Here's why David Long is No. 12 on our Dolphins' Top 20 players countdown
Dolphins inside linebacker David Long was awarded the first orange practice jersey of the spring.
"He embodied kind of the way to go about your day-to-day operation," coach Mike McDaniel said. "If you want something, go get it. David felt after last season he had more to offer to the Miami Dolphins team, and instead of just talking about it, he lived that every single day. I think that all of his teammates feed off him."
In his first season with the Dolphins, Long led the team with a career-high 113 tackles.
Why David Long is No. 12
Long, 27, was the best inside linebacker in the NFL against the run in 2023, according to Pro Football Focus, with an incredible grade of 92.6.
Long plays with speed and aggression.
With Jerome Baker's departure, Long will team with newcomer Jordyn Brooks in the middle of Miami's defense.
"Fast and physical," Long said of Brooks. "He hits hard, just like me."
Telling stat
17: David Long started all 17 games for the first time in his career last year. After he left the Titans, former coach Mike Vrabel took a shot at Long's durability.
How we see David Long's future
Long is in the second year of an $11 million contract.
He says he feels comfortable in the new defensive scheme, lead by incoming defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.
Long should flourish, as it reminds him of the scheme utilized at his previous stop, Tennessee.
More: Linebacker David Long is Miami Dolphins' most underrated player
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins 2024: Our Top 20 player countdown rolls on with David Long
