Wilkins’ expectations set high in 2nd season
On a team loaded with newcomers hoping to steer an extensive rebuilding effort, Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins has a unique role to play heading into his second season with the franchise.
Wilkins, Miami’s first-round pick in 2019, is tasked with anchoring an overhauled defensive line while developing into a team leader.
He must first regain his starting role with several free-agent acquisitions and draft picks joining the mix — and be the glue that helps the defense keep opponents out of the end zone.
Wilkins may be just one piece of the puzzle as the Dolphins look to claw their way into the playoff picture, but it is a role Wilkins does not take lightly.
“No one has higher expectations for me than me. I’m always working daily, day in and day out,
on my craft, just to be the best player I can be and the best leader,” Wilkins said earlier this week.
“I feel like I can definitely take a step from a leadership standpoint this year. Just lead by example, vocal when I can. So that’s big as well. It all starts from preparation and doing what I need to do on the field.”
Wilkins was the first draft pick made by Dolphins coach Brian Flores and general manager Chris Grier in their efforts to drastically alter the franchise.
Wilkins was so hyped on the stage at the draft, he drove a flying shoulder bump into NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. And let’s not forget how he celebrates championships, dancing into a full split after helping Clemson win a national title.
The Dolphins hope Wilkins can harness that fun-loving enthusiasm into an organization that welcomes 11 new rookies and several free agents, including defensive linemen Kyle Van Noy, Shaq Lawson and Emmanuel Ogbah.
He will also have to outwork fellow starting defensive tackle Davon Godchaux and
rookie second-round for the playing time lofty role.
“Well, I don’t think anyone can match my energy,” Wilkins said with a laugh. “I’m always happy, always ready to work, always ready to go. It’s crazy. I feel like the connection we’ve already built and are going to continue to build is just so natural.”
Wilkins led all NFL rookie defensive linemen with 56 tackles last season, while adding two sacks and two passes defensed, playing in all 16 games with 14 starts.
He knows he must continue working on his game by improving his hand placement, pad leverage and technique with hopes of wreaking havoc in the opposing backfield.
Playing alongside Godchaux with the additions of Van Noy, Lawson, Ogbah and Davis should help, too.
“From the rookies to the free agents, to the guys we picked up, and the guys that have been here — I feel like it’s so natural,” Wilkins said.
“It feels like we’ve already been around each other for a while. … We’ve got good guys,” Wilkins added. “We are bringing those guys in with open arms and everybody else is getting in where they fit in, too. That part of it has been great, really connecting
pick Raekwon Davis needed to fulfill his with a lot of the newer guys.”
This offseason, Wilkins continued his role as the Dolphins’ representative with the NFL’s Players Association, helping his teammates navigate the new football normal in training camp amid coronavirus concerns.
Wilkins has participated in numerous conference calls during the offseason, being the liaison between his teammates and the players’ union, while the league fine-tuned the details for their return to work in late July.
Wilkins admits his second NFL training camp is surely different than his first with regards to the precautions put in place to help him and his teammates avoid the threat of COVID-19.
“It’s a little different. It’s a little funky,” Wilkins said. “But you still want to bring it. You still have that same excitement, that willingness to work, that willingness to just get better each and every day.”
The Dolphins need Wilkins to continue providing that energy, excitement and commitment as they look to make a push in the wide-open AFC East.
“I think we’ve got a chance to be pretty good, but we’ll just take it one day at a time,” Wilkins said.