Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Defense on the menu
Dolphins’ need is where strength of draft lies
Stopping the run was a major issue for the Miami Dolphins last season. They ranked 30th in the 32-team NFL in run defense (allowing 140.4 yards per game). That might lead some to think front seven defensive players, and possibly defensive players overall, would be the Dolphins’ focus in this week’s NFL draft.
If so, it seems to be a good year to be looking for defensive players.
“When I look at this draft on a whole,” NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah said, “the things that jump out to me is just the depth we have in the secondary, especially corners is a really, really deep group, even though we’ve had a couple injuries at the position.
“Safety is loaded. Then edge rushers, it’s a good group of edge rushers overall.”
Coach Adam Gase mentioned defensive tackle at the NFL owners meetings in March when asked about areas that need improvement. General manager Chris Grier, who is in charge of the draft for the Dolphins, mentioned defensive end at the NFL scouting combine earlier that month although he backed off that somewhat last week.
Linebacker is also a position of need, and so is cornerback, to some extent.
But Mike Tannenbaum, the Dolphins executive vice president of football operations, said last week none of that necessarily means the Dolphins will draft predominantly defensive players, or even draft a defensive player in the first round.
“Last year, I don’t think any of us would
“Safety is loaded. Then edge rushers, it’s a good group of edge rushers overall.” Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network analyst
have sat here and said, ‘Hey, we’re going to draft [offensive lineman] Laremy Tunsil,’ ” Tannenbaum said of the rookie guard/tackle who unexpectedly slid to the Dolphins at No. 13.
As a testament to Tannenbaum’s words consider the Dolphins were in a fairly similar situation defensively last year, and six of their eight 2016 draftees were offensive players.
Still, most think the Dolphins will focus largely on defense in this draft.
At defensive tackle, the Dolphins have Pro Bowler Ndamukong Suh, one of the best in the league, and upstart Jordan Phillips, whose performance has been up and down through his young career. There’s not much reliable depth behind them.
At defensive end the Dolphins have Pro Bowler Cameron Wake on one side and Andre Branch, who had 5.5 sacks last season, and William Hayes, acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams, on the other side. Again, depth is questionable.
Many experts think there should be plenty of talented defensive ends/ pass rushers available in the first three rounds, which could reduce the urgency to grab such a player.
At linebacker, the Dolphins figure to start Lawrence Timmons, the hard-nosed free-agent signee from Pittsburgh, on the inside and probably shift Kiko Alonso to the weakside. That leaves an opening on the strongside for a starter, and the depth could use an upgrade.
At cornerback, the Dolphins basically return three boundary starters among Byron Maxwell, Xavien Howard and Tony Lippett as well as nickel Bobby McCain. But this could be a year to grab a quality player at the position.
“Looking at the cornerback class, a lot of it comes down to style and scheme fit,” said NFL Network analyst Bucky Brooks. “I don’t know if there’s necessarily a transcendent star at the position, but I do believe there are a bunch of plugand-play players, guys that would traditionally be viewed as number two corners on most teams.”
At safety, Reshad Jones, a 2015 Pro Bowl selection, well be back but the other starting job is up for grabs among a contingent that includes returnee Michael Thomas, newcomers Nate Allen and T.J. McDonald, who must serve an eightgame suspension to start the season. The Dolphins seem set at safety, but the strength of the draft class combined with their “Best Player Available” mentality could lead to one being selected.
If the Dolphins choose to load up on defense, this seems to be the year to do it. Although draft experts disagree on which player will be selected by which team, they’re almost unanimous in saying this is the year to grab quality defensive players.
“I would agree about it being a defensive-heavy draft,” Brooks said, “particularly at some of the marquee positions.”