NFL Rumors: Derrick Shelby Climbing Dolphins Depth Chart
Today is August 10, so it’s early still. But there is at least one seemingly pleasant surprise coming out of Davie, Florida. Word is that undrafted rookie Derrick Shelby is impressing, developing, and climbing the Miami Dolphins depth chart. The 4-year starter for the Utah Runnin’ Utes has experience all across the defensive line, and is currently looking to be defensive end at the NFL level for Miami.
At 6’2″ 265 Shelby has a body type that could work as a defensive end in a 4-3 defense. In his 4 years at Utah he had modest sack numbers (11 total) but he was a fixture in the backfield (had several tackles for a loss). Cameron Wake and Jared Odrick are the sure starters at defensive end, but word is Shelby is climbing ahead of guys like Olivier Vernon and Jamaal Westerman to get a spot in the rotation. During the few moments where Odrick was on the sideline with minor injuries it has been Shelby getting the playing time with the starting unit.
Shelby is a guy who needs to be coached up to succeed at the NFL level, but so far so good. He needs to improve his technique, and he is in the right organization for that. The Dolphins new regime stresses and preaches technique. Head coach Joe Philbin and new defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle will work on Shelby’s pad level, and balance (especially in pass-rush scenarios). Shelby often does not utilize his hands well enough to be able to disengage from blockers as a pass-rusher. He will need to hone his instincts as well to be better/quicker off the ball. Shelby lacks the speed burst to be able to close on ball-carriers, so he needs to get a quicker jump on the play. NFL rules dictate that as Miami has a new regime they get extra classroom time allowed for the players (opportunity for a guy like Shelby to get his study-on).
Shelby is an athletic guy with long arms he uses to be a good tackler. Against the run he is good at disengaging blockers and corralling the ball carrier. His pad level vs the run is pretty good (he is already be legit vs the run). He has a good motor. Pretty good ability to get into the backfield and be disruptive. Being on a line with talent like Paul Soliai, Randy Starks, Tony McDaniels, and Cameron Wake has to be beneficial to Shelby. There is potential depth on the d-line so cracking the 53-man roster will be difficult for Shelby, but word is he is impressing so far.
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