Phin Phanatic
FanSided

Miami Dolphins depth a present and future problem

By Brian Miller

Jul 29, 2016; Davie, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Adam Gase field questions from reporters at Baptist Health Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 29, 2016; Davie, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Adam Gase field questions from reporters at Baptist Health Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 8, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Miami Dolphins tackle Branden Albert (71) blocks Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (95) in the first half of their game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Miami Dolphins tackle Branden Albert (71) blocks Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (95) in the first half of their game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive line

Ja’Wuan James will be entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2017. The Dolphins will have to decide if they are going to pick up his 5th year option. Unfortunately James has not come close to his draft stock yet.

Somewhat inconsistent on the field but not horrible, James has battled nagging injuries and that is  more of the problem than anything else. At this point, James hasn’t earned the 5th year option which means he has two seasons to get it together.

Branden Albert can only last so long. Luckily his replacement is playing guard next to him. The Dolphins believe that luck fell into their laps when Laremy Tunsil fell to them at 16 in April’s draft.

Tunsil will be the anchor on the left for the next four years and likely more if he is as good as advertised. Guard has been an issue for the Dolphins and their depth is not good this year which means they need to fix it again next year. If Albert leaves next year the Dolphins will have a guard problem once again.

Jermon Bushrod has played well but he isn’t the future just the best of what they have. Truth be told, the Dolphins offensive line has a lot of holes in it behind the starters and those holes will be more glaring in 2017 and ’18.

For what it’s worth, Mike Pouncey will count $9 million in each of 2017 and 18 which given the going rate these days is almost a bargain.

Next: defensive line

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