BAMAPHIN 22
03-28-2011, 12:29 PM
Over the next few weeks, I will be publishing a series of these articles looking at the potential prospects available for the Miami Dolphins to select. The focus will be on positions of need for the Dolphins and will not look at those areas where there is already good depth.
The aim of this article is to look at the strengths and weaknesses of players declaring for the draft, and analyse whether they are a potential fit for the Dolphins.
The following players are tight ends available for selection in the draft.
Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame (first-second round) - 6’6’’ (height), 265lbs (weight); 4.64 (40-yard dash)
The top ranked tight end in the draft, Rudolph would be a stretch to take in the first round but deserves consideration in the second. He stretches the field vertically, although he was used by the Fighting Irish to move the chains on short passes due to his reliable hands, although he does make the occasional silly drop.
Although he isn’t very elusive, he can make the first man miss, and fights for yards after the catch. He does struggle to break tackles though despite his size, and playing against the hard-hitting linebackers in the NFL is a complete unknown; he often drops balls under pressure.
His blocking is good, although he is less effective in the open field. Again, he should win more battles due to his size, and that is a concern as he hopes to play in the NFL with even bigger opponents. However, he has a good work ethic and is intelligent which will help him succeed at the next level. Injuries are a concern though, as he had surgery on a separated shoulder, and later, on his hamstring too, where the muscle detaches from the bone.
Luke Stoker, Tennessee (second-third round) - 6’5’’, 255lbs; 4.78
Reliable hands, but only average speed, could mean the Dolphins overlook Tennessee’s Stoker. He played in a pro-style offense at college, and this will help his stock, but Miami will almost certainly look for a quicker tight end in the draft. Although Stoker is a good athlete, he lacks straight line speed, and this means he struggles to beat defenders down the seam on a regular basis. However, he is a long-strider and can make gains if in the open field, although he is not elusive after the catch.
His hands are his greatest quality, and his long arms allow him to make catches a long way from his body. He is athletic enough to adjust to poorly thrown passes, and offers a big target over the middle, although he can be lazy in his route running and is not very explosive out of cuts either. He can hurdle defenders and also is willing to take a hit. Stoker likes to lower his pads to try and break tackles too, making him difficult to bring down, as he fights for extra yards.
The main concern with his game is blocking, and he is still a work in progress here. He lacks the strength to sustain blocks, and although he meets the defender, he also struggles to hold the edge, meaning his main threat will be as a receiver. However, his lack of speed means he is not a threat to open up the field, and as a result, it is highly likely that Miami opt for a more explosive tight end.
Fore more: To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
The aim of this article is to look at the strengths and weaknesses of players declaring for the draft, and analyse whether they are a potential fit for the Dolphins.
The following players are tight ends available for selection in the draft.
Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame (first-second round) - 6’6’’ (height), 265lbs (weight); 4.64 (40-yard dash)
The top ranked tight end in the draft, Rudolph would be a stretch to take in the first round but deserves consideration in the second. He stretches the field vertically, although he was used by the Fighting Irish to move the chains on short passes due to his reliable hands, although he does make the occasional silly drop.
Although he isn’t very elusive, he can make the first man miss, and fights for yards after the catch. He does struggle to break tackles though despite his size, and playing against the hard-hitting linebackers in the NFL is a complete unknown; he often drops balls under pressure.
His blocking is good, although he is less effective in the open field. Again, he should win more battles due to his size, and that is a concern as he hopes to play in the NFL with even bigger opponents. However, he has a good work ethic and is intelligent which will help him succeed at the next level. Injuries are a concern though, as he had surgery on a separated shoulder, and later, on his hamstring too, where the muscle detaches from the bone.
Luke Stoker, Tennessee (second-third round) - 6’5’’, 255lbs; 4.78
Reliable hands, but only average speed, could mean the Dolphins overlook Tennessee’s Stoker. He played in a pro-style offense at college, and this will help his stock, but Miami will almost certainly look for a quicker tight end in the draft. Although Stoker is a good athlete, he lacks straight line speed, and this means he struggles to beat defenders down the seam on a regular basis. However, he is a long-strider and can make gains if in the open field, although he is not elusive after the catch.
His hands are his greatest quality, and his long arms allow him to make catches a long way from his body. He is athletic enough to adjust to poorly thrown passes, and offers a big target over the middle, although he can be lazy in his route running and is not very explosive out of cuts either. He can hurdle defenders and also is willing to take a hit. Stoker likes to lower his pads to try and break tackles too, making him difficult to bring down, as he fights for extra yards.
The main concern with his game is blocking, and he is still a work in progress here. He lacks the strength to sustain blocks, and although he meets the defender, he also struggles to hold the edge, meaning his main threat will be as a receiver. However, his lack of speed means he is not a threat to open up the field, and as a result, it is highly likely that Miami opt for a more explosive tight end.
Fore more: To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.