Miami Dolphins: Sean Spence Could Fill the Void in Linebacker Corps
Sometimes the perfect move isn’t always a big name. The Miami Dolphins still need help in their linebacker corps and Sean Spence checks all the boxes.
The Miami Dolphins entered 2017 NFL free agency in desperate need of linebacker help. Lawrence Timmons was the big acquisition and a damn good one, but it’s still not enough and he doesn’t help one of their biggest deficiencies at the position.
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For years the Dolphins have struggled in coverage against tight ends and running backs because they have lacked a strong cover linebacker. Their greatest effort to add one was Phillip Wheeler, who failed miserably in Miami.
However, there is still a linebacker just sitting out there who is a perfect fit. Former Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans linebacker Sean Spence is an ideal fit for the Phins. Spence was a stud middle linebacker for the Miami Hurricanes in College and showed a ton of promise as a third-round pick in in Pittsburgh before wrecking his knee in the preseason of 2012.
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It was likely he would never play again after he tore in ACL and LCL, dislocated his knee cap and damaged the nerve that controls the movement in his lower leg. Nevertheless, he persevered and has seen his level of play continue to drastically improve over the past few seasons.
The college standout has everything the Dolphins are looking for. He’s 26 years old and comes at a bargain price because of the injury. Tackling has never been an issue with Spence and, watching his film, he was outstanding in coverage last season in Tennessee in limited snaps. This could be the steal the Phins need to solidify their front seven. The cherry on top is that he’s a Miami kid and hometown hero.
On top of his tangible abilities both as a tackler and in coverage, he’s also a natural leader. His knee injury was a massive setback, but he’s now ready to peak as a professional football player and really hit his stride. His contributions could turn out to be immeasurable and the story could be incredible. The Dolphins failed to give him a look last year, but can’t make that same mistake in 2017.
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It’s time for the Phins to bring in the hometown kid from The U. He fills their exact need and the price is right. Hopefully he’s on the team’s radar. Spence is good enough to be a starter on this team upon his hypothetical arrival in South Beach.