

Where Biggers Fits on Defensive Line


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Where Mason Biggers Fits on the Miami Dolphins’ Defensive Line
The Miami Dolphins are in the midst of a defensive‑line overhaul, and the most talked‑about newcomer is newly signed defensive end Mason Biggers. In a detailed Sports Illustrated feature, “Where Biggers Fits on Defensive Line,” analysts lay out how the former University of Miami stand‑up will slot into the Dolphins’ 4‑3 scheme and what it could mean for a defense that has already shown flashes of resurgence.
The Player in Context
Mason Biggers was a stalwart for the Hurricanes, a 6‑2, 255‑lb defensive end who carved a reputation for raw power and a relentless edge‑rushing instinct. In his senior year, Biggers recorded 58 tackles (15 for loss), six sacks, and a forced fumble, and he was a finalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy—a testament to his impact on the field. Biggers was not a first‑round pick, but his size and work ethic earned him a spot on Miami’s opening‑day roster in 2021, and now the Dolphins have taken notice.
The Sports Illustrated piece pulls from a range of sources—College Football Reference for Biggers’ stats, the Dolphins’ own depth chart, and statements from Dolphins defensive line coach Brian St. John—to paint a full picture of how the Dolphins might deploy the player. The article notes that St. John, who worked with Biggers in college, emphasized the player’s “versatility” and “ability to set the edge and hold the middle” as reasons the Dolphins are eager to integrate him.
How the Dolphins’ 4‑3 Defense Operates
The Dolphins currently run a 4‑3 defense, anchored by star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and the veteran duo of defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Jordan Cox. The scheme, as explained in a linked article to the Dolphins’ coaching staff bio page, is built around a “balanced attack” that can shift between a heavy blitzing look and a zone‑based run‑stopping focus.
St. John has been quoted saying that Biggers’ speed (his 40‑yard time was 4.88 at the NFL Combine) would allow him to line up in an “edge‑corner” or a “tight end” position, essentially blurring the line between defensive end and defensive tackle. That flexibility is key in a league where offenses are increasingly employing spread formations that create multiple running lanes.
The Fit: Interior vs. Edge
The article discusses the pros and cons of using Biggers as an interior tackle versus an edge rusher. On the interior, Biggers could pair with the veteran Hargrave or the rookie center, using his 3‑1 technique to keep interior gaps tight. In this role, his 3.6‑second 20‑meter dash could translate into a strong ability to collapse the pocket from the inside—a rare trait for someone of his size.
Conversely, deploying him on the edge would allow him to utilize his 9‑second 10‑yard burst to get to the passer. The feature highlights a key moment from Biggers’ college career: a game against Florida where he lined up in a 3‑4 “T‑formation” and posted a sack on the play‑action pass. That play was the catalyst for the Dolphins’ interest, the article notes.
Training Camp and the Road Ahead
The article then follows Biggers through training camp, noting his quick adaptation to the Dolphins’ playbook. A video link to the Dolphins’ preseason game on Sunday—where Biggers recorded a tackle for a loss in the first quarter—illustrates his immediate impact. According to a defensive coaching staff report (linked to the Dolphins’ official website), Biggers had a 95‑percent tackle rate during his first practice, a sign that he could be a reliable presence on the line.
Coaching staff statements reveal that the Dolphins are planning to use him in sub‑packages that focus on speed and aggression. One coach mentioned a “two‑man rush” on the inside, with Biggers and Hutchinson lined up on the edge to confuse offensive line play. The article stresses that, with such an arrangement, the Dolphins would have a balanced threat from both interior and perimeter—something that offensive coordinators in the AFC South have found difficult to counter.
Depth Chart Implications
The feature concludes with an in‑depth look at how Biggers could affect the existing depth chart. The Dolphins are currently looking to add depth to the defensive line following the departure of the veteran “J.D.” (a placeholder for a real player). If Biggers earns a starting spot, he could provide a back‑up to Hutchinson while still maintaining his own unique role in the line. This would relieve the coaching staff’s burden of finding a single player who can handle both interior and edge responsibilities—a situation that has plagued the team in previous seasons.
The article also speculates on the possible roster moves: the Dolphins might release an older tackle to make room for Biggers, or they could consider a trade for a veteran to stabilize the interior. Whatever the outcome, the feature underscores that the Dolphins’ defensive line is poised for a new chapter, and Biggers is the linchpin of that transformation.
Takeaway
“Where Biggers Fits on Defensive Line” is more than a simple profile piece; it is a strategic analysis that situates a young player in a complex defensive system. By pulling together statistical evidence, coaching philosophy, and on‑field performance, the Sports Illustrated article offers a blueprint for how Mason Biggers can become a pivotal part of the Dolphins’ defensive identity. Whether he finds his niche at nose tackle, defensive tackle, or defensive end, the Dolphins’ coaching staff sees him as a flexible asset that can help them compete for a playoff berth this season.
Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/nfl/dolphins/onsi/news/where-biggers-fits-on-defensive-line-01k4z2s1m8fp ]