Dolphins: Why Solomon Kindley is already looking like a day-three steal

Solomon Kindley is a big part of the Dolphins newfound success

Under the tutelage and direction of head coach Brian Flores, the Miami Dolphins have taken a complete 180 from last year to this year. After beating down San Francisco, Miami goes into MetLife Stadium to take on the Jets at 2-3.

Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was a topic of controversy last week when the media floated around the idea that 2020 first round selection, Tua Tagovailoa should assume the starting position. But Fitzmagic has played solid football while the defense continues to grow each week. They are coming off their best performance in the year at San Fran.

However, the biggest reason for the Dolphins quick turnaround can be attributed to the offensive line. There was a lot of buzz around first and second rounders Austin Jackson and Robert Hunt going into the season. Both have played admirably but to everyone’s surprise, it was been the day three selection that’s been the best of the bunch.

Solomon Kindley has been an absolute force at right guard. He was named the starter before their week one matchup against New England and has improved each week in his young career.

Kindley made 32 starts in the SEC at UGA. Despite his dominance in the run game, Kindley fell to the fourth round because of immobility and athleticism concerns. Through five weeks, Kindley has put those talks to rest. He has a mean streak and nastiness to his game that has helped set a tone along that Dolphins offensive line. He is a road grader in the interior and has thrived thus far.

In 2019, the Dolphins offense averaged an abysmal 1.7 yards before contact while allowing pressures on 30.1 percent of dropbacks. These marks have improved to 2.3 yards per contact and have allowed pressures on 17.9 percent of dropbacks, two considerable improvements.

Kindley along with his rookie counterparts will continue to grow as the season progresses, but general manager Chris Grier should get a ton of credit for retooling this offensive line so quickly.