Phins Win Nailbiter & Fall To 5th Pick

M.J.

5 years ago

What a win! But Phins are now out of ‘Top Pick’ conversation for good

After one helluva’ hard-fought win, the media can now stop the Phins tank talk. Yes, the win was against the worst team in the league and now Miami won’t have a shot at Young or Burrow…

… But there were plenty of positives that give hope about the Dolphins’ future too. Still, the easy layup for Chris Grier of drafting Borrow or Young is off the table. While Miami is still in an excellent position to improve the team with the 5th Overall pick, who Grier should draft isn’t as cut and dry as it would have been with a top 2 selection.

Let the conversation begin about what to do with the pick.

The Dolphins receiving group is the deepest on the team

One thing is for sure, the Dolphins don’t need any more receiver talent this offseason. This is the one and only position that Miami is stocked with quality players. Not only did DeVante Parker shine like a star again (111 yards and a T.D.), but Albert Wilson (7 catches for 79 yards), Isaiah Ford (5 catches for 68 yards), and Mike Gesicki (6 catches 111 yards and 2T.D.s) also flexed their talents. Add in Preston Williams and Jakeem Grant returning next year with Allen Hurns to round out the group and you could say this group is overstocked with talent going into 2020.

Let’s be clear, Ryan Fitzpatrick was–and has been–the key to this team being the least bit competitive. His tough and smart play generating chunk yards behind the worst pass-blocking in football with a weak rushing attack has been nothing short of amazing. What could Fitzpatrick accomplish with a talented offense around him?!

I’m not saying he’s the quarterback to lead the Dolphins to the promised land, but Miami needs to keep him on the roster. Even Flores admitted Fitzpatrick is partly responsible for the growth in Parker and Gesicki. Some guys are just special and Fitzpatrick is one of them. Dolphins need to keep him until we find a better option… and then pay him a sweet deal to be the backup.

How about 6’6” 290lbs Zach Seiler!

What a stat line Seiler had: 7 tackles total, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss, and two deflections. I’ve been very interested in seeing Seiler get extended play since he was signed off the waiver wire from the Ravens. This game wasn’t just about stats. His film is consistent and pops too. There is a very strong chance he turns out to be a real gem. I am very excited to see him paired up with Jonathan Ledbetter next year.

Beyond Christian Wilkens’s fancy touchdown catch, he took another step forward in his career notching 3 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 tackle for loss. It was his best game as a pro. Devon Godchaux was also very active with 7 tackles and half a sack.

Though lacking an elite player, the defensive line is growing into a strength.

And one last positive note for the defense is LB Calvin Munson. While it’s too early to tell, Munson looked very good this week. The former Patriots practice squad player put in 36 snaps and registered 4 tackles with a 77.8 PFF Grade. I’m not as high on him as Seiler, but it was a nice start.

On the downside of the front seven, Charles Harris and Taco Charlton were healthy scratches. This doesn’t bode well for them and is a good reason why, if they end up picking 5th and LT Thomas is off the board, DE A.J. Epenesa is a darkhorse candidate for the Phins 1st pick in the draft.

Miami is in desperate need of offensive linemen and cornerbacks

Elite quarterbacks, offensive tackles, and cornerbacks are the hardest players for a franchise to find. Miami has an elite cornerback in Xavien Howard, but he is perpetually injured. The Dolphins are in need of two and half of these critical positions… along with plenty of others.

Nik Needham had another solid performance, but unless he improves, he looks best suited as a #3 corner. After watching the Bengals go up and down the field through the air, it’s clear the Phins need to find another quality CB at some point.

With Needham showing as much as he has and Tankersly getting another chance next year, Grier could hold off focusing on that position until the 2021 Draft. But, after two years off from football, I wouldn’t bet with the sports betting software sites that he’s the answer. I could see Grier choosing the route of some fliers in the middle rounds, UDFAs, and Needham as I could equally see him drafting a corner with one of the Dolphins 1st Round picks.

But, we know what the big, bright, Pink elephant in the room is.

Beyond not being able to pass block or run block, the O-line is playing well. Yes, surprisingly Julién Davenport has improved, but Left Tackle is still a big need… along the whole offensive line. I’m fine with Jesse Davis at Right tackle for another season. He needs to improve, but he’s been serviceable hovering around a 60.0 PFF Grade for the season. So one good LT would fortify the edges.

The inside of the O-line is another story.

While Daniel Kilgore has surprised me with solid play, he is getting long in the tooth and better play at the spot is needed. And Dieter and Calhoun are struggling hard at guard. They have shown that they can be relied on going forward. It’s not to say they won’t improve. Linemen take time to develop, but the Phins must come out of this offseason with at least one high-quality Left Tackle and interior linemen– at the very least.

The good, the bad, and the chance to screw the Patriots!

Here we are and the Dolphins have the 5th pick, are 4-11, and face the Patsys this week with a chance to rob them of their Post Season Bye Week. Knowing a Phins win could kick them back to the 7th pick of the draft(thanks Billy), what are you rooting for the higher draft pick or to screw the Patriots big time?

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