The Miami Dolphins were hard at work this week to discover the right blend of offensive linemen to install around their new franchise quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa. Miami’s intent to properly stockpile linemen who fit the mold allowed the team to group together potentially five new starters along the offensive line — but how effective will this group ultimately be in 2020?
In the long run, the Dolphins appear to have at the very least secured a few upgrades that have sticking power — the law of averages indicates it is almost impossible that the Dolphins struck out on upgrades with so many swings of the bat. But where does Miami’s overhauled offensive line rank relative to the rest of the AFC East?
The East division suddenly is filled with young quarterbacks. Tagovailoa in Miami, Josh Allen in Buffalo, Sam Darnold in New York and Jarrett Stidham in New England all are either already starters or will have a chance to claim their respective starting jobs for 2020.
How does the Dolphins’ offensive line stack up versus the rest of the AFC East in the division’s effort to protect their young passers? Here’s a look at each team’s projected front.
Buffalo Bills
LT: Dion Dawkins
LG: Quinton Spain
C: Mitch Morse
RG: Jon Feliciano
RT: Cody Ford
Miami Dolphins
LT: Austin Jackson
LG: Ereck Flowers
C: Ted Karras
RG: Jesse Davis
RT: Robert Hunt
New England Patriots
LT: Isaiah Wynn
LG: Joe Thuney
C: David Andrews
RG: Shaq Mason
RT: Marcus Cannon
New York Jets
LT: Mekhi Becton
LG: Alex Lewis
C: Connor McGovern
RG: Brian Winters
RT: Chuma Edoga
The Patriots have the advantage of the best interior group in the division, bar none. Thuney’s long-term status is in the air but for now we should operate under the assumption that he’s going to be in New England for the 2020 season. The trio inside plus the presence of a former 1st-round pick in Isaiah Wynn gives the Patriots the most formidable offensive line in the division.
The Buffalo Bills are one year removed from a 2020 Miami Dolphins caliber rebuild on the offensive line — and with good success. Morse and Spain are quality starters, while Cody Ford did well to learn on the job and play through ups and downs in 2019. Given their chemistry and having played together last season, they too have an advantage over the Dolphins.
The Jets and Dolphins make for an interesting conversation. The highest ceiling player on either unit is the Jets’ new addition in Becton and the team also did well to add McGovern this offseason. But if you look at the entire unit (and the depth behind it), the case is there for the Dolphins to have a better top to bottom unit on the offensive line. With time, patience and chemistry, this group has a clear identity and could challenge the other teams in the division — but the Dolphins should be wary to avoid putting the cart before the horse.
Getting new pieces is only the first step in the rebuild — now the team must develop their young talent and build chemistry between their starting five. Then and only then will they be ready to try to measure up to the more established units in the AFC East.