NT Paul Soliai under the microscope in Year Two

[DolFan619]

http://dolphinsindepth.blogspot.com/

Paul Soliai under the microscope in Year Two

One would think Paul Soliai has a great NFL future before him. He is 6-4. He weighs 344 pounds. The Dolphins thought enough of him to draft him in the fourth round last year.

But if the team knew then what it learned once he got to Miami, that fourth round pick would have been used on someone else.

For all his potential and upside, Soliai is becoming something of a disappointment. His size and bulk simply didn't translate last year as he started out the season in the defensive line rotation then regressed.

He played in nine games during his rookie year, but had only three tackles. This while he was playing right there in the middle, where every play begins and most of the running is done. Soliai played in six games in which he did not record a tackle.

Do the math: That means the most tackles he had in any one game was ... one.

It did not surprise anyone when he was inactive the final three games of the season even while lesser-known but more effective Steve Fifita got more playing time.

So what was the problem?

Well, part of it was a lack of experience and adjusting to the NFL. A lot of rookies go through that. But more troubling was Soliai's attitude and [lack of] work ethic. As one source put it to me, "He's just a big, lazy baby."

Soliai played poorly and made no substantive effort to get better. He didn't stay after practice. He didn't put more work in with the weights. He didn't do any extra tape work to study opposing linemen. He barely did enough to get by.

So now with the new Dolphins administration -- one that promises to have no tolerance for disinterested players -- Soliai will be under the microscope. His size and draft status have apparently bought him time on the roster, perhaps until July when they put on pads.

But at that time, his laid-back, minimum-effort style better disappear. Either that or Bill Parcells will make him disappear.

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

It did not surprise anyone when he was inactive the final three games of the season even while lesser-known but more effective Steve Fifita got more playing time.

If true, why cut Fifita and keep Soliai?

[YoFuggedaboutit]

If true, why cut Fifita and keep Soliai?

Coaches can see things we can't.  Maybe they figured Fifita was as good as he's going to get.

[Defense54]

If true, why cut Fifita and keep Soliai?

Same reason we Traded Booker. Didn't fit the system they are trying to put in place......

[doctord56]

Soliai has enough potential upside to keep around through training camp, but he's surely at risk to be cut if he doesn't straghten out and improve in a hurry. I think it was Cameronitis that infected him last year.

Let's just hope Fifita doesn't make the pro bowl as a member of the Pats.

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

Same reason we Traded Booker. Didn't fit the system they are trying to put in place......

Getting rid of good players and keeping crappy one is not a "system."

[doctord56]

Getting rid of good players and keeping crappy one is not a "system."

Look, Booker was an exciting player, but he was ultimately a third string running back who couldn't block and couldn't play special teams. That's why he got traded, despite his talent and elusiveness. He was a fan favorite, and I wish him well in Philly, but trading him for a 4th round pick was a reasonable move. And Shawn Murphy, picked in round 4, has a lot more of chance to positively impact the team (which desperately needs another starter at guard), though time will ultimately tell.

And back to the main point here, which is Paul Soliai better get off his ass and demonstrate his ability, or he's gone.