How do you salvage the profession of a former first-round choose whose first two seasons had been tormented by inconsistency and crammed with struggles?
That’s the riddle new Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel and his offensive employees try to unravel in terms of Austin Jackson contemplating the 18th choose within the 2020 NFL draft struggled mightily in his second season.
While revered for his work ethic and his dedication to his craft, none of these traits prevented Jackson from being a legal responsibility for a handful of performs in nearly each sport throughout the 2021 season.
He acquired moved from left deal with to left guard early within the season as a result of his inconsistent hand placement and lackluster footwork allowed defenders to cross his face with ease, contributing to the routine collapse of the quarterback’s pocket.
And even at left guard the struggles continued. As a byproduct, Miami’s offensive line led the NFL in pressures allowed in 2021.
In equity to Jackson, everybody on final yr’s offensive line was an issue at occasions. But he’s the one lineman Miami used a first-round choose to pick, so the requirements for the previous USC standout are increased and he didn’t dwell as much as them.
As a consequence, the Dolphins’ decision-makers made it a precedence to beef up the left facet of the offensive line this offseason.
Terron Armstead, a three-time Pro Bowler, was signed to a five-year, $75 million contract to play left deal with, and Miami added Connor Williams, a 51-game starter for the Cowboys, was signed to a two-year, $14 million deal.
Considering Williams has spent all of his NFL profession at left guard, there’s a robust likelihood that’s the place he’ll settle into on the beginning lineup as soon as the Dolphins start their on-field work. If that’s the case, then Jackson’s probably on the transfer once more.
However, Williams did play left deal with on the University of Texas, and the Dolphins’ new focus is to fortify the correct facet of the offensive line, which is important as a result of it protects left-handed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s blindside.
“I played right tackle. This isn’t the first time playing a new role for me. Played it in high school and college. It’s not completely new for me,” Jackson mentioned Wednesday, making it clear he feels he’s an offensive deal with. “At end of the day I have to make sure I get the technique and fundamentals right.”
As the roster stands now the Dolphins have half a dozen gamers vying for 2 beginning spots on the correct facet, and Jackson’s draft standing will probably have him seen as a front-runner.
Maybe a shift to the correct facet, the place he may compete with Liam Eichenberg, Robert Hunt, Solomon Kindley, Robert Jones and Greg Little, for the beginning guard and proper deal with spot in what’s purported to be a wide-zone operating scheme, supplies a resurgence.
Maybe Jackson improves with higher teaching or as a result of Miami’s operating a special scheme, one his athleticism seemingly ought to match.
“What I like about this scheme is it’s very detailed,” Jackson mentioned. “At the end of the day we have to rely on the concepts we know, study and train for.”
Maybe Jackson improves with a greater weight loss program and alterations he’s made to his exercise program, a few of which he mentioned Armstead has impressed.
Maybe age and expertise helps him take that subsequent step, changing into extra dependable.
His nimble toes give him an opportunity to thrive on this new scheme if Jackson can get to the second degree as a blocker and wreak havoc on linebackers.
Or possibly none of that issues and Miami learns Jackson isn’t starter materials, and he will get chalked up as a first-round bust.
For two and a half a long time the Dolphins have had a strong run of offensive linemen chosen within the first spherical turning into respectable NFL starters.
Billy Milner, who was taken twenty fifth within the 1995 draft, was the final first-round bust as an offensive lineman. He solely began 9 of the 20 video games he performed in Miami, and performed in a complete of 30 NFL video games due to a career-ending neck harm he suffered in St. Louis after the Dolphins traded him to the Rams for tight finish Troy Drayton.
At this level it’s too early to inform what path Jackson’s profession heads in as a result of the Dolphins gained’t put pads on for months, and that’s the suitable time to guage offensive linemen.
So till then all Jackson can do is figure to make sure he doesn’t grow to be an afterthought for the 2022 group.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com