DAVIE — Davon Godchaux has exceeded all expectations as a fifth-round draft choice.

In the first two seasons of his career, Godchaux has started 21 games at defensive tackle. Last season, he recorded six tackles for loss, four quarterback hits and one sack.

But that was playing in a four-man defensive front. The Miami Dolphins are going to play a lot of three-man defensive fronts this season and it could have an impact on Godchaux.

"I don’t have another choice," Godchaux said this week, when asked about the 3-4. "This is the team I play for. Coach ‘Flo’ (Brian Flores) is doing a good job of emphasizing, ‘PG’, (defensive coordinator) Patrick Graham and the d-line coach (Marion) Hobby, are doing a great job of emphasizing techniques.”

Godchaux explained how his role is changing in a very clear way.

"Last year, we were attacking," Godchaux said. "Now you have to read the blocks. That’s probably the biggest challenge for me. Used to getting off the ball, trying to attack the offensive line. Now you have to read and watch where they’re going and playing more with your hands out in front of you.”

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Of course Flores and Graham want to attack the opposing offense. It's just that they plan to bring pressure from every spot on the field.

This means Godchaux's first, second and third responsibility has to be gap control. Put teammates in a strong position to make plays. It requires discipline and selflessness.

Godchaux is 6-foot-3, 315 pounds, which is a bit lighter than the protypical nose tackle. But Godchaux is working to excel when lined up over a center.

“The ultimate goal is to be a team player (at) my nose position," Godchaux said, explaining that he knows where his gap responsibilities are, he just has to focus on read over attack.

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The Dolphins plan to move their linemen up and down the line of scrimmage and also go from 4-3 to 3-4, even within a series.

This should create confusion for opponents. And it also gives Flores and Graham the opportunity to attack specific weaknesses they identify on tape.

For example, defensive linemen Christian Wilkins, Godchaux, Akeem Spence and Charles Harris (and pass-rushing linebackers) could all be mixed and matched against opposing offensive linemen the Dolphins think they most likely can exploit.

"It’s up to the player," Flores said. "We may feel one way that he can only do this. If he goes out there and shows us something different, then he can do a couple of things.”

Godchaux brings a relentless motor and a competitive spirit. He just needs more 3-4 reps.

"I’m very comfortable," Godchaux said. "The first couple days, a little rusty. Each and everybody was a little rusty. Speaking of myself, a little rusty. I’m coming out here each and every day, getting the techniques, going through the growing pains of the 3-4, 4-3 defense.”

Of the 15 defensive linemen on Miami's roster, only two have more years of NFL experience than Godchaux, who was playing at LSU in 2016.

"In order to be a great leader, you have to be a great follower first," Godchaux said. "I feel like I’ve always been a leader. I might not have been as vocal but I feel like I’ve always been a leader.”

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jschad@pbpost.com

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