|
Dolphins go back to defense and take OLB Josh Kaddu of Oregon with 5th round pick |
|
|
|
|
Written by Tony Simmons
|
|
Saturday, 28 April 2012 |
|
The Dolphins switch back to the defense with the pick of OLB Josh Kaddu of Oregon. With the switch to a hybrid 4-3 defense, the Dolphins look to  add talent to the linebacker group. 6'3, 240 lbs with 4.65 40 speed, Kaddu had 50 tackles, 9.5 for loss and 6.5 sacks his senior year with the Ducks. Overview Kaddu has been a steady presence for Oregon's defense as a starter the past two seasons. He is a good player in space and is able to run down ball carriers, but can get overpowered at the point of attack. He is athletic in coverage and in his pass drop, and is a fly-around player who is heavily involved each game. He has late-round talent as a special teams contributor and backup linebacker. Analysis Strengths Kaddu is an athlete at the position. He has fluid hips and an explosive twitch from his stance which allows him to make plays quickly; he is lucky considering that he is often slow to diagnose plays and this is his recovery tool. He is a fly-around player in pursuit and a classic sideline-to-sideline linebacker who needs to be in the right 4-3 defensive scheme to be successful. He is reliable to cover tight ends downfield. Weaknesses Kaddu is not a very instinctive player and has to rely on his athletic ability to bail out of plays where he otherwise seems lost. He has value on teams considering his physical nature and running ability, but will have a tough time adjusting to an NFL defense and being able to diagnose plays in offenses run by the likes of Peyton Manning or Tom Brady.
| Production | 3 | "2008: (6/0) -- 5 tackles 2009: (7/1) -- 21-4-1 2010: (13/13) -- 32-6.5-2.5 2011: (14/14) -- 50-9.5-6.5 Career: (2008-'11) -- 4 PBU, 1 FF " | | Height-Weight-Speed | 2 | Possesses above-average height and arm length (33 3/8 arms). Hand size is average (9 5/8'). Bulk is average and top-end speed is above average. | | Durability | 4 | Suffered a season-ending foot injury in 2009 prior to the USC contest. Sat out the following spring practice while recovering from the injury. | | Intangibles | 2 | Pronounced: 'kah-DOO'. Selected as a team captain in 2011. Hard worker in offseason workouts. | | | | | 1 = Exceptional2 = Above average3 = Average4 = Below average5 = Marginal | Instincts/Recognition | 4 | Overall instincts and diagnostic skills are average at best. Can be a step late finding and reacting to the ball. Appears left-shoulder dominant when taking on blocks and can sacrifice gap integrity as a result. Still developing in terms of playmaking instincts both in the run game and in coverage. Shows adequate awareness in underneath coverage but has room for development. | | Take-on Skills | 3 | "Possesses a lean frame and a narrow lower half. Needs to get stronger in the core. However, flashes functional strength in the upper body along with violent hands to strike blockers. Too easily engulfed when bigger and more massive blockers are able to get into his frame. " | | Range vs. Run | 2 | "A bit gangly and lacks elite body control as a space player. That said, changes directions relatively well and displays an above-average closing burst and can make up ground when chasing in pursuit. Angles are a bit inconsistent and can get caught up in traffic in pursuit. Chases and plays with a consistent motor. " | | Tackling | 3 | "Long frame provides him with good range in confined areas. Flashes ability to strike when able to line up ball carriers. However, lacks elite body control as a tackler which becomes more exposed with the more space he is forced to play in. " | | 3rd Down Capabilities | 3 | Shows above-average range in underneath zone coverage and shows good awareness for crossers in his area. Lack of body control brings up concerns about his ability to hold up against quicker RBs and more athletic TEs. Displays adequate first-step quickness off the edge as a rusher. Can improve hand usage as a pass-rusher possesses quick and violent hands to work with. Flashes ability to transition speed-to-power with pass rush but lacks elite finishing power at this point. Needs development as a counter puncher. Closing burst is above average when getting a clear run at the quarterback. | | | 1 = Exceptional2 = Above average3 = Average4 = Below average5 = Marginal |
Like most players that come out of Oregon's program, Kaddu's strength is his athleticism. He's fluid in coverage and goes sideline-to-sideline well. Kaddu also projects as a solid contributor on special teams.
Download the Free Phinfever Browser Toolbar
|
|
|
|
