Miami Dolphins selected Mike Pouncey in the 1st round (#15 overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft. He was regarded as a top-tier offensive guard/center. At the University of Florida Pouncey was a star alongside his twin brother Maurkice Pouncey. Mike started 28 games as the right guard, and even a few starts on the defensive line. Then in 2010 Maurkice entered the NFL, which opened up the starting center position for the Gators. Mike moved from guard to center, and he took over. In his rookie 2011 campaign for the Dolphins he started all 16 games at center, and is clearly the center going forward for this organization.
Mike brings a good motor to the interior of the offensive line. He has a strong/powerful first punch which allows him to fire off the line and attack defensive lineman. He is agile with good footwork which allows him to mirror the d-lineman. He has very good lower strength, and uses his legs to have a powerful base. This allows him to drive through defenders. His footwork and athleticism allow him to pull and trap effectively. He has his demeanor at the level where he wants to make an initial strong block, and get to the second level to block a linebacker/safety too.
Pouncey is getting better and better vs bull rushes. He does not have long arms, so his technique with his powerful hands has to continue to improve at the NFL level. Pouncey does finish blocks usually, but could be more consistent with that. Pouncey has struggled with snaps when the QB is in the shotgun, but that has improved (still a bit of work required). This is just the 3rd season at center for Pouncey, so there are still technique areas that need to improve, but he is working with head coach Joe Philbin (who has a TON of o-line coaching experience) and offensive line coach Jim Turner everyday.
The center is the main communication source for the offensive line, and Pouncey brings a lot of o-line knowledge (even some d-line knowledge) to the table. In his rookie season the ‘Phins had players on the o-line (especially the right side) that had played in the system before. 2012 is much different as both the right guard and right tackle are sure to be brand new to the Miami Dolphins, thus even more emphasis on Pouncey to be a strong leader/communicator at the line of scrimmage (pre-snap)
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