The Adam Gase era is off to a good start and the Dolphins are closer than they’ve been in a long while for sustained success. Right now they just don’t have the talent depth to take that next big step so adding more key defenders should be a priority starting on day one.
Key additions
- DE William Hayes
- FS Nate Allen
- ILB Lawrence Timmons
- OL Ted Larsen
- SS T.J McDonald
- TE Anthony Fasano
- TE Julius Thomas
Key subtractions
- DE Jason Jones
- DE Dion Jordan
- DE Mario Williams
- DT Earl Mitchell
- LB Donald Butler
- LB Jelani Jenkins
- LB Spencer Paysinger
- OT Branden Albert
- FS Isa Abdul-Quddus
- SS Bacarri Rambo
- TE Jordan Cameron
- TE Dion Sims
Priority needs (Offense)
OL…Now more than ever the Dolphins need an upgrade at both guard spots with Laremy Tunsil moving to left tackle. At least Ted Larsen was brought in from Chicago as temporary relief.
RB…Jay Ajayi has star power to his game, but his physical approach lends to the type of injuries he’s been dealing with now for the past several seasons dating back to his final college days in Boise. It’s that injury history that should have the Dolphins thinking about adding another rusher this week, especially someone with good receiving skills. Christian McCaffrey should be long gone by 22 and if they pass on Joe Mixon they could wait a bit later for players like Matt Dayes, TJ Logan, I’Tavius Mathers and Elijah McGuire.
Priority needs (Defense)
DL…The line lost three contributors and only added William Hayes this off-season and Hayes is more a part-time player than regular starter. At 35 Cameron Wake is nearing the end of his career, so it’s time to find more future stars.
LB…With Koa Misi’s career in the balance after sustaining a serious neck injury early last season and with three linebackers still unsigned, the Dolphins need to do more than add Lawrence Timmons to the rotation.
Final analysis
The Dolphins are starting to build a nice roster, but they still have some depth issues on their defensive front-seven. With so many good options in this class to choose from, V.P. of Football Operations Mike Tannenbaum should take care of those needs first before he should even start thinking about adding a guard.
Top first-round options
- DE Derrick Barnett
- DE Taco Charlton
- DE DeMarcus Walker
- DE Jordan Willis
- LB Haason Reddick
- OL Forrest Lamp
- OL Cam Robinson
- RB Joe Mixon
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