Miami Dolphins Rookie Profile: Linebacker James Burgess
Over the course of the next week or so, we will be taking a look at some of the Miami Dolphins newest rookie players. For the last couple of profiles, we will be taking a look at some of the Miami Dolphins top undrafted free agents and how they may fair with the Dolphins. For this profile, we will be taking a look at linebacker James Burgess.
Dolphins Rookie Profile: James Burgess
The Player
Severely undersized as far as NFL linebackers go, James Burgess has a motor that you just cannot teach to a player. Constantly going as hard as he can no matter what is happening on the field or the scoreboard, James Burgess will find a role in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins.
Standing at 5’11 and weighing just under 230 pounds, Burgess strikes me as a potential outside pass rushing linebacker or even a safety/linebacker high breed for certain plays. One area I could definitely see Burgess succeeding on the special teams, specifically kick and punt coverage.
Overall though, no matter how well Burgess’ motor will help him, I personally doubt he will be able to become an every down player in the NFL. A role player, probably, but it is unlikely Burgess will become a starter.
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The School
A monster when he is able to line up a ball carrier, James Burgess was most known during his time at the University of Louisville for his hard hitting nature and his ability to trackdown and tackle a ball carrier. Burgess was also pretty impressive when it came to his coverage abilities, recording seven interceptions during his college career.
A major force along the Louisville line-backing corps, with his already strong coverage abilities, transitioning to a linebacker-safety hybrid in the NFL could be on the cards for Burgess.
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The Position
Too short to really make an impact as a starting linebacker in the NFL, special teams and certain defensive packages seem to be where James Burgess is heading. With his never stopping motor, Burgess would likely fit in nice on the punt and kick coverage teams for the Miami Dolphins.
With his ability to both track down the ball carrier and read the quarterbacks eyes, Burgess could also slide into a role position for some NFL teams. Playing as a linebacker-safety hybrid looks to be the best position for him and could be something for the Miami native to hang his helmet on in the future.
The Tape
Though he will not make an immediate impact with the Miami Dolphins, his motor and ability to play both as a blitzer and coverage man could make him very valuable to the Dolphins. Look for Burgess to be in contention for the week one roster.
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