Laremy Tunsil will solve Dolphins line issues

Larmeny Tunsil will be able to solve the Dolphins offensive line issues. The Dolphins took the best player available and hope it pays off.

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The Dolphins selected Laremy Tunsil with their first pick in the 2016 NFL draft. This was not the exciting or the attractive pick for Elliott or Hargreaves that people wanted, but he is the best pick for the Dolphins. Miami has answered arguably the biggest question heading into the offseason, how to fix the offensive line.

Ryan Tannehill has been the most sacked quarterback in the NFL for the last four years. It is surprising that he has stayed so healthy considering he’s been sacked 184 times over four years. Tannehill needs an offensive line that can give him time to throw the ball. He needs to feel confident about the players protecting him, and now he can feel that way with Tunsil stepping in.

With the drafting of Tunsil to fix the offensive line, Tannehill will have no more excuses. He has played well when his offensive line has been healthy. If Tunsil lives up to his draft stock, Tannehill will have to shine. There will be no room for inconsistent play and Miami will be expecting him to take another step in his development.

Tunsil was the top rated left tackle going into the draft. 13 minutes before the draft started, his twitter account released a picture of someone smoking marijuana. This picture is thought to be the reason that a top five talent in Tunsil fell all the way to the Dolphins at 13. When asked about the picture Tunsil had this to say “It was a mistake,” Tunsil said on NFL Network. “It happened years ago. Somebody hacked my account. Glad to be in Miami. I’m going to work my butt off and give everything I have.”

With many people questioning Tunsils character, Miami felt it was worth the risk. Chris Grier spoke about what the Dolphins see in Tunsil. “He’s a smart kid,” Grier said. “He’s very football intelligent. We talked to the coaches and stuff. This guy is a grinder. For us, we were very comfortable once you talk to him. The room upstairs was jacked when we got him.”

Now that Tunsil has been selected, the question is where he will play for the Dolphins. With Miami solid at their tackle positions with Brandon Albert and Ja’Wuan James, where will Tunsil be placed on the offensive line. He could be moved inside to play the guard position and solve the interior issues that Miami has had for the last few years. He could also replace Albert at left tackle and Albert could move inside, due to his age and health issues.

Tunsil was an answer for offensive line questions for this year and years to come. With the Dolphins selecting Tunsil this year, they can move on from Brandon Albert after the 2016 season. Albert will be 31 going into this season and has had injury issues the last few years. Miami can look at Tunsil as Albert’s replacement after this season.

The Dolphins selected the best player available. They looked at their draft board and couldn’t pass on the best player left, and someone who fills a need. Miami may have gotten the greatest value in their pick of Tunsil. He is an immediate starter at either tackle or guard. He was the right move, and one that will pay off for years to come.

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