PhinPhanatic free agent guard rankings

It’s almost time for the new season of the NFL’s biggest fire sale. It’s like “Black Friday” on steroids…wrong word to use?

The Miami Dolphins have several holes to fill at several positions and through the course of today we will rank the top impending players at each position that Miami may be looking at filling. While most of the attention of this off-season appears to be focused on defense, both sides of the ball needs addressing.

We start with guards.

Status: 

The Dolphins don’t need one guard they need two. Two starting caliber guards at that. The Dolphins unofficially-officially traded left tackle Branden Albert to the Jaguars and that leaves a big hole at left guard where Larermy Tunsil is vacating to replace Albert.

Roster:

The Dolphins currently have Anthony Steen and Kraig Urbik under contract as guards. Tunsil can play tackle and guard but as stated he is moving outside. Jermon Bushrod is an impending free agent but even if Bushrod returns the Dolphins he should only be used as depth.

Importance:

Guard is as important this off-season as the entire front seven of the defense. With only two players under contract and both deemed back-ups Miami must find at least one quality starter at the position in free agency but finding two would be ideal.

Free agents:

1: Kevin Zeitler – Zeitler sits at the top of the free agent lists and at the age of 26 would have several impactful years ahead of him as he is entering the prime years of his career.

2: T.J. Lang – Lang is going to test the FA market but has said he will give the Packers a chance to match any offer he receives. Like Zeitler he is only 26 years old but has had a couple of minor injuries. Lang would be a huge addition to the Dolphins offensive line.

3: Ronald Leary – Leary became the odd man out in Dallas’ prolific offensive line simply because the Cowboys got younger at the guard position. Only 27 years old Leary has a chip on his shoulder for being replaced.

4: Larry Warford – 25 year old Warford has shown he can play at the NFL level. Not quite at the level of the first three on the list. Warford has a lot of potential and could make for a 2nd added guard.

5: Chance Warmack – A former number 10 overall in 2013’s draft, Warmack has not come close to reaching the potential he showed in college. He won’t command a big contract this off-season and could be a depth addition.

6: Jhari Evans – At 34 years old Evans is nowhere close to what he used to be but if Miami fails to add top quality players or player at the position, Evans may be available later in free agency and could at least provide some insurance.

7: Luke Joeckel – Only 25 years old and a former first round pick, Joeckel has been as close to a bust as you can get. The former 2nd overall pick by the Jaguars was supposed to be the teams answer at tackle. He wasn’t so they shifted him to guard. He was better but not by much. He should be cheap but is he coachable anymore?