Terron’s return would change the way the Phins view the draft
The Miami Dolphins are heading into a big offseason full of uncertainly and doubt that this regime will survive. Phins offensive tackle Terron Armstead had a Super Bowl interview and offered some interesting nuggets, and if you read between the lines maybe some hints on the Dolphins direction. Now, maybe these aren’t clues to the Phins direction, but I can’t help but feel they are.
Terron Talks like he’s Returning
Most Phins fans thought Terron was done, and the team will move off him or he’ll move on from football. But listening to his conversation and how he talked about the team and his feeling about the 2024 Season that he’s sounds like he’s coming back for the 2025 Season. With Terron’s contract restructure, he holds the financial cards because Miami can’t move off him pre-June due to the $18 million in dead money they get. So, it really looks like the stars are aligning for the two paths to cross again this season.
If Terron returns, how will that set the dominoes to fall for what they do in the offseason?
Patrick Paul is a second-round pick entering his second season and Austin Jackson is locked with his contract but coming off an injury. Given Terron’s injury history, it looks like Paul will be the backup and these three players will be the primary tackle option in 2025. If Terron returns look for the Dolphins add a cheaper veteran to fill out the roster. The draft fallout if it plays out this way will have Miami looking primary at guards and only draft a tackle who plays multiple positions to play guard and only play tackle in a pinch.
This could mean they are eyeing Kelvin Banks Jr., who is a tackle, but also projected to be better at guard, but could help Miami in a pinch at tackle. It also means fans might have to wait until Day 2 to get help on the offensive line.
The 13th pick might not be what fans want or expect
There’s been talk that the Dolphins are looking at linebacker in this draft, problem is it isn’t a deep one at that position. Zance Zierlein mocked the Dolphins picking Jalon Walker, who can play edge and is growing into a linebacker.
Walker ‘could’ solidify both an uncertain edge group and a thin linebacker group with only Jordan Brooks. Yes, I don’t even consider 3rd round Channing Tindall an option. Miami has tons of holes and despite all the talent on paper at edge, Bradley Chubb is coming off an injury and maybe being cut post June and Jaelan Phillips coming off two seasons of injuries. While Chop Robinson was nominated for DROY, he has a lot to improve on in the run game.
So, Grier could see a thin linebacker draft, questions at linebacker and edge and view Walker as a way to solidify both position groups with one move. I’m not saying this would be my move, but you can bet with the best pay per heads that this would be a very Grier move. Given all the holes, lack of financial and draft capital to fill them all, and the pressure to win this season, Grier has to be at least considering this option.
At this stage, before the combine when stocks rise and fall sharply, Banks and Walker appear to be two players on the Dolphins boards. Given Grier’s love of ‘premium positions’ Walker seems to have the edge. I’m sure there are other players on the board too because neither might make it to the Phins 13th pick. It’s a guessing at this stage, but I’d bet hard that Terron returns… and that there’s a great chance Grier throws a curves ball with the first pick. I hope the draft surprise is a trade back out of #13 for more ammo.
Whatever decision Miami makes let’s pray it’s the right move. Go Phins!!!