Training Camp Preview Part 9: Outside Linebackers

The ninth part in this series takes a look at what could be the most dominate position on the Dolphins roster this season. Last season Joey Porter was unstoppable in the first half of the year and was off to sack record breaking pace. He slowed down a bit toward the end of the year with teams keying to stop him and nobody else really stepped up to complement him. This off-season the Dolphins went after a Canadian league superstar and brought back Jason Taylor in hopes of getting a little help for Porter.

This is not the first time Joey and Jason have been on the same defense, with the first time not living up to the hype in the worst season in franchise history. However, this time figures to be much different. Under Cam Cameron Joey Porter was not able to play the type of football that made him a star. Often times having to drop back into coverage and not being used to his role in the 4-3 defense. However, last season the Dolphins ran the same type of 3-4 Porter ran in Pittsburgh and Joey turned in one of the most dominating seasons of his career.

This time Jason Taylor will be listed as a left outside linebacker something he has never been in his career, but has played the position during certain formations and had huge success lining up as a linebacker in Nick Saban's defense earning defensive MVP honors in 2006. I know this is wishful thinking and probably not very realistic, but just imagine if Jason Taylor played like he did in '06 and Joey Porter is the same guy he was in the first half of last season. This defense would be a top 5 defense no doubt in my mind. I know this is extremely unlikely but, we know it is possible because these guys have done it before. The only real concern with this group is that they are extremely old. Taylor and Porter are both probably in last couple years of their career so the future of this position is up in the air. For this season though the sky is the limit.

Projected Depth Chart

LOLB
1. Jason Taylor: Having said how much this guy is capable of their is still many question marks headed into this year. The first question is, is there anything left in the tank? Taylor had a very disappointing season for the Redskins last year, but a lot of that had to do with injuries. However, even when he was healthy he did not play like the Jason Taylor of old. Another question is, can he even be an outside linebacker for a whole season and play the position consistently? Yes, he has played it in Miami in the past, but that was just quick durations. I think that this could be a positive thing though. Being a defensive end is probably a little harder on the body always being in three point stance and there is sightly more contact than the outside linebacker position. Also, Taylor has always been an athletic defensive end, so the outside linebacker position should complement his skill set well. Bottom line is Taylor is out to prove something this year, with his pride taking a big hit last year, and he is out to win back the fans of Miami because his heart has always been with the Dolphins all along.

2. Matt Roth: Adapted well to his new role as an outside linebacker last season. Roth spent his college career and his rookie season as a defensive end, but really did not have the body type to be a 3-4 defensive end. Roth compiled 53 tackles and forced two fumbles. Roth is the one who takes the biggest hit with Taylor coming back but should still get plenty of playing time because it is unlikely Taylor will play every down. Roth will probably be playing for a future starting role for whenever Taylor decides to hang them up or not being able to still produce as a starter.

3. Quentin Moses: The former 3rd round pick has not lived up to where he was drafted, but has some experience if the Dolphins have injury woes. He only put up 3 tackles last season and had 8 the year before.

4. Eric Walden: The Dolphins acquired Walden off waivers last season after he was cut by the Chiefs. Probably will never contribute much as an outside linebacker, but will makes a solid impact on special teams.

ROLB
1. Joey Porter: His 17.5 sacks last season was good enough for 2nd in the league. It was clear that in this 3-4 defense Porter is worth every bit of the money it took to bring him to Miami. However, the only concern with Porter is he still capable of producing at that level for a whole season. Joey only had one sack in the final four games of the year so maybe his body can not continue to play at that high of a level for a whole season. Hopefully with Taylor coming back and hopefully maybe even one of the rookie defensive ends will step up and provide some pass rush and take the pressure off Porter, so he can produce all season long and toward the end of the year when we need him the most.

2. Cameron Wake: Was simply dominating in the Canadian Football League earning back to back defensive MVP honors, but then again it was in Canada. He is an extremely athletic linebacker though and everyone knew that going into the draft. He ran a 4.55 40 yard dash which is phenomenal for a linebacker. However, he went undrafted and eventually got cut by the Giants. He found a home in Canada though, and registered an outstanding 39 sacks in just two seasons. If any of that success can translate into the NFL the Dolphins will have a guy that can spell an old Joey Porter and possibly the future of the position.

3. Charlie Anderson: Put together some very solid stats for a guy that backed up Joey Porter. Charlie put up 27 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and recorded a safety in his first season with the Dolphins. Him and Cameron Wake will battle it out for the backup position.

4. Tearrius George: Was on the Cowboys roster last season and did contribute much at all. Will have an uphill battle at making this roster unless he can be a standout on special teams.

Position Battles: Jason Taylor will be the starter on this defense, but with his age, worst case scenario is that his performance suffers ealry on. If this happens expect him to split some time with Matt Roth, but even if he can show glimpses of his old self he should not worry much. Also, Charlie Anderson will battle new comer Cameron Wake for his backup position. With all the hype about how dominate Wake was in Canada he is the favorite to win, but can that translate into the much faster and bigger NFL.
Predicted Winners: Jason Taylor gets full-time role and Cameron Wake beats out Charlie Anderson

Roster Spot Battles: Tearrius George and Eric Walden will both be on the hot seat. Both will need to win a spot on special teams, but Eric Walden has already established himself as a solid special teamer so will likely take this this battle.
Predicted Cuts: Tearrius George

OFFENSIVE LINE, DEFENSIVE ENDS, AND NOSE TACKLE ON MY BLOG www.miamidolphinnation.blogspot.com