from the Super Bowl champion.

 “It helps me every day. Kyle, since the day he walked in, he’s kind of just been in my ear about anything and everything – if it’s on the field, if it’s off the field, whatever it was – he’s definitely been a great mentor, just an older vet, so I definitely appreciate that. I always make fun of him because I think he’s like the second-oldest player on the team. He’s definitely unique, but he’s a great person and also a great player.”

Rookie from Georgia impresses

During Monday’s press conference, one of Miami’s beat writers let it slip that Solomon Kindley was getting reps as the starting offensive guard. While we can not confirm nor deny these accusations, Dolphins center Ted Karras had nothing but high praise for the rookie.

 “I’ve been very impressed with all of the rookies that we’ve brought in this year and pretty much everyone on the o-line is really working hard and everyone is kind of finding their fit and earning their role. Those young guys have really been fun to work with so far. I’m really excited for not only this year but their careers moving forward.”

Prime-Time Tagovailoa

As you would expect, the talk of the town this offseason is 2020 5th-overall pick Tua Tagovailoa. The Dolphins franchise QB continues to take each day one step at a time.

First, here’s what Flores had to say about his young signal-caller:

“We’ll take it one day at a time. He’ll be out there today along with the rest of the quarterbacks and the majority of the players on the team. He’s looked healthy in the OTAs and walkthrough type practices. This will be the first one in pads. Yeah, he’s looked healthy. We’re taking this one day at a time with Tua, as we are with every player, and hoping that he improves on a daily basis. Like any rookie, he needs the snaps and he needs the reps to improve and get better and give himself a chance.”

And Dolphins center Ted Karras on how Tagovailoa handles himself:

“I think he always handles himself well. He’s a very impressive young man. I don’t have too many nuggets for him but I’ll help him out when he needs it, which is not often. It’s fun to work with all of the guys so far in this offense. It’s coming together and obviously we have a long way to go, but we’re getting there one day at a time.”

Here’s visual proof of day one of Dolphins camp in pads. Yes, lots of Tua Tagovailoa. (🎥 @WPLGLocal10 photog David Silver) https://t.co/tIQQTFR4px pic.twitter.com/FZwziW9RJT

— Will Manso (@WillManso) August 17, 2020

This article was written by Josh Houtz, part of The Extra Yard at 5 Reasons Sports. He doesn’t think Preston Williams should be on special teams.