Miami Dolphins: Early 2018 starting lineup projections, defense

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL – DECEMBER 11: T.J. McDonald #22 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates after a stop on Dion Lewis #33 of the New England Patriots during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on December 11, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) /

Linebackers

Kiko Alonso, Raekwon McMillan, T.J. McDonald

The obvious thing that stands out about this group is McDonald. I believe he will ultimately be moved to outside linebacker in the Dolphins base defense over rookies Jerome Baker, Quentin Poling and veteran Stephone Anthony. Once Miami drops into nickel coverage, I believe things will move around a lot thanks to the team’s three talented safeties, but I anticipate McDonald starting Week 1.

He may just be too talented not to and he should be able to handle coverage responsibilities. Tackling isn’t an issue either. We’ve been seeing more and more teams around the league sliding safeties into this role.

Alonso and McMillan are no-brainers. McMillan can be the thumper in the middle the team has lacked for a while now and that Lawrence Timmons was supposed to be last season. Alonso should be much better this season as the team won’t have to ask him to do things he can’t really do. Alonso can’t cover anybody and isn’t a true thumper.

This season they can be more creative with him and allow him to be the playmaker we all saw when the Dolphins went on their impressive run to the playoffs in 2016. His ability to make game changing plays was a major part of that winning streak.

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