5 positions that need addressing by the Miami Dolphins in 2017
By Brian Miller
![Oct 16, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins free safety Reshad Jones (20) celebrates in the end zone after making an interception catch during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports Oct 16, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins free safety Reshad Jones (20) celebrates in the end zone after making an interception catch during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fphinphanatic-com-2Ffiles-2F2017-2F01-2F9621025-reshad-jones-nfl-pittsburgh-steelers-miami-dolphins-850x560-a9761ef206a0a9c5ba5d968059f28cbfa8d4c632ef56f408474ffed13e4a9c2c.jpg)
Tight-End
If there was one thing missing, glaringly from an Adam Gase offense, it was the tight-end. Dion Sims played o.k. but is not the kind of player to take over a game from the position. MarQueis Gray did play well and showed signs that he could develop quickly. So quickly that the Dolphins gave him a two year extension in December.
Last years 7th round pick Thomas Duarte hasn’t shown much this year and is still considered a project. This leaves the Dolphins in need of help at the position. Dion Sims will be a free agent and thus far there is no inclination that the Dolphins will try to keep him. Although he won’t likely cost much as he hasn’t really produced much.
The Dolphins are going to have to look at the draft and at free agency and it may be easier to find a top tight end in free agency, albeit at a higher cost. The Dolphins need their draft picks to really use on the best players available rather than go in needing to address specific needs and tight-end can be hit or miss in the draft.