by
Chris Shashaty, Phins.com Columnist
On a periodic basis between now and the 2006 NFL Draft, I will take an in-depth look at the Dolphins. This week: Linebackers.
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In the swirl of all this change was the speculation that the undersized
Zach Thomas, the heart and soul of the
Thomas heard the criticism and, as he has his entire career, went out and proved
the naysayers wrong. Not only did Zach commit himself to learning the new
system, he really thrived in it. Once and for all, he killed the notion that he
is a system-bred star. Simply put, he validated his greatness as a player.
This he did while impressively gutting out the last third of the season
with a torn labrum in his shoulder, requiring him to play with a supportive harness.
Once again #54 posted a 100+ tackle season (166). What else is new? The 10-year
veteran has exceeded 100+ tackles every
year as a pro. He was so dominant
that he earned his sixth Pro Bowl berth, most all-time among Dolphin defenders.
One day Thomas will be invited to
the Hall of Fame as will his teammate, Junior Seau. While Zach still has a lot
of good football left in him, Junior’s career could be all but over. A terrific
team leader, Seau was only able to play in seven games before being placed on Injured Reserve with an
Achilles tendon injury. Clearly, Seau’s 36 year old body is failing him. Still,
he would like to return to the Dolphins for one more season. With all of the
other needs this team needs to address, will Junior be able to sneak on to the
2006 roster?
Junior’s abbreviated season created more playing time for two newcomers,
rookie Channing Crowder and free agent pick-up Donnie Spragan (Broncos).
Crowder, a third round pick from
Spragan started the season in a reserve role but began to see more playing time
when Seau became hobbled, tallying 47 tackles, a sack, and a pick. Spragan was
a steady, if unspectacular, performer. He has the size, intelligence, and speed
to play well in either the 3-4 or 4-3 alignment. 2006 will be contract year for
Spragan as he signed a two-year deal when he joined the team. It will be
interesting to see if he can improve.
Once again, Eddie Moore endured another disappointing season as he was
place on Injured Reserve with a knee injury (his third year in a row on IR).
Second year man Derrick Pope continued to overachieve his 2004 seventh
round selection (222nd overall) with solid special teams and reserve
play. Twice starting in place of an injured Thomas, he more than held his own.
Pope has outstanding instincts and really runs well. Expect him to compete for
full time duty in the 3-4 alignment in 2006.
Reserves Nick Rogers,
Strengths: The great Zach Thomas, one of the top players in the National Football
League, is the best linebacker the team has ever had; Good young players in Crowder,
Spragan, and Pope; Flexibility of players to line up at multiple positions; Good
overall speed and instincts.
Weaknesses: Lack of quality depth at OLB.
Offseason Priority: Medium. Expect Saban to bring in some fresh talent, guys with the size,
speed, and intelligence to compete for three to four jobs.