When combine workouts were over for the defensive linemen we knew two things: Dontari Poe can beat anyone in a foot race, and Melvin Ingram solidified himself as a top pick. Ingram went into the combine as one of the best defensive end prospects in this year's draft and didn't disappoint.
We all knew Ingram was a great athlete, but many still wanted to see what he could do in combine drills. He was among the top performers in every drill and impressed during interviews.
Ingram's combine numbers include:
40-yard dash: 4.79
Bench Press: 28
Vertical Jump: 34.5"
Broad Jump: 109.0"
3 Cone Drill: 6.83
20-Yard Shuffle: 4.18
Ingram proved why he deserves to be drafted at the top of the first round and would be a great addition both as a player, and as a teammate. He is humble and has a great work ethic that will transcend well with future teammates and coaches.
The Miami Dolphins will be running what is called a hybrid defense with new defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle this upcoming season. They will implement both 3-4 and 4-3 sets and will need players with a lot of versatility. Melvin Ingram fits that mold.
Whether on the ground or standing up, Ingram will have a big impact in pass rushing, helping Cameron Wake get free and do what he does best. Without another pass-rusher, Wake will get double-teamed on every play and opposing quarterbacks will have a field day with all the time they will have in the pocket.
When the Dolphins run a four-man front, Ingram can put his hand on the ground and line up opposite Cameron Wake. When they run a three-man front, Ingram can stand up and play the outside linebacker position whether he's rushing the passer, or dropping into coverage.
This makes Ingram that much more valuable since he is capable of playing on every down. He could have a presence similar to that of Jason Taylor and would be the leader of the defense not too far in the future. Adding someone like Ingram would be a great first addition for head coach Joe Philbin and would have the Dolphins heading in the right direction.
This pick would be made easier if the Dolphins were able to get either Peyton Manning or Matt Flynn in free agency. There's also the thought of moving back to accumulate picks, but the Dolphins don't want to move too far back to the point where Ingram would be gone. It is vital for the organization to get this pick right and help the Dolphins return to their glory days.
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