Koa Misi and the Dolphins LBs

I figured I will share an article written from ESPN Scouts Inc writer, Matt Williamson.  I'm not a fan of a lot of writers, even at ESPN, but Williamson is one of the few I do like to read.  He has ranks some people where I may disagree with, such as ranking the Patriots corps as the best in the AFC East, but he gives pretty good insight to the players and his reasoning.  Before I start, you can read his AFC East rankings for the LBs at http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/insider/news/story?id=6625652.  You have to be a member of ESPN Insider to read the article.

This week Williamson ranked Miami's LBs as the best in the division.  Why this may not be surprising, he did write some views about Channing Crowder and Koa Misi that some Dolfans may not agree with.  On top of this, Williamson also believes Miami will have one of the best defenses in the NFL in 2011.  I can't say I disagree with his view.  I already believe Miami's defense is stout as is and will become great if they can generate a few turnovers.

Williamson, like most others, was very high on Wake and Dansby.  He went as far to call Wake a star and credited Dansby for not having any weaknesses to his game.  These two are undoubtedly the ones that allowed Miami's LBs to be ranked at the top of the division.  Wake has met or exceeded expectations as a pass rusher, but has exceeded all expectations with his ability to stop the run.  The only reason I'd say he met expectations for some is because some people set a lofty expectation of Wake in his first season as a starter.

The part of the article  that may surprise a few is Williamson's glowing review of Kia Misi.  Williamson credits Misi with being stout against the run, an area not many Dolfans really appreciate from their OLBs.  On top of that, Williamson views Misi as a developing pass-rusher.  That's not bad for the Dolphins rookie that was new to his position.  Williamson liked Misi enough that he chose him in his "Soon to be Stars" column over teammates Vontae Davis and Sean Smith.  He expects a breakout season from Misi in 2011.  If you are an ESPN Insider, you can read Williamson's column about his expectations for Misi at http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/28656/soon-to-be-stars-koa-misi.

Williamson didn't mention any surprising tidbits about Crowder or provide strong endorsements other than believing Crowder is great against the run, something most Dolfans already knew.  The only insight Williamson adds is that he wonders if Crowder's groin injury contributed to his struggles.  I'm not so sure if I agree with this view because Crowder's play was similar to his play in 2009.

His position on Misi contradicts that of many Dolfans who wish for an upgrade or would prefer Misi slide inside.  Personally, I'm rather happy to see someone else write positives things about Misi and express their approval of his play.  I don't expect Misi to be the next Clay Matthews or DeMarcus Ware, but I think with enough progress, he can reach 8-12 sacks per year and help solidify a great pass rush.  I have faith in our coaching staff to help him along.  After all, it was only a year ago that Wake was very raw with his techniques.

On a final note, Williamson believed David Harris, part of the Jets group that finished 2nd in the poll, was a bit overrated because he's similar to Channing Crowder.  Williamson notes Harris makes plays, but thinks he's weak against the run and doesn't deserve the franchise tag and the money that comes with it.  I'm sure many Jets fans raised their pitchforks because Harris wasn't ranked #1 at his position like all other Jets starters should be.