Viewer requested video. I take a look at how Durham Smythe was used by the Dolphins in 2023 and how Jonnu Smith may be able to fit into the 2024 offense. Find me on X: @OLCoachSmith63
Very informative. If Julian Hill or another TE takes the next step then the Dolphins might be looking to free up cap space and move on from Smythe. Would be shocked
I think Jonnu Smith is going to be a perfect upgrade for Durham Smythe. But I do think that Julian Hill will develop into a better inline TE than Smythe and make him expendable by the end of 2024. Or maybe even throw a curveball and trade Smythe in the preseason if his contract makes sense for that 🤷♂️
Might be a good idea to compare this years D line to last years focusing on losing Wilkins. This video was great, I don’t think you need to worry about “spicing it up” if that’s not you. The info is what’s important for me.
Appreciate the feedback! Definitely not looking to make it a shock jock type video channel lol. But I do think there's room to make the delivery more interesting while still keeping a level approach to the content. The defensive line is definitely something I'll have to think about - especially with the Campbell addition - I think we can say with a decent level of confidence that room is finalized, barring a significant injury
Thank you for that. Can you decipher how Julian Hill might fit? Is he more of a run blocker? I believe we will have a more power run game this year and try to be more balanced. At least, I hope.😄
I'm a big fan of Julian Hill. He's not as dynamic of a receiver as Jonnu Smith - but based on his college film, I think there's some untapped potential the that Miami hasn't utilized - possibly because they want him to develop more as a blocker. He's a better blocker than Smith, and probably pretty close to erasing the gap between him and Smythe because he has way better physical tools. Not that I'm comparing him to Kittle - but I think Hill can be used more in a traditional TE role than Jonnu, and I see that being where he slides in as Smythe is phased out.
I feel the same way. They must think he's closer to a true TE than the potential of the wr from USC we lost last year. Do you happen to know metrics. He seemed shorter and possibly slower ,but he definitely knows the position. Side note...what's up with Tanner Conner. He's still in the mix as well.
@petehubbell6747 I'm drawing a blank on who you'd be referring to from USC. Julian Hill is 6'4, 251 according to Pro Football Reference - so he's got pretty prototypical size for an in-line TE. Tanner Conner IMO I think was a low budget lottery ticket. I think that they hoped he'd develop into what Jonnu Smith is. I think they've been searching to fill that role with guys like Conner, then had Elijah Higgins who got poached, used Smythe in that role last year and I think they're just done messing around and that's why they went and got Jonnu to be a legitimate pass game option. Maybe keeping Conner around in case of injury/hopefully can develop as Jonnu's backup? But I wouldn't look for much there. He's botched the few opportunities he's had and unfortunately for undrafted guys, those chances just don't keep coming.
There you go Higgins. He was the one I was thinking of. I thought he was from out west and thought of that school. My bad on Hill, he actually is a beast and love his demeanor! Tanner was dealing with injury I realize too. This opportunity, I'm sure will be his last on this team. Dont know if he has the fortitude to unseat one of these guys! I'm sure we're not done churning the roster as of yet either. Can't wait to see what they roll out. Totally rooting for Julian! I believe he'll shine this year!!
I wanted to ask what your thoughts on the IOL are this year. Last year one of their biggest issue was lack of diversity in the run game and poor pass protection. Assuming the IOL is somewhat healthy this year do you think that will be an issue this year?
Personally, I think they're better off than most. Losing Williams/Hunt last year was brutal. I really like Brewer in this scheme. At LG, Wynn was very dependable - when healthy. I think the dark horse at RG is Rob Jones who I had graded out lower than Hunt, but close enough that I'd be OK with. That leaves Liam, who continues to make strides. With the drafting of Paul, I think Kion Smith will move inside to maybe compete. And then you've got Jack Driscoll in there too. So overall - without catastrophic injuries again - I'm OK with where the line is.