5 overlooked Dolphins poised for success

[cuchulainn]

https://welcometoperfectville.com/2016/07/12/five-lesser-known-dolphins-that-will-earn-recognition-in-2016/

Neville Hewitt went back to school this spring to complete his undergrad degree despite some late season success in his 2015 rookie campaign. He speaks clearly and concisely, has a humble aura about him, and plays some pretty damn good football. In the season finale win over the Patriots, Hewitt went into coverage on balls thrown to Rob Gronkowski twice and both fell incomplete. He kept his contain off the weak edge all afternoon, and had a calculated feel for diagnosing plays inside.

In his two starts with the Dolphins, Hewitt registered 10 tackles, two of which were in the backfield and he intercepted a pass. The Marshall grad might not open camp on the starting 11, but I am certain that he’ll be in the lineup before you know it.


Jordan Phillips registered the first sack for the Dolphins in 2015 and was viewed more as an interior rush and sub package player in his rookie year. With a year of seasoning and a more conditioned playing weight of 325, Phillips should get base looks to eat up blockers on the nose in the Dolphins new wide-9 alignment. Phillips has an arsenal of pass rush moves and has the ability to translate those fast and violent hands into being a sturdy run defender.

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Good stuff on Hewitt. I know the Pats were working him out and hoping to get him before we did.

More at the link.

[Driven_Phinsane!]

I really have high hopes for Hewitt; was pulling hard for him to make last years final 53 and his end of the season contribution on the field was some sweet icing on the cake..I loved footage of him coming out of Marshall and it's obvious the kid has talent & a knack for being around the ball & making plays..IMO, all he really needs is the playing time to get his confidence level where it needs to be...

We as a team could definitely use a 'feel-good' story or two (or a hundred!)........

[kelbail2.2]

Hewitt really came on strong last year. I like our group of young guys and think it's time to trim some fat off of this roster. Misi's hung around too long, oft injured and never emerged as a consistent force. He was drafted to be exactly what Olivier Vernon became. He adapted fairly well and became a pretty versatile LB but it seems to be too much of a strain on his body. We have a nice crop of young guys to groom in Jenkins, Vigil, Hull, Jordan? Burgess, Blount,... Hewitt has definitely emerged as the young LB on the rise.

[FTLDOLFAN]

I have high hopes for Hewitt. He came on strong down the stretch last year. I think he could eventually replace Jenkins as the starting WLB and this is a contract year for Jenkins.

Hopefully Phillipps rebounds after a disappointing rookie season and plays like the first round talent he supposedly was.

[cuchulainn]

I have high hopes for Hewitt. He came on strong down the stretch last year. I think he could eventually replace Jenkins as the starting WLB and this is a contract year for Jenkins.

Hopefully Phillipps rebounds after a disappointing rookie season and plays like the first round talent he supposedly was.

If we actually have an improved coaching staff, both guys should make significant contributions this season. Both flashed talent last season as rookies and both are in positions where they'll see a lot of rotation.

[AquaXI]

I aLso hope Akil Blount turns out to be a keeper. Imagine Alonso, Hewitt, Jenkins, Blount to lead in 2017 when we cann Misi!

[Alpha]

No way would I look to get rid of Misi. While he's very average, he can play any spot at LB and even DE. He adds a lot of versatility and is a great guy to have as a backup. It's when we have to start him I'm worrying...