The NFL Network's Adam Schefter writes about rookies who are standing out for each NFL team during their respective training camps. Each team has a rookie that is opening eyes in camp and emerging as a possible future star. For the Dolphins, it's second round pick (60th overall) center Samson Satele.
Schefter writes: "Satele is expected to have more an impact this season than wide receiver Ted Ginn and quarterback John Beck, Miami's two higher-profile selections. Satele is expected to be the Dolphins starting center on opening day and, if the organization is right, he could be the quarterback and centerpiece of the offensive line for the next dozen years. Satele is smart, tough, driven and he already is making calls for the entire offensive line. Satele has short arms –- not ideal for an offensive lineman –- but he is long on potential."
The Dolphins coaching staff and players all realize the offensive line needs to improve. While all the other players had left the field at the end of the work day yesterday, the O-line unit stayed on and kept working.
Satele described the intensity from the coaches:
''They got on us a lot the whole day yesterday up until our practice,'' he said. "It was a wake-up call for us. I know I woke up. I don't want coach Cam on me anymore.''
Satele's attitude and work ethic is drawing him a lot of praise. And for good reason. This team will only go as far as its offensive line will take it. And Satele is being called to be the leader of this unit during his rookie season. Cam Cameron and his staff are not sugar-coating this offensive line's deficiencies. Cameron has admitted that this is an inexperienced and young group in flux and openly critisized their poor play against Jacksonville last Saturday night. While more highly touted O-line prospects were taken in the first round and early second of the draft, the Dolphins had their eye on the 6-3, 300 pound Samoan, while spending their first couple of picks on skill position players. But Cameron's no stranger to wrangling together bits and pieces of late-round draft picks to form a great O-line. That's what his ex-team San Diego Chargers' record-breaking line was made of last year.
Hopefully, as Schefter reports, Satele will meet his potential and become the cornerstone to what will eventually be a great offensive line here in Miami. Sooner, we hope, rather than later. And for the next dozen years.
