The Miami Dolphins rookie class is getting their formal welcome to the NFL. There will be several weeks ahead to continue to learn before Miami plays their first game for keeps, but these Dolphins will have to continue to pick things up at a rapid pace if their youngsters are going to claim spots in the starting lineup in time for Week 1. That includes rookie guard Solomon Kindley, who is making a strong initial impression with the Dolphins and should be considered firmly in the running to secure the right guard spot on the offensive line.
But even Kindley, who is performing well, is learning quickly that it is the little things that will make all the difference at the NFL level. And thankfully for him, between his coaches and the veterans on the offensive line, Kindley is still getting plenty of direction of what things are supposed to look like live. He spoke this weekend with the South Florida media about some of the schooling he’s getting from his veteran teammates.
“Small technique stuff like stepping this way when this block’s coming, putting your hand up on this type of pass pro, making sure your eyes are right on the outside backer,” said Kindley.
“Those are the things in college where it wasn’t too big; but now in the NFL, your opponent, they’re studying what you’re doing every time. They’re studying what you’re doing every time, so those little things can get you beat, and also if you do all those things, that’s going to make you great.”
Kindley’s college pedigree at Georgia certainly has aligned him to find reps early in his NFL career, but as he said himself — you’re not playing against Arkansas State or Murray State for a “cupcake” anymore, this is the NFL. Fortunately for the Dolphins, the team took their investments into the offensive line seriously this offseason. Their combination of rookies and veterans will allow the best of both groups to be pulled from one another amid the competition to earn a starting job; a task that Kindley is taking well to early on.