The needs are many
A look at what the Dolphins require in advance of free agency, draft
It is very disappointing to examine these early mock drafts and discover that their authors have the Miami Dolphins selecting a player at a position that isn’t a need for them.
I’ve annually said that taking any mock draft too seriously before we get to see what each team does when free agency begins in March is a waste of time.
What happens to your favorite draft analysts’ mock draft if the Cleveland Browns, who have $101 million in cap space this offseason, signs quarterback Kirk Cousins to the highest contract in NFL history? They’ll just move on to the next version of their mock draft.
But since fans pay so much attention to these early mock drafts before any clarity is provided, let’s analyze where the Dolphins are in terms of needs. Here’s a look at how Miami stacks up in terms of what the Dolphins need this offseason in order of least important to most:
Special teams – Unit would benefit from some competition Cody Parkey, who tied Miami’s record for best field-goal
percentage in a season, making 21-of-23 (91.3 pct.) field goals, is a restricted free agent. The Dolphins shouldn’t have too much competition to re-sign the Jupiter native, but you never know. Expect Matt Haack, who had a decent season as a rookie punter, to get competition from an undrafted rookie free agent. Jakeem Grant is blossoming as a reliable returner, but the Dolphins need another player who can fill that role. Safety – Need to find capable backups
Reshad Jones and T.J. McDonald will serve as Miami’s starting safeties for the foreseeable future because of the contracts they each signed last year. But this pair of physical, in-the-box safeties must show that they can play well together in 2018. Even though Michael Thomas and Walt Aikens are free agents, the Dolphins have a decent amount of depth at this position because of Maurice Smith and Jordan Lucas. However, adding a veteran would be wise considering that position has been depleted by injuries for four consecutive seasons.
Receiver – Need to be prepared for a possible free-agent departure
Jarvis Landry, who spent the past four years setting NFL and franchise records for receptions, is the glue that holds Miami’s offense together. If Landry doesn’t get the franchise or transition tag and signs elsewhere in free agency, the Dolphins will be in a desperate spot because DeVante Parker hasn’t been able to stay healthy, and Jakeem Grant and Leonte Carroo haven’t proven they are ready to step up and become frontline receivers. And Drew Morgan, Rashawn Scott, Malcolm Lewis and Isaiah Ford are all still mysteries at this point. Cornerback – Talent must be upgraded across the boards
The Dolphins have four promising young cornerbacks in Xavien Howard, Cordrea Tankersley, Bobby McCain and Tony Lippett, who is coming back from a season-ending Achilles injury he suffered in August. But none of them has consistently shown they have the talent to become shutdown cornerbacks who can shadow and lock down the NFL’s best receivers. The fact that McCain is entering the final year of his contract means it would be wise to draft, or groom a potential replacement at the nickel spot. The Dolphins typically carry five cornerbacks on the 53-man regular-season roster, so finding someone to compete with Torry McTyer for the final spot is necessary. Defensive line – Talent must be upgraded across the board
This unit doesn’t provide much bang for the buck considering they are the highest paid unit on the team, collectively earning $38 million in 2018, yet finished 2017 ranked 14th against the run and 25th in sacks per passing play. If William Hayes isn’t re-signed the Dolphins must find another defensive end that specializes in setting the edge because Cameron Wake is only used as a pass rushing specialist these days, and Charles Harris, Miami’s 2017 first-round pick, was a liability when called on to defend the run. Offensive line – Talent must be upgraded across the board
This unit seems stable as long as the Dolphins honor the fifthyear option on Ja’Wuan James’ contract, which will pay him $9,341,000 in 2018, and make James the fourth highest paid player on the roster, and the fourth highest paid right tackle in the NFL. Jesse Davis could replace James at right tackle if necessary because his performance as Jermon Bushrod’s replacement at right guard in the second half of the 2017 shows that he could be blossoming star. The depth on this unit is terrible, so the Dolphins would benefit from an infusion of athletic linemen via free agency, or the NFL draft. Tailback – Unit is missing a capable backup
Kenyan Drake showcased his upside last year, leading the NFL in rushing yards for the final weeks of the 2017 season. However, Drake hasn’t proven that he can handle a 250 carry a season workload, so finding a tailback whose skills complement Drake’s weaknesses would be idea, especially since Damien Williams is slated to become an unrestricted free agent. Quarterbacks – Unit is missing a capable backup
Ryan Tannehill’s the only experienced quarterback under contract, and he’s coming back from a serious knee injury. That means getting a young player, one who possesses upside and could become an NFL starter with some developmental time, would be wise, especially if Matt Moore isn’t returning, which seems like a strong possibility.
Linebacker – Unit would benefit from the addition of a new starter
This unit played well in last season’s first six games, but struggled mightily in the final 10 as they got carved up by athletic tight ends, and elusive scat backs in the passing game. Lawrence Timmons’ future in Miami is uncertain because the 31 year old voided the guaranteed portion of his $5,475,000 salary by getting suspended last season for going AWOL. But releasing Timmons means the Dolphins would have to add another starter unless management feels Stephone Anthony, who Miami traded a 2018 fifth-round pick to New Orleans to acquire last season, can handle being the starting strong side linebacker. Raekwon McMillan’s return from the ACL injury that derailed his rookie season should ease Kiko Alonso’s load. But still, Miami’s depth at linebacker is suspect, especially if Neville Hewitt and Mike Hull, who are both restricted free agents, aren’t re-signed. Tight end – Unit needs a new starter
Julius Thomas’ 2017 season in Miami was a major disappointment. He sparingly created separation from linebackers, wasn’t the red-zone threat head coach Adam Gase said he’d be, and was a liability as a blocker. Expect Miami to release or restructure Thomas’ contract to gain cap space. Releasing Thomas would create $6.6 million in cap space, but the move would leave A.J. Derby and MarQueis Gray as Miami’s frontline tight ends since Anthony Fasano is a free agent.