The Miami Dolphins are facing a critical offseason in 2020. Their objective is clear: Under the leadership of general manager Chris Grier and head coach Brian Flores, they must identify key new pieces to the roster in order to build a more competitive football team in 2020 and set the foundation for a contender in the years to come.
There will be no shortage of resources at the Dolphins’ disposal, but the decisions made by management will need to hinge around identifying which returning players should be considered viable long-term starters. There will be plenty of changes on both sides of the football — but specifically on defense, where must the changes come?
Here’s a look at Miami’s current starters on defense, plus any key contributors or starters who are currently on injured reserve.
Defensive Line: Davon Godchaux
Defensive Line: Christian Wilkins
Defensive Line: John Jenkins
Rush Linebacker: Vince Biegel
Linebacker: Jerome Baker
Linebacker: Sam Eguavoen, Raekwon McMillan (INJ)
Cornerback: Nik Needham, Nate Brooks, Xavien Howard (INJ)
Free Safety: Steven Parker, Bobby McCain (INJ)
Strong Safety: Eric Rowe, Reshad Jones (INJ)
This starting lineup on defense needs the most help on the perimeter — outside pass rush and bodies in the cornerback room are in dire need of upgrades. Miami does possess a fairly stout group on the interior through all three levels between Godchaux/Wilkins, Baker/McMillan and McCain/Rowe — it would be reasonable to see Miami stand pat with only marginal reinforcements.
But while Vince Biegel has earned the right to be a long-term fixture on Miami’s defense, he’s probably best off serving as an early down player against the run and being used in rotational situations as a pass rusher, as compared to being “the” pass rusher for Miami. The same can be said for Nik Needham. The undrafted rookie has come on strong in 2019 and played admirable football. He’s earned the right to be a return player, but if the Dolphins have the opportunity to upgrade with an established starter or high end prospect, there should be no argument. No team should let good young players prevent them from acquiring great young players.
The Dolphins defense has been tested as of late, mostly due to a lack of depth in the secondary and a lack of any significant pass rush of note. If looking for areas of emphasis for Miami, that’s where it should start.
Defensive Line: Davon Godchaux
Defensive Line: Christian Wilkins
Defensive Line: John Jenkins OR New Starter*
Rush Linebacker: New Starter*
Linebacker: Jerome Baker
Linebacker: Raekwon McMillan
Cornerback: Xavien Howard, New Starter*, Nik Needham
Free Safety: Bobby McCain OR New Starter*
Strong Safety: Eric Rowe
The Dolphins’ offensive overhaul called for more than half of the unit to be replaced. Defensively, the Dolphins’ job is much easier. Find pass rush threats off the edge and find more talent at cornerback.
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