BY SEAN DONOVAN
For the first time in five seasons, the middle of the Miami Dolphins' defensive line will be without its anchor, defensive tackle Paul Soliai.
One of the candidates to pick up some of the slack from Soliai's departure is former first round pick Jared Odrick.
Odrick, entering his fifth NFL season, was a part-time defensive tackle last season, after playing defensive end in Miami's 4-3 the year prior, after being drafted to play end in the 3-4 back in 2010.
He believes that the range of positions he's played in his short career enhances his value in Miami's multiple-front defense.
“I've played all over the D-line and I think that’s one thing I bring to the team,” Odrick told the Finsiders Monday. “One of my attributes is all of my attributes."
"Diversity can help you and hurt you in that you don’t get to play one position, especially the position you think you’re best at, just because I do wear many hats for this team," he continued.
Odrick was relief for Soliai on passing downs in 2013 but figures to be a bigger fixture in the middle this season despite the arrival of former Houston Texans' lineman Earl Mitchell in free agency.
“Playing that 3-technique is something I’ve done very well throughout my career, collegiately and professionally, and something I think I’ll continue to do even better," Odrick said.
Another solid year from Odrick may put the former Penn State Nittany Lion in position to earn a sizable new contract, either from the Dolphins or another team, as he prepares to become a free agent after the season.
