After a successful 2012 season, Jared Odrick showed he was capable of being the first round draft choice that GM Jeff Ireland envisioned him to be. After posting a combined 11 sacks in consecutive seasons (six in 2011, five in 2012), Odrick showed that he can be a leader on this defense.
Last season, Odrick played like a man possessed recording 5 sacks and 35 tackles. Odrick became an unknown commodity having been forced to play defensive end opposite Cam Wake in Kevin Coyle's 4-3 hybrid defense. If there was anything to be concerned about last season, it was, can Odrick be a difference maker from the right side and play defensive end.
Going into this season, with the apparent need for more pressure up the middle, Odrick dutifully took on the role to get his body in shape for a pounding up the middle as defensive tackle faces centers and guards. Having played outside as defensive end last season, Odrick has shown the flexibility and versatility to move to the inside and make adjustments on the fly.
One of the most impressive attributes about Odrick is his incredible motor and ability to pursue the quarterback and bring him down. In addition, while Odrick did earn himself 5 sacks, he earned them on guts and determination and earned them against the Jets, Cardinals, Bengals, Seahawks, Niners, and Jaguars.
With the one-two combination that both outside rushers Olivier Vernon and Cameron Wake bring, Jared Odrick and Paul Soliai teamed up the middle will bring that middle pressure as well as Randy Starks in certain situations. With rookie Dion Jordan looking to make an impact from various positions and looks, the front line for Miami is poised to be stellar defensively this season.
All in all, the Dolphins defense is poised for a big year and having a guy like Jared Odrick who plays with determination and guts on every down will make this year's Dolphins team a dominant force in the AFC.
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