Kelly: What’s next for 2019 rookies?
What can we expect from 2019 rookies in Year 2?
It is hard to praise a rookie class when the group’s top performers were two undrafted players.
The fact that Preston Williams and Nik Needham shined just as much as first-round pick Christian Wilkins last year, and outperformed the rest of the Miami Dolphins’ disappointing draft class, indicates how much improvement is needed from these youngsters in Year 2.
While it’s not wise to give up on young players after one season, the development of Wilkins, offensive lineman Michael Deiter and linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel is the only hope the 2019 draft class has of not being general manager Chris Grier’s most disappointing crop of draftees so far because at this point it’s possible that more of them will be released than those who become NFL starters.
Here is a look at what all of last year’s rookies — drafted and undrafted — contributed in 2019, and an assessment of what’s expected for these players in 2020:
Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (firstround pick): Wilkins contributed 49 tackles (23 solo) and two sacks and 30 total pressures in the 16 games he played last season. But the Dolphins allowed the sixth-most rushing yards per game (135.4) in 2019, and had the fewest sacks in the NFL (23), which was a clear indicator that the defensive front needed to be improved. The additions of Shaq Lawson, Emmanuel Ogbah and Raekwon Davis, the team’s 2020 secondround pick, should help
Miami’s defensive front improve, and ease some of the load on Wilkins’ shoulders. The hope is that this former Clemson standout will prove he’s more than a role player in Year 2.
Offensive guard Michael Deiter (thirdround pick): The Dolphins possessed one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL last year, and arguably one of the worst in franchise history. Deiter started 15 of 16 games on that line last season. Deiter allowed six sacks, which tied him for second most in the NFL among guards, and he wasn’t much help when it came to run blocking. There’s hope that he’ll take a major step forward in his
second season, but the additions of Ereck Flowers, and rookies Robert Hunt and Solomon Kindley will make it a challenge for him to remain a starter.
Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (fifth-round pick): The former Wisconsin standout only played in six games (with one start) last season because of a foot injury that forced him to start the season on injured reserve. When he was cleared to play, Van Ginkel made minimal impact on defense, contributing 15 tackles (four for loss), one sack, four quarterback hits, and forced one fumble. Where he fits in moving forward depends on what role he can carve out for himself in Miami’s hybrid defense. He’ll likely compete with Vince Beigel to be the blitzing linebacker in Miami’s pressure packages.
Fullback Chandler Cox (seventh-round pick): Cox played sparingly as a rookie, primarily contributing on special teams despite making three starts. He didn’t get a single carry in the running game, or catch a single pass in 2019. But a lot of the blame for his lack of involvement can be placed on the offense. It will be interesting to see how Cox’s game, and the fullback role evolves in new coordinator Chan Gailey’s offense. However, Cox’s roster spot isn’t guaranteed because linebacker Elandon Roberts and Wilkins can fill the fullback role based on their past experiences playing that position.
Tailback Myles Gaskin (seventh-round pick): Gaskins, a former Washington standout, spent most of the 2019 season watching and learning before getting an opportunity to play in the final seven games. He got 36 carries, gaining 133 yards (3.4 per attempt) and scoring one touchdown, and caught seven passes for 51 yards.
He’ll be competing with five other tailbacks to determine who makes the 53-man regular-season roster as Jordan Howard and Matt Breida’s backups.
Receiver Gary Jennings (Seattle’s fourth-round pick): Jennings, who was claimed off waivers in November, played in one game for the Dolphins before going on injured reserve. During his collegiate career he was a savvy receiver who started 22 games for West Virginia, mostly in the slot. Jennings is one of 11 receivers competing to be one of the five or six on Miami’s 53-man roster, and he could separate himself from the pack by carving out a role for himself as the Dolphins’ slot receiver.
Cornerback Ken Webster (New England’s seventh-round pick): Webster started five of the eight games he played for Miami in 2019 after the Dolphins claimed him off waivers at the end of training camp. He contributed 19 tackles and broke up one pass last season, and 15-of-26 passes thrown were completed on him. He’ll be among a handful of reserves competing for one of the five or six cornerbacks spots on Miami’s 53-man roster.
Receiver Preston Williams (undrafted): Williams flashed a ton of talent and upside in the eight games he started as a rookie, catching 32 passes for 428 yards and scoring three touchdowns before tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Considering he was getting better as the 2019 season progressed, it’s possible that Williams will pick up where he left off when his nine to 12 rehabilitation has concluded. If he can regain his speed and mobility, the 6-foot-5 receiver will likely remain a starter. But he’ll need to master Gailey’s offense.
Cornerback Nik Needham (undrafted): Needham rose up from the Dolphins practice squad to become Miami’s only reliable starting cornerback last season. He contributed 54 tackles, two interceptions, one forced fumble and broke up 11 passes in 2019. But Needham needs to improve his coverage since he allowed 44 receptions on the 77 targets he was defending (57%) last season.
The addition of Byron Jones and Noah Igbinoghene, one of Miami’s three 2020 first-round picks, and the return of Xavien Howard indicates that Needham will have an uphill battle to remain a starter.
Tailback Patrick Laird (undrafted): Laird began the season as a special teams contributor, but eventually earned playing time on offense. His 2.7 yards per carry (168 rushing yards on 62 carries) average was disappointing, but he was a threat in the screen game, gaining 204 yards on 23 passes, which was the second most of any rookie tailback in the NFL last season. Laird will compete with five other tailbacks to determine who makes the roster as Howard and Breida’s backups.
Offensive guard Shaq Calhoun (undrafted): Calhoun started seven games and played 471 offensive snaps last season as a reserve guard. The former Mississippi State standout allowed two sacks and committed two penalties in his limited action. He was one of Miami’s better runblocking linemen, but the Dolphins produced a franchise-low in rushing yards last season. The additions made to the offensive line this offseason will make this a competitive camp for young players like Calhoun.
Offensive lineman Keaton Sutherland (undrafted): Sutherland started two of the three games he played for the Dolphins after joining the team in late September. He played a total of 93 offensive snaps, so it is difficult to provide a thorough assessment of the former Texas A&M standout. Expect Sutherland to compete for a spot as a backup swing guard and center during camp.
Cornerback Nate Brooks (undrafted): The Dolphins signed Brooks off the Patriots practice squad in December and he contributed 10 tackles and two pass deflections in the three games he played. Eight of the 13 passes thrown to receivers he was defending were completed. He’ll be among a handful of reserves competing for one of the five or six cornerbacks spots on Miami’s roster.
Cornerback Tae Hayes (undrafted): Miami claimed Hayes off waivers in December and the former Appalachian State standout played in two games, contributing seven tackles and two pass deflections. He’ll be among a handful of reserves competing for one of the five or six cornerbacks spots on the roster.
Tight end Chris Myarick (undrafted): Myarick came on strong at the end of the exhibition season, but spent all of 2019 on Miami’s practice squad. The Dolphins signed Clive Walford instead of promoting him up to the 53-man roster late last season. This camp he’ll have another chance to compete with Durham Smythe and Michael Roberts for one of the two tight end roles behind Mike Gesicki.
Offensive guard Durval Queiroz Neto (undrafted): Queiroz Neto, a Brazilian import who was allocated to Miami as part of the International Player Pathway Program, initially began his NFL career as a defensive tackle.
But he was moved to offensive guard during the season, and that’s where he’ll spend his time practicing during training camp.