Dolphins hoping for a big leap from Phillips
One of the Dolphins’ top draft picks in 2021 had one of the best seasons for a rookie pass rusher in franchise history. Now, the team is hoping for a big leap in Season 2, as well as continued contributions from an underrated veteran. In the eighth of a series of position reviews, the Miami Herald examines the team’s outside linebacker situation. Next up is cornerbacks.
2021 IN REVIEW
The Dolphins decided to move on from Kyle Van Noy after one season, leaving a void in pass rush production and veteran leadership. The team made sure to address the need, drafting Jaelan Phillips with the No. 18 overall pick. Phillips had a slow start to his rookie season but caught his stride as the season progressed. Meanwhile, Andrew Van Ginkel was a key cog on the defense, setting career numbers in tackles and quarterback hits.
DEPTH CHART ANDREW VAN GINKEL
• Skinny: Van Ginkel didn’t match his 5.5-sack season in 2020 — he had four in 2021 — but was a more productive pass rusher. His 20 quarterback hits were a career high and doubled his total from 2020.
• Contract: Van Ginkel, 26, is entering the final year of a four-year rookie contract. He has a cap hit of $2,617,991.
JAELAN PHILLIPS
• Skinny: Phillips was one of the league’s best rookie pass rushers. His
8.5 sacks set a Dolphins rookie record, and his 16 quarterback hits ranked third on the team.
• Contract: Phillips, 22, is entering the second year of a five-year rookie contract, with a team option for the fifth season. He has a cap hit of $3,185,956.
BRENNAN SCARLETT
• Skinny: In his first season with the team, Scarlett appeared in 13 games with four starts — he missed four games on injured reserve with a knee injury. He recorded 19 tackles and one pass deflection.
• Contract: Scarlett, 28, is headed for unrestricted free agency.
DARIUS HODGE
• Skinny: The Dolphins claimed Hodge off waivers in the middle of the season. Hodge didn’t appear in any games and was suspended for two games for violating the league’s policy on performanceenhancing drugs.
• Contract: Hodge, 23, is entering the second year of a three-year contract. He has a cap hit of $825,000, but the Dolphins can recoup that with no dead money if they cut or trade Hodge.
OFFSEASON QUESTIONS
1. What does Phillips’ encore performance look like?
Phillips had a year that put his name alongside Dolphins great Jason Taylor, but Phillips acknowledges he has a ways to go to be regarded as one of the league’s premier edge players. The first step toward could be improving something that has nothing to do with his pass rush arsenal. His snap counts often dipped when the Dolphins faced good running teams and he graded 99th among 107 edge rushers in run defense, according to Pro Football Focus. Phillps said his goal for next season is to “solidify myself as a person that can be trusted on early downs.”
2. Is a new deal in the works for Van Ginkel?
Van Ginkel has been an unheralded-but-valuable piece of a Dolphins defense that has been one of the league’s best units the last two seasons. He’s dependable in run defense and gives good production as a pass rusher despite not racking up gaudy sack numbers. Van Ginkel is eligible for a contract extension, and while there are more pressing concerns for the team to address this offseason, it wouldn’t hurt to lock up a player who has been a nice contributor the past two seasons.
3. What impact does new position coach Tyrone McKenzie have?
McKenzie replaces Rob Leonard as the Dolphins’ new outside linebackers coach after stints with the Indianapolis Colts, Los
Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans. Over the years, he’s been known for having a very hands-on approach with his teaching methods; video on social media has surfaced of his players tackling him in drills to replicate a gamelike situation. In assembling his staff, Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel has placed an emphasis on coaches who are strong communicators, and McKenzie aligns with that. His work with Phillips as he enters his second season will be one to watch.
POTENTIAL ADDITIONS
The Dolphins have a very nice tandem of bookend linebackers, especially if Phillips can improve his run defense. Adding another capable pass rusher would fill out the team’s depth, however, especially if the team loses Emmanuel Ogbah in free agency. The Dolphins moved Phillips around as a pass rusher and he has the ability to rush from a three-point stance (one hand on the ground), as well as standing up.
Veterans such as Justin Houston and Melvin Ingram won’t demand huge contracts in free agency but could contribute as quality pass rushers in a rotation. In the draft, the Dolphins likely won’t seek an outside linebacker/ defensive end player until Day 2 at the earliest, unless they need to replace Ogbah. If so, Minnesota’s Boye Mafe had a strong performance at the Senior Bowl and is an option at No. 29.
DOLPHINS POSITION REVIEWS
ILB: A new inside linebacker running mate for Jerome Baker?
DL: Big decisions to be made on top defensive linemen?
TE: Will Miami be able to keep its free agent tight ends?
OL: Will Miami splurge on offensive line in free agency?
WR: What wide receiver will complement Jaylen Waddle in 2022?
RB: Will Miami finally use a high draft pick on a running back?
QB: Dolphins appear all-in on Tagovailoa but who joins QB room?