NFL Team Needs: Miami Dolphins Team Needs
By Jon Dove
The Miami Dolphins have several team needs to fill this offseason and have limited resources to get the job done.
It was a tough year for the Miami Dolphins who saw Ryan Tannehill go down with an knee injury and his replacement, Jay Cutler, continue the inconsistencies that plagued his career. They now head into the offseason with several key team needs to fill.
The 1st decision the Dolphins need to make this offseason is whether or not they will keep Tannehill in the mix. He has shown flashes throughout his career, but has done nothing to solidify his spot as the team’s long-term answer.
Miami is in a tough position as far as the salary cap is concerned and are projected to only have about $7 million to spend. This amount really limits their ability to plug holes via free agency. Luckily, they have 8 draft picks including two in the 4th round.
Below are the Miami Dolphins top 3 team needs:
1. Cornerback
Miami’s secondary has some nice younger pieces but lacks a No. 1 cornerback. Xavien Howard and Cordrea Tankersley have shown they can be effective NFL players, but neither look like a lockdown defender.
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The Dolphins could look to create some extra cap space and target one of the free agent cornerbacks. Adding someone like a Malcolm Bulter or Trumaine Johnson would allow Miami to field 3 solid cornerbacks in nickle packages.
Miami could also use the draft to bring in a cornerback with more upside. Someone like Alabama’s Minkah Fitzpatrick would represent a major upgrade.
2. Guard
The interior of the Miami Dolphins offensive line has been a problem for a few years. They have struggled to open up running lanes which has kept Adam Gase from running his style of offense. It also doesn’t help that center Mike Pouncey has struggled staying healthy.
Miami could be in prime position to land the draft’s top interior lineman in Notre Dame’s Quenton Nelson. However, there are a handful of guard prospects who would serve as excellent value in the 2nd round.
The Dolphins might benefit more by targeting someone like UTEP’s Will Hernandez outside the 1st round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
3. Quarterback
The quarterback spot is realistically a need for this franchise. They may feel comfortable giving Tannehill another shot, but it’s hard to see him turning the corner after so many years. Gase and company might be ready to hitch their wagon to another young signal caller.