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ILB Channing Crowder, Miami Dolphins

HT: 6-2, WT: 241, Born: 12-2-1983, College: Florida, Drafted: Round 3

2008 Projections

Best Case

Crowder has been laboring in the shadow of All Pro Zach Thomas since joining the Dolphins three seasons ago. With Thomas released by the team this offseason, Crowder moves into what should be the most attractive position for tackles on the Miami defense. With no one else in the front seven a major threat to compete for tackles on a defense that's likely to be on the field often, Crowder seems a safe bet for at least 90 solos, with 100 solos not completely out of the question.

Worst Case

Though the competition for tackles is weak, Crowder wasn't a impact defender in the games he replaced an injured Zach Thomas. He also faces a significant adjustment to a new defensive scheme this season. Formerly a 4-3 WLB often protected from the blocks of big offensive linemen, Crowder will be have to contend with blockers much more often in the Parcells 2-gap 3-4 that Miami is likely to run this season. It's a similar scheme to the one that kept Jonathan Vilma well down on the tackle lists in recent seasons. If Crowder can't adjust, he could struggle to reach LB2 status no matter how many snaps the Miami defense takes.

Outlook

Crowder is sitting in a catbird seat of opportunity. He's slated to play the WILB slot in Miami's 3-4 defense, which Parcells has said is most likely to lead the team in tackles. Should the team decide to go with the 4-3, he'll play MLB. Both positions should provide him enough opportunity to finish within the top 25 overall linebackers. With the Miami defense likely to be on the field for a higher than average number of snaps this year, Crowder has low LB1 upside. If you can get him rostered as your LB2 or LB3, the return on the investment should prove to be very favorable.

Writeups last modified: 2008-06-14 22:23:41