Yesterday, we mentioned the Miami Dolphins possibly having their sites set on a surprise QB (well, one not named Ryan Tannehill). We’ve spent a lot of time this offseason telling you about Brandon Weeden and how he could be a special player for the Dolphins. The other possible surprise QB we mentioned yesterday is Kirk Cousins from Michigan State. Cousins has been a bit of an afterthought for the Dolphins because most of the attention of the media and fans has been on Tannehill. Even Brock Osweiler (who I’m personally not that interested in), has gotten more attention that Cousins. Truthfully, I like Cousins more than Osweiler, but it is debatable.
Cousins had a solid senior year for the Spartans, completing 63.4% of his passes for 3,300 yards, 25 TDs and 10 INTs. He’s a senior and checks in at 6′ 2-5/8″ and 215 lbs. Below is a brief video of Cousins’ highlights from his college career. You’ll notice that he is often running around to make plays. Remember that Michigan State was a run first team, so he didn’t put up gaudy numbers like some of the other QBs in the draft.
Strengths
- Tough, gritty competitor
- Extremely efficient
- Three-time team captain – well-respected leader
- Accurate when in the pocket
- Experience in a pro-style offense in a major conference
- Improved yardage and touchdown figures each of the last three years
- Generally makes sound decisions with the football
- Looks off safeties on vertical route
Weaknesses
- Has a tendency to double-clutch the ball
- Really breaks down under duress – most of his mistakes come in the face of pressure
- Below-average passer on the move
- Questionable footwork – needs to improve his technique
- Very average arm
- Thin build (6-foot-2 5/8, 214 pounds)
From what I’ve seen, Cousins could be selected anywhere from mid-way through the 2nd round or as late as early in the 4th round. Despite their rumored interest in Ryan Tannehill, I think the Eagles have an interest in Cousins. The Dolphins could have an interest too, but if they do, they aren’t tipping their hand. Cousins hasn’t had a private meeting or workout with the Dolphins. If Joe Philbin and Mike Sherman see enough potential in Cousins to draft him, I have faith in them. I’d feel even better about the pick if the Dolphins didn’t need to use a 1st or 2nd round pick to get him. I think he does have potential, but he needs to be coached up. He tends to make dumb decisions with the football and gets flustered in the face of pressure (something he’ll see a lot of in the NFL).
On an unrelated note, the NFL schedule will be released tomorrow night at 7pm on NFL Network. We already know who the Dolphins are playing, it’s just a matter of when and in which order. Considering the lack of star power on the Dolphins this coming season, I can’t see them getting more than 2 prime time games (between Thursday, Sunday, and Monday nights). If you go by 2011 records, the Dolphins will face the 18th hardest schedule in the NFL. Therefore, if they can work some magic in the draft, add a free agent or two, and see some growth/development from their core players, they could be contenders this season for the playoffs.
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