Miami Dolphins: Grading every 2019 NFL Draft pick
Round 5, Pick 151: Andrew Van Ginkel, LB/EDGE, Wisconsin
The Miami Dolphins double-dipped in the Wisconsin pool. This time, they took a guy on the defensive side of the ball. Besides having a name that sounds like it comes from a 1930s comic, Andrew Van Ginkel does bring a useful skill set with him.
As a fifth-round pick, Van Ginkel can come in and help out on special teams. If he proves himself worthy, he’ll make for a solid package off-ball linebacker. In fact, The Draft Network highlighted his off-ball ability as one of his core strengths:
"“Used predominantly in a stand-up role. Has quality reps in zone coverage to play underneath zones. Shows good feel for navigating the interior when twisting or stunting to fold back into an inside gap. Free mover in open space and has ball production in coverage.”"
Van Ginkel plays the underneath zone well because of his length and lateral mobility. He doesn’t bring much as a pass rusher, but the Dolphins need depth. With the team switching between a 4-3 and 3-4, getting versatile players is a necessity — especially since they don’t have a bunch of linebackers that can drop into coverage.
Ultimately, Van Ginkel is an early special teams contributor with a ceiling of spot duty in coverage.
Grade: C