Jared

Odrick

A tweet from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Twitter account on Sunday stated “Jared Odrick expected to sign with Oakland,” though the story to which that tweet links does not say that. It says Odrick is speaking to these three teams and may command $7 million annually. The story also says “Oakland is believed to be chasing Odrick and Denver’s Terrance Knighton.”

Finally healthy after an injury-shortened rookie year, the 2010 first-round pick exploded for six sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception to earn praise from NFL Films guru Greg Cosell for a breakout season. Pro Football Focus graded Odrick as a top-20 3-4 defensive end in 2011. With NT Paul Soliai and LE Kendall Langford both unsigned for 2012, Odrick is the Dolphins’ primary building block on the defensive line going forward.

Odrick played right end in the old 3-4. Now a 4-3 team, the Dolphins are trying to get their best four defensive linemen on the field. Odrick figures to play end on all running downs, kicking inside to tackle in passing situations with rookie Olivier Vernon replacing him on the edge. Cameron Wake will be a full-time, every-down right end. The D-Tackles are Paul Soliai and Randy Starks.

Without a strong pass rush, the Dolphins shaky secondary will get torched this season. Odrick will be a full-time starter for the first time in his pro career. According to Pro Football Focus, he generated 24 QB pressures last season, converting five for sacks. In passing situations, he’ll kick to DT with Vernon coming in at DE.

Odrick is on a positional island after the Dolphins used the No. 3 pick on DE Dion Jordan. He’s also a poor fit for Miami’s 4-3 defense, and is coming off a rough 2012. Odrick will likely be frequently called on to kick inside on passing downs this season.

Odrick was drafted to play “five technique” in a 3-4 defense. The Dolphins are a 4-3 now, and Odrick lacks explosive ability requisite for 4-3 defensive ends. “He’s not a fit for the scheme,” Salguero writes. Odrick has cheap base salaries through 2014, is only 25 years old, and possesses an ideal skill set for the 3-4. He could likely bring back a second-day draft pick via trade.

He’s keeping the weight on for now in case DT Randy Starks leaves in free agency and Odrick has to kick inside. We suspect Starks will be tagged if no long-term deal is reached, and Odrick will stay at end regardless. Even at the lesser weight, Odrick is unlikely to suddenly become an explosive pass rusher.

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Odrick played defensive tackle at Penn State and likely needs some development as a 3-4 end. It’s likely that he’ll be part of a rotation while the Dolphins use various fronts with their arsenal of defensive linemen.

Merling is trying to fend off first-round pick Jared Odrick, Tony McDaniel, and Lionel Dotson. Merling hasn’t fully tapped his upside yet and the Dolphins should be excited about the prospects of a rotation with him and Odrick.