Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins still looking for a starting outside linebacker

Published Jun. 23, 2015 8:51 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Miami Dolphins are still looking to shore up their linebacking corps as they get ready for training camp. Jelani Jenkins will man one outside linebacker position and Koa Misi will remain as the team's middle linebacker for a second straight season. However, that leaves one starting outside linebacker position up for grabs.

Instead of addressing that need through free agency or the NFL Draft, the Dolphins held tight and are looking for one of their young players to step up into the starting role vacated by the trade of Dannell Ellerbe.

The list of candidates to replace Ellerbe are Chris McCain, Jordan Tripp, Spencer Paysinger and Kelvin Sheppard. Which of these players is the leading candidate to win the starting job? James Walker of ESPN.com thinks that McCain is the starter as of now. McCain has shown the ability to cover in space and rush the passer, two skills that the Dolphins are looking for out of their outside linebacker.

While McCain has a hold on the job right now, it doesn't mean that things can't change when the pads are put on and the real football starts. Keep a close eye on this position moving forward.

(h/t ESPN.com)

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Lynne Sladky