Like former Miami Dolphins standout Andrew Van Ginkel, rookie Max Llewellyn is a high-motor sack artist from the state of Iowa with a wicked spin move.
“I know Andrew Van Ginkel has got a nasty little spin move too,” Llewellyn said on a video call with local Dolphins reporters. “I’m familiar with him, that guy is a baller.”
The Dolphins were surprised Llewellyn was available in the seventh round of the last NFL Draft and they believe he has the ability to exceed the draft slot.
“Max has got a toughness to him that we liked,” Miami coach Jeff Hafley said. “He’s a rugged player. He plays really hard.”
The Dolphins were surprised in 2019 when Van Ginkel was available in the seventh round. Van Ginkel, with 35.5 sacks in seven seasons, has exceeded expectations by a mile.
You could say 2019 and 2026 are dramatic Dolphins rebuild seasons. Van Ginkel capitalized on opportunities to play as a youngster. Van Llewellyn should get his chance.
Van Ginkel is a native of Rock Valley, Iowa. Llewellyn is a native of Urbandale, Iowa.
They’re pretty far away from each other. Although coincidentally, first-round pick Kadyn Proctor is another Iowa native, from Des Moines, Iowa. That’s a lot closer (13 miles) to Llewelyn’s hometown.
“Yeah, I mean obviously the weather is a little bit different,” Llewellyn said. “Miami, that’s a vacation spot. I’m fired up. It’s going to be nice and sunny all year, I’m definitely excited.”
Miami Dolphins draft Iowa natives Kadyn Proctor, Max Llewellyn
Llewelyn did not face Proctor in high school. But if he does in rookie camp or training camp…
“Yeah, he’s big, but every NFL tackle is big,” Llewelyn said. “I don’t think it really matters who I’m going against, my effort is constant. I have one speed.”
That’s Llewelyn’s best asset ― relentlessness. And it was Van Ginkel’s, too.
“I think I’m a very technical pass rusher,” Llewellyn said. “I have good size and speed. I don’t think I have elite size and speed, but knowing that, I’ve got to be a guy who is super technical. I feel like I’m a guy who is going to study the hell out of you on tape and I’m going to find your weakness.”
Llewellyn, 6-foot-6, 258 pounds, had 17.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks over the last two seasons with the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Scouts say the spin move is his best pass-rush weapon.
“Back in high school, I wasn’t the best pass rusher, but the one move that I did have was the spin move,” Llewellyn said. “Throughout college I’ve added a couple other moves, but the spin move has been a constant for me. That’s just kind of been my bread and butter.”
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe’s free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins may have found Andrew Van Ginkel-like gem in 7th round
Reporting by Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
