Top 10 Questions Heading Into Miami’s Preseason Opener

6. Who Will Emerge at Linebacker?

Miami plays a traditional 4-3 defense, meaning three linebackers will start. Even though many defensive plays will require an extra defensive back (nickel) in lieu of a linebacker, there need to be three starting quality players on the unit.

Jelani Jenkins answers one part of the equation. In 2014 he was thrust into a starting role due to injury and as a result emerged as an impactful player, earning defensive MVP honors. The weak side linebacker from the University of Florida led the team with 110 total tackles and led Dolphins linebackers with 3.5 sacks.

Another starter will be Koa Misi, as long as he is healthy. At the University of Utah, Misi was a defensive end, but as he enters his sixth season in the league, Misi is still looking to find his place. He has bounced around from the strong side to inside on the second line of defense. In practice he has gone back and forth between the two positions. While he will likely start, where that will be when the season begins, remains to be seen. He is currently listed as a starter in the middle, even though he missed the last few practices.

For now, there is open competition for the third starting job. Chris McCain, listed as the starter, and Kelvin Sheppard can each make their case for deserving the role. McCain (6-foot-5, 250 pounds), a second year player from California, has received praise for his pass rush skills this offseason. In Miami’s 33-20 season opening win over New England last year, McCain tallied a sack and blocked punt, but he struggled to handle the playbook and saw limited opportunities as the season progressed.

Sheppard (6-foot-2, 252 pounds) enters his second year with the Dolphins. Since being selected by the Buffalo Bills in the third round in 2011, the LSU product has missed just three games and is viewed as a leader. He has started less than half of his games played, though.

“Kelvin Sheppard has been one of the most impressive guys in training camp as far as I’m concerned in his ability to communicate, to take charge,” Dolphins defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle said last week. “I think the group looks at Kelvin as a leader, as a veteran. He is as hungry as any player out their on the field, wanting to play, wanting to perform.”

On Tuesday, both McCain and Sheppard were working with the first team while Misi sat out with his calf injury.

Next: Who Starts Opposite of Brent Grimes at Cornerback?