Acquiring DT Ndamukong Suh and DE Mario Williams in back-to-back years the Miami Dolphins set on the defensive line for 2016. One of the areas the team had a need at going into the offseason was linebacker, as OLB Koa Misi was the only one you can call a core player coming back fromĀ 2015.
Then the got MLB Kiko Alonso and on-again, off-again CB Byron Maxwell to move to No. 13 overall from No. 8 in the draft. As it stands now, even if Maxwell is on his game in 2016, the Dolphins still need a CB and can get one at No. 13. And if the get the right version of Alonso, the Miami Dolphins will be tough on defense in 2016.
In 2013, Alonso was an NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate as aĀ 2nd-round pick by the Buffalo Bills. Then after missing all of 2014Ā with a torn ACL and traded to Philadelphia Eagles, he had 30 tackles and an INTĀ in 11 games in 2015. Thatās obviously not much but everyone isnāt Adrian Peterson or Todd Gurley.
Most people need more time to build theirĀ strength back up and for others,Ā itās all mental.Ā Alonso now has a season of football under his belt and continues his work through the offseason so 2016 should be at least pretty good for him. So far this offseason, Alonsoās new teammatesĀ in Miami like what they see and look forward to playing with him.
Misi said of Alonso on the teamsĀ official site,Ā āHeās fast. He can make plays. Iām not sure where everybody is playing this year, but I watched him when he was in Buffalo. He was a great player. Weāll see what he can do for us this year.Ā Iāve actually trained with Kiko a couple of times this offseason already.
āHe seems like a good guy. Itās going to be nice to have him out there on the field with us and hopefully we can do some big things.ā
