The Miami Dolphins are undoubtedly in dire need for some help along their offensive line. With the NFL Combine in full swing, it’s a perfect opportunity for Mike McDaniel and Chris Grier to get a closer look at some prospects ahead of next months’ draft.
One player who would seem to fit the bill is Alabama IOL Tyler Booker. However, Booker said on Saturday to the media that he hadn’t heard from the Dolphins – even though he’d like the chance to protect another fellow Crimson Tide football alum in Tua Tagovailoa.
“I haven’t met Tua, but I’ve heard a lot of great stories about him,” Booker said. “I’ve only heard great things about Tua, so it [would be] great to block for him, play with any other Bama guy because we’re wired a little differently. So, having his leadership would be great.”
Booker is someone who could potentially check two boxes that the Dolphins need for their roster: leadership and a tough mentality. He was a team captain at Alabama, so he’s taken on that role at his last stop. But it’s his approach to the game on a down-to-down basis that should perk some ears up.
“It’s legal assault out there, and I love football because the brand of football that I play, I make guys not love football anymore, and I do that every day – every down – by really just giving them my all and letting you know I’m not going to let up. So, the thing I love the most about football is taking the love away from other people.”
Miami unquestionably needs some guys in the trenches that have the mindset of taking the soul of the guy across from the line of scrimmage, particularly at the interior spots. Miami will be looking to replace two starting guard spots this offseason, and the 6’5″, 330-pound Booker seems to have the tools and the mindset to secure one of those and make a difference quickly.
He said the Dolphins did not meet with him at the Combine, but that doesn’t mean they can’t or won’t visit with him between now and the draft. After all, Miami should be looking for linemen who are wired differently from who they’ve had recently, and Booker appears to fit that bill.
