 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
 |
Position Analysis: Offensive Line |  | ||||||||
| | Home | News Wire | Roster | Depth Chart | Schedule | | ||||||||||
|
by
Chris Shashaty,
Phins.com Columnist On a periodic basis between now and the 2005 NFL Draft, I
will take an in-depth look at the Dolphins. This week: Offensive Line
The 2004 Miami Dolphins did not have an excellent offensive line. As a
result of General Manager Rick Spielman’s questionable decisions, most notably
the failure to re-sign RT Todd Wade, the Dolphins were committed to the 2004 season
with five new starters across the line. The hope was that they’d come together quickly. And while they worked hard,
this unit never really developed into an effective force. In fact, the Dolphin
o-line was widely regarded as one of the worst in the league. Their inability
to run the ball or protect the quarterback was a huge factor in the team’s 4-12
record. In Damion McIntosh’s case, it was easy to see that the man was not 100%
healthy at any point during the season and, not surprisingly, his play suffered
for it. McIntosh was a free agent pickup from the San Diego Chargers, bringing
size and decent athleticism to the left tackle position. When the Dolphins
signed him he was already injured and, consequently, started the season on the
Physically Unable to Perform list. When he was finally activated, he struggled
with everything. However, he was the best they had. It will be interesting to
see what a complete offseason of rest and conditioning will do for McIntosh; when
healthy, he is strong in the run game and solid in pass protection. He will
have a good chance to keep his job in 2005. Another free agent pick-up, Jeno James ( Starting center Seth McKinney is another player who should get better with
help from Houck. Taylor Whitley initially won the starting job at right guard in the wake of
Todd Perry’s release. Whitley started and struggled through 11 games before
interim boss Jim Bates sat him down. A 2003 third round draft pick, Whitley has
yet to fulfill the expectations commensurate with his draft position. While I
hesitate to call Whitley a flat out bust before training camp begins, it is
clear that he has some physical and/or technique shortcomings that may not be
correctable. He was regularly beaten in what appeared to be one-on-one
blocking, both in open space and in short yardage situations. If Houck cannot
help Whitley improve, he will not make the 2005 edition of the Miami Dolphins
and will take away with him the dreaded bust tag. Regarded by some as an unexpected and pleasant surprise, right tackle John St.
Clair quietly won the starting job and never looked back. A free agent signee
from the St. Louis Rams, the opportunistic St. Clair simply outworked his
competition in training camp. With the exception of two games missed due to a knee
and ankle injury suffered in the home game against the Jets, St. Clair started
every game. While St. Clair was serviceable and, according to Dave Wannstedt
the best player on the line, it became abundantly clear early on that he was
not the talent that the departed Todd Wade was. St. Clair will likely be tried at left tackle in 2005. The reason for this
was the recent signing of Stockar McDougle (Lions). A former first round pick
of the Lions, McDougle has a reputation for being a dominant run blocker with a
tendency to not take his conditioning and preparation work as seriously as he
should. As a pass protector, McDougle’s lack of lateral quickness makes him a
bit of a liability against speed moves. Bottom line is that McDougle is a
meaningful and much-needed upgrade at right tackle, the type of player that
could thrive under Houck’s guidance and counsel. Unfortunately, McDougle’s signing does not reflect well of what Nick Saban
thinks of last year’s first round (and fourth round) pick, right tackle Vernon
Carey. Many were quite disappointed when Carey failed to win the starting right
tackle job, a real need position at the time he was drafted. Carey started two
games last season when St. Clair was hurt and seemed to acquit himself fairly
well in those appearances as well as his assignments as a reserve. Considering
the position the 2004 team was in, it was strange that the Dolphins didn’t move
Carey into the starting lineup. Perhaps his skills as a right tackle are just
raw, in which case an excellent tutor like Houck could be just what is needed.
Given the McDougle signing, Saban is going to try Carey at left tackle. There some
real debate as to whether or not Carey has the ability do it. We shall see. While
it is clearly incorrect to call Carey a “bust” just yet, his inability to make
an immediate impact in 2004 and, likely, 2005 calls into serious question
Spielman’s judgment in drafting him. One player who has more than justified his 2004 sixth round selection was
Rex Hadnot. Given an opportunity to play meaningful football when Bates took
charge, Hadnot was an immediate and obvious upgrade in all phases. Hadnot made
an early impression on coaches during the preseason with a solid camp, showing
good push in the run game and solid pass protection skills. As the team’s starting right guard, he has the nasty disposition and toughness all of the good ones have. Hadnot was a center in college and may return there if As the lone returning offensive line starter from 2003, Wade Smith was
looked upon as someone who needed to “step up” in 2004. After an excellent
offseason of work where he added much-needed strength, it looked as though he
was ready to take that next step. Unfortunately, Smith didn’t improve at all
and, in fact, may have regressed. After only a few games worth of patience, his
unsteady play finally forced him off the field in favor of a hobbled McIntosh. Smith
is another Spielman high draft pick (third round, 2003) who has disappointed
and is now close to being tagged a bonafide bust. According to a recent report in the Sun Sentinel, the Dolphins may even try him at center. Whether he lines up at tackle or center, the upcoming camps will be
pivotal to Smith’s development. If Houck cannot help him improve, particularly
as a run blocker, Smith is done as a Dolphin. Greg Jerman continues to compete as a back up as he lacks the talent to be
a regular starter in the NFL. While the Dolphins officially list him as a
tackle, his skill set is best suited to interior line play at either guard
position as his strength is in the run game. Jerman has little upside; at this
point in his career he is what he is. Whether it will be good enough to make
the 2005 roster remains to be seen. Just keep in mind that every year this guy
gets written off and every year he takes care of business and makes the team. The newly signed Damion Cook will come in to compete at guard. Cook started
the final six games for the Cleveland Browns last season before becoming a free
agent. At 6-5, 320lb. he is one of the team’s heaviest and tallest players. His
current strength is in the run game with some real work to do as a pass
blocker. This is actually Cook’s second stint as a Dolphin, having spent time
on the 2003 practice squad. Other reserve players include guards Jason Thomas, Eric Wilson, Jamil
Soriano, and Rodney Reed, as well as tackles Victor Leyva and Tony Pape. Strengths: Guard and Right Tackle. Hadnot and James have good upside that Houck can
tap. Hadnot has the talent to become a special player. McDougle is a solid and
badly needed upgrade. St. Clair, Carey, Cook, and Jerman are versatile enough
to play guard and right tackle, giving the Dolphins good depth. Houck’s
presence is a huge boost for this beleaguered unit; he is one of the best in
the business. Weaknesses: Left tackle. The Dolphins still have no clue as to who will (or can) do
the job with no immediate prospects for a real upgrade. Offseason Priority: High. Left Tackle is a serious weakness the Dolphins must address if they
have any desire to properly develop a young quarterback. This has been a real
problem since Richmond Webb left Advertisement |
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
 |
 |
|||||||||
