2. Miami Dolphins
At linebacker, the Dolphins are a bit of a mixed bag, but some injection of life was placed into this area of their roster, much like their defensive line. Most notably, the Dolphins convinced former Patriots linebacker Kyle Van Noy to jump ship in the division. Miami head coach Brian Flores spent time with New England, so the connections were there.
The Dolphins will hope Van Noy’s skills and knowledge ripples through this group, much like the hope is for Stefon Diggs in Buffalo. Raekwon McMillan, who recorded 72 tackles in 13 games last year, returns in the middle, as does Jerome Baker, who registered 126 total tackles. But the Dolphins will expect better run defense from them.
Elandon Roberts and Vince Biegel will also compete for snaps across from Von Noy in the Dolphins’ 3-4 scheme. Biegel earned starting duty last year, and he looks to have the inside track at starting at outside linebacker once again. Roberts is another Patriots’ transplant, and he will help to support the defense against the run.
An interesting prospect who fell, in the draft, the Dolphins also have Curtis Weaver in the mix. Once considered as high as a second-round pick, the Dolphins grabbed him in the fifth round of the recent draft.
“RaEkWoN MCMilLan iSn’t gOod” pic.twitter.com/W1cZRptkTo
— josh houtz (@houtz) September 29, 2019