The start of Liam Eichenberg’s profession hasn’t gone precisely the way in which that he or the Miami Dolphins could have hoped. Regardless that he’s had his struggles, teaching staffs proceed to present him alternatives to begin (oftentimes on the dismay of the fan base).
Whereas it may be irritating, I’m right here to elucidate why the group is right of their decision-making. Eichenberg has the requisite instruments to excel within the NFL, the pedigree and work ethic to enhance, and solely has a season of expertise as an inside participant. I do know a variety of you could have already began scrolling to the remark part, however let me lay out my case earlier than you rip into me.
Bodily Instruments to Excel
Eichenberg was seen as a protected choose within the 2021 NFL draft. He could not have the ceiling or elite traits like another prospects, however you’re getting a reliable participant. Evaluators have been stunned when Eichenberg posted a 7.53 3 cone, 4.58 shuttle, and 33 reps on the bench. All three ranked within the seventy fifth percentile or higher for offensive tackles (eightieth or higher for all offensive linemen).
This meant that Eichenberg had higher short-area quickness than most people thought and he had clearly been taking the time to completely put together for the mix; two very optimistic indicators for a prospect. The 33 reps of bench press additionally helped alleviate issues about play energy that would accompany his slimmer body (simply 305 kilos at 6’6+). That energy and quick space quickness particularly bodes effectively for his present place and scheme.
Pedigree and Previous Outcomes
One of many largest pluses for Eichenberg was his collegiate expertise. He got here from one of the outstanding offensive line packages within the nation (Notre Dame) that had produced NFL skills like Ronnie Stanley, Zach Martin, and Quentin Nelson in recent times.
Eichenberg began every sport at left deal with for the Preventing Irish from 2018-2020. He performed via harm, improved every season, and didn’t surrender a single sack in both of his closing two seasons. This was a team-first man that may put within the work and knew learn how to develop as a participant.
Studying a New Place
When Eichenberg left Notre Dame for the NFL, there was concern about his potential to stay at offensive deal with within the NFL. There have been two issues that drove that concern: first, he had actually quick arms and a brief wingspan for the place. You possibly can depend on one hand what number of offensive tackles have thrived within the NFL with sub-32.5-inch arms within the final ten years. It’s attainable to take action, however you’ll want to have your approach down completely… and even then, some guys with size may provide you with hassle.
The opposite factor that induced concern was his hand utilization. Within the NFL, profitable offensive tackles can make the most of a one-hand punch. In different phrases, once they load as much as punch an edge defender, they’ll use their arms independently. At instances they might make the most of a two-hand punch, however they completely want the power to punch with one hand and place the opposite on the pec or within the armpit (differs from deal with to deal with).
Eichenberg utilized a two-hand punch via school and had hassle shifting off of that within the NFL. That acquired him in a variety of hassle via his rookie season and together with the truth that he lacked the perfect size for the place was sufficient for McDaniel and firm to make the change to protect for Liam.
Liam Eichenberg has virtually completely been an offensive deal with. He performed nothing however left deal with at Notre Dame and was an offensive deal with popping out of highschool. He has little to no related expertise as an inside offensive lineman. His sophomore season (2022) within the NFL was his first alternative to play guard (which he did completely for 600+ snaps). He’ll reportedly get some snaps at heart this offseason as effectively.
Are we Actually Quitting on the Man?
Let me recap: quite a few followers have given up on a man with one yr of precise expertise at his NFL place (making the change from deal with to protect or heart is not any cakewalk). A participant that has high-level traits and a profession full of year-to-year development and enchancment. Does that basically make sense?
I’m not saying Eichenberg can be an all-pro this season; this upcoming season may go both means for Liam. I’m simply saying that he’s earned the chance in yr three to point out that he could be a high quality inside offensive lineman, and there’s an opportunity that he’ll achieve this.
