Big Year for Reshad Jones

In 2010 Reshad Jones, a kid drafted out of The University of Georgia got his first NFL sack vs. the Tennessee Titans. Reshad stood out from early on as a Miami Dolphin. Granted we were pretty much forced to watching Gerbil Wilson show everyone how not to play Safety in the NFL. This makes anyone who can make a tackle look like an upgrade. All though in 2010 Jones only started one game he played in 13. In which he racked up 1 sack, 11 tackles, and one interception, the future looked bright for Reshad. In 2011 he played in 15 games, started 12 in those 15 games he had 45 solo tackles, 18 assisted tackles, 2 sacks, and one pick. He showed the ability to be around the football. 2012 was his breakout year. In my opinion it all kind of came together for him. The coaching staff starting with Defensive Coordinator Kevin Coyle (Former DB coach under Mike Zimmer in Cin) came in and introduced a scheme which seems to give Reshad a lot more freedom to roam the field. This is key because if there is one characteristic that describes Jones in my opinion is instinctive. This scheme is also great for him because he not only gets more freedom, but by been in the league for a couple of years he has gained enough know how in order to apply that experience. This combination of factors resulted in Reshad bringing in 4 picks, 74 solo tackles, and 21 assisted ones. This includes that clutch game sealing interception against the Bengals at their house. This is all great stats, and signs that point to a very bright future for Jones and the Miami Dolphins. That been said it’s crucial that we as fans and most importantly Jeff Ireland keep a foot on the breaks in regards to our excitement. Reshad is in a contract year and every year he has shown promise, along with that promise h has shown considerable improvement. The question is the following: Is he worth franchising just on promise and improvement? I personally don’t think any players should be rewarded on the premise of potential. Granted he had a breakout season last year and he should be given full credit for it. He worked hard and made the most of his opportunities. Weather that reward comes with dollar signs included I’m not so sure. However his biggest opportunity is now upon him. This is the opportunity that only the great players take advantage of. This is what separates the boys from the man in the NFL, or in other words show the premier quality not many poses. This is the ability to be CONSISTENT. Reshad has a ton of ability and potential, and if he shows me by the end of this season that he can bring some consistency along with that potential I would be more than happy to give him a long term contract.