Dolphins experimenting with veteran Koa Misi at middle linebacker

Miami Dolphins players run through drills inside the practice bubble during an NFL organized team activities football practice, Monday, June 2, 2014 at the Dolphins Training Facility in Davie, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) (The Associated Press)

Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle calls out a play during an NFL organized team activities football practice, Monday, June 2, 2014 at the Dolphins Training Facility in Davie, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) (The Associated Press)

DAVIE, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins are seeking ways to improve their defense, which is why Koa Misi finds himself at middle linebacker during the team's offseason practices.

Misi spent his first four NFL seasons mostly at outside linebacker. But coach Joe Philbin believes Misi might be better suited to clogging up the middle for a team that ranked 24th in rushing defense and 21st in yards allowed in 2013.

The switch is an experiment instigated when the Dolphins began offseason workouts. Misi swapped spots with Dannell Ellerbe, who moved from the middle to the outside in Miami's 4-3 scheme.

Wherever he plays, the 6-foot-3, 254-pound Misi wins praise for sound fundamentals. He's considered a sure tackler and good run stopper.

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