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We are currently making our way through the Miami Dolphins' 90-man offseason roster, breaking down last season for each player, as well as what could happen this year. Today, we continue today with a look at offensive lineman Will Yeatman.
2012 Review:
Will Yeatman
| 2012 Stats | |
| Games | 4 |
| Starts | 0 |
Yeatman saw action in four games last year, his first season as an offensive lineman. As a rookie in 2011, Yeatman was a tight end. However, when Joe Philbin arrived as the team's head coach, he envisioned Yeatman as a tackle, and started making the switch during the preseason.
Not a lot was expected of Yeatman in 2012, and he did not provide a lot. However, Yeatman's 2012 was all about getting ready for 2013.
Why he could improve in 2013:
This is the season that the team should see reward for the patience they had last year. Philbin has talked up Yeatman this offseason, including stating he sees him competing for a starting spot on the offensive line. The zone blocking scheme fits the athleticism Yeatman has from his time as a tight end, so he should be able to at least be a primary reserve along the line, if not someone who can fight for a starting slot.
Why he could regress in 2013:
Simply put, we do not really know what Yeatman will provide. Philbin has talked him up, but clearly the team was not 100% sold, given the signings of Tyson Clabo and Lance Louis. Yeatman did not see much playing time last year, so it's hard to judge a "regression," but, this is the year he has to show Philbin and the rest of the coaches that the move from tight end to lineman was worthwhile, and that it was effective.
Odds he will make the 53-man roster:
Yeatman should make the roster. He's a Philbin pet project, so his roster spot should be assured. Interestingly, the Dolphins have had Yeatman working at guard during the offseason program this year, rather than at the tackle position envisioned last year. That could be a matter of trying to develop him into a more versatile lineman, or they could be moving him to guard for good. How much playing time he will see, and at what position, is probably still up in the air, but for at least one more season, Yeatman should make the 53-man roster.