Miami’s new defensive tackles will get on-the-job training from one of the league’s best.
The Dolphins’ newest defensive tackles are getting ready to take an introductory class on the position taught by Professor Ndamukong Suh.
Miami hopes it found instant contributors by drafting Davon Godchaux in the fififth round and Vincent Taylor in the sixth, and those two will have as good of an opportunity to develop as any rookie could imagine. Playing next to Suh, who is routinely double- and triple-teamed, has lots of advantages. Being at his end of the practice fifield helps, too.
Suh’s an interesting mentor. He plays the position as well as anyone in recent history, but isn’t exactly known for having a warm personality. Some Dolphins have said he’s more engaging with teammates behind the scenes than he is with the media, though, and his postdraft phone call with Godchaux had a welcoming tone to it.
“It was very friendly,” Godchaux said with a smile. “I was surprised.”
It also included a message of “shut your mouth up and learn,” which is terrific advice. After two years with Miami, Suh has established ownership of the defensive line’s section of the locker room (along with Cameron Wake) and it’s unlikely any d- tackle will enjoy being there if he doesn’t aspire to meet Suh’s standards.
That could be an intimidating environment, but Taylor and Godchaux sound excited about the chance to study alongside a master craftsman.
“Growing up, I used to always tell myself I liked the way Ndamukong