Dolphins surprisingly set at defensive end

By Hugo Guzman  |   Sunday, April 06, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

Miami Dolphins
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Yes, I'm aware that Jason Taylor will likely be moving from defensive end to linebacker as the Miami Dolphins transition a true 3-4 alignment. And yes, I'm aware that Matt Roth's physical dimensions - namely his short arms and lack of height - make him a poor fit as a 3-technique defensive end. And yes, I'm aware that this means Miami must now find not one but two new starters at defensive end.

However, there is some subtle good news to be had in this regard, because the Dolphins may already have those new starters on the existing roster; Vonnie Holliday and Rodrique Wright.

Both players spent 2007 cycling in and out of the defensive tackle spot and occasionally occupying the defensive end slot. Now the two physical specimens will be given an opportunity to play a position that seems tailor-made for their respective styles of play.

Actually, the more you think about it, Holliday and Wright actually have an eerily similar approach to playing the game. Both are known for using a combination of quickness and brute force to penetrate behind the line of scrimmage and disrupt offensive plays at the point of attack. Holliday, a ten-year veteran, finished the '07 campaign with 42 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 tackles for a loss and a forced fumble. Wright, who got his first taste of NFL action after sitting out his rookie campaign while rehabbing from shoulder surgery, tallied 38 tackles, 1.5 sacks and 2 tackles for a loss. Both showed a surprising propensity for steady pressure and run-stopping prowess on a defensive front that was more or less inept as a unit.

Shifting to end should bode well for both players as it will allow them to leverage their mix of size and athleticism. Both players are 6-foot-5 with Holliday weighing in at 288 pounds and Wright weighing in at an even 300.

The best part of this scenario is the mixture of veteran experience and youthful exuberance that these two players provide. Holliday is a proven commodity who clearly appears to have at least one or two more seasons of productive play in his 32-year-old body. Wright is a spry 23-year old who has already flashed the consistency and playmaking ability that made him a first-round prospect prior to having a torn labrum detected during pre-draft examinations back in 2006.

At the same time, Holliday is definitely in the twilight of his career, which means that Parcells and company will likely look to fortify the position via this month's draft.

In any case, it's good to know that a franchise chockfull of roster holes and question marks can feel some semblance of comfort as they transition into a new defensive alignment. Holliday and Wright might not be Pro Bowlers (not yet, in the case of Wright) but they should help provide the foundation that will help the Miami Dolphins return to defensive legitimacy in the near future.
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About Hugo Guzman

Co-founder of RealFootball365.com. Born in Argentina, of Dominican descent, living in Hoboken, but from Miami through and ...
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