The Miami Dolphins used the 13th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft to select defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. A four-year starter at Clemson, Wilkins joins the Dolphins who need pass-rush and run-support assistance all along the defensive line this year and should immediately plug into the starting lineup in South Florida. What are the Dolphins getting in Wilkins? During his four seasons at Clemson, Wilkins played in 55 games, recording 192 tackles, 40.5 tackles for a loss, 16 sacks, 15 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries. He also saw a few snaps on offense at Clemson, carrying the ball four times for 13 yards with two touchdowns and catching two passes for 32 yards with a touchdown. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein profiled Wilkins pre-Draft, writing of him, “Desired combination of athleticism, production and character with the ability to fit into a stop unit that already has some pieces in place. Wilkins is a slippery, upfield three-technique with the ability to make plays outside his area. He plays with low pads allowing for optimal disruption leverage in the gaps, but he needs to be paired with an attacking front as he lacks the length and strength to hold his ground as a read-and-react tackle. He’s busy and agile as a rusher, which could keep him on the field for more snaps.” To get a better idea of exactly what Miami is getting in this “slipper, up-field three-technique,” I turned to the SB Nation Clemson site, Shakin the South Land, getting a chance to talk to ColbyL about Miami’s rookie. He was kind enough to answer some of my questions about Wilkins - including starting off the discussion with some fun instead of being strictly serious. The Dolphins added a big-bodied running back in the first round, someone who found the endzone on literally half his collegiate carries and half his receptions. Can Wilkins continue to have that kind of offensive success in the NFL? Absolutely. His solid catching out of the backfield coupled with his athleticism makes him a dynamic threat who can hurt you in a lot of different ways. I guess Wilkins also played on defense. His draft profiles seem to favor him as a three-technique, working the gap between the guard and tackle. Wilkins was not limited to that kind of role in college, playing just about everywhere for Clemson. Can the Dolphins use that versatility at the NFL level, or should we expect to see him playing his best in a 4-3 style, 3-gap role? He definitely fits the mold best as a 4-3, 3-gap DT in standard packages. But he’s also athletic enough to play on the edge, especially in special sub packages that only use two-down linemen. By the same token, he can also play outside edge rusher in a standard 4-3 should injury concerns arise. He played outside defensive end for a large portion of 2017 when Clemson had depth concerns due to injury. While good against the run, Wilkins is at his best when he’s rushing the passer from his interior DT spot. He’s also rangy and athletic enough to play in space and has the flexibility (see post-2016 national championship game) and bend you want from a lineman. Because it seems like everyone has to mention it, Wilkins is incredible off the field as well. Between working as a substitute teacher to earning his undergraduate degree in 2-1/2 years and finishing his Master’s degree a year later, between volunteering for Habitat for Humanity to participating in fundraising to fight cancer, Wilkins is a high-character man coming to play football in South Florida. What can you tell us about his time in Clemson and what he has meant to the team, the school, and the community? Outside of probably Deshaun Watson, Wilkins is arguably the biggest culture-changing player to arrive on Clemson’s campus. Dabo Swinney joked he could either be Michael Strahan (a dominant, decorated NFL career followed by becoming a famous media personality) or president of the United States. His fun personality on and off the field touched so much of the Clemson community. He was a part of the vaunted “Power Rangers” defensive line, and he injected this sense of pride and culture into the program that Dabo Swinney has cultivated. To the school, he displayed the model professionalism you want your players to have. Whether it was to fans, media, coaches, or teammates, Wilkins always said the right things and led by example. His personality is very much like a Michael Strahan in terms of his overall presence, from his charming smile to the way he performed on the field. He has the potential to be a face of the franchise any NFL team covets. I know some Dolphins fans know the story behind why Wilkins wore number 42 in college, but many may not. Can you break that down for us? Wilkins wears 42 in dedication to his late grandfather Eurie Stamps, Sr., who was born in 1942. He was killed in 2011 when a SWAT team member’s rifle discharged and shot him. SWAT had invaded his apartment looking for his stepson, who had been suspected of selling drugs from the apartment alongside two of his other associates. Stamps had no criminal history and became an unfortunate victim as a result. He was a big part of Wilkins’ life, who was often told he was just like him. Since then, Wilkins states that he does his best to embody his grandfather in what he does as a player on and off the field. There have been some great features about it within the past couple of years. As great as Wilkins seems to be, he is not perfect. Where are his weaknesses? If there is something, it’s that he’s not going to beat you with straight a bull rush, as he doesn’t possess that kind of elite level strength. Unlike his counterpart Dexter Lawrence, who relies largely on his strength, size, and power, Wilkins relies much more on his fluid athleticism and quickness. He wasn’t one to continually split double teams in college largely due to needing to improve his overall play strength. While not considered undersized like Aaron Donald, Wilkins isn’t exactly lauded for his exceptional length either, which could play a factor going against linemen with long arms who can’t be beaten by just speed and athleticism. There were also times when he struggled against more zone blocking schemes, particularly when he would sometimes get too deep on runs and overrun plays that left lanes open behind him. His hand usage still needs work as well, though it’s an area he has flashed in at times. This will be a big area to watch for him since he doesn’t possess exceptional length. Smart player, but mental recognition and hand usage need to continue becoming more consistent. Assuming Wilkins is starting in Week 1, what do you think is the outlook for Wilkins as a rookie? For his career? As a rookie, I think a 40-50 tackle, 4-5 sack season is within reach, as is being named to the NFL all-rookie team. He can easily post a 10-year career as a quality interior lineman able to play in any scheme, though long-term his best fit should be as a 3-technique to get the most out of his skillset.<doc-sep>The Miami Dolphins announced Thursday the signing of five of the team’s 2019 NFL Draft class. The team announced they signed first round pick Christian Wilkins, fifth-rounder Andrew Van Ginkel, sixth-round pick Isaiah Prince, seventh-rounder Chandler Cox, and seventh-round pick Myles Gaskin. The Dolphins still have third-round choice Michael Deiter to sign. Miami is beginning their rookie minicamp this weekend, bringing in the draft picks, undrafted free agents they are signing, and several rookie tryout players for practices. The Dolphins were working to sign as many of their draft picks prior to the start of practices and it appears they have done just that. Wilkins, a defensive tackle, could find himself as the number one player in the position group this year, while linebacker Van Ginkel could be a pass-rush specialist in sub packages as the Dolphins work in a hybrid 4-3/3-4 scheme. Offensive tackle Prince will likely serve as depth on the line of scrimmage while Cox will be the team’s fullback. Gaskin, a running back, will provide depth behind Kenyan Drake and Kalen Ballage. Deiter could be the team’s starting left guard this season.<doc-sep>Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images After the 2019 NFL draft concluded Saturday in Nashville, Tennessee, teams went to work at rounding out their rosters by signing some of the top prospects who went undrafted. The Arizona Cardinals made UCLA tight end Caleb Wilson the draft's Mr. Irrelevant when they took him 254th overall, and it wasn't long before the undrafted free-agent market went into overdrive. Many undrafted players have gone on to become stars over the years, including Denver Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay, who became the first undrafted offensive rookie in NFL history to be named to the Pro Bowl. Here is a look at the biggest undrafted free-agent signings thus far, as those who were not selected in the draft vie to make themselves the next success story. Ryan Pope to Lions San Diego State offensive tackle signed with the Detroit Lions on Saturday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN, receiving $145,000 in guaranteed money. Video Play Button Videos you might like The Lions didn't address their offensive line during the draft, but Pope's addition—with a sizeable chunk of guaranteed money, at that—means he'll have the opportunity to win himself a spot on the depth chart. Tyree Jackson to Bills Buffalo quarterback Tyree Jackson was surprisingly not picked in the 2019 NFL draft, but he will stay close to where he played his college ball after signing with the Buffalo Bills. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Jackson signed a deal that will net him $75,000 in guaranteed money. In Buffalo, Jackson will vie with Matt Barkley and Derek Anderson for a spot on the roster behind starter Josh Allen. Elijah Holyfield to Panthers The son of former heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield, Elijah Holyfield, is set to sign with the Carolina Panthers, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Holyfield, who played his college ball at Georgia, will join another SEC running back in Florida's Jordan Scarlett (who Carolina took in the fifth round) as options to earn a backup spot behind star running back Christian McCaffrey. Jake Browning to Vikings Washington quarterback Jake Browning received $140,000 guaranteed from the Minnesota Vikings, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. A four-year starter for the Huskies, Browning threw for 12,296 yards, 94 touchdowns and 34 interceptions. While Kirk Cousins is the unquestioned starter in Minnesota, Browning could potentially battle Sean Mannion for the backup job. Brett Rypien to Broncos After selecting Missouri quarterback Drew Lock in the second round, the Denver Broncos signed Boise State quarterback Brett Rypien, according to Pelissero. Rypien is the nephew of former Washington Redskins quarterback Mark Rypien, and he has a chance to make Denver's roster as the No. 3 quarterback behind veteran Joe Flacco and Lock. Kyle Shurmur to Chiefs The Kansas City Chiefs signed former Vanderbilt quarterback Kyle Shurmur, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen. Shurmur is the son of New York Giants head coach Pat Shurmur, and he will get to compete with a pair of former high NFL draft picks in Chad Henne and EJ Manuel to earn a roster spot behind reigning NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes. Gerald Willis to Ravens One of the most surprising snubs of the draft has reportedly found a home, as Miami defensive tackle Gerald Willis has agreed to sign with the Baltimore Ravens, according to Pelissero. Willis was listed as ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr.'s best available player for much of Day 3, and he is set to land in a good spot for a defense-first Ravens team that could use some depth along the defensive line. Emanuel Hall to Bears The Chicago Bears added another potential weapon for quarterback Mitchell Trubisky on the UDFA market, as Missouri wide receiver Emanuel Hall announced he is signing with the team. Hall topped 800 receiving yards in each of the past two seasons, and he will look to carve out a role alongside Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, Anthony Miller and 2019 fourth-round pick Riley Ridley at wideout. Terez Hall to Patriots The New England Patriots added some linebacker depth by agreeing to terms with Missouri's Terez Hall, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss. Hall was a two-year starter for the Tigers who gives the Pats a much-needed option behind starters Dont'a Hightower, Elandon Roberts and Kyle Van Noy. Karan Higdon to Texans After surprisingly waiting until the seventh round to draft a running back, the Houston Texans are bringing in another back in the form of Karan Higdon, according to Michigan Football: Both Lamar Miller and D'Onta Foreman battled injuries last season, so if Higdon can beat out seventh-round pick Cullen Gillaspia for a roster spot, he has a legitimate chance to play a significant role for Houston as a rookie. Saivion Smith to Jaguars Alabama's Saivion Smith was arguably the top cornerback to go undrafted, but he landed on a top-end defense by signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars, per Rapoport. Considering Levi Wallace of the Buffalo Bills was one of the NFL's best rookie cornerbacks last season after going undrafted out of Alabama, there will be high hopes for Smith to potentially get significant playing time behind Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye in Jacksonville. David Sills to Bills After declining to select a wide receiver in the draft, the Bills signed one of the best available on the UDFA market in West Virginia's David Sills, according to Adam Caplan of SiriusXM. Buffalo has a lot of options at wideout, but the team is lacking elite playmakers with John Brown, Cole Beasley, Zay Jones and Robert Foster as the top targets. In Sills, the Bills get a former quarterback who reeled in 33 receiving touchdowns over the past two seasons combined. Olamide Zaccheaus to Falcons The Atlanta Falcons added to their already-strong wide receiver group by signing Virginia's Olamide Zaccheaus, according to Rapoport. Zaccheaus could fill a need in Atlanta's high-octane offense since Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley and Mohamed Sanu primarily excel as outside receivers, while Zaccheaus is best used as a slot guy. Greg Dortch to Jets Wake Forest wide receiver Greg Dortch announced Saturday that he signed with the New York Jets: New York did not draft a receiver despite uncertainty in a group led by Robby Anderson, Jamison Crowder and Quincy Enunwa. Dortch will look to emerge as a weapon for quarterback Sam Darnold after topping 1,000 yards last season and also returning two punts for touchdowns at Wake. Devine Ozigbo to Saints The New Orleans Saints agreed to a deal with Nebraska running back Devine Ozigbo, according to Rotoworld's Josh Norris. New Orleans is set at the top of its running back depth chart with Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray, but with little behind them, Ozigbo is a strong bet to make the team after rushing for over 1,000 yards last season. Stanley Morgan Jr. to Bengals After not taking a wide receiver with any of its 10 picks, the Cincinnati Bengals addressed the spot by signing Nebraska's Stanley Morgan Jr., according to Jordan Reid of Cover 1. Morgan topped 1,000 yards last season and will look to slide in behind wideouts A.J. Green, Tyler Boyd and John Ross in Cincinnati. Lil'Jordan Humphrey to Saints The Saints brought in a possible weapon for quarterback Drew Brees by signing Texas wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey, according to Longhorn Network's Alex Loeb (h/t Deuce Windham of The Athletic). Humphrey broke out in a big way last season with 1,176 yards and nine touchdowns, and it isn't out of the realm of possibility that he could be one of the Saints' top wideouts behind Michael Thomas in 2019 since he'll be competing with the likes of Ted Ginn, Tre'Quan Smith, Keith Kirkwood, Austin Carr and Cameron Meredith. Wyatt Ray to Browns The Cleveland Browns agreed to a deal with Boston College edge-rusher Wyatt Ray on Saturday, according to Boston College defensive ends coach Jim Reid: Cleveland did not draft a pass-rusher, so signing Ray on the heels of a nine-sack season is a seemingly strong move in terms of adding depth behind starting defensive ends Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon. Jakobi Meyers to Patriots The Patriots continued to address their need at wide receiver by signing NC State's Jakobi Meyers, according to Caplan.<doc-sep>
The Miami Dolphins used their first three selections in the 2019 NFL Draft to add defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, trade for quarterback Josh Rosen, and pick offensive lineman Michael Deiter. After sitting out the fourth round of the selection process, the Dolphins came back in the fifth round to add a pass rusher. Selection of outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel gave Miami two straight Wisconsin Badgers. Projected by Lance Zierlein from NFL.com as a seventh-round pick, the Dolphins clearly targeted Van Ginkel as a prospect they wanted to secure, using the 151st pick to land him. “Unimposing 3-4 outside linebacker with decent athletic ability but a concerning lack of aggression as a run blocker and consistency as a pass-rusher,” Zierlein wrote of Van Ginkel pre-Draft. “Van Ginkel has the motor to tally stats with effort and secondary rush, but he needs a better rush plan and more proactive hands to set him up for success in attacking the quarterback. He will need a lot more strength and toughness to hold up as a run defender, but his length and production on special teams could give him a shot at the back end of the roster or on a practice squad.” Zierlein did not sound high on Deiter when were took a closer look at the lineman, and he sounds even lower on Van Ginkel. As we did yesterday with Deiter, to get a closer look at Van Ginkel, I turned to SB Nation’s Wisconsin site, Bucky’s 5th Quarter, and Owen Riese. Van Ginkel’s selection in the fifth round by Miami has been described as a “reach” with some grades having him a seventh-round pick or an undrafted free agent. The Dolphins seemed to like him during the pre-Draft processes, and obviously liked him enough to get him in the fifth. Where did you see him being selected? Did Miami reach for him? I was taken aback a bit as well that AVG was selected so highly, but good for him for sure. I thought he’d probably be in that second half of Day 3 to undrafted area. He’s an athletic guy with an interesting background (started his college career at South Dakota before transferring to Iowa Western CC before ending up at Wisconsin) and had production at Wisconsin, but he didn’t have a ton of tape and an undefined position moving to the NFL, I believe, led to some of the hesitancy for NFL teams. I think they probably reached for him, yes. But for a team like Miami, they’re looking to hit home runs on athletic profiles, and Van Ginkel supplies that. If you’re confident you can continue to mold the piece of clay, and he becomes a special teams stalwart and a rotational linebacker, I think you’re happy with the selection. Van Ginkel primarily played outside linebacker at Wisconsin and that appears where he would likely play in the NFL. With Miami looking to play more of a hybrid defense this year, with both 4-3 and 3-4 characteristics, pass rush and coverage abilities will be a high priority on the outside. How will Van Ginkel do in those roles? I think that’s where Miami’s interest in Van Ginkel lies. He was effective rushing the passer when he was healthy, but Wisconsin also asks their 3-4 outside linebackers to cover more than the average college defense, so Van Ginkel has that experience as well. He made a few big plays in coverage at the end of the 2017 season, and his length and athleticism should bode well for him. If Brian Flores is looking to utilize him in a role similar to Kyle Van Noy in New England, where he can pass rush but isn’t primarily asked to do it, I think that’s a good and suitable role for AVG in Miami. Miami’s starting linebackers are likely set with Kiko Alonso, Raekwon McMillan, and Jerome Baker setting the 4-3 system - then likely adding Charles Harris as the rush linebacker in the 3-4 set. That means Van Ginkel will probably be asked to excel on special teams as well as on defense. What does he bring to that aspect of the game? Van Ginkel is a relentless player with a motor that doesn’t quit. I think he’ll thrive in a special teams role in Miami while he continues to develop in the Dolphins’ strength and conditioning program.