Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Plenty of needs addressed already
Draft, other moves must fill out roster
The Miami Dolphins have been mocked or secondguessed for their moves in free agency in past years, but this year’s haul has a different aroma to it.
The Dolphins stuck to their plan and hope that they’ve found ways to improve their 2016 playoff team that won 10 games with a rookie head coach.
A new tight end duo that should threaten the seam (Julius Thomas) and assist the run game courtesy of Anthony Fasano’s stellar blocking was added.
Kenny Stills, one of Miami’s three starting receivers last season, was retained, ensuring that quarterback Ryan Tannehill has the same trio of wide outs, which improves the odds of him taking another step forward in his second season in coach Adam Gase’s offense.
And the Dolphins potentially found one viable starter at offensive guard in Ted Larson, who could also serve as a backup at center.
On defense, Miami extended Cameron Wake and Reshad Jones’ contracts. They resigned Andre Branch with the belief that he can pick up where he left off in 2016, swapped Nate Allen for Isa Abdul-Quddus as the team’s starting free safety, and added Lawrence Timmons, a physical inside linebacker who has averaged 98 tackles a
season throughout his 10-year career with the Steelers.
However, the Dolphins still have plenty of holes and will use the second wave of free agency and the draft to fill them.
Miami still needs a couple more viable options at guard.
Adding an inexpensive veteran would be ideal, and don’t be surprised if Miami drafts an offensive lineman early. Miami’s vision when trading Branden Albert to Jacksonville was to build a young, durable offensive line that could grow together over the next few years.
The defensive line also needs reinforcements. Even with the trade for William Hayes, the Dolphins still need defensive ends and a tackle for the unit’s rotation.
Ndamukong Suh and Jordan Phillips are viewed as the starting defensive tackles, but the only viable backup option on the roster is Nick Williams, who was re-signed to a minimum deal.
According to multiple reports, the Dolphins have feelers out on Chiefs free agent nose tackle Dontari Poe, who is visiting Indianapolis this weekend. But there are a few other teams — Falcons and Jaguars — also in play.
The draft could be used to add defensive linemen. The same approach can be taken at linebacker and safety, two positions that are relatively deep in this draft.
Allen was signed to a oneyear deal worth $3.4 million, which indicates he’s a stopgap at safety.
If Michael Thomas signs his $1.8 million tender, he’ll likely return and compete to see which safety starts next to Jones. But depth remains an issue considering Thomas, Allen and Walt Aikens are all free agents after the coming season.
Timmons and Kiko Alonso, who received a firstround tender worth $3.8 million this past week, should pair well together as the Dolphins two linebackers that play all three downs.
Koa Misi, who is due $4.2 million in 2017, is coming off a neck injury, and his status with the team remains uncertain. But for the past seven seasons Misi has been a decent strong side linebacker for Miami.
The Dolphins could also continue investing in Neville Hewitt as the third linebacker, or use Dion Jordan, the team’s 2013 first-round pick, in that role.
The Dolphins plan to bring Jordan, who has played in 10 games the past three seasons because of suspensions and injuries, to training camp, allowing him to compete for a roster spot. It’s unclear if Jordan will be used at defensive end or linebacker.