Dolphins’ Satele a true centerpiece

By Hugo Guzman  |   Monday, January 07, 2008  |  Comments( 3 )

Miami Dolphins
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Last April, when the Carolina Panthers selected ex-USC offensive lineman Ryan Kalil with the 59th overall pick, most fans of the Miami Dolphins groaned with disappointment at the thought of their team coming within one pick of securing a possible franchise center. Then, when Miami elected to go with relative unknown Samson Satele with the very next pick (60th), some believed it was little more than a desperate reaction to Kalil's selection.

Fortunately for the Dolphins, it is Satele who so far looks like a franchise center, providing a central foundation that has been lacking in Miami since the days of Dwight Stephenson.

Though it may be a bit premature to start comparing a one-year veteran and a Hall of Famer, Satele's rookie performance hints at a similar level of greatness.

For one, the former Hawaii standout manned the starting role in all 16 of Miami's regular-season contests, taking over for a serviceable and more experienced Rex Hadnot. That's doubly impressive because it speaks to Satele's intelligence and his durability, two traits that are crucial for a high-caliber center.

Moreover, Satele showed signs of improvement throughout the season, taking steps in both aspects of blocking (pass and run) as the season progressed. He did experience a bit of a decline in performance toward the end of the season, which can likely be attributed to the proverbial rookie wall, and did not really detract from the overall body of work.

Satele finished the season with just two sacks surrendered and two penalties (one false start, one holding). Not bad when you consider that those stats are strikingly similar to those of NFC Pro Bowl starter Andre Gurode, who finished with 1½ sacks given up and two penalties (one false start, one holding) for the Dallas Cowboys. The AFC's representative, Indianapolis' Jeff Saturday, played at another level, allowing just a ½ sack and taking one holding penalty. Then again, Saturday is a nine-year veteran and perennial Pro Bowler, which gives you even more perspective into just how special Satele was as a rookie.

Miami's new vice president of football operations, Bill Parcells, has surely taken notice of Satele's value, being that he's fond of solid offensive line play and athletic centers who are capable of pulling and making blocks deep into the second level. At the same time, fans should hope that Parcells is appreciative of this bountiful gift that Cam Cameron and Randy Mueller have left for him.

Because Satele will literally be front and center as this franchise tries to transition back into NFL relevance.

RealFootball365.com: Where the Miami Dolphins are front and center 365 days a year.
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About Hugo Guzman

Trying to bring an objective approach to NFL analysis.
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CommentsComments: 3  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
William		09:50 AM
01/07/2008
I like the article, but we need to give credit to to Tim Ruddy as well.. Yeah, Dwight Stephens was the best but Tim was tough as...
No.2
Dave		11:02 AM
01/07/2008
Satele is a solid center that will grow with each snap. He was by far one of the best players Mueller acquired. Good offense...
No.3
bo		01:35 AM
01/09/2008
yea agree with you william about ruddy but i think that Miami has made a couple of mistakes with the line like getting rid of...
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