Phins have tons of ammo to build the roster this offseason
The Miami Dolphins had a surprise run this season to 10-6 and were in the hunt for a playoff spot all the way to Week 17. An impressing feat considering the Phins’ five wins the season before. But, pretty good isn’t good enough in Year 3: No way, no how. Chris Grier and Brian Flores need to take the 2021 Dolphins to the playoffs and beyond if they want to one-up the 2020 Season and continue the upward trajectory. As in years past, the key is the lines on both sides of the ball, especially on the offensive line and the run game. So, how does the current roster’s O-line “big uglies” size up at this early stage?
It ALL starts with the trenches
Patrick Mahomes looked terrible in the Super Bowl… mostly because his offensive line couldn’t protect the fierce pass rush of the Bucs defensive line. Every skill position sinks or swims based on the blocking of the O-linemen. While Miami showed some improvement in the trenches on both sides of the ball in 2020 because of the huge expenditures they spent on them… it wasn’t good enough. Youth surely played part in this underachievement, and there were some improvements. This year though the youth excuse won’t cut it.
If the Phins want a fair evaluation of Tua and the rest of the offensive skills, This O-line must improve through the development of the players on the current roster and rookies from and after the draft with maybe the retention of their own Free Agents or the addition of new players in Free Agency. However it gets done, the offensive line must improve in 2021… and again, especially in the run game.
The Phins offensive line:
- Jesse Davis: The vet is a quality swingman and occasional starter, but his nice guy persona just can’t get nasty enough. The longshot is for him to start at center.
- Solomon Kindley played well at Right Guard for a rookie, but he leveled off towards the end of the season and was injured. Kindley’s PFF grade of 51.3 was only slightly less than fellow rookie Austin Jackson’s 52.4. The good news is Kindley was just a 4th RD pick.
- Ereck Flowers was a rather large FA acquisition and played well until his injury. Flowers wasn’t a factor in the run game, but overall PFF ranked him the 31st best guard in the NFL. Next to Jackson though, the left side was ugly on run downs because Jackson was even worse at run blocking.
- Robert Hunt was had in the 2nd Round, but he had the best rookie season. While his footwork got ugly at times, Hunt had an admirable season. Also, a move inside could shield his flawed footwork and Hunt could end up an excellent guard if Tackle ends being not an optimal position. Overall, Hunt was an excellent pick.
- Austin Jackson was billed as a talented and very young project. All of these tags proved to be true. Jackson hung in there and battled through the season. This season will be a telling one. He did show excellent athleticism, so the sky is the limit… if he continues to grow.
- Michael Deiter is entering his 3rd season. He is weak and his technique is raw. Dieter played some at guard this season, but even though he was good in pass protection, his run blocking was a disaster. At this point, until his strength improves, his only shot to play quality ball is at the center position. So far this has been a poor use of a 3rd RD pick.
- Free Agent Ted Karras was pretty good, especially in the run game, but his return isn’t a good bet with the PPH Sportsbook software services unless he takes another 1-year cheap deal.
- Free Agent Julie’n Davenport was part of the Tunsil trade and didn’t get much action last year after starting much of 2019. Flores has made his evaluation and I highly doubt he returns.
Phins O-line isn’t finished with its make over
There’s no doubt that the Dolphins’ offensive line showed some spunk, but their inability to enforce their will in the run game was a huge issue. Only Karras and Hunt provided quality run blocking. Jackson, Kindley, and Deiter were terrible and Davis and Flowers were equally average. Maybe the rookies shape up with some “man strength” in 2021? I think the better bet is the Dolphins address the center and maybe tackle position in Free Agency or the draft… just to make sure.
While the center position is the biggest question mark on the O-line, drafting an excellent tackle prospect and sliding Hunt inside could turn a pretty good tackle into a top-tier guard. I’m just not sure how high to expend a pick on either position would be wise.
Penei Sewell does look to be a very good prospect, but his only questions are his run blocking and a slightly deficient technique. Is another tackle who has trouble run blocking the best move with a premier pick of the 3rd Overall selection?
I’m on the fence with what to do with the Phins top pick.
I think if trade partner presents themselves with a good deal trading back would be the wiser move. Then you could pick up an extra piece for free… maybe that center or tackle? Of course, no one knows what it will be. I just hope it’s a winner. Go Phins!!!
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