The Miami Dolphins’ aggressive approach to free agency has accomplished a number of key tasks for the team. First and foremost, the Dolphins possess significantly more flexibility than they did just two weeks ago as it relates to the 2020 NFL Draft. Sure, the roster is better — but this is just the surface level impact that Miami’s moves will ultimately have on their offseason. The team’s ability to focus on drafting good football players in the 2020 NFL Draft is a key domino to follow. Without the team’s aggressive approach in free agency, there was little stopping desperation from setting in on Miami as the team looked to fill holes in the starting lineup.
That’s now been accomplished and instead, Miami can focus on adding talent, no matter where it comes.
But the team needs should certainly be something to be aware of. Where are the Dolphins most thin? Where do they need the most help and which positions are the most dire looking ahead? Here are Miami’s most pressing holes on the roster as of today.
Quarterback
Ryan Fitzpatrick is just fine as a short-term solution. But his ability to fill the void in the long run for the Dolphins is hindered by age — Miami needs to press the issue and come home with a quarterback in 2020.
Offensive Tackle
Julien Davenport and Jesse Davis are currently the team’s starting tackles. That’s not ideal. At least one starter must come from the 2020 NFL Draft if Miami’s offensive line overhaul is to be viewed as a success.
Free Safety
Bobby McCain held this spot for the first half of 2019 and was up and down with his performance. The Dolphins will need stronger, more consistently play out of McCain but even then, he’s ideally suited for a transition back to the nickel. A prowler in the middle of the field would be a big upgrade.
Offensive Guard
Ereck Flowers should suit as a starting guard — not necessarily a star or standout, but he’d be fine if Miami was better around him on the interior. They’re not. As a result, the Dolphins need an upgrade at the right guard position — although that may or may not be coming in 2020.
Nose Tackle
The Dolphins have a bunch of stout defensive linemen, but none that are ideally suited to be occupying the A-gap as a true nose tackle. Getting a big body to man the middle will help keep the Dolphins’ upgraded LB corp free to flow to the football.