When watching organized team activities and mandatory minicamp practices last month, Miami Dolphins linebacker Raekwon McMillan was one of the players that stood out on the defense. With Koa Misi still out from an offseason neck surgery, McMillan was cross-training at every linebacker position, including at middle linebacker.

Despite being a second-round pick, it appears McMillan is the rookie from this year’s class with the best chance to start in the Dolphins’ season opener against Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 10. Editor of Draft Wire Luke Easterling talked to McMillan several times during the draft process, and Easterling is high on the former Ohio State Buckeye.

“Raekwon [McMillan] was one of my favorite players in this class,” Easterling said in an interview with Dolphins Wire. “I spoke with him at length during the season and came away impressed with his intelligence and intangibles. He’s a leader who can make plays all over the field, against both the run and pass. Adjusting to NFL speed is something every rookie has to deal with, but I think his football IQ will make things slower for him than most. Another great value pick for Miami.”

McMillan was the Buckeyes’ leading tackler the last two seasons (2015-2016). In his final year at Ohio State, McMillan finished with 102 tackles, two sacks, seven tackles for loss and two fumble recovers. For his efforts, McMillan was a Second-Team All-American selection by the Associated Press and a Butkus Award semifinalist.

With Lawrence Timmons expected to play in the middle, McMillan could start the season as one of the outside linebackers opposite Kiko Alonso. Miami has been looking for an athletic linebacker for years, and it might have finally found its man in McMillan.