Which will end up the Dolphins best off-season move?
Dolphins made a lot of “River Boat” rolls, so which off-season move was the best?
The Dolphins have been busy bees this off-season. The starter pistol cracked with the Dolphins being the first team in the league to hire a new head coach. That was just the beginning. Then there was the trade, followed by the massive overhaul on the defensive line, and the crazy 1st round of the draft.
Many “old school” football gambling fans will say that the best way to improve an NFL team is by getting better in the trenches, which was definitely something that the Dolphins brass took to heart this off-season.
It’s actually a very tough call to definitively say which was the best off-season move because there were a lot of high quality moves – that is, IF they end up panning out as billed.
The best move actually has several parts. The swapping of first round picks with the Eagles to acquire Maxwell and Alonso was not immediately received by the fans as a thrilling moment when the cost was announced as having to move back 5 places. It seemed that Miami was going to miss out on a premier talent. However, with an extremely crazy draft day social media leak, Laremy Tunsil, who many teams and analysts had ranked as the best player in the draft, fell right into Miami’s lap. So, considering that Miami gained three starting caliber players in one off-season trade, it’s very hard to argue that this may not be the best move of their off-season.
The reason I lean towards this move is because I believe that Tunsil and Alonso can be team changing type players. Dolphins fans are acutely aware that the offensive line has been a disaster for at least a decade. However, the near miraculous addition of Tunsil has dramatically altered the fortunes of the Dolphins offensive line. Even though Tunsil is a true Left Tackle, Miami has Albert, so Tunsil will most likely start his career at Left Guard. This means that the Dolphins will be playing the 5 best offensive lineman on their team, which clearly consists of Albert, Tunsil, Pouncey and James – all are players selected in the first round. The final spot will be fought over, which will guarantee that the best man will win the competition.
On paper and if healthy, Miami’s offensive line has a legitimate chance to be a top 5 line – I do repeat, on paper.
Then on the defensive side Alonso is a true middle linebacker. The Dolphins have not had a true middle linebacker since Zach Thomas. There is no denying Alonso’s talent, he was a former Rookie of the year. However, the biggest concern is his health. But, Alonso is claiming that this is the best he has felt since his Rookie year. He has already made a very strong impression on coaches and could be poised for a rebirth at the MLB spot. This might end up the key “IF” when all is said and one, because if Asono rebounds, Miami could very well have a top defense. In his 2013 Rookie season he had 159 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries and 4 interceptions. That would be a lot of production to add to the likes of Suh, Williams, Jones and Wake.
The Hiring of Adam Gase could very well end up the best move in retrospect.
Other honorable mention off-season moves would be Mario Williams, Isa Abdul-Quddus, Leonte Carroo and being ahead of the curve on Vernon, realizing there would be no feasible way to sign him. Each of these moves brought personnel in that has a chance to make an immediate impact on this team. These players can end up changing the course of a game with one big play, or change the course of a season with a consistent Pro Bowl type season.
Lastly, if Adam Gase can change the culture of this team, and become the Dolphins Head coach for the next decade, then he would actually be the hands down best off-season move of this year. However, it will take more time to evaluate him verses the personnel moves – but I for one am ready to get that evaluation rolling with training camp. What are the rest of the Miami Dolphins News fans thoughts about what or who was the Dolphins best off-season move?
