2011 Offseason Needs: Nose Tackle

Like I mentioned in the running backs article, there really isn’t too much going on right now in the present to discuss. So what better time to turn our attention to the 2011 offseason? Let’s shift our focus over to the defensive side of the ball, and a position that is essential for the success of any 3-4 defense.

For the 3-4 scheme to accomplish want it wants to, there needs to be a space-eating, double-team commanding monster manning the nose. With Mike Nolan tweaking the Dolphins’ version of the scheme though, they will likely rely on Randy Starks’ penetrating abilities, as he lines up on either side of the center, not directly over, like you see in most 3-4’s.

That makes things tricky trying to predict if nose tackle will be a need next offseason, or not. Many think Randy Starks is a temporary solution, while Jason Ferguson sits out the first eight games with a suspension. The fact that Starks is the prototypical 3-4 defensive end, and smaller than most 3-4 nose tackles, is probably the main reason behind that logic.

But looking at Jason Ferguson, who is only five pounds heavier than Starks, and Jay Ratliff, another nose tackle product of this regime in Dallas, who is actually two pounds lighter than Starks, it’s easy to see why this move could be permanent; if Starks pans out as well as those two, that is.

If that’s the case, scratch off nose tackle from potential needs next offseason. However, even with this regime’s track record of producing undersized nose tackles, it’s always a gamble lining up a true 3-4 defensive end at the position. If Starks struggles, and Ferguson replaces him in Week 10, nose tackle could potentially be the biggest need in 2011, considering how vital the position is to the scheme, and Ferguson’s age (36 in November).

With that being said, let’s take a glance into the future, and project some of the Dolphins’ potential offseason options.

Click Read More to see the top five nose tackle free agents, and projected top five nose tackles in the draft

Top 5 Possible 2011 Free Agent Nose Tackles

1. Shaun Rogers
Team: Cleveland Browns
Size: 6’4, 350
Age: 31
2011 Status: UFA
There’s no denying that Shaun Rogers has been one of the better DT/NT’s in the league over the years. But at age 31, he wouldn’t exactly be the long-term answer the Dolphins would likely be looking for. Looking at other nose tackles in the league though, like the Dolphins’ very own Jason Ferguson and the Viking’s Pat Williams (age 37) for instance, Rogers may still have a good three or four years left in the tank after 2010.

2. Haloti Ngata
Team: Baltimore Ravens
Size: 6’4, 345
Age: 26
2011 Status: UFA
Yes, Ngata has been a defensive end for the Ravens, but unlike Randy Starks, he meets the prototypical size requirements for a move inside. At age 26, he also would be the long-term solution the Dolphins would be coveting. It’s unlikely the Ravens let him get away though, and who knows if he would even be willing to sign with a team that expects him to take up a new position.

3. Trey Lewis
Team: Atlanta Falcons
Size: 6’3, 316
Age: 25
2011 Status: UFA
Lewis has started a total of six games in two seasons for the Falcons 4-3 scheme. He has the size to sign with a 3-4 team though, and take up nose tackle. The only problem is, his production in limited action suggest he isn’t anything more than a backup, regardless of defensive scheme.

4. Ronald Fields
Team: Denver Broncos
Size: 6’2, 314
Age: 28
2011 Status: UFA
Fields started all sixteen games for the Broncos last season, and is still at a very signable age, if he hits the open market. However, Pro Football Focus ranked him the 66th nose tackle/defensive tackle in 09′. That was worse than Miami’s Paul Soliai, who is also in the last year of his contract. From the looks of things, re-signing Soliai appears to be a more attractive option than signing Fields.

5. Ron Edwards
Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Size: 6’3, 315
Age: 30
2011 Status: UFA
Edwards is nearly the same player Fields is, only older and litte less productive (ranked 76th by PFF).

2011 NFL Draft: Top 5 Nose Tackles

1. Stephen Paea
School: Oregon State
Size: 6’1, 311
Year: Senior
Paea has the potential to be a first-round pick in 2011, and is considered to be one of the premiere defensive lineman in the nation. He’s quick for his size, and has great lower body strength.

2. Jerrell Powe
School: Ole Miss
Size: 6’2, 328
Year: Senior
Powe could come off the board soon after Paea, as he is arguably the best pure nose tackle in the 2011 class. He has some character concerns off the field, but his work ethic on the field has been fantastic. He is powerful, as expected, but his mobility suprisingly doesn’t take too much of a hit with his size.

3. Jarvis Jenkins
School: Clemson
Size: 6’4, 310
Year: Senior
Jenkins has good size and athleticism, but he may be better suited to play defensive end in the 3-4. Of course, that wouldn’t necessarily be the case with the Dolphins, as we have already mentioned how Starks, Ferguson, and Ratliff don’t have prototypical measurables. Following the trend of the rest of the league though, Jenkins might have leverage issues with his height, and slightly less than ideal weight.

4. Kendrick Ellis
School: Hampton
Size: 6’5, 340
Year: Redshirt Senior
Ellis has been dominate against questionable competition at Hampton. Just like Jenkins though, his height could prevent him from playing nose tackle at the next level.

5. Phil Taylor
School: Baylor
Size: 6’4, 355
Year: Senior
Character concerns will surround Taylor, as he was expelled from Penn State before he wound up with Baylor. Nonetheless, Taylor will be tempting for any 3-4 team in the middle to late rounds, as he possesses Terrance Cody type size.