Slapdash said:
Miami Dolphins Select: Kenneth Ladler, FS Vandy
Miami could use a hard-hitting safety to pair with Reshard Jones. Louis Delmas was signed on a 1-year deal to see if he can do it, but that doesn't mean they won't grab a rookie who can fit that bill. Enter Ladler, an aggressive player who causes fumbles and generates picks. Has experience at both safety positions and played at his best against top competition in the SEC.
I wouldn't say Ladler is a hard hitting safety but with Delmas only in a 1 year contract this might be the ideal situation for Ladler. A year to apprentice under the Jones and Delmas and if Delmas under performs or wants too much money the let him go and Ladler may be able to step in.
The problem with Ladler is that he likely isn't fast enough (4.70 40) to play FS in the NFL and he isn't a mean enough tackler to play SS. He may get stuck in between the two positions and not fit in either but he a good nose for the football and that's a good place to start.
I don't know how high his football IQ (I'm not knocking him I actually just don't know) but if he studies hard and is fairly smart then with good positioning, lots of effort and hustle and some good coaching he might be able to overcome his lack of speed and be a productive starter at free safety. It sounds like more work than it is. Plus, he's a fourth round pick so he's going to have some holes in his game.