When the Miami Dolphins entered the 2021 offseason, the team identity was rooted on the defensive side of the football; Miami was persistent in playing opportunistic defense and manufacturing turnovers while also excelling in getting off the field on third downs. The end result: the Miami Dolphins cut down on their points allowed by a significant margin and finished as the NFL’s 6th-best scoring defense in 2020.
The improvement was tremendous. But the work was not done.
Entering the offseason, Dolphins Wire laid out what were perceived to be the three most pressing needs on each side of the roster. And as the Dolphins’ offseason plan showcased, the team agreed that work still needed to be done to further hone the identity of Miami’s core. Here are Dolphins Wire’s original three most pressing needs on defense and what additions the team has made this offseason.
- Middle Linebacker
- Traded for Benardrick McKinney
- Signed Duke Riley
- Designated pass rusher
- Drafted Jaelan Phillips (1st round)
- Nickel cornerback
- Signed Justin Coleman
- Opened up Noah Igbinoghene to play inside
McKinney is an established NFL player and his presence is, unquestionably an upgrade over Elandon Roberts, who is back again this season as well. The competition between Coleman, Igbinoghene, incumbent Nik Needham and even the addition of safety Jevon Holland, who is well experienced in the nickel, should produce better results in the slot as well. Phillips is an unknown dynamic on the edge but his physical skills are unquestionably more impressive than what the team boasted there last year in Shaq Lawson and Kyle Van Noy.
Add in the versatility and playmaker skillset that Holland, the team’s first 2nd-round choice, showcased at Oregon and Miami has an argument for upgrades at each of their three most pressing needs as identified by Dolphins Wire at the top of the offseason and also at free safety.
Miami being able to offer that level of investment to the defense while simultaneously attacking the supporting cast for Tua Tagovailoa on the offensive side of the football is a notable tightrope act. And while there may be some growing pains to work through as Holland and Phillips gather NFL experience early on, there should be no question that the ceiling of one of the NFL’s most improved defenses from 2020 offers even more room to grow and more impact to be had.