O-line might undergo tweaks

(Note: This is the third entry in our eight-part position-by-position look at the Miami Dolphins’ options when free agency begins March 15.)

The Miami Dolphins poured considerable resources to rebuild their offensive line a year ago, during the same offseason they landed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in the 2020 NFL draft.

With three new draft picks and four in the last two years, two free-agent signees and a reliable veteran already with the team, the Dolphins offensive line had depth and gained experience during the 2020 season.

Left tackle Austin Jackson, right guard Solomon Kindley and right tackle Robert Hunt will enter their NFL second seasons, while guard Michael Deiter enters his third and veteran left guard Ereck Flowers and right tackle/guard Jesse Davis return to the fold.

Now look for them to take the next step in their development next season.

Players under contract

The Dolphins should have at least six players with significant starting experience return to their offensive line next season.

Jackson, Kindley, Hunt, Flowers and Davis will all vie for the starting jobs they had a season ago, while any potential newcomers could add some competition to the mix.

Center Tyler Gauthier, guard Durval Queiroz Neto, center Cameron Tom and offensive tackle Jonathan Hubbard were signed to futures contracts and are slated to be in training camp.

Dolphins free agents

Center Ted Karras, who started all 16 games for the Dolphins last season, is an unrestricted free agent after signing a one-year deal with Miami last year. The Dolphins have interest in re-signing Karras, but he may not get a significant raise from the $3 million he earned last season.

Julien Davenport, a left tackle who started eight games during the 2019 season, and Adam Pankey, a reserve offensive tackle, are also free agents.

Free-agent fits available

If the Dolphins do add a player in free agency, it could be a right tackle or center with other positions already set — unless Miami believes it’s already time to move on from one of its younger offensive linemen.

Right tackle Taylor Moton could be given the franchise tag and return to the Panthers, while Daryl Williams is an intriguing option after rebounding from a knee injury with the Buffalo Bills last season. Kelvin

Beachum also is an option after playing in all 16 games for the Cardinals last season.

David Andrews, who replaced Karras in New England, and Austin Reiter, who protected Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes for two seasons, could be intriguing options at center.

Draft landscape

The Dolphins could draft Oregon left tackle Penei Sewell, the most talented offensive lineman available in the draft, with their No. 3 pick.

While that would require some shuffling with a few players on the Dolphins offensive line, the unit could be set for several seasons in the future.

A likelier route for Miami would be drafting a center to mature alongside its other young offensive linemen, where players such as Alabama’s Landon Dickerson, Oklahoma’s Creed Humphrey and Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Quinn Meiriez are among the top centers available.

Position outlook

The Dolphins could bolster their offensive line further with additions at center and at right tackle — unless they believe Hunt or Davis are better options at the position.

Overall, the young Dolphins offensive line could be in store for a big second season together. They are well aware that protecting Tagovailoa and keeping a clean pocket for him will be instrumental in their development and Miami’s overall success in 2021.