How to Fix ‘em: Miami Dolphins
By: Matt Harmon
Year in Review:
You have to call this year a success for the Miami Dolphins. Not many publications had them any higher than #30 in their preseason power rankings, and many even projected them to be the worst team in the league. They said Ryan Tannehill was not ready and there were even murmurs that first year head coach Joe Philbin was in over his head. Well Tannehill looked pretty good despite a pretty bare cupboard supporting cast and the Dolphins finished with a pretty decent 7-9 record. In addition to a good start for the new regime the Dolphins are also well positioned to improve as they are in the top three for available cap space amongst NFL teams. This is beneficial since they have some players they ought to retain and can supplement their young core with some free agent signings. Of the three teams that are behind the Patriots in the AFC East Miami certainly looks like the one that is poised to emerge from the pack.
Top Five Team Needs:
Offseason Moves:
(Image taken from: http://findlogo.net/show/detail/M/Miami-Dolphins#.UQf-vaVnL18)
Year in Review:
You have to call this year a success for the Miami Dolphins. Not many publications had them any higher than #30 in their preseason power rankings, and many even projected them to be the worst team in the league. They said Ryan Tannehill was not ready and there were even murmurs that first year head coach Joe Philbin was in over his head. Well Tannehill looked pretty good despite a pretty bare cupboard supporting cast and the Dolphins finished with a pretty decent 7-9 record. In addition to a good start for the new regime the Dolphins are also well positioned to improve as they are in the top three for available cap space amongst NFL teams. This is beneficial since they have some players they ought to retain and can supplement their young core with some free agent signings. Of the three teams that are behind the Patriots in the AFC East Miami certainly looks like the one that is poised to emerge from the pack.
Top Five Team Needs:
- Number one receiver: This was the most glaring hole on the roster throughout the regular season. Brian Hartline went over 1,000 yards but only scored one touchdown. He is not a top wideout option, and is a free agent, but the team would be wise to retain him. He has chemistry with Tannehill already and is still young. Either way, Miami needs to acquire a number one level receiver to pair with Tannehill. Greg Jennings is an option given his history with Joe Philbin, but I would still look to acquire a young receiver in the draft.
- Offensive tackle: Jake Long, a free agent this offseason, was once in the discussion for the best offensive tackle in football. However, he has struggled mightily with injuries the past few years and his play has fallen off to some degree as well. Now, is it the injuires that have hampered him or has his play been in decline? And if it is just injuries, are those going to be a recurring problem? It is a lot of questions to answer when it comes time for Miami to decide whether to resign Long or let him test the market. If he does not return, adding a starter opposite Jonathan Martin, who struggled some as a rookie, will be of extreme importance for Miami.
- Cornerback: Sean Smith is a solid starter, but he is another free agent this team should look to bring back. Even if Smith comes back Miami could still stand to add to its cornerback stable. Richard Marshall was a bust free agent signing who failed to step up in the wake of the Vontae Davis trade. If Smith leaves, two starters could be needed.
- Tight End: I thought Michael Egnew was a strange pick in the third round because he is not very quick and the production just wasn’t there in college. Well, Egnew went on the record a big fat zero catches last season. Competition is needed for Egnew, who cannot be counted on after such a disappointing rookie season.
- Pass Rushers: Cameron Wake is a stud; we all know this. However the starter opposite him, Jared Odrick, is a converted defensive tackle who specializes in stopping the run. He could do more damage inside. Oliver Vernon showed some flashes as a rookie, but I am not sure he is an every down player yet. On the interior of the line, Randy Starks is still getting to the quarterback, but he is an older free agent who wore down a bit down the stretch. He is a tremendous player, but its tough know if he is brought back. If he isn’t, Miami will need to replace his production.
Offseason Moves:
(Image taken from: http://findlogo.net/show/detail/M/Miami-Dolphins#.UQf-vaVnL18)
