PFF ranked Liam Eichenberg second among rookie OTs in Week 5

The rookie was the second-highest grade player on the Dolphins as well.

In the 2021 NFL draft, four tackles were taken in the first 23 picks, and 10 were taken in the first two rounds. That speaks to quality at the position this year.

Miami made Liam Eichenberg the sixth tackle selected back in April, and he’s finally being given a shot to play his traditional spot. With Austin Jackson moving from tackle to guard, Eichenberg played all game outside against Tampa Bay’s aggressive front.

The rookie rewarded Miami with solid play considering the competition. Pro Football Focus even graded Eichenberg as the second-best rookie tackle and the second-best player on their team with a 76.

Offensive linemen are really only mentioned when they mess up. We only hear about them when they’re missing blocks or being penalized. Many people will look at Eichenberg’s game and remember the strip-sack that he allowed.

You have to look at the whole picture and realize that he hasn’t played much NFL-level offensive tackle yet, and he’s thrown into the fire against Shaq Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul. There’s not much more you could’ve asked for in those circumstances.

[vertical-gallery id=440278]

Brian Flores sees offensive line changes as potential long-term fix

Liam Eichenberg at tackle and Austin Jackson at guard going forward?

Prior to Sunday’s game, media members began reporting that there would be a shake-up on the Dolphins offensive line. With Austin Jackson playing poorly at tackle over the past few games, he was moved inside to let rookie Liam Eichenberg play his traditional outside spot.

Going against Tampa Bay’s defensive front was going to be a challenge without making a change, so the decision to make the move this week was a bold one.

The big bodies up front held their own considering the matchup. Jacoby Brissett was sacked three times, but Myles Gaskin ran for five yards per carry on just five attempts.

Liam Eichenberg was even ranked as the Dolphins’ second-best player in Week 5 by Pro Football Focus.

When asked about the idea of this offensive line being the plan going forward during his Monday media availability, head coach Brian Flores confirmed that would likely be the case

“Yeah, I see this as potentially long-term,” Flores said. “I think Liam [Eichenberg] at left and Austin [Jackson] inside at guard, I think that’s something that we’ll probably stay with for the foreseeable future.”

Consistency is sometimes the most important piece on the offensive line. Having different guys move in and out while playing poorly only makes things worse.

Flores went on to talk about how the group had a good week of practice, and that they’re looking to build on that each week. The idea of “building” has been discussed often this season, so fans are probably sick of it by now, but this group actually didn’t look as bad as they could have on Sunday.

[vertical-gallery id=440278]

Brian Flores explains decision to start Liam Eichenberg at left tackle

Brian Flores explains decision to start Liam Eichenberg at left tackle

The Miami Dolphins’ offensive line has been a closely inspected dynamic for a franchise that has been looking for the answers up front for the better part of the last decade. You don’t think of quality offensive line play when you think of the Dolphins ā€” but all of the investments Miami has made as of late hope to eventually change that narrative. Week 1 of the 2021 regular season brought a surprising twist, however.

2021 2nd-round draft choice Liam Eichenberg got the start at left tackle despite the fact that 2020 1st-round incumbent Austin Jackson was available after missing the week of practice due to COVID-19 protocols. It would be easy explanation if missing the week of practice left Jackson ill-fit to suit up. But when asked on Sunday night about the decision to play Eichenberg over Jackson, head coach Brian Flores offered a different kind of assessment of the situation.

ā€œJust playing ā€“ trying to play the best five guys. You know, Liam has done a good job throughout camp, played multiple positions. We just wanted to start the best five guys,” said Flores.

That isn’t to say that Jackson isn’t among the “best five guys” when he’s not immediately coming out of the COVID-19 protocols. But this response also doesn’t eliminate the possibility that the Dolphins perceive their five best linemen to not include Jackson in general. This, without clarification, becomes a fascinating subplot for Miami’s offensive line construction.

As far as how Eichenberg played?

ā€œI mean, without watching the film itā€™s hard to say whether he played well or didnā€™t. Look, thereā€™s a lot of corrections to make from the game Iā€™m sure, but I think Liam fought ā€“ actually I know that. I didnā€™t watch the film but I know he fought his butt off, and Iā€™m sure there are some corrections to make really for him and everyone on our team. Itā€™s good to make those corrections with a win.ā€

Indeed it is.

Dolphins’ Liam Eichenberg ready to answer the call at any position

Dolphins’ Liam Eichenberg ready to answer the call at any position

The Miami Dolphins clearly had big plans in place for offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg. The Dolphins jumped up in the 2021 NFL draft to pursue Eichenberg, leaping eight spots to successfully land the former Notre Dame left tackle at No. 42 overall.

And in the time that has passed since, Eichenberg has enjoyed a trial experience at just about every position on the line; but his primarily been under consideration for the team’s left guard spot or right tackle position. Injuries have provided some level of setback for Eichenberg, who missed the Dolphins’ first preseason contest with a minor injury and was then held out of practice for a portion of last week due to a separate minor injury. But Eichenberg is back in the saddle: he was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice.

And with starting left tackle Austin Jackson currently on the reserve/COVID-19 list, Eichenberg is ready to answer the call where ever he’s needed by this Miami Dolphins coaching staff.

ā€œI kind of joke with Jesse (Davis) that Iā€™m kind of going down his path. Heā€™s played pretty much every position. But for me, I was at right tackle, left guard. But in college, that was in college, if Iā€™m being honest. At the same time, it is kind of ā€“ being on the left side was a lot easier. Being at left guard, just kind of the movement pattern as you know. Regardless, wherever they want me and wherever the offensive line coach ā€“ ā€˜Coach Lemā€™ and ā€˜Coach Floā€™ put me, Iā€™ll play. Whatever it takes to help this team win. Iā€™m just excited to practice, to be out there,” said Eichenberg.

ā€œIā€™ve taken reps at right tackle, left guard. I took a couple snaps at center. I took a couple at left tackle. Itā€™s been pretty much everywhere. Thereā€™s plans in place I guess in case somebody goes down; then youā€™ve got to shift everyone around. So wherever they need me, wherever they want me to be.”

Depending on Jackson’s availability, Eichenberg may end up being the swing tackle against New England. But his time is inevitably going to come as a starter; and Eichenberg will be expected to hit the field and find success right away ā€” this is a different case study than the likes of Jackson or Robert Hunt, who were drafted high off physical tools and needed refinement. Whenever his time is called, Eichenberg will be ready to go to work; but keep an eye on him being called into action this Sunday, as it is one of the biggest subplots to Miami’s offensive game plan.

Who is Dolphins’ best option if they’re without Austin Jackson Week 1?

Who is Dolphins’ best option if they’re without Austin Jackson?

The Miami Dolphins’ morning isn’t off to the best of starts. The Dolphins have learned that veteran tight end Adam Shaheen has tested positive for COVID-19. But the bigger implication is that the team also placed OT Austin Jackson, their starter at left tackle, on the list as well. It is currently unknown whether or not Jackson is also a positive test or is there via contact tracing ā€” but what we know right now is that his status for Week 1 against the New England Patriots is in doubt.

But thanks to the Dolphins’ approach to constructing an offensive line, the team would have a number of options to fill in for him if they needed to find an alternative option.

But which would be the best?

The contenders include:

  • Greg Little, who the team acquired via trade in August as a former 2nd-round draft choice
  • Jesse Davis, the team’s current projected starter at right tackleĀ 
  • Liam Eichenberg, the rookie lineman who has not been given a look at left tackle all summer but started for several seasons at left tackle at Notre Dame

The combinations here are fascinating. Miami could plug Little in at left tackle and keep the rest of the line status quo. The Dolphins could potentially move Jesse Davis to left tackle and put Eichenberg, who has been banged up in recent days, at right tackle to go from there. Or the team could put Eichenberg where his body is likely still most comfortable after his time at Notre Dame: at left tackle.

Eichengberg’s availability will be the biggest X-factor of the combinations Miami will consider ā€” assuming Jackson is out. But if he’s a full-go, giving Eichenberg a shot at left tackle may be the solution that offers the Dolphins the highest ceiling. He’s started three years at Notre Dame at left tackle; his muscle memory for his technique will allow him to perform better there than he is on the right side of the line as he learns to invert all of his footwork. And while he hasn’t taken snaps at left tackle in the NFL yet, he’s been in the system longer than Greg Little has; so one would assume he’s more familiar with the assignments than Little, who has only been with the team for a few weeks.

Would Miami go there? They were at least willing to try Eichenberg on the left side at left guard early in training camp. Given the team’s cross-training approach, Eichenberg could stand to offer team value in Week 1 if he’s needed there. But if he’s still not physically ready to go after missing practice time last week, then it will be all for not and Greg Little should be considered the ‘next man up’ at tackle if Miami needs to press on without Jackson.

PFF tabs Dolphins’ right tackle job as ‘battle to watch’

PFF tabs Dolphins’ right tackle job as ‘battle to watch’

With most of the Miami Dolphins’ key 2021 additions presumably set in stone, the team must now brace for the upcoming storm that is training camp. The Dolphins are expected to host a competitive camp, with plenty of positions available for the taking and the stakes higher than ever before in the Brian Flores and Chris Grier era of the team. But which battles are shaping up to be the most competitive?

That depends on who you ask. The nickel cornerback position is one; but the Dolphins offer ample depth there in the secondary and the team’s defense was the identity of the team last season. There will be no quarterback battle on offense this season, but one of the other primary positions is up for grabs in the blindside tackle position. And that, according to the folks at Pro Football Focus, isĀ theĀ battle to watch.

“Battle to watch: Right tackle

Robert HuntĀ is expected to kick inside to right guard with fellow 2020 drafteeĀ Solomon KindleyĀ replacingĀ Ereck FlowersĀ on the left side. That opens an opportunity forĀ Jesse Davis,Ā D.J. FlukerĀ andĀ Liam Eichenberg to compete for the starting right tackle job.

Davis and Fluker have the benefit of starting NFL experience, but Eichenbergā€™s consistent technique should allow him to contribute out of the gates. Heā€™s coming off an 89.9 PFF grade at left tackle with Notre Dame in 2020.” ā€” Pro Football Focus

Indeed, this head to head (to head) showdown figures to offer plenty of intrigue. It is difficult to envision Davis, who has collected over 90% of the Dolphins’ snaps on offense in each of the last three seasons, winning out on the job, however. If Davis were a starting caliber lineman, at some point the Dolphins’ investments into the position would have tapered off. But yet Miami added both Fluker and Eichenberg this offseason, hardly the endorsement for Davis as a starter.

Pro Football Focus credits Davis with 34 pressures allowed last season ā€” a top-25 figure in the entire NFL. With 220 offensive lineman qualifying with at least 20% of their pass sets taken on the season, Davis’ protection isn’t up to snuff.

Fluker’s protection numbers in 2020 after stepping in at right tackle to take over for Orlando Brown Jr. in Baltimore after an injury to Ronnie Stanley were even less impressive. He allowed 26 pressures on the season but did so in just over 250 snaps. He’s better suited for interior play at this stage in his career and posted comfortably better numbers in 2018 & 2019 with Seattle as the team’s primary right guard.

That leaves the rookie, Liam Eichenberg, to contend for this job as a high-ceiling option. And given Miami’s willingness to trade up to get him, it would seem as though the team is ready to give him every shot to win the “battle to watch”.

Why Liam Eichenberg is exactly what the Dolphins needed up front

Why Liam Eichenberg is exactly what the Dolphins needed up front

The Miami Dolphins’ latest investment into the offensive line comes with a bit of a different profile than the players that have previously been brought into the fray over the course of the Chris Grier & Brian Flores era with the team. The Dolphins have typically gravitated towards heavyweight offensive linemen ā€” with their average size over two years of added linemen exceeding an average weight of 320 pounds.

Liam Eichenberg, the team’s fourth selection and No. 42 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, profiles a little differently. He attended the Notre Dame Pro Day in March at 306 pounds, well short of the typical Dolphins’ lineman. But despite his leaner frame, Eichenberg is exactly what the Dolphins needed up front.

Why?

Because while Eichenberg didn’t necessarily meet the expected size measurements, he meets several other standards that the Dolphins need up front to be better along the offensive line. Eichenberg did not concede a sack over his final two and a half seasons of play as the starting left tackle with the Irish. He isn’t necessarily the standout athlete that the Dolphins chased up front with Austin Jackson in last year’s draft, but he offers something much more important for a team that is looking to contend in 2021: polish and technique.

Eichenberg is considered ready to play.

And even though he isn’t as big as his new teammates (at least not yet), he’s still very much a stylistic fit for the Dolphins’ interior run game and can provide plenty of push for the team up front. Miami is hoping to breathe new life into their running game in 2021 and they should find that with Solomon Kindley taking over for Ereck Flowers at left guard and Robert Hunt kicking inside to right guard. But Eichenberg, assuming he beats out D.J. Fluker, is at his absolute best on interior double teams and driving the opposition off the ball on interior runs.

The Dolphins deserve credit for being open to a stylistic fit even if he doesn’t match up precisely to the look and feel of the kind of players they’ve attacked previously under the current leadership. After all, Eichenberg has the frame to add some size if the Dolphins deem it necessary ā€” but his drive blocking ability at the point of attack already feels like a sufficient blend and fit with what the Dolphins are hoping to accomplish.

And as more of a technician than either Robert Hunt or Austin Jackson, Miami is also getting a more polished pass protector, too. The ceiling may not be as high, but the floor for 2021 and beyond is also considerably more stable as well.

If Eichenberg staves off Fluker at right tackle, Miami will have one of the youngest lines in all of football. And hopefully then the team will find the solution up front they’ve been looking for over the years.

Dolphins select Liam Eichenberg in second round of 2021 NFL draft

The Miami Dolphins selected Notre Dame offensive tackle Liam Eichenberg in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft.

[mm-video type=video id=01f4jkhb15xpb92j3fpa playlist_id=01eqbwhebtqp7ahdjt player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01f4jkhb15xpb92j3fpa/01f4jkhb15xpb92j3fpa-785524ec40a761b5aa21f48ea1b30e42.jpg]

The Miami Dolphins selected Notre Dame offensive tackle Liam Eichenberg with their second pick of the second round of the 2021 NFL draft on Friday.

The 6-foot-6, 306-pound Eichenberg was taken with the 10th pick of the round, No. 42 overall. The Dolphins traded up with the New York Giants to acquire the pick to select Eichenberg. He was a first-team All-ACC selection in 2020 for the Fighting Irish.

To move up eight spots, the Dolphins sent the No. 50 pick and a third-round selection in the 2022 NFL draft to the Giants.

Draft Wire ranked Eichenberg as the eighth-best offensive tackle in this year’s class.

Earlier in the second round, the Dolphins picked Oregon safety Jevon Holland with the No. 36 overall selection.

The Dolphins have one more draft selection on Friday: No. 18 in the third round (No. 81 overall). Miami has three picks on Saturday: No. 12 in the fifth round (No. 156 overall), No. 3 in the seventh round (No. 231 overall) and No. 17 in the seventh round (No. 244 overall).

Miami Dolphins’ 2021 draft class

Rd. Pos. Name School
1 WR Jaylen Waddle Alabama
1 Edge Jaelan Phillips Miami
2 S Jevon Holland Oregon
2 OT Liam Eichenberg Notre Dame

[vertical-gallery id=436417]

3 biggest needs for Ravens entering 2021 NFL draft

The Baltimore Ravens have a very competitive roster already, but they have a few needs that need to be filled. Which needs are most glaring?

The Baltimore Ravens have put together a very competitive roster. They have a plethora of stars surrounded by depth all around, which makes the team not only good at the top, but good all the way to the last man. There is a nice foundation already in place for the Ravens, as young studs such as Lamar Jackson, Ronnie Stanley, and Marlon Humphrey will carry the torch for a long time in Baltimore.

Despite having such a talented roster already, the Ravens now have the opportunity to get even better by drafting immediate impact contributors at positions of need in the 2021 NFL draft. Rounding out their roster should be a top priority for the team, so what needs are their most glaring heading into the draft?

Ravens 2021 Draft Prospect Profiles

The Baltimore Ravens will be looking to capitalize on a very deep 2021 draft class. Here are draft profiles for some of the biggest names

The Baltimore Ravens will have great players to choose from at many different positions during the 2021 NFL draft. With a few big needs and a couple of other sneaky ones, having nine picks will certainly help Baltimore come out of this draft with a phenominal class.

Throughout the draft process, there have been plenty of rumors and rumblings about players that the Ravens could be interested in and potentially select. Here are the draft profiles for the prospects that have been linked to Baltimore the most.

 

Wide Receiver:

Rashod Bateman, Minnesota

Terrace Marshall Jr., LSU

Kadarius Toney, Florida

Dez Fitzpatrick, Louisville

 

Tight End:

Brevin Jordan, Miami

 

Offensive Line:

Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State

Liam Eichenberg, Notre Dame

Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma

Landon Dickerson, Alabama

 

Defensive Line:

Christian Barmore, Alabama

 

Edge:

Azeez Ojulari, Georgia

Kwity Paye, Michigan

Jaelan Phillips, Miami

Gregory Rousseau, Miami

 

Linebacker:

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame

 

Safety:

Trevon Moehrig, TCU