Stephen Dunn - Getty Images
Is Lex Hilliard's future in jeopardy with Jerome Messam coming to Miami? (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Much has been made of Jerome Messam coming to Miami and many have wondered how he will fit the team. Some think of him as a RB that will replace Steve Slaton, now a free agent. Some think he will come in and compete with Lex Hilliard. Those that think he's here to compete with Lex Hilliard for the FB position are most likely correct. Because of their similar sizes, some think they're kind of close players. There are some benefits though that could give Messam the upper hand.
1) Blocking: With the offense Philbin will use in Miami, it'll be important to have a back that does a good job of blocking, specifically in pass protection. Messam is a good pass blocker and with the CFL being a league that relies on the pass even more than the NFL, Messam has a lot of experience in pass protection.
2) Receiving: While Hilliard is a bowling ball of sorts and can run hard, he's not exactly a threat in the passing game. He has good hands, but he's limited with his ability to run after the catch. He doesn't have much speed or shiftiness. Messam has good speed and agility for a player his size and is more of a threat after the catch. With a West Coast Offense, Miami will likely want to get more versatility out of their FB.
3) Running ability: He was once a sub-4.4 runner, but he's not quite as fast as you'd think when you think of sub-4.4 runners. Still, the kid has speed and he has far more more than Hilliard does, making him much more capable in the backfield. With his ability to cut and bounce outside, he's not just a between-the-tackles type of RB that picks up short yards. While you can apply the "short yard back" label to Hilliard, you can't apply it to Messam simply because he's over 240 pounds.
4) Versatility: While Hilliard is fit for the role of a short yardage runner and a FB, Messam does have the ability to be used as either a RB or a FB. That kind of versatility could make the offense more unpredictable, especially if Messam and Reggie Bush are on the field in a split-back formation.
So what does this mean for Lex Hilliard's future in Miami? Well, Messam may not actually knock Hilliard off the roster. Remember, Slaton is now a free agent and while he still has some potential, his role is small as he sits behind Bush and Daniel Thomas on the roster. Messam could be used to fill Slaton's role as a #3 RB or even push Thomas as the #2 RB. Likewise, he could still fill in at FB if Miami wishes to keep both Hilliard and Messam. Why would they do that you ask? Well, Hilliard may be a superior run blocker, but there could be situations where we could see Messam lined up at RB and Hilliard at FB if Miami is in a power formation. If Messam surpasses Thomas as the #2 RB, that could be used for some goalline formations and 3rd-and-shorts.
There are legitimate concerns about Messam's maturity though. He's had his fair share of fights, including bar fights, and was criticized for bringing a woman into the B.C. Lions' team dorms. He became so much of a headache that not only did the front office and the coaching staff wanted him gone, but his Lion teammates want him gone as well. You know you're in a terrible situation when even your teammates want you out of the locker room. After being traded to Edmonton, Messam did make some statements saying that he wished he was smarter with his decisions and was thankful to have a second chance. He kept his nose clean with Edmonton, but will it last, especially when you have much better bars in Miami?
While Messam's contract details have yet to be released, the contract is not expected to be expensive. Hilliard is a RFA and won't receive a large tender so both players will be cheap and can be kept on the roster. This will give Miami plenty of time in July and August to determine the roles for both Messam and Hilliard. I wouldn't expect a huge breakout like Cameron Wake, but he could have a solid impact in Miami like Philbin had with John Kuhn in Green Bay.
0 recs | 61 comments
his past decision making makes me have low expectations..
I dont see him lasting. For the very reason you pointed out about the nightlife in south beach. I just hope that we dont get rid of a hard working good teammate to bring in this potential locker room disruption.
Phinphinatic - February 16, 2012
Screw the good teammate crap,
Hilliard is t-e-r-r-i-b-l-e. He can’t get us 1 freaking yard when we need it. He’s good on Special Teams, but how long do we keep him on the roster as just an ST ace? I’m excited about new talent. Honestly, I wish we’d go get Polite again. He backslid in his blocking ability, but were you ever worried about 3rd and short or 4th and short?
joel311 - February 16, 2012
well i agree that we should never of let polite walk...
hilliard is not a fullback, i think most will agree with that. But hilliard is a pretty descent running back. not elite or anythign special, but i feel like he is better than having slaton or larry johnson, or any other past their time rb.
Phinphinatic - February 17, 2012
Good read
I wouldn’t expect anything from him, I think he’ll have a good chance to make the 53 man roster but he’ll have to really show something on special teams to make it to the game day active roster ahead of Hilliard.
That’s one thing you didn’t cover with Hilliard is he is pretty good on special teams. Not sure where he ranked on ST tackles though.
Agent J 78 - February 16, 2012
He's got potential, but like phinphinatic said, im not expecting much
Apparently he tore up the CFL and I do APPRECIATE this FO looking to find gems up north… we all saw what happened with Wake!
I expect him to compete with Hilliard for 3rd RB. His peak will be to dethrone DT as #2 if he explodes in training camp. Could happen, but I’m not counting on it. Good luck kid.
Bush
Thomas
Hilliard/Messam
BSerious72 - February 16, 2012
Good Info
Thanks for the insight. I agree that he needs to be a good special team player, Keep his nose clean. And he has the potential to add another deminsion to this team. We need to be unpredictable.
Bakersfield Blowholes - February 16, 2012
Quick calculation
I calculated his YPC average yesterday and it was something like 5.1 last year. That’s pretty solid, especially for a 240+ pound back.
However, yeah…whatever his role will be, he won’t get the chances to breakout like Wake did. Either as a RB or FB he just simply won’t get the touches unless he proves to be untackable by anyone. But it’s always nice to see us scouring other sources of talents outside of the NFL and NCAA.
Mr_Solo_Dolo - February 16, 2012
He averaged 5.4 YPC last year. He had 1,057 yards on 195 carries.
He also averaged 9.2 yards per reception with 248 yards on 27 receptions.
Finhead83 - February 16, 2012
Yeah, I calculated it yesterday…couldn’t remember the exact .whatever. My bad….off a whooping 3.6 inches……
Mr_Solo_Dolo - February 16, 2012
Actually 10.8 inches….almost an entire foot. haha.
Mr_Solo_Dolo - February 16, 2012
We call that...
An entire Nicky.
Finhead83 - February 16, 2012
Is it....
FebuNicky at Subway? AnyNicky footlong sub for $5 this month?
Haha, I may appear new to you, but I’ve actually lurked and posted here for quite a while. I just was too lazy to create a username and would just “connect with facebook.”
Mr_Solo_Dolo - February 16, 2012
Any Nicky for $5?
Darn, I didn’t realize Nicky raised the price that high…
Finhead83 - February 16, 2012
And no worries...
I was a former lurker too lol. Now I just stalk TCP.
Finhead83 - February 16, 2012
Doesn't everyone stalk TCP? lol
Mr_Solo_Dolo - February 16, 2012
It seems so. Now get off my lawn!
texascowpunk - February 16, 2012
I'm not in the lawn...
I’m already inside!
Finhead83 - February 16, 2012
Well at least now the report will read that it was justifiable.
Castle law and all you know.
texascowpunk - February 16, 2012
All the animosity towards me today!
Finhead83 - February 16, 2012
Hey your the one that broke in to my house.
texascowpunk - February 17, 2012
It's all about technicalities...
I didn’t “break in” Bacon is the one that broke in. I just entered after he opened the door for me.
Finhead83 - February 17, 2012
Oh good a two for one!
texascowpunk - February 17, 2012
lol
Finhead83 - February 17, 2012
For the record
hes telling the exact truth
btw tex, you srsly need a stronger door. It was like kicking air
Ben Bacon - February 18, 2012
And Dallas
Miamimaniac - February 16, 2012
he's 6 foot 3 in
this guy is quick for such a big frame.
Kdog92 - February 16, 2012
Gotta remember to get his jersey.
Big expectations for him from me.
Phinsphana - February 16, 2012
I sense a bandwagon starting............. lol
Agent J 78 - February 16, 2012
Stop it!
texascowpunk - February 16, 2012
I actually want to get his jersey now because I think he'll be good
Phinsphana - February 16, 2012
Not because of your charming dare
Phinsphana - February 16, 2012
LOL Charming? Funny!
texascowpunk - February 16, 2012
what, i cant try and class this place up, lol.
also I’ve decided to hold off buying his jersey until he makes the team, since there is a high chance i will guess the wrong jersey number
Phinsphana - February 16, 2012
Yes, your more then welcome to try and "Church" this place up. Good luck with all that.
texascowpunk - February 16, 2012
Might have to get one as well if they ship to switzerland:)
Realism - February 16, 2012 via mobile
You can get anything you want anywhere you live if your willing to pay!
texascowpunk - February 16, 2012
Hey TCP...
Here’s $2…
Finhead83 - February 16, 2012
I'm cheap but not that cheap.
texascowpunk - February 16, 2012
$2.50?
Finhead83 - February 16, 2012
Oh no. I'm holding out for a livable wage.
texascowpunk - February 17, 2012
I'm married man! My wife doesn't allow me to have much more cash than that...
I’m lucky if I get a stick of gum for lunch…
Finhead83 - February 17, 2012
Alright then. What else you got of value to offer up?
texascowpunk - February 17, 2012
A night with Bacon?
Finhead83 - February 17, 2012
That has value? Come on man!
texascowpunk - February 17, 2012
Quiet man!
If they ever find out that Bacon’s clients no longer value him, they may put him down and find another monkey. I already saw Nicky shopping for a monkey outfit…
Finhead83 - February 17, 2012
Yeah, yeah, now what else you got for me?
texascowpunk - February 17, 2012
Let "The Messiah" nickname commence?
Finhead83 - February 16, 2012
The Dolphins were horrible in short yardage situations last year with Hilliard and Thomas.
Hopefully this signing will improve that.
ct1361 - February 16, 2012
Hilliard not a receiving threat?
What have you been watching? Hilliard has been rather amazing whenever he’s had a chance to catch the ball. Especially from a YAC point of view.
Look at his 2009 stats. It was the only year he actually got to catch the ball as a running back.
Plus he’s 5’11" and 240. Messam is 6’3" and 240. BIG difference there.
Personally, I wouldn’t be surprised if they were thinking of Messam as a H Back. That height and running ability…
The Phinisher - February 16, 2012
Yes, I don't consider Hilliard a big receiving threat
Solid hands, but limited ability after the ball is in his hands. His YAC isn’t impressive at all either at 6.2 YAC. He’s only had 1 reception go where he ran for over 15 yards after the catch.
Messam actually played at 245 lbs too. Physically, they’re not that far off each other. They’re not the exact height and weight, but they’re both big guys.
Finhead83 - February 16, 2012
Not a receiving threat??? By any chance did you watch the Texans Game a while back?
Ronnie was on IR AGAIN
Ricky was running well.
Hilliard took advantage of the opportunity that game when they finally start giving him looks.
I don’t necessarily think that we owe him anything, but he can catch when he gets his looks.
Choose your screen name: - February 16, 2012
9 receptions for 74yds and a TD isn't too bad
Choose your screen name: - February 16, 2012
He's not the threat like Messam is, no.
Hilliard has good hands, I’ve said that. He just isn’t as great after the catch. Messam also sports good hands, but has the ability to do more with the ball if he’s thrown a pass in the flat.
Finhead83 - February 16, 2012
In the CFL
It remains to be seen what he can do in the NFL
Miamimaniac - February 16, 2012
Yeah, nothing is guaranteed to translate
But his speed and agility won’t change and neither will his hands. That is what should make him a better receiving option than Hilliard.
Finhead83 - February 16, 2012
Off topic
I read somewhere on one of the articles previously posted, someone was arguing that Charles Clay is better suited as a Tightend. The argument was that he looks good catching out the backfield and wasn’t big enough i believe. The thing is Charles Clay and Aaaron Hernandez are practically the same size, and Aaron is a full time tight end and even carries the ball out of the backfield. Both players are a bit undersized to be a traditional tight end, but their athleticism makes up for it. So we shouldn’t waste and early pick on a tightend.
Carl Johnson a.k.a CJ - February 16, 2012
stats
Hernanadez
Dates: 03/17/10
Height: 6023
Weight: 245
40 Yrd Dash: 4.64
20 Yrd Dash: 2.71
10 Yrd Dash: 1.65
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 30
Vertical Jump: 33
Broad Jump: 09’03"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.18
3-Cone Drill: 6.83
Clay
Height: 6027
Weight: 245
40 Yrd Dash: 4.69
20 Yrd Dash: 2.67
10 Yrd Dash: 1.55
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 20
Vertical Jump: 35
Broad Jump: 09’06"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.32
3-Cone Drill: 7.02
only difference here is body control, and Clay has more burst
Carl Johnson a.k.a CJ - February 16, 2012
Running for over 1000 yards in the CFL is HUGE.
They are a 3-down league, which means most series go pass-pass. That means he made more with fewer opportunities. My hopes are ^^ (up)
joel311 - February 16, 2012
The only downfall is...
Edmonton had a very, very good OL and Messam wasn’t their only quality RB.
Finhead83 - February 16, 2012
I'm not worried. If we pick up a Tackle in the first couple rounds,
we will have a very good O-Line as well. Just not much depth.
joel311 - February 16, 2012
I don't know...
If we get an OT in the draft, we’d still have Garner and Murtha as backups and possibly Jerry depending on what we do at RG. That’s not too bad for depth.
Finhead83 - February 16, 2012
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