Dolphins add more speed to an already blazing roster
The Miami Dolphins roster was loaded with speed, but sorely lacked in blocking on the offense going into the 2023 Draft. The general thought was that the Dolphins would bolster the offensive line and the tight end position to fix these weaknesses with their selections. But GM Chris Grier decided to go counter to conventional wisdom and add more speed and skill players, instead.
Is this deep on speed and thin on physicality style of offense a good thing or bad thing?
I think it’s clearly a good thing! But I don’t know if it’s going to be good enough of a good thing? The truth is it will take the 2023 Season to tell us what-is-what.
I’m an old school guy who believes in the trench play being critical, but I believe Miami can speed their way to success this season. Let’s be clear, this isn’t a conventional path in the least. So, by the end of the season Miami will look either brilliant or foolish. I do think if things break right, we could see Grier grinning like a Chesire cat when all’s said and done.
I obviously hope it’s brilliant, but I sure won’t bet with the best pay per heads that it will be.
Miami had choice with the 2nd & 3rd RD picks
The addition of cornerback / safety Cam Smith was smart for many reasons. He can play many roles in the secondary and defensive backs are highly coveted positions. With Xavien Howard turning 31 next season and oft injured, it was wise to add the very talented cover defender. But Miami could have traded back and netted tight End Tucker Kraft who they were very interested in, or draft #1 guard O’Cyrus Torrence, or top center prospect John Michael Schmitz.
I would have grabbed Torrence or traded back for Kraft. But to be fair, Torrence wasn’t an exact scheme fit and Smith offers more raw draft capital value than Kraft.
The addition Devon Achane in the 3rd and his 4.32 forty time over Darnell Washington leaves me wondering. I know Achane is a good back with blazing speed. I know Washington had some injury concerns that had him slide. But I’ve seen the kid play, he’s a freak who can block, and the Steelers who are excellent in their front office felt fine to draft him. This move that will be a major factor in grading Chris Grier and his staff.
Grier said this:
This quote needs to either be used to crown or flush Chris Grier.
If Tua gets hurt by poor blocking, the Oline is in flux due to lack of depth, and we struggle to run and succeed in bad weather games, then this quote above needs to be remembered by every Dolphins fan.
In the same token, if we succeed and thrive despite this apparent lack to blocking talent and Liam Eichenberg and Austin Jackson growth and produce, then this quote should be used at his coronation.
What will it all turn out to be? I don’t know… but, this is as exciting a storyline as it gets. I hope Grier nails and he provides leadership smarter than me. Everyone has an opinion, but all we can really do now, is wait, watch, and evaluate each step of the way!!! Go Phins!!!
