Former draft picks rising is KEY to the Phins 2024 Season
The Miami Dolphins are in a critical season for the Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel regime as well as having very cap tight to work with. This isn’t an ideal spot at all, so they must ace this offseason like a boss with roster moves that not just match their last two seasons but take a step forward. Despite the letdowns at the end of the the last two seasons there were also some good things achieved with two postseason appearances. But the Phins must do more than just post big offensive stats and make a quick playoff appearance to prove that this team and regime is the right one.
The question now is can and will they step forward?
Smith, Ezukama & Tindall are keys to the roster
As we all know by now Xavien Howard won’t be on the roster this season. Even though Howard’s skills have diminished this leaves a big holes in the defensive secondary. You don’t come across talented pass defenders without paying a big price in draft picks or salary or getting very, very lucky on a back end pick. Cam Smith must step forward at safety or corner to fill the talent vacuum and help Holland, Ramsey and Kohou. I know Bonner flashed, but flashing and consistency are a long way from here to there, so fans can’t bank on him. Smith producing this season would justify the blue chip pick, keep Miami from having to spend more draft picks in a trade or draft, and allow them to use their limited funds on other positions in free agency.
As for Tindall, many consider Jerome Baker expendable because he is making a sizable contract and Miami could move on from him and save nearly 10 mill. But, this is only possible if they get a replacement for him. Again, Tindall would be a cheap and younger fill and make the high pick justified. He’s sat in the tank for two seasons now to marinate. You can bet with the best pay per head that it is now or never. Tindall popping would be huge for Anthony Weaver’s new defense and Grier’s tight cap.
Then there is wide receiver Ezukanma, who has been invisible for two seasons except for a couple of runs early in the season. There was also the weird previous college neck injury situation that knocked him out of the season last year. Miami has Hill and Waddle who are very expensive and no one else on the roster. Ezikanma stepping up and into the line up as the third receiver would be big because receivers are pricey. Some see Miami drafting a wide-out with their 1st Round pick, but I think that would be nuts with all the holes, especially on the O-line.
The coordinators have been blamed for Smith & Tindall Failures!
Boyer received some blame for Tindall’s lack of production as a rookie and Fangio received blame for both of their lack of game day appearances. Both defensive coaches are not here and this is where Anthony can come in and bring a huge gust of winds in the sails of this defense and team by getting both to be solid contributors in 2024.
As a former player maybe he can figure it out? Smith seems the most likely to get it right even though there are some concerns, but Tindall is verging on ‘bust’ territory and it’s now or never for the kid. If Anthony can get Tindall on track with all his athletic talent, it will certainly say he’s got the right stuff in player development. I think if he can just get Smith to produce it will be a win. Getting both on track would be lotto.
With the Dolphins looking to add help on 3 or 4 offensive line positions, players needed on the defensive edges with Phillips and Chubb coming off serious injuries, defensive tackle addition a must with/ if Wilkins and Davis go, and many other positions that must be manned or upgraded Smith, Ezukanma Tidall finding their way would be huge for this roster. The chirps from even the most ardent Chris Grier supports are starting to rise, so how these three turnout this year would be a massive boost for the Phins 2024 Season… and Grier’s legacy. Fingers and toes crossed! Go Phins!!!