Training camp practice observers continue to speak positively about rookie DE Jared Odrick's development, with a growing sense that Odrick will not only win the RE job but will acquit himself well.
It occurs to me that going up against LT Jake Long day-after-day will do wonders in speeding up Odrick's learning curve, just as it did for Jason Taylor in going up against Richmond Webb during the early part of his career.
“When I first came in, Richmond was a veteran and one of the best at the position”, Taylor said last year in a column I did for Phins.com. “He obviously taught me a lot against him, and having to lose rushes to him everyday taught me how to rush the passer.”
It will be a huge boost to the Dolphin D if Odrick can be a factor this season, especially with the loss of Phillip Merling and the move of Randy Starks from DE to NT. Thus far, the signs are encouraging.
2 comments:
I want to note that while challenging Webb every day undoubtedly did speed up Taylor's development, Taylor had phenomenal talent. That was apparent in the 1996 Senior Bowl in which he absolutely dominated.
If you watched the 2010 Senior Bowl you will note the announcers raving about Odrick. He, along with Brandon Graham, are repeatedly said to be dominating the line of scrimmage. Koa Misi is also given frequent props in that game.
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