Dolphins' OL - who will make the final 53?

Omar Kelly tweeted today that he thinks Asiata has work to do if he's going to make the final roster. That might sound crazy to some people, but I took a look at the likely linemen that will make the team, and I too have Asiata at the bottom fighting for a spot. Here's how the line plays out as I see it, assuming we keep 10.

Starters (5):
LT - Tunsil
LG - Davis (while Urbik is out)
C - Pouncey
RG - Bushrod
RT - James

Primary Backups (3):
Swing tackle - Smith
G/C - Urbik (will start at LG when healthy)
C/G - Brendel

On the bubble (2):
C/G - Steen
G - Asiata
Swing tackle - Young

Sam Young appears to have fallen behind Eric Smith from all I've seen and heard, and I'm not sure we need two swing tackles - especially since Urbik can play tackle in a pinch. Smith can also play G, adding to his versatility - so I think Young could be the odd man out.

I think Steen kinda sucks, but the coaches apparently like him and he can play all interior line spots. Asiata seems like a Guard-only, though the Phins apparently used him some at tackle today. I think he makes the team simply because he was drafted, but I expect him to be inactive each week.

So, I'd cut Young and keep Steen and Asiata as the #9 and 10 linemen for now. That makes us a bit light at tackle, but I think the interior spots are so questionable that they have to take priority. I expect Steen to get cut if/when Larsen comes off IR at midseason.

Thoughts?

I agree with your assessment.

Really can't believe Asiata isn't further along than this.

I'm sorry, JMP. What was this again? Is this a listing for different types of manure?

Degarmo wrote:I'm sorry, JMP.  What was this again?  Is this a listing for different types of manure?

Amazing how a "QB guru" could put together a garbage line like this, isn't it? Hoping for miracles from undrafted players and washed-up vets doesn't seem like the smartest plan for building a decent line.

And it's been this way for years.

It's funny but with Cutler's pocket presence the line doesn't seem to be nearly as bad. Obviously depth is a concern as it is with EVERY TEAM IN THE NFL.

So Gase is now the GM and OL coach. Fascinating.

Birdmond wrote:It's funny but with Cutler's pocket presence the line doesn't seem to be nearly as bad.   Obviously depth is a concern as it is with EVERY TEAM IN THE NFL.  

So Gase is now the GM and OL coach.  Fascinating.  

Cutler's pocket presence may help, but if he'e under heavy pressure consistently, he'll be a disaster - just like he's been throughout his career. Hopefully Pouncey can stay healthy and this guy Davis turns out to be good - that will be HUGE. Of course, a consistent running game will also help. One way or another, we have to stop with all the damn three-and-outs and keep the offense on the field. That will help the defense, too.

Tonight will be a good test for the OL, going up against a pretty stout Eagles' DL.

As for Gase, you don't think he's the architect of this entire offense? Guys like Julius Thomas, Ted Larsen, David Fales and Jermon Bushrod are Dolphins because Gase wanted them. And Kenny Stills became a very rich man because Gase wanted to keep him.

Cutler looks like he hasn't gotten any better. The line is suspect at best so far against the eagles

He finished with 101.5 passer rating. Not included in those stats, about 50 more yards on a PI to Stills in the end zone.

He looked fine. Tunsil needs to step up, allowing way too many sacks and pressures. JuWaun James was beaten easily also. These are our first round tackles?!?! Bullshit. Play better!

Cutler had a great QBR, but he's got to get more accurate with his throws. On Parker's big play, he was wide open and had the ball been thrown in front of him it was an easy TD. Instead, Cutler underthrew a jump ball that probably would have been intercepted 8 or 9 times out of 10. He also had a couple other off-target passes. Hopefully it's just rust, but inaccuracy has been an issue throughout his career. I do like the way he moves in the pocket.

And yes, the OL really needs to step up. Last night was inexcusable - too many defenders running free. I really hope the Phins dump James after the season. I'm so tired of watching his lazy, inconsistent play. Eric Smith looks like he could be the future at RT, and I'd like to see him take that job sooner rather than later.

I really hope the Phins dump James after the season. I'm so tired of watching his lazy, inconsistent play.

I see very little chance he stays in Miami. He was a reach where we drafted him. And he's done nothing to refute his pre-draft rating, if anything he's played out worse than his original draft grade.