After the draft
What the Dolphins lineup looks like now.
DAVIE — Through the draft and signing undrafted rookie free agents, the Dolphins addressed each of their perceived needs in the draft or right after the draft. Well, unless you considered backup quarterback a need. And you might think more was needed at defensive tackle.
Regardless, Miami’s roster received reinforcements at key positions such as tight end, linebacker, kicker and defensive back via the draft, and through free agency it added players to replace the Pro Bowl trio of wide receiver Jarvis Landry, center Mike Pouncey and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.
Of course, we won’t know whether the new additions are quality players until the regular season gets underway. But the Dolphins plugged a number of holes during the offseason and in the draft.
The Dolphins also broke away from a couple of draft tendencies.
They didn’t draft an offensive lineman for the first time in franchise history.
And they didn’t make a draft-day trade for the first time under Mike Tannenbaum, who was elevated to his current role of executive vice president of football operations in January 2015. Tannenbaum’s penchant for trades is so well-known, general manager Chris Grier jokingly referred to him as ‘Trader Mike’ during the draft-night media session.
“We had to restrain him this year,” Grier said with a smile. “It was hard for him.”
Miami will likely acquire a veteran free agent or two as OTAs (organized team ac-
tivities) get underway in May, especially at defensive tackle, where the replacements for Suh still seem inadequate.
Here’s a glance at where the roster stands, whether each position group has improved since the end of last season and why.
Quarterback
Projected starter: Ryan Tannehill
Improved since end of last season: Yes
Comment: Tannehill is back, which is an improvement over the departed Jay Cutler. Acquiring backup QB Brock Osweiler (and David Fales, to a lesser extent) reduced the need to draft a QB or sign an undrafted rookie. Coach Adam Gase is familiar with both backups because he’s worked with them previously. Whether either is better than Matt Moore, the previous backup, is debatable.
Running back
Projected starter: Kenyan Drake
Improved since end of last season: Yes
Comment: Acquiring veteran Frank Gore helps and drafting Kalen Ballage (fourth round/Arizona State) strengthens the depth. Ballage isn’t expected to contribute immediately, but considering the normally-reliable Gore will be 35 when the season starts, Ballage, a three-down back, will be on call. Miami signed undrafted rookie Buddy Howell (FAU) and Senorise Perry and Brandon Radcliff return.
Tight end
Projected starter: Mike Gesicki
Improved since end of last season: Yes
Comment: Drafting Gesicki (second round/ Penn State) and Durham Smythe (fourth round/ Notre Dame) should set the two starters, Gesicki as the receiver and Smythe as the blocker. Because the Dolphins invested so heavily at this position in the draft, the veterans (MarQueis Gray, A.J. Derby, Gavin Escobar, Thomas Duarte) will have an uphill climb for roster spots.
Wide receiver
Projected starters: DeVante Parker, Kenny Stills, Danny Amendola
Improved since end of last season: Yes (possibly)
Comment: This is a tough one. Miami didn’t draft a WR and didn’t sign an undrafted rookie WR. It will enter the season with a group of seasoned veterans. Losing Landry is a big loss, however. Perhaps acquiring Amendola and Albert Wilson is enough compensation.
Offensive line
Projected starters: LT Laremy Tunsil, LG Josh Sitton, C Daniel Kilgore, RG Ted Larsen, RT Ja’Wuan James
Improved since end of last season: No
Comment: The offensive line remains roughly the same. Miami didn’t draft an OL, but signed two undrafted rookies. Acquiring Sitton and Kilgore is good, but losing Pouncey is tough. The interior OL might be about the same as last year. The big improvement must come from OTs Tunsil and James. Depth might be slightly better.
Defensive line
Projected starters: DE Cam Wake, DT Jordan Phillips, DT Davon Godchaux, DE Robert Quinn
Improved since end of last season: No
Comment: Miami surprisingly didn’t draft a DT despite losing Suh. The Dolphins did sign undrafted rookies Anthony Moten (University of Miami) and Jamiyus Pittman (Central Florida). The DE group, which includes veterans Andre Branch and William Hayes, who can play DT, along with youngster Charles Harris, is solid. But the DT position, which also includes Vincent Taylor and Gabe Wright, needs reinforcements.
Linebackers
Projected starters: MLB Raekwon McMillan, OLB Kiko Alonso, OLB Jerome Baker
Improved since end of last season: Yes
Comment: Baker (third round/Ohio State) should improve things and Quentin Poling (seventh round/Ohio) provides a bit of depth. McMillan returns from a season-ending knee injury that wiped out his rookie year. Miami also signed undrafted rookie Mike McCray (Michigan) for interior help. He joins returning reserves Mike Hull, Stephone Anthony and Chase Allen, among others. On paper, the unit is improved but the ultimate test is whether the additions are sure tacklers and can cover TEs and RBs.
Defensive backs
Projected starters: CB Xavien Howard, CB Cordrea Tankersley, Nickel CB Bobby McCain, SS Reshad Jones, FS Minkah Fitzpatrick
Improved since end of last season: Yes
Comment: Miami drafted Fitzpatrick (first round/Alabama) and CB Cornell Armstrong (sixth round/Southern Mississippi) to add to what might be the most talentrich area of the team. Veteran S T.J. McDonald, a starter last year, is included in this group, as is CB Tony Lippett, a starter in 2016. The next step for this group is making game-winning plays.
Special teams
Projected starters: LS John Denney, P Matt Haack, K Jason Sanders, KOR Jakeem Grant, PR Jakeem Grant
Improved since end of last season: No
Comment: Miami drafted Sanders (seventh round/New Mexico) and signed undrafted rookie Greg Joseph (FAU), but it’s doubtful either is better than departed veteran K Cody Parkey (Chicago), who tied a franchise record for FG accuracy. Also, Miami lost two special teams standouts via free agency in S Michael Thomas and RB Damien Williams.