The Miami Dolphins’ defensive overhaul has brought a bunch of fresh faces into the picture this offseason. But how do all of these puzzle pieces best fit together? The Dolphins still have the 2020 NFL Draft at their disposal to build out additional pieces for both sides of the ball — but with a number of pressing needs on offense, the defensive unit figures to be the more finished product at this point in the offseason for Miami.
How will the Dolphins elect to use them? Miami’s strength of the defense appears to be the linebackers. Yes, the Dolphins have Byron Jones and Xavien Howard at cornerback, but the team’s safety positions are still somewhat in flux. At linebacker, the Dolphins boast Kyle Van Noy, Jerome Baker, Raekwon McMillan, Elandon Roberts and others. The team would ideally be able to get as many of these players on the field in a base defensive look as possible.
If the Dolphins were to run a 3-4 (odd front) base defense, recent free agent addition Shaq Lawson would also be included and would make a lot of sense as a standup outside linebacker, too. Including Lawson, Miami’s base linebacker group could feature Lawson, Van Noy, McMillan and Baker all on the field at the same time — with Lawson and Van Noy serving as the outside pass rush contributors.
Perhaps the most intriguing combination would feature a 4-3 under front for the Dolphins. Such a blend would feature four down linemen for the Dolphins and three linebackers — with the strong side outside linebacker (most likely Van Noy) playing on the line of scrimmage next to Shaq Lawson, would would be aligned with his hand in the dirt over the offensive tackle. This would allow Miami to emulate odd fronts but keep four down linemen in the game, easing the pressure on whoever is charged with playing the nose tackle, most likely Davon Godchaux.
A 4-3 under look for the Dolphins as the roster currently stands would feature the following on the line of scrimmage:
LEO: ??? (The priority in this position in a 4-3 under front is speed)
3-Tech: Christian Wilkins
1-Tech: Davon Godchaux
5-Tech: Shaq Lawson
SAM LB: Kyle Van Noy
With Raekwon McMillan and Jerome Baker stacked behind them.
The direction the Dolphins choose to go in April will likely be enlightening. If the Dolphins prioritize a heavy hitting nose tackle, look for 3-4 elements to become the base. If the team opts to prioritize a speedy outside pass rusher, a 4-3 (even) base defense is more likely to be in the cards for 2020.