FanPost

Phillip Merling .. our new SOLB?

I just read an interesting article about the Dolphins needs coming into the draft and we could possilby be looking for at the #12 spot. This article did a great job of breaking down each position and also added some thought to some of the other positions. (can't get the link to work with my computer but it is an article on Dave Hyde's Blog with the Sun Sentinel)

The one I found most interesting was the comment on Merling moving from DE to OLB. He has been asked to lose 10lbs by the mini-camps coming up, this would make sense if he were to move to the OLB spot. This move would actually make a lot of sense as it would be a better way to get the proper use out of Merling. With Starks and Langford's play both being more consistent at the DE position and with the likes of McDaniles waiting behind, the DE rotation wouldn't lose all that much.

Here is the piece from the article discussing the possible move for Merling:

Whilst the ends remain a strong suit with excellent work turned in by Randy Starks and Kendall Langford along with solid assistance from the terrific 7th round trade for Tony McDaniel, the future remains a question mark for Philip Merling who has all the talent in the world but hasn’t put it together consistently. Asked to lose 10lbs before mini-camps, it looks as though the Dolphins might be planning to shift him to SOLB. Remember, at Clemson he was an explosive 4-3 end with great ability to get to the perimeter and the sort of feet you’d expect from a decent tight end. He moves forward and backward really well, gets out of trouble on his feet, but lacks the power to consistently drive big tackles backward.

He even played a couple of pre-season games as a rookie at SOLB but it was the 3-4 alignment that got the better of him rather than any lack of physical ability. Now, with two years under his belt in the system, it’s not inconceivable that he drops the required 10lbs by mini camps and another 10 by training camp and regains the explosion we saw in the ACC back out on the strong side at around 270lbs. If that happens as I suspect it might, you’re also freeing up another spot for a pure 3-4 defensive end.

We have seen this move with Roth before with decent success. IMO this would be a good move if Merling could shed the lbs as when he does get on the field he is usually around the ball making plays and with the added playing time he could get maybe he can have a bigger impact in the game.

Do you guys think this would be a good fit? or am I just crazy? haha

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of The Phinsider's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of The Phinsider writers or editors.