Dolphins pre-free agency position analysis: Oline

One of the biggest off-season needs for the Dolphins is the offensive line and it starts with the guards and could spread out to the tackles. Miami’s failure to find a solution to their line problems is almost eight years running and it should be the top offensive priority this off-season.

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The Miami Dolphins are reportedly interested in adding two guards this off-season. Both Billy Turner and Dallas Thomas were two of the worst guards in the entire NFL in 2016. Adam Gase has an offensive system in mind that he wants to run but he won’t be able to truly evaluate the players on the team, especially Ryan Tannehill without fixing the problems on the offensive line.

While guard is a major need there is talk internally that Miami could move Branden Albert to left guard and draft a left tackle or move Ja’Wuan James to guard and draft a right tackle. Neither option truly makes sense for the Dolphins and a move of that nature would imply Miami looking for a band-aid fix instead of a solution.

When healthy James is strong on the outside and he was getting better before his toe injury. We already know that Albert, a 2016 Pro-Bowl tackle, is more than capable of holding down the left side when he is healthy. Inside it’s a mess. Anchored by Mike Pouncey, the Dolphins are wasting his talent and their money by not giving him a solid support staff inside.

The Dolphins are looking at a number of players this off-season from free agency to the draft but finding the right fit who will actually work is another question. There are options. Recently released Jhari Evans, formerly of the Saints, is 32 but still very solid inside. Keleche Osemele is another interior option but his price tag appears to be going further North than most expected, by the Ravens no less. Houston guard Brandon Brooks, 26 years old is another solid option for Miami.

Team Need – yes

Free agency need – heavy

Target in free agency or draft – both. Miami needs to add starters in free agency and quality depth in the draft they can develop.