The Miami Dolphins’ offensive line is in desperate need of retooling. The team is facing the prospect of replacing potentially three or four starters from the unit that took the field in Foxborough in Week 17 — a complicated proposition that will require the right mix of recruitment from free agency and the 2020 NFL Draft. That’s the bad news.
The good news? There’s no shortage of candidates between the two that can help Miami boost their offensive line next season and inject some life into Miami’s run game. But who is the best fit all around? From variables like scheme, physical skills, finances and availability, there’s no shortage of variables at play.
No matter what, Miami is going to have to target a starter in free agency on the line. At least one, if not more. So who makes the most sense?
The top available offensive linemen in free agency in 2020 are:
- Washington OG Brandon Scherff
- New Orleans G/T Andrus Peat
- Tennessee OT Jack Conklin
- Carolina RT Daryl Williams
- New England Patriots OG Joe Thuney
If the Dolphins could nail down just one of this group, who should it be? Carolina’s Daryl Williams and Tennessee’s Jack Conklin are vastly different prices — but both have endured up and down play over the course of their last few seasons and that lack of consistency should definitely be a turnoff to Miami in a potential signing. Consider them eliminated.
This works to the Dolphins’ favor anyway, as the 2020 NFL Draft’s offensive tackle class is much more impressive than the guard/center group.
Of the remaining three players, Brandon Scherff is the best. Andrus Peat is the most versatile. And the Dolphins are most familiar with Joe Thuney. Thuney is also a starter at left guard — where 2020 3rd-round pick and presumed long-term starter Michael Deiter currently plays. Deiter has some experience playing center during his time at Wisconsin, perhaps a move to center would allow Miami to upgrade two spots at once by bumping Daniel Kilgore out of the starting lineup.
But if Miami wants to really upgrade this group, Brandon Scherff is the guy. He’s scheme diverse, he plays the right side of the line, he’s powerful at the point of attack, he’s a well seasoned starter and a former top-10 overall pick. He’ll cost the Dolphins a pretty penny, but Scherff would be worth it if you got several full seasons out of him.
The complications include Scherff playing in just 19 games over the course of the last two seasons and being 28 years old this season. If Miami wanted to nail him down, you’re talking about potentially paying an average of $12M to a player who will be 30 by the time the team is ready to contend.
These are the risks you take in free agency — but the Dolphins can’t afford to play scared. Front loading guarantees will protect the Dolphins from a long-term disaster if Scherff doesn’t pan out, but Miami should be all in on pursuing Washington’s right guard this offseason.
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