Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Defensive line still in need of upgrades
(Note: This is the final entry in our eight-part position-by-position look at the Miami Dolphins’ options when free agency begins on March 15.)
If their first two moves regarding the defense are any indication, the Miami Dolphins certainly have plans to improve their pass rush from a season ago.
The Dolphins released outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy and traded defensive end Shaq Lawson and must address their need for new edge rushers and defensive tackle depth on the defensive line this offseason.
Defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah led the Dolphins with nine sacks last season, while defensive tackles Christian Wilkins, Raekwon Davis and Zach Sieler were anchors on the defensive line.
Thefreeagencymarketwill have several versatile players who could fill the Dolphins’ need immediately, while the draft could offer Miami some intriguing long-term options for the future.
Players under contract: Ogbah is entering the second season of a two-year deal that will again pay him $7.5 million in a valuable contract for Miami because of his production, which also included 10.5 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles that led to two touchdowns.
Wilkins, Miami’s firstround pick in 2019, will enter his third season, while Davis enters his second season after being a second-round pick in 2020. Sieler has also proved to be a reliable inside option for the Dolphins.
The Dolphins also expect defensive tackle Benito Jones and defensive ends Nick Coe, Jonathan Ledbetter and Tyshaun Render in training camp before free agency and the draft alter the roster further.
Free agents: Defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, a fifth-round pick in 2017, started 42 games the past four years before a bicep tear endedhis2020seasonprematurely. He’ll enter free agency.
Outside linebacker Vince Biegel, who tore his Achilles tendon in training camp last year, is also a free agent.
Free agent fits available: The Dolphins should be able to get an experienced pass rusher in free agency. It’s just a matter of how much money they’re willing to spend at the position.
Shaq Barrett, Haason Reddick, Carl Lawson, Matt Judon, Bud Dupree, Romeo Okwara and Yannick Ngakoue will command big pay days among edge rushers in free agency.
Melvin Ingram, Carlos Dunlap, Everson Griffen, Allen Bailey, Ziggy Ansah and Justin Houston are older than 30 years old, and could provide the Dolphins with playmaking and experienced depth.
Dalvin Tomlinson, DaQuan Jones, Sheldon Rankins and Tyson Alualu are among the experienced nose tackles available.
Draft landscape: The Dolphinshavetwofirst-round picks, and could build their defensive line depth with the No. 18 pick among others in the draft.
PennState’sMicahParsons, Michigan’s Kwity Paye, Miami’s Gregory Rousseau and Jaelen Phillips, Georgia’s Azeez Ojulari, Notre Dame’s Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah are among the top defensive line and edge rushing prospects in the draft.
The Dolphins could also fill their defensive tackle need with standouts like Washington’s Levin Onwuzurike, Alabama’sChristianBarmore, UCLA’s Osa Odighizuwa and Florida State’s Marvin Wilson potentially available after the first round.
Position outlook: Brian Flores has put an emphasis on defensive line depth and versatility during his tenure as Dolphins’ coach and expect this offseason to be no different in Miami adding players that fit their scheme.
The Dolphins will likely addanedgerusherortwo,and at least one starting defensive tackle this offseason to bolster the defense.