The D-line appears closer to ‘being right’ than the Phins O-line
Big moves are coming for the Miami Dolphins’ roster very soon in Free Agency and the 20021 Draft… that’s for sure. The unknown territory for both the franchise and the Phins fans is what these moves are and for who? While GM Chris Grier has spent heavily–but wisely–on the defensive line, the unit isn’t finished with its makeover. The good news is this key defensive group is one of the Phins’ strongest and deepest on the roster. Still, the addition of the right player to the defensive front could turn this D-line into a real force and make this Top 5 Defense even better… and maybe even special.
The D-line sets the tone for the rest of the defense
Now, I might be in the minority believing that finding a new middle linebacker is key to the Phins 2021 defense, but we all can agree the run defense must improve. I think one quality, power player on the inside of the defense is key–new Mike LB or not. So, let’s focus on where we all agree… the run-stop of the Phins D-line must improve in 2021 to have real success.
Below is the current interior group of D-linemen on the roster:
- Raekwon Davis came out of the gates slow, but he came out like a bull. His PFF grade of 71.1 was the 37th best of all interior linemen! His ability to play 2-Gap (which was the primary responsibility of interior D-linemen in 2020) was outstanding. I saw Davis as an NT when drafted despite being billed as a prototypical 3-tech DT. After an early trial at 3-tech, Flores saw that at least as a rookie, around the center was where he would thrive. It will be interesting to see if he can expand his role in 2021. So far, Davis is or is close to the best pick in the Phins 2020 Draft. The problem is there isn’t anyone on the squad who can mirror his skillset. Benito Jones was a long, long distant second.
- Zach Sieler is one of my favorite Phins and a real steal as a waiver wire pickup. His shiny new contract was well deserved with a PFF grade of 69.3 that ranked him as the 44th best ‘interior linemen’. Seiler is the opposite of Davis. He is so versatile he is productive anywhere from 0-5 Tech. The only problem I see with Seiler is he plays with insane reckless abandon and hustle that he puts himself in danger quite a bit. A serious lower-body injury could be waiting for him if he isn’t more disciplined in his base when taking on double teams. Still, Seiler is excellent and will only get better if he stays healthy.
- Christian Wilkins has flirted with equally his draft status at times, but injuries slowed him in 2020. This isn’t a problem because some young linemen take time to get their man strength and find consistency. This will be a critical season for Wilkens. Now, it’s not like he has played poorly. His PFF grade of 47th shows he has been solid… but not spectacular. I favored Dexter Lawrence over Wilkens in the 2019 Draft and so far it looks like that would have been the right move. It’s still early, though.
- Benito Jones was acquired post-draft and pitched in at the end of the season. Jones was okay in spurts with a 50.2 PFF Grade. Yes, he could develop… still, Miami can’t bank on him in 2021.
- Davon Godchaux was seriously injured this season, but even before that, his play was terrible when asked to 2-Gap, especially in the NT role. While Godchaux did thrive in a 1-Gap assignment, his injury, limited skillset, and Free Agent pricetag will have him moving on. I don’t see Godchaux even wanting to return because he will do much better in another scheme.
Phins need one good signing at the interior D-line
Davis, Seiler, and Wilkens are a good group of starters, but they aren’t exceptional yet and the unit is thin. Whether the Phins go with a cheap or expensive veteran in Free Agency or find a rookie at some point in this draft is anyone’s guess. When you look at the current roster though, it’s a clear bet with the bookmaker software services that Miami must do more than bring in some warm bodies.
At some point in this offseason, Dolphins GM Chris Grier must find a player who is strong at the point of attack and can make a real impact on the defensive line interior. Resting D-linemen is critical for their success, but right now Miami can’t even do that much less absorb an injury or two!
While I still say Phins need a real Mike linebacker to have a good run defense, adding another quality interior D-linemen is a good first step. I just can’t see them going into this season as is. We’ll see though. Go Phins!!!
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