The Dolphins
’ newest defensive tackles are http://www.officialnflfalconsshop.com/cheap-youth-atlanta-falcons-tony-moeaki-pro-line-team-color-jersey-105949-p-745.html getting ready to take an introductory class on the position taught by Professor Ndamukong Suh.
Miami hopes it found instant contributors by drafting Davon Godchoux in the fifth round and Vincent Taylor in the sixth, and those two will have as good of an opportunity to develop as any rookie could imagine. Playing next to Suh, who is routinely double- and triple-teamed, has lots of advantages. Being at his end of the practice field helps, too.
Suh
’s an interesting mentor. He plays the position as well as anyone in recent history, but isn’t exactly known for having a warm personality. Some Dolphins have said he’s more engaging with teammates behind the scenes than he is with the media, though, and his post-draft phone call with Godchoux had a welcoming tone to it.“
It was very friendly,” Godchoux said with a smile. “I was surprised.”It also included a message of
“shut your mouth up and learn,” which is terrific advice. After two years with Miami, Suh has established ownership of http://www.officialpanthersstore.com/shop-by-players-trai-turner-jersey-c-9_90.html the defensive line
’s section of the locker room (along with Cameron Wake) and it’s unlikely any d-tackle will enjoy being there if he’s doesn’t aspire to meet Suh’s standards.That could be an intimidating environment, but Taylor and Godchaux sound excited about the chance to study alongside a master craftsman.
“
Growing up, I used to always tell myself I liked the way Ndamukong Suh played,” Taylor said. “I’m not saying that just because I got drafted by Miami, but I’ve been saying that in every interview.“
Ndamukong Suh was always that guy I looked up to and for me to be able to be on the same team with him and just learn from him, I am looking forward to see what God has in store for me and what I can learn from him.”Godchaux was the 11th defensive tackle selected, though many believe he
’s better than that. An off-field domestic violence allegation while at LSU—all charges were quickly dropped, and the Dolphins said they felt comfortable taking him after a thorough investigation by their security people—was thought to be the main reason he slipped in the draft.NFL.com ranked him the No. 58 overall prospect in this year
’s class, and he was confident enough to leave after his junior year. He’s 6-foot-4, 299 pounds Chris Hogan Authentic Jersey and had 12.5 sacks over the past two seasons.
Taylor was the 14th pick at his position, but comes in with equally impressive credentials. He put up 12 sacks for a total of 87 lost yards over the last two seasons, plus 99 tackles and two forced fumbles.
Suh, who hasn
’t been around for the voluntary offseason workouts, is the only certainty for Miami in the middle of its defensive line. He’ll team up with defensive ends Andre Branch and Wake, and the Dolphins are looking for one more starting tackle.That job will likely be filled by a competition between Jordan Phillips, Godchaux and Taylor. New defensive coordinator Matt Burke said it
’s open. The Dolphins have Nick Williams and Lawrence Okoye as well and could add someone else in the late phases of free agency.Phillips, a second-round pick two years ago, is the leader at the moment. He started 11 games last season and upped his snap count from 37 percent as a rookie to 54 percent. There were times when his natural talent was unmistakable, but the Dolphins were openly frustrated by his inconsistency.
“
We’re gonna put a lot of pressure on Jordan this year,” coach Adam Gase said. “We feel like the talent is there and he’s doing a lot of things the right way. We thought last year at the end of the year he was doing things the right way and we were headed in the right direction.”That was a tenuous endorsement and it came a few weeks before Miami drafted Godchaux and Taylor. Maybe that
’s what Gase meant when Ronnie Stanley Womens Jersey he said the pressure will rise on Phillips. He
’s already made clear he’s got no aversion to rookies jumping ahead of veterans on the depth chart, and the two new guys are sure to get their chance.
