Phin Phanatic
FanSided

2017 Dolphins preview: Tackles

By Brian Miller

November 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) scrambles as offensive guard Laremy Tunsil (67) provides a block against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
November 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) scrambles as offensive guard Laremy Tunsil (67) provides a block against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Miami Dolphins have moved Laremy Tunsil outside to take the spot vacated by traded LT Branden Albert. The Dolphins are a little thin at the position.

When the Dolphins opted to move Branden Albert and his large salary this past off-season, the common knowledge was that Tunsil would move outside to his natural left tackle position to take his spot. Remember those lines because when we breakdown the guards, it will be regurgitated.

With Tunsil now at left tackle and Ja’Wuan James at right, the starting tackle spots are complete but depth is a serious issue.

Laremy Tunsil:

Tunsil was impressive as a guard in his rookie season but he still has a lot of room to grow. He will do that at tackle. Tunsil was the top rated player in the 2016 draft but a leaked video of him smoking drugs minutes before the draft caused a massive fall that Miami benefited from.

The Dolphins are not just satisfied with what they see in Tunsil so far, they believe he has the makeup and potential to be a Hall of Fame type left tackle. That is a big prophecy to fill.

Ja’Wuan James:

James could be on his final season despite the fact Miami picked up his 5th year option for 2018. James has been largely inconsistent and while some of that can fall on the poor play at right guard, (Billy Turner, Jamil Douglas, Dallas Thomas anyone?) he needs to step up and take control of the right side. He played much better with Jermon Bushrod who will return this year but he still has a lot of work to do and is at times a liability.

Sam Young:

Young has eight seasons under his belt and most of them has been served as a back-up. He does have starting experience and frankly not a lot of competition this year. When in the game, Young doesn’t play badly he just isn’t explosive. He does not command the line of scrimmage but instead does enough to hold it down most of the time. That at times isn’t good enough.

Avery Young:

With one year in the NFL Young has a lot of work to do to make the Dolphins squad. He is a potential practice squad player.

Eric Smith: 

A rookie who will try to turn heads to get a PS position.

Terry Poole: 

Much like Avery Young, competition awaits him and it’s a long shot. The Dolphins have loaded up with tackles in search for quality depth but sometimes more isn’t the best option.

Jesse Davis: 

See Terry Poole and Avery Young.

Home/Dolphins News