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 at what cost?
In the long run, this was the proper move. But as the team looks to secure a stable environment up front for Tagovailoa, the team did make concessions this offseason with upgrading the toys that Tagovailoa will be throwing to when he takes over as the starting quarterback.
And while, as previously stated, the Dolphins were right to adopt this mentality, the question does beg to be asked where Tagovailoa’s supporting cast stands 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. With any young quarterback, surrounding him with the best available talent is key to helping him reach full maturation.
How does the Dolphins’ supporting cast stack up versus the rest of the AFC East? Here’s a look at each team’s skill players.
Buffalo Bills
RB: Devin Singletary, Zack Moss (R)
WR (X): Stefon Diggs, Duke Williams
WR (Slot): Cole Beasley, Isaiah McKenzie
WR (Z): John Brown, Gabriel Davis (R)
TE: Dawson Knox, Tyler Kroft
Miami Dolphins
RB: Jordan Howard, Matt Brieda
WR (X): DeVante Parker, Isaiah Ford
WR (Slot): Albert Wilson, Allen Hurns
WR (Z): Preston Williams, Jakeem Grant
TE: Mike Gesicki, Durham Smythe
New England Patriots
RB: Sony Michel, James White
WR (X): N’Keal Harry, Marqise Lee
WR (Slot): Mohamed Sanu, Jakobi Meyers
WR (Z): Julian Edelman, Damiere Byrd
TE: Matt Lacosse, Devin Asiasi (R)
New York Jets
RB: Le’Veon Bell, Frank Gore
WR (X): Denzel Mims (R), Josh Doctson
WR (Slot): Jamison Crowder, Braxton Berrios
WR (Z): Breshad Perriman, Josh Malone
TE: Ryan Griffin, Chris Herndon
If one were to compartmentalize the division’s supporting casts, there’s reason to believe Miami is no longer in last place among any of them and may actually have the best situation at one of the positions.
Running Backs
- New York Jets (best player in Bell)
- New England Patriots (deepest)
- Miami Dolphins (more accomplished veteran versus Bills)
- Buffalo Bills (Tough to tackle but still unestablished)
Wide Receivers
- Buffalo Bills (collective speed and addition of Diggs)
- New England Patriots (Edelman has more consistent production than Parker)
- Miami Dolphins (Needs depth of position to stay healthy)
- New York Jets (Young and stocked with underachievers)
Tight Ends
- Miami Dolphins (Gesicki’s breakout year & ceiling are key)
- Buffalo Bills (Strong 1-2 punch of receiving threats)
- New York Jets (Injuries sapped this unit in 2019)
- New England Patriots (Athletic potential is there with rookies — but unproven)
In all, the Buffalo Bills should be considered the best top to bottom supporting cast in the AFC East — but the Dolphins aren’t far off. And if the team gets through this season and decides to add some more team speed in the form of one of Tagovailoa’s former college teammates via the 2021 NFL Draft, they may find themselves with the most complete supporting case in the division by this time next year.