Miami has glaring holes at a few positions, but which position is most in need of being filled?
Linebacker, interior-line, and Defensive End are glaring needs for 2017
The Miami Dolphins 2015 season is over and most would agree that this year was a move in the right direction, because the truth be told, the Dolphins turned water into wine by making the Playoffs for the first time since 2008.
Now the Dolphins need to up the ante in 2017, and not only make the playoffs, but this time to win a playoff game.
But, in order to do that they MUST upgrade several positions…question is, which is the most critical?
Miami has some ‘youngsters’ on the team, but they will also need to have to look outside the organization as well…if they are going to improve the talent level on the roster.
Since the free agent market kicks off before the NFL Draft, Mike Tannebaum and the Front Office will get their first shot to fix the holes with some big pay-outs.
There’s definitely a few positions that the Dolphins need to add more talent to such as Guard, Tight End, Defensive End, Defensive Tackle and Cornerback, and obviously Linebacker.
As of now, you have Tunsil at guard, Kiko at the backer spot, and Wake at end; but after that, there isn’t much else, with maybe FA Branch the exception — maybe.
For me the biggest need is Linebacker, because there are two vacant spots that demand filling. And with Kiko Alonso a RFA, there is always a chance (like Clay and Welker), he might not be back as well.
Can Miami put themselves in position to fill three key holes in one off season?
Kiko Alonso is just not good enough at MLB. Misi and Jenkins are constantly injured, so both players should be released: their time in Miami is over. Butler, Hewitt and Paysinger filled in admirably, however, each of these players probably is not good enough to start for most NFL teams in the league.
Sure Miami can continue to develop these players, but the wise move would be to sign at the very least one high-quality linebacker, likely the Mike.
I get the viewpoints of how Defensive End or Guard could get ranking as #1: both were huge reasons why Miami didn’t go farther in 2016. Guard is especially an thorny subject since the departure of Ritchie Incognito, and play at the position has hindered the Dolphins for seemingly ever. As far as DE goes, if Branch walks, you have 35 year old Wake, and that’s it.
Both LB and DE are premier chips and very tough to acquire, much less two or three of them in one season. With picking 22nd pick and between 5-8 picks — depending on the compensatory formula — Miami will have to work magic to nail all their needs through the Draft. And when I say nail it, the best pay per head bookie services would be kind in giving Lotto odds.
So, they will have to either wait the 2018 to fill the holes or use big money in 2017 to supplement their roster needs.
Can Miami nail the off season and put themselves in position for success in 2017?
If the Dolphins want to repeat 2016’s success, with what appears to be a very difficult schedule, they will need many things to occur, but part of that formula is getting blue chip players at Guard (possibly center given Mike Pouncey‘s injury history), at least one stud LB, and at least one stud DE to go along with fillers in their other needs.
To be realistic, it’s a tall order…Not impossible, but this would have to be better than the 2014 draft, as they would need more day 1 starters. The good part of this off season is that Miami’s cap space is far superior than 2014. This is why I expect at least one huge FA to come in, which would give them some leeway in the draft. Of course, Miami has been hot and cold in FA, so success in a big purchase isn’t a given.
After listening to others thoughts, I have sobered up and realized the depth of the difficulty in putting this roster right this off season. More than likely, if they do well, it will be a continuation of the process, rather than a resolve. But, we can always hope that they somehow get a Seattle type draft, when they began this current run. It’s early and dreams still plausible. Go Fins!!!