The Palm Beach Post ranked the AFC East by position, and there are quite a few interesting notes in the rankings. You can view the official rankings at this link http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2014/06/12/ranking-miami-dolphins-afc-opponents-by-position/.
After all positions were graded out, the Miami Dolphins finished second overall to the New England Patriots and ahead of the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets, which seems pretty spot on, in regards to the probable final standings for the upcoming season. We all know that Tom Brady is the best QB in the division, and Rob Gronkowski is the best TE in the division, and both are tops in the league. We also know that the Dolphins group of receivers is the best in the division and as good as Miami’s defensive line is, they still are not as productive and good as Buffalo’s.
The biggest shock to me was that the Phin’s offensive line that was one of the worst in the league, is ranked as second best in the division. This clearly shows a lot of confidence in the additions of Branden Albert, Shelley Smith and Ja’Wuan James. Football gambling fans will say that even though on paper the Dolphins improved the line it does not mean that the improvement will reach the lofty expectations. Its hard to think the phins offensive line will regress from last year’s pitiful performance, but it would be wiser to hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
The other position that stood out was linebackers. A simple ranking like this just shows that Miami should be fearful that their decision to not address the line backing group will most likely come back and bite them, the same way that not addressing the offensive line did in the 2013 off season.
I think the safety position ranking has the biggest chance to surprise on the upside. Before Reshad Jones received his contract extension during last year’s mini-camp he was young and an on the rise safety. Last year for what ever reason, maybe because he got his payday he was looking for, he under-performed and regressed. Hopefully the addition of the hard hitting and aggressive Louis Delmas will not only be an improvement over Chris Clemons but will also help Jones to be the player that Miami thought he was, when they offered him the contract extension.
What are the biggest surprises and concerns with Miami’s position rankings in the AFC East for the rest of the phins fans?