2012 NFL Free Agents: Paul Soliai Re-Signs; How He Fits in Miami Dolphins' 4-3

ProFootballWeekly.com is reporting that the Miami Dolphins have re-signed Paul Soliai. Despite being the prototype 3-4 nose tackle, Soliai can be an asset in Miami's new 4-3 base.

New defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle worked on Mike Zimmer's staff with the Cincinnati Bengals. Zimmer ran a 4-3 that emphasized a traditional nose tackle as the focal point of the run defense.

Both Domata Peko and Pat Sims occupied this role and both possess a similar frame to the 6'4", 355-pound Soliai.

Many 4-3 schemes include a nose tackle and that player usually operates in more of a shade technique, rather than head up over the center. However, Soliai's strengths may encourage the Dolphins to adopt more of a 2-gap style 4-3.

The 2-gap 4-3 is not particularly well liked in today's NFL. The Jacksonville Jaguars ran the scheme for years under Jack Del Rio, but few others did the same.

Yet the Dolphins could find that this version of the 4-3 best suits their personnel, especially Soliai and linebackers Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett.

The Dolphins possess a talented and athletic group of linebackers, led by veteran playmakers Burnett and Dansby. Allowing Soliai and whomever partners him at tackle to act like 2-gappers, will create space for the linebackers to attack downhill and aggressively pursue in space.

It's a similar tactic to the kind of scheme the Dolphins ran under Dave Wannstedt and Jim Bates in the early part of the last decade. That system was built around mammoth interior duo Tim Bowens and Daryl Gardener and the space they created for Zach Thomas and Robert Jones.

Obviously, any move to a 4-3 is primarily concerned with more explosive play from its linemen. With Soliai occupying multiple blockers in the middle, more one-on-one rush opportunities will be created for Cameron Wake.

The Dolphins will not regret giving Soliai a new deal and going against the view that he is strictly a 3-4 asset.