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Miami Dolphins can improve offensive line with Laken Tomlinson

By Justen Rosenberg

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It has been a recurring theme for the Miami Dolphins over the last half decade – a crippling offensive line that has hurt the teams chances of making a run at the playoffs.

While the line was better in 2014, it wasn’t by much, making the area a major concern for another consecutive season. After giving up 48 sacks last season, look for Miami to improve the line during the second day of the NFL Draft.

Heading into this year’s draft, the Dolphins will have one less pick, as they already used their third round pick in a trade package for wide receiver Kenny Stills.

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With one less mid-round selection, it is important Miami addresses the pressing issue up front early in the draft.

One player that could warrant some attention from Miami is guard Laken Tomlinson out of the University of Duke.

During his four year’s at Duke, Tomlinson was the leader of one the best offensive lines in the country, while earning multiple honors, including a spot on the preseason watch-list for the Outland Trophy – given annually to the nation’s top interior lineman.

Tomlinson truly began to receive NFL attention during his junior season of 2013, playing a large role in the success of the run-first offense of the Blue Devils. In that season, the team ranked 5th in the ACC in terms of running the football, with 544 attempts, 2,492 yards and 28 touchdowns.

And while the team failed to duplicate the amount of yards from the previous year, last seasons running game was just as effective. In 2014, the Blue Devils ran the ball 52 less times than the year before, finishing the season with 492 attempts, 2,364 yards and 24 touchdowns.

However, Duke was just as efficient, as they saw their yard’s per run average increase from 4.58 to 4.80.

For Tomlinson, it was clear his play elevated as well, as the senior earned the title of a Consensus All-American.

So how will this translate to the next level?

Entering the NFL, Tomlinson’s ability to run block is clearly ahead of his pass blocking. One reason for this is his ability to move the defender at the point of his attack.

In college, Tomlinson showed the ability to power his way through defenders, while being able to quickly make it to the second level.

This bodes well for Miami, as Tomlinson would be a good fit within the offensive line, mainly because he has the athletic wherewithal to play in Miami’s zone scheme.

Tomlinson is one of the highest rated interior guards in this year’s draft, which means if selected by Miami, it would most likely be in the second round.

As a member of the Dolphins, Tomlinson would be expected to come in and make an immediate impact – most likely at right guard.

One focus for Tomlinson will be improving his pass blocking. As a four-year starter in college, at times, he struggled to keep the quarterback upright.

Dec 31, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Laken Tomlinson (77) celebrates with quarterback Brandon Connette (18) after Connette scored on a one yard touchdown in the first quarter of the 2013 Chick-fil-a Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Along with his pass blocking, there are still some technical areas that need improving – such as his footwork – however, Tomlinson has a high motor and a great work ethic, which can help him in the long run as he receives more coaching and more time on the practice field.

The Dolphins could use a boost on the offensive line. With Branden Albert returning from injury, Mike Pouncey being able to play all positions and second-year tackle Ja’Wuan James coming off a strong rookie season, Tomlinson could be the missing piece needed to a project that been ongoing for far too long.

Next: Something Miami must avoid in this year's draft

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