With the Dolphins' transition to more of a 4-3 defense this season, Miami will do its best to see a linebacker corps that was very good in the 3-4 translate accordingly.
The coaching staff appears to be willing to re-assess the role of at least one of those linebackers.Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun Sentinel is reporting that the Dolphins are going to work out outside Koa Misi at middle linebacker in an effort to adapt to the new scheme, where the 4-3 requires a more athletic, rangy player in the middle. Misi fits this profile more than existing middle linebackers Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett.
So far, Misi has been a dissapointment as the pass rusher he was drafted to be. Injuries and unproductive play have mired the first two years of the 2010 second round pick out of Utah.
"It's unfortunate that he got hurt at the end of the season because I saw some growth in him there late," said Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland earlier this year, according to Kelly. "We just got to see where he continues to grow. But he's got to get better."
Perhaps a role that highlights his nose for the ball and coverage skills will be a refreshing change for both Misi and the team.
If Misi can adequately play the middle, we could then speculate that they move Dansby to the outside where his run stopping proficiency would be better utilized. The four-man front reduces the need for a big, tough linebacker in the inside.
Perhaps a role that highlights his nose for the ball and coverage skills will be a refreshing change for both Misi and the team.
If Misi can adequately play the middle, we could then speculate that they move Dansby to the outside where his run stopping proficiency would be better utilized. The four-man front reduces the need for a big, tough linebacker in the inside.
Miami will likely have to add to its linebacker corps, with Jason Trusnik and Cameron Wake the only other listed linebackers under contract. Backup Marvin Mitchell did a stand up job in 2011 and should be re-signed.
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